Overview Magruder Rangers House is one of seven buildings still used by Forest Service trail crews and wilderness rangers. The rental cabin is available from early June to mid-October. It provides visitors with access to two designated wilderness areas, plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and exploration and a comf…
Overview Magruder Rangers House is one of seven buildings still used by Forest Service trail crews and wilderness rangers. The rental cabin is available from early June to mid-October. It provides visitors with access to two designated wilderness areas, plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and exploration and a comfortably equipped place to stay. The Ranger Station is open to the general public and the main entrance/exit road runs by the rental cabin. There are several trails which leave from the Ranger Station area so you can choose your destination and come back to relax in a cozy cabin. Recreation Hunting, fishing and hiking are popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the area. The adjacent Scenic and Wild Selway River and a variety of nearby mountain streams are well known for trout fishing. Anglers might see bullhead, rainbow, steelhead and cutthroat trout, as well as mountain whitefish. There are a variety of trails that traverse the area. They are open to hiking and horseback riding. Bicycles and motorized travel are not allowed within wilderness boundaries but are allowed on roads.Facilities The Magruder Ranger House is a historical cabin and along with six other buildings which were at one time part of the Deep Creek Ranger Station and later the Magruder Ranger Station. The two-story, five-room log cabin has two bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen and an indoor bathroom. It has beds with mattresses, as well as futons, to sleep up to 10 people. A wood stove for heat is available in the basement of the cabin and firewood is provided. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, propane refrigerator, stove and propane lights. Cooking and eating utensils are available, as well as various cleaning equipment. During the summer, hot and cold running water is available for the kitchen and bathroom, which has a flush toilet and a shower. The water system is turned off for fall and winter. Water is turned on from June through September 30. An outdoor vault to
Photos
Magruder Rangers House - Cabin rental — WF RecreationMagruder Rangers House Meadow View — Joe Butsick/Bitterroot National ForestAmerican flag at Magruder Ranger Station — WF RecreationMagruder Ranger Station — WF RecreationMagruder Rangers House Directional Sign on Road — Joe Butsick/Bitterroot National ForestHistoric Deep Creek Bridge near Magruder Ranger Station, Deep Creek Ranger Station — Joe Butsick/Bitterroot National ForestMagruder Rangers Cabin Porch View — Joe Butsick/Bitterroot National ForestMagruder Rangers House Side/Rear View — Joe Butsick/Bitterroot National ForestMagruder Rangers House Upstairs Bathroom — Joe Butsick/Bitterroot National ForestMagruder Rangers House View of Porch — Joe Butsick/Bitterroot National ForestMagruder Rangers House Distant View — Joe Butsick/Bitterroot National ForestMagruder Rangers House Upstairs Bedroom — Joe Butsick/Bitterroot National Forest
How to Get There
From Darby, Montana, travel south on Highway 93 for 4 miles to West Fork Road/Highway 473. Continue on this road for approximately 14 miles to the Nez Perce Road/Magruder Corridor Road #468 and go another 34 miles on the one-lane gravel, and partially paved road. Just before Deep Creek meets up with the Selway River, turn south at a stone bridge that crosses the creek and continue .5 mile to the rental cabin. High- clearance vehicles are advised on the road from the Montana from June through September. Snow may fall in the high country and along Nez Perce Pass in the fall and roads are not plowed. Maps may be purchased by stoping at the West Fork Ranger District. From Elk City, Idaho to Magruder along road #468 to Magruder is generally not passable by vehicles until mid to late July, but call the West Fork Ranger District at (406)821-3269 to inquire if the road is open and ask about the current road conditions.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE
Heading to MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE? 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE?
No central reservation system listed for MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234301) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE?
MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE has 1 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE?
From Darby, Montana, travel south on Highway 93 for 4 miles to West Fork Road/Highway 473. Continue on this road for approximately 14 miles to the Nez Perce Road/Magruder Corridor Road #468 and go another 34 miles on the one-lane gravel, and partially paved road. Just before Deep Creek meets up with the Selway River, turn south at a stone bridge that crosses the creek and continue .5 mile to the r…
