Woods Cabin

Woods Cabin offers a unique chance to camp in the forest, in a rustic, old-time setting, while enjoying all the summer and winter activities available from the shore of scenic Lake Como. The cabin provides a comfortable experience and spectacular views, with its large windows and decks overlooking the lake and nearby mountain peaks. It also provides access to the lake and a nearby beach, and gives visitors access to a myriad of trails and open spaces. Boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports are popular on Lake Como, where anglers might see rainbow and cutthroat trout as well as kokanee salmon, among other alpine species. A boat ramp and parking area are available at the south side of the lake, and a large, sandy beach at the north side. To the west of the cabin, a short walk takes visitors to a trailhead that begins the 7-mile Lake Como National Recreation Loop Trail, suitable for hiking, mountain biking and accessing the lake for swimming or picnics; the first quarter-mile is wheelchair accessible, and the trail crosses Rock Creek at one point. Approximately 3 miles from the cabin, at the west end of the lake, is a magnificent waterfall that cascades over fern-covered rock cliffs, and a trail continues from the waterfall, or heads west up Rock Creek, into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Winter activities include cross-country skiing on un-groomed terrain, snowshoeing and ice fishing. The road to the cabin is not maintained during the winter months, so depending on weather conditions you may or may not be able to drive to the Woods Cabin parking lot. The gate is closed on the access road for public safety, so that visitors do not drive down and get stuck or slide into the cabin. The county road to the boat launch on the south side of Lake Como, however, is maintained; visitors can park there and walk, ski or snowshoe across the dam and up to the cabin, approximately three-quarters of a mile, and should be prepared to haul gear in by sled or backpack. There is no drinking water available this time of year, so bring your own. Firewood is provided at the cabin but may need to be split, and a splitting maul is provided. Be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions and always use caution when recreating in winter. The rustic cabin has three bedrooms, a living area and a kitchen, with beds that accommodate up to 12 people in double bunk beds with mattresses. The main living area offers a table and chairs and two wood stoves for heating. The cabin is only partially furnished, and there is no electricity or hot water, so bring your own sleeping bags or bedding, ice chest, dish soap, matches, first aid kit and flashlights. The cabin was built in 1928 and renovated in 2011; despite efforts to control the rodents, there may be rodent activity, so please keep the cabin clean and store food in containers or cupboards. Each renter is responsible for leaving the cabin cleaner than they found it. The driveway to the cabin is on a moderately steep hillside that flattens to a pull-through loop near the entrance, and parking at the cabin is limited to 2 vehicles, though other vehicles can park in the upper parking lot. Day use passes are required at day use sites within the Lake Como Recreation Area from Memorial Day through Labor Day; four are provided inside the cabin for Woods Cabin visitors and should be returned when vacating, for the next renters to use. Additional vehicles need to have a day pass displayed, and day passes can be purchased on site within the recreation area. The cabin is located along the north shore of 913-acre Lake Como in the central Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana, at an elevation of 4,245 feet, and is primarily used for meetings, workshops and retreats, as it can accommodate a larger group of people. A variety of wildlife and birds can be seen from the cabin and its surroundings, including osprey, bald eagles, deer, moose, elk and bears.