Eagle Guard Station

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Restrooms Restrooms
Bedrooms Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen Kitchen

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site

Cabins

1 site

About Eagle Guard Station

Eagle Guard Station is located in high grasslands and surrounded by a scattered forest in the Elkhorn Mountains in west-central Montana. The former Eagle Creek Ranger Station was built by miner Richard Owen in 1895. While his family lived there, the area was in a booming gold rush. In 1908, the cabin was taken over by the Forest Service for administrative use. It is the oldest administrative log structure on the Helena National Forest, predating the establishment of the Forest. Today the cabin is a rustic retreat for guests seeking relaxation and recreation. The cabin is accessible by car, but the last 4 miles are only open to foot, horseback and cross-country ski traffic from December 2nd through May 15th. Several amenities are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in some of their own supplies and gear.

Number of accommodations: 1

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Restrooms Restrooms
Bedrooms Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen Kitchen
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Propane

Cabin Interior

  • Bedrooms
  • Sleeping Capacity
  • Kitchen

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?

01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 6 guests
View Site Details

Reviews (31)

What Guests Are Saying

Eagle Guard Station offers a beautiful and serene cabin experience, ideal for hiking and stargazing, despite some road challenges and cleanliness issues upon arrival. Visitors appreciate the wildlife viewing opportunities and the seclusion of the location, with many planning to return. While there are concerns about mice and previous neglect, the overall natural beauty and enjoyable stay make it a desirable destination.

Review Summary

4.2
31 reviews
5
61.3%
19
4
16.1%
5
3
12.9%
4
2
3.2%
1
1
6.5%
2

CAREN C

Verified

October 25, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

4

The shovel and broom need to be replaced. the top bunk is really high with a log 3' above your head. None of the bunks have ladders and it is really hard to get up and down. The views and hiking are spectacular. There was chopped wood and the wood stove is really good.

Laura F

Verified

June 23, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

3

Biggest dislike…the road! Second dislike…there was no shade during the heat of the day. Therefore, on a 100 degree day, you’re stuck inside the cabin if your plan was to relax there and not go on an adventure.

Sue F

Verified

June 23, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

1

Fell victim to FS false advertising. It’s an ATV trail to the cabin. We chose not to beat the mess out of our 4 wheel drive truck about halfway in. Weren’t prepared to hike in. Feel like I’m owed a refund on my 2 night reservation since I was duped.

Jenny T

Verified

April 25, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

5

This is a remote getaway that delivers on the promise of a cozy rustic cabin making you feel like you stepped back in time to the early 1900s. The views are serene, the cabin is sturdy and stays plenty warm heated by the wood stove. The bunk mattresses were comfy and there was room for my husband and I and two children (ages 12 & 10) to relax and enjoy games and telling stories & jokes. There is no running water or electricity so pack a small green propane tank, and/or camp stove, flashlights, lanterns and/or lantern supplies (the cabin has some lanterns there). Since so much relies on your fire, bring some fire starter to make life easy. The vaulted toilet there is very similar to those you see at campgrounds-maybe slightly nicer. There is also shed for firewood and a nice outdoor fire pit area.
We hiked in on foot from the base of the road before the parking lot because we drive a minivan that couldn’t handle wet muddy/snowy roads. The hike was on a forest service road and was not easy with lots of hills and about 4-6 miles one way, but was so rewarding to end at the sturdy and welcoming Eagle Guard Station Cabin.
Bring some propane with you & other essentials you need. The cabin is pretty well stocked with dishes, cooking gear, s’more cooking tools, axes, saws, even some books, puzzles, cards, & Scrabble. There is a creek to haul water from a short distance away that you pass over one the last climb toward the cabin. We filtered the water with a backpacking filtration system and everyone handled that fine. There were many mouse traps throughout the cabin and I noticed some mouse droppings, but we didn’t see any mice. The cabin was clean and in good condition on our arrival. The toilet could use a scrub, but we cleaned it a bit using what we had. We tried to leave it as clean as we could for the next folks and even built a little shelf for the table using some scrap wood from the yard. We look forward to visiting Eagle Guard Station again!

Casey L

Verified

March 21, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

5

Been here twice during the winter in the past two years, and every time it is a quiet respite from the world.

Alex D

Verified

March 1, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

5

What a fantastic time! Beautiful views and got some exercise skiing in! Cabin was in great condition and clean. Road conditions to the gate closure were very difficult due to the snow. Drove a CRV and made it, but would've liked to have a higher clearance vehicle. Ski in was about 3.5 miles from the gate closure, all downhill on the way there, about 500 ft change of elevation, but felt like a lot more on xc skis. Would recommend bringing fuel and mantles for the lantern and/or stove.

Annalee M

Verified

February 27, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

4

After a gnarly drive up the forest service road (chains and high clearance required on feb 19th) and breaking trail in 8-12” of snow for 4 miles, we were so grateful to see the cabin just as the sun set. It was well stocked with wood, pots & pans, and cards. The guards for the lanterns there were broken so we used our headlamps for light. Both padlocks to the woodshed and the cabin itself had been broken or frozen open. The cabin was clean and well stocked and perfect for a night of rest. It took us 3.5 hrs to ski in, mostly downhill, breaking trail and about 2 hours to ski out, mostly uphill, on the trail we had broken on the way in. I don’t know that I’d want to do this again in the depths of winter but am glad we did. Looking forward to booking it again in warmer weather!

Nicholas P

Verified

November 26, 2020 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

5

This was a fantastic late fall getaway. With only a few inches of snow on the ground, we were able to easily make the drive all the way to the cabin. Gorgeous views, interesting historical features, and plenty of wildlife tracks, though we did not end up seeing any of the animals that left them. You win some you lose some. The cabin was stocked with all the cookware and plates we needed, and plenty of firewood to keep us warm. Will definitely return for another stay!

Melissa H

Verified

October 27, 2020 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

5

The cabin was wonderful, lots of cut wood to keep us warm. We want just as the first snow storms of the season came in, it was amazing! The driving directions were not the best and the road was much longer, and rougher then planned. But, we made it.

Daniel S

Verified

October 12, 2020 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA EAGLE GUARD STATION

5

If you’re looking for a really unique place to get away this is it. The cabin was clean and ready to go with everything you need for cooking and fire. Absolutely remote and beautiful views. Can’t wait to come back.

Location Eagle Guard Station

Address:
415 S. Front Street
Townsend, MT, 59644
United States

Distance to downtown

15 mi drive to downtown Townsend (about 43 min)

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 8, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service