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. A high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is required to access the cabin, which is located near the end of a very rough primitive road, with large rocks and deep ruts. The road may be impassable when wet, and motorized travel off of the designated route is not permitted. The final two miles of the access road are not suitable for horse trailers. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring most of their own supplies and gear. There is limited cell phone service available in the area. 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, and 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, with a possible catch of cutthroat trout among other species, and Rock Creel Lake 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 certified weed-free feed should be brought in for recreational livestock; no pasture or corral is available. 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, and 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. Propane is not provided for the cook stove or lantern, so guests must supply their own small propane canisters. Other items to bring include sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights, matches, food, toilet paper and garbage bags. Guests should replenish the supply of split wood and kindling, pack out all trash and food, and clean the cabin before leaving. 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, and a small stream runs less than 100 feet in front of the cabin. The Robb-Ledford Wildlife Management Area is nearby, 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. Black bears and moose sometimes wander through the cabin site.