Trail Creek Cabin

Trail Creek Cabin, built in 1924, was the original ranger station for the Bozeman Ranger District. It is available year round, offering guests the chance to enjoy summer or winter recreation. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and should be prepared to bring the supplies and gear they need for a comfortable stay. The cabin is located in a remote area that is not accessible by car or truck. Guests must travel on foot, horseback, motorized vehicle (under 50 inches) or mountain bike; in winter, skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles may be used to reach the cabin. The best route for arriving on foot or horseback is about 2 miles, while motorized vehicles and snowmobiles have a 5-mile route. Check the Travel Plan for restrictions and authorized dates: to get to the cabin on motorcycle or ATV via Goose Creek Trail No. 439, the dates allowed are from 6/16 to 12/1 annually. The cabin is located along a trail system that connects the Yellowstone and Bozeman Districts. A hiking and equestrian trail at the end of Goose Creek Road leads to several alpine lakes. Snowy conditions in winter provide ample opportunities for snowshoers, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. In addition to non-motorized use, the cabin provides wonderful opportunities for the motorized use community: beyond accessing the cabin by ATV, motorcycle or UTV under 50 inches, the area has several looped riding trails as well as scenic overlooks. The cabin can also be accessed via the Bear Canyon Trail by motorized use under 50 inches. The cabin has bunk beds with mattresses to accommodate up to four people, and a wood stove is available for heat. Other amenities include a table with chairs, propane lantern, propane two-burner cookstove (bring propane canisters), shovel, bucket, mop and broom. The cabin is stocked with firewood from October through May for indoor fires only; please be conservative with it, as it is extremely difficult to replace, and gather firewood for outdoor fires from the forest nearby. An axe and splitting maul are provided. A campfire ring and an outhouse with vault toilet are located outside, and a horse corral is provided for four animals, which guests who use it must clean before leaving. Feed must be weed seed free, and out of state horses must have a current Coggins test. Water sources are unreliable due to stream flows, and there may be no nearby water source at all. The cabin does not offer electricity or water, so guests must bring their own drinking water, food, cooking gear and propane canisters for the lantern and cookstove, as well as their own bedding, dishes, utensils, matches, newspaper, flashlights, garbage bags, extra toilet paper, a first aid kit and dish soap. The cabin will need to be cleaned and all trash removed prior to leaving. The cabin is located in the foothills of the Gallatin Mountains at an elevation of 6,200 feet. It is situated on the edge of a meadow in front of a stand of lodgepole pine. The front porch offers views of the meadow with the mountain peaks beyond, and a small intermittent creek flows behind the cabin. Guests may catch a glimpse of a bear, moose, elk or deer, and several bird species can also be spotted.