Little Bear Cabin

Little Bear Cabin was built in 1938 and still looks much the same as it did back then. It is available year-round, for recreationists and for those who simply seek a quiet mountain retreat. The cabin can be reached by vehicle during summer and fall (June 16 through December 31), weather and snow conditions permitting, but winter access requires snowmobiling or skiing 10 miles from the paved road. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. Several multi-use trails and roads crisscross the area, ideal for motorcycle and off-road vehicle riding, mountain biking and hiking. Winter activities include snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, and the area surrounding the cabin is popular with hunters in the fall. The cabin has a bunk bed downstairs and two beds in the loft, each with mattresses, to sleep up to four people. A wood cook stove provides some heat, but it may not be sufficient in extremely cold temperatures. A table with chairs, broom, dustpan and snow shovel are provided, and a campfire ring and outhouse with vault toilet are located outside. Water and electricity are not available, so guests must bring their own drinking water, as well as fire starters (matches and newspaper), bedding, dish soap, flashlights or lanterns and extra toilet paper. The cabin must be cleaned and all trash removed prior to leaving. The cabin sits atop a grassy knoll on a small ridge near the north end of the Gallatin Range, offering views of Gallatin Valley and the Bridger Range, with stands of mixed conifer surrounding it. Wildlife in the surrounding area includes grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, mountain lions, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and Canada lynx. Birders may see a wide variety of bird species.