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Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest › Rocky Mountain Ranger District › Montana
› Teton County
› Choteau
› West Fork Cabin (Choteau)
› Campsite #1
Campsite #1 at West Fork Cabin (Choteau), MT
$65
Cabin Site #1
| 6 people | |
| 0 | no signal |
5/26
5/29
Campsite #1 Features: Back-In parking, Cabin Site
Campsite Reviews (21)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 76% |
| 4 star | | 10% |
| 3 star | | 10% |
| 2 star | | 5% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@DorothyDC87CAE · Camped on Sep 20, 2023 at Campsite #1
The West Fork cabin was much better than what we expected! The dirt road in was amazing (we went in late September and the locals said it had just been graded:) The cabin was very comfortable and well stocked. The pit toilet was the cleanest I have ever used! We got to meet the fellows that planted new trees, it was great seeing the trees doing so well. It was a great experience!
@DavidK6336379 · Camped on Aug 23, 2023 at Campsite #1
Great spot! At first was taken aback by the appearance of the landscape, standing dead trees from a fire years back, but glad to see new growth coming in, and that the Forest Service is conducting fuels control at vulnerable sites to prevent a re-occurrence. Plus the views were pretty stunning. I had a hammock and strung it up between to pines next to the cabin which made for some pleasant relaxation. We took a trip north up the West Fork the first day, Teton Pass the next, and Our (Hidden) Lake on our way out on Day 3, all highly recommended! If you have a chance to stop in at the FS office in Choteau, the folks at the desk are super helpful and knowledgeable about the area and had a lot of great suggestions for activities and side trips. Pikas storing hay at the bridge next to the cabin were a hit too. We saw wolf tracks on our hike up to Teton Pass, and basically stumbled into a bear den on a brief off-trail foray. Keep an eye out for Golden-eagles, we saw them on a couple of occasions. Thanks to the Forest Service for making this place available at such a reasonable rate. Not too much stock up that way either, not keen on hiking torn up trails with horse poop all over. We'll be back for sure. Bird list included Audubon's warbler, red-shafted flicker, western tanager, olive-sided flycatcher, ruby-crowned and golden-crowned kinglets, red-naped sapsucker, Clark's nutcracker, magnificent raven, Cassin's finch, white-crowned and chipping sparrows, sharp-shinned hawk. No bighorn or mountain goats despite glassing the slopes, but found goat fur at Our Lake. Golden-mantled ground squirrel, Columbian (?) ground squirrel, least chipmunk and some other chipmunk (red-tailed or yellow pine, not sure) for mammals.
@jasminek440487 · Camped on Jul 12, 2023 at Campsite #1
The cabin was very clean, very easy to find, and I felt safe there. Mount Wright has a fantastic view, and Bruce Creek was an especially enjoyable hike. It has everything from the creek bottoms, old growth forests, and moose-sighting opportunities to the high mountain flower-filled meadows and spectacular views.
We were surprised that the well pump was frozen in the morning. Be sure to fill up your water jugs the night before.
We were surprised that the well pump was frozen in the morning. Be sure to fill up your water jugs the night before.
@MelissaA703485 · Camped on Jun 25, 2023 at Campsite #1
Long long LONG drive on a dirt road to get to the cabin, but the location is awesome!
@MarkR9967928 · Camped on Mar 17, 2023 at Campsite #1
Fantastic cabin. Skied in in the winter. Water pump froze at night, but worked when warmed up in the morning. Bunk beds don’t squeak! Thank you Rocky Mountain Ranger District!
@MichaelR189137 · Camped on Mar 10, 2023 at Campsite #1
Be sure to bring lights as the cabin has none provided!
@DanielN6100178 · Camped on Apr 8, 2022 at Campsite #1
A mouse mansion. The good: The cabin is in a beautiful setting with mountains all around and no human noise. The propane stove and water pump make life very easy for a cabin in the middle of nowhere and the cabin has a lovely kitchen table. The neutral: It gets very windy in the area, so expect the cabin to be shaking a bit in the wind gusts. That's to be expected anywhere along the Rocky Mountain Front, but it might catch some people by surprise or make it difficult to sleep.
The bad: There are gaps all over the cabin, both inside and out: Gaps on the outside wall panels, gaps on the inside wall panels, gaps around the door, gaps around the windows. Why does this matter? Rodents. The cabin was very nice until the sun went down. After dark, all of the mice become active and start running all about the cabin: running around in the stove, on the stove, running up the walls, running around the windowsills, running up the bed. Overnight, a mouse chewed the nose rests off of my eyeglasses that were sitting in my hiking boot. A mouse also ran up and touched my head in bed. With all of this activity, I received next to no sleep. Despite renting the cabin for 2 nights, I left after 1 so I could go get some sleep away from the curious little critters.
The cabin is in some serious need of maintenance to seal off some of the many gaps that create entrance to a perfectly heated mouse sauna. Keep a perfectly clean cabin and keep all of your food and trash sealed in hard containers. I was glad I did, as the mice never got into any of my food or trash. Nonetheless, it didn't discourage the mice from trying their best to get into the containers all night, nor did it discourage the mice from hopping in my clean pan and uninating in it. Consider brining a pet bobcat with you.
The bad: There are gaps all over the cabin, both inside and out: Gaps on the outside wall panels, gaps on the inside wall panels, gaps around the door, gaps around the windows. Why does this matter? Rodents. The cabin was very nice until the sun went down. After dark, all of the mice become active and start running all about the cabin: running around in the stove, on the stove, running up the walls, running around the windowsills, running up the bed. Overnight, a mouse chewed the nose rests off of my eyeglasses that were sitting in my hiking boot. A mouse also ran up and touched my head in bed. With all of this activity, I received next to no sleep. Despite renting the cabin for 2 nights, I left after 1 so I could go get some sleep away from the curious little critters.
The cabin is in some serious need of maintenance to seal off some of the many gaps that create entrance to a perfectly heated mouse sauna. Keep a perfectly clean cabin and keep all of your food and trash sealed in hard containers. I was glad I did, as the mice never got into any of my food or trash. Nonetheless, it didn't discourage the mice from trying their best to get into the containers all night, nor did it discourage the mice from hopping in my clean pan and uninating in it. Consider brining a pet bobcat with you.
@ElainaG9231336 · Camped on Feb 15, 2022 at Campsite #1
Winter is a great time to visit this cabin - the off-track xc skiing and snowshoeing is glorious. The 3-mile road to the cabin is open to snowmobile, but challenge yourself and hike it! Except for the first 1/4 mile, it's downhill all the way there - and uphill all the way back. The snow is usually compacted enough by snow machine tracks that you can boot it or ski it - I go in good winter trail boots. Be aware, though, that there WILL be some bare dirt patches, which can be a drag (pun intended) if you carry gear in a sled or pulk. The cabin itself is comfortable and complete, if somewhat drafty. The propane heater is effective, but it takes time to warm the cabin from stone cold, which it probably will be when you arrive. Also the propane cooking range is excellent. The wood stove is nice if you like wood heat, and you can maintain a pan of warm water on it for washing. There are usually mice - there were when I visited. Best keep your food in bear-proof containers and scent-proof bags. Otherwise they weren't bothersome, and they can't seem to get into the cupboards in the cabinet unit by the back door. I found all the cleaning equipment and chemicals you might wish for. The vault toilet is clean and about 50 feet from the front door. Take some TP. And yes, the hand water pump works in winter!! Yahoo! So go. Snowshoe. xc ski. Hang out and read. Stand outside quietly, especially at night - the silence will astound you.
@AlanW5588627 · Camped on Aug 13, 2021 at Campsite #1
Cabin was in great shape. Stove worked great, and facilities were in good shape. I would suggest making it clear that the cabin has no lighting, in case people are expecting to find a lantern. There was propane as if one had previously been there.
@AlanW276 · Camped on Aug 13, 2021 at Campsite #1
Cabin was in great shape. Stove worked great, and facilities were in good shape. I would suggest making it clear that the cabin has no lighting, in case people are expecting to find a lantern. There was propane as if one had previously been there.
@MarkE1725298 · Camped on Jul 11, 2021 at Campsite #1
Great place, great times and although the fire wrecked havoc here, it has its own beauty. The cabin has all the essentials for cooking, cleaning and sleeping.
@marke515 · Camped on Jul 11, 2021 at Campsite #1
Great place, great times and although the fire wrecked havoc here, it has its own beauty. The cabin has all the essentials for cooking, cleaning and sleeping.
@HopeC526 · Camped on Jun 30, 2021 at Campsite #1
Fun for whole family.
@HopeC3705174 · Camped on Jun 30, 2021 at Campsite #1
Fun for whole family.
@YanaR4813831 · Camped on Jun 11, 2021 at Campsite #1
Great time! Had all that was needed, thanks so much!
@YanaR666 · Camped on Jun 11, 2021 at Campsite #1
Great time! Had all that was needed, thanks so much!
@MichaelB434 · Camped on Apr 2, 2021 at Campsite #1
Incredible spot! Will be back. Be prepared for all types weather and conditions when going! Thanks to the office in Choteu for always being helpful.
@MichaelB697476 · Camped on Apr 2, 2021 at Campsite #1
Incredible spot! Will be back. Be prepared for all types weather and conditions when going! Thanks to the office in Choteu for always being helpful.
@ConlinR3346784 · Camped on Jan 16, 2021 at Campsite #1
Love this cabin and the nearby ski hill - check it out at https://www.skitetonmt.com/
@ConlinR253 · Camped on Jan 16, 2021 at Campsite #1
Love this cabin and the nearby ski hill - check it out at https://www.skitetonmt.com/
@WillisW780 · Camped on Aug 17, 2020 at Campsite #1
Beautiful area! The propane stove was nice, accommodations typical of bbn cabins. Fee a tad high compared to other cabins. We had some great family time. Surprised at how few fish there were in the stream
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