EAGLE GUARD STATION

About EAGLE GUARD STATION

Overview Eagle Guard Station is located in high grasslands and surrounded by a scattered forest in the Elkhorn Mountains in west-central Montana. The former Eagle Creek Ranger Station was built by miner Richard Owen in 1895. While his family lived there, the area was in a booming gold rush. In 1908, the cabin was taken over by the Forest Service for administrative use. It is the oldest administrative log structure on the Helena National Forest, predating the establishment of the Forest. Today the cabin is a rustic retreat for guests seeking relaxation and recreation. The cabin is accessible by car, but the last 4 miles are only open to foot, horseback and cross-country ski traffic from December 2nd through May 15th. Several amenities are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in some of their own supplies and gear.Recreation Eagle Guard Station provides guests with outstanding opportunities for photography, fishing, hunting, and hiking. The area offers centralized access to the Elkhorn Mountains with numerous hiking trails and roads leading to the Elkhorn's historical resources. Popular hikes include those to Crow Creek Falls and Poe Park. An interpretive trail is accessible just beyond the cabin. When snow allows, skiing gives visitors an up-close look at concentrations of wintering elk.Facilities The entire site consists of the cabin, a woodshed, vault toilet, barn, horse corrals and a fire ring. The cabin can accommodate up to six people on three sets of bunk beds with mattresses. A wood stove provides heat and a propane camp stove can be used for cooking. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, dishes, propane lantern, utensils and cookware. An axe and snow shovel are provided. Firewood may be available, but it is not guaranteed. There is no available potable water or electricity at this facility. Guests must bring a sufficient amount of water for drinking, cooking and washing, as well as one or two small propane canisters to use with the propa

How to Get There

All mileage is approximate from the highway. Road is native surface dirt, with ruts and rocky sections, higher clearance vehicles are a must, 4x4/AWD recommended, road is NOT for passenger cars. Directions to Eagle Guard Station from the intersection of highway 287 and Indian Creek Road (which is just north of the Missouri River Bridge, north of Townsend). Take the Indian Creek Road (traveling west) approximately 3.5 miles, you will pass a National Forest Access that says "Indian Creek", there will also be a sign on the left saying "Eagle Guard Station", take the left at this intersection. Stay on this road that travels through the canyon, for approximately 4.7 miles, you will come to a "Y" in the road, take the left which is the #4031 road. Stay on road 4031 for approximately 5 miles (you should pass a sign saying "Eagle Guard Station" with a straight arrow) until you come to a "T" intersection. There will be a sign that says "Radersburg/Crow Creek left" and "Eagle Guard Station right". Take a right for approziately .7 miles to the next intersection. Take the left and cabin is about .3 miles on the left.From December 2 through May 15, the last 4 miles are not open to motorized vehicles. Access to the cabin is by foot, ski, or horseback.

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to EAGLE GUARD STATION

Heading to EAGLE GUARD STATION? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)