Notch Cabin
Notch Cabin is located in a remote part of southwestern Montana, within proposed wilderness, and is open from July 1 through November. It is somewhat difficult to access, but worth the trouble for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding landscape is thick with sage and grasslands, transitioning to timbered slopes that are home to a full variety of wildlife. The original cabin burned to the ground in 2019 and a replacement, following the design of the original cabin, was built by Forest Service crews in the summers of 2024 - 2026. The 12' x 16' cabin accommodates 2 people.
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Cabins | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Surface | Shade | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Gravel | Partial | Springs | 2 / – | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 3:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Pets | Allowed |
The cabin is equipped with a set of bunk beds with foam pads that sleep up to two people, a propane cook stove, basic cooking utensils, a propane lantern, wood heat stove, broom, dustpan and basic cleaning supplies. Firewood is provided, stacked under the trees behind the cabin. A primitive outhouse is located 100 feet west of the cabin. Water is available only from the stream and should be properly filtered, treated or boiled for drinking or cooking purposes. It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must supply their own small propane canisters. Other items to bring include sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights, matches, food, toilet paper and garbage bags. There is limited cell phone service available in the area. Guests should replenish the supply of split wood and kindling, pack out all trash and food, and clean the cabin before leaving.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
Notch Cabin is about 62 miles from Ennis, Montana. The final 28 miles are gravel, dirt or primitive two-track. From Ennis, take Montana Highway 287 west for 23 miles to Alder. At Alder, turn south toward Ruby Reservoir (County 248) and travel 21 miles.
| Nearest town | Ennis, Montana |
| Coordinates | 44.8822° N, 112.1372° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- Motorized travel off of the designated route is not permitted.
- Fuel (propane) is not provided for the cook stove or lantern.
Fire nearby
- PrescribedRx Hell'S Canyon
40 mi from the campground
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 33.9 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Grizzly Outfitters ↗ | 48.1 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Trails nearby
- 1.4 miEast Fork Blacktail Creek ↗6.2 mi trail
- 1.5 miCook Headquarters ↗10.5 mi trail
- 2.5 miWest Fork Ruby Creek ↗5.1 mi trail
- 2.9 miTwo Meadows2.4 mi trail
- 3.4 miLodgepole4.2 mi trail
- 3.6 miMt. Carey2.5 mi trail
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
Natural features
The cabin is situated at an elevation of 8,470 feet in a notch between Olson Peak and Hogback Mountain, almost on the divide of the Snowcrest Range. The meadow between the peaks is only a couple hundred yards wide. A small stream runs less than 100 feet in front of the cabin. The Robb-Ledford Wildlife Management Area is nearby, which is an important elk and big game winter range that spans more than 28,000 acres in southwestern Montana. In addition to elk, the range is home to antelope, mule deer, upland birds and a growing population of grizzly bears ( learn more about bear safety ). Black bears and moose sometimes wander through the cabin site.
Recreation
In addition to big game hunting, visitors can enjoy hiking, backpacking and horseback riding in the area. While no Forest Service trails are within the immediate vicinity of the cabin, the Snowcrest Trail is within a mile. It covers the entire range, providing panoramic views of the area. The 40-mile trail can serve as a hearty horseback riding adventure, a lengthy backpacking trip, or make for several day trips. The nearby seasonal mountain streams offer access to fishing. Anglers can enjoy a possible catch of cutthroat trout, among other species. Rock Creel Lake, with fishing opportunities, is only a few miles away. The wildlife management area is good for hunting but also offers a perfect opportunity for visitors to catch a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat. Due to the high elevation and short growing season, supplemental feed (certified weed-free) should be brought in for recreational livestock. No pasture or corral is available. The final two miles of the access road to the cabin are not suitable for horse trailers.
Guidebooks for Montana
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Notch Cabin?
Sites at Notch Cabin are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Notch Cabin?
Check-in 3:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Notch Cabin have?
1 site, including 1 cabin.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Notch Cabin?
Yes, pets are allowed at Notch Cabin. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Notch Cabin?
In addition to big game hunting, visitors can enjoy hiking, backpacking and horseback riding in the area. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Notch Cabin?
Ennis, Montana.
Source: Getting there
What if Notch Cabin is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Cottonwood Campground (10.4 mi, first-come), Clover Meadows Dispersed Camping and Picnic Area (18.2 mi, first-come), and Palisades Campground (24.7 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby