Helena National Forest

Recreational Activities

Indian Flats Cabin

History of the cabin

The present Indian Flats Guard Station started its days as the Conway Station on Rock Creek in the Jim Ball Basin. The original Conway Station probably predates the Forest Service. This station was used as a way-station for rangers headquartered at the Checkerboard Ranger Station located above the town of Nelson. The present cabin was built on the same location in 1944 and in 1969 it was relocated to its present location below Indian Flats. In 1992 and 1993 the cabin was remodeled to accommodate use in the Forest Service rental program.

How to get there

Indian Flats Cabin is located 40 miles northeast of Helena in the Big Belt Mountains and can be accessed via Highway 280 east from Helena. Several miles after crossing the Missouri River, you will come to the small community of York. Turn left at the York Bar and proceed 5 miles to the even-smaller community of Nelson, where you should turn right. Stay on the main road up Beaver Creek, through a series of switchbacks up Burnt Gulch, past Pikes Gulch Campground to the junction of Hogback Lookout and Indian Flats roads. Take the left hand fork for about 1/2 mile and the cabin will be on the right, down in a hollow nestled amongst trees. Access to the Indian Flats Cabin is dependent on the time of year and present weather conditions. Usually during the summer and fall months, passenger cars can drive directly to the cabin. (general vicinity map)

What is provided

There are four beds with mattresses, a table and four chairs, cabinets, drawers, a woodstove and cook stove. Also available are gas lanterns, silverware, dishes, cooking utensils, pots and pans, firewood, axe, shovel and cleaning supplies are also provided.

What to bring

Bring your own drinking water (or treat or boil water from local sources);
sleeping bags, warm clothes; food, propane fuel for Coleman lantern and stove, and a flashlight.

What to do in the area

Indian Flats Cabin is nestled in a hollow of old growth trees in the shadows of Hogback Mountain and offers a truly remote experience. A small stream runs in front of the cabin and a livestock water tank is located up the hill. Hogback Mountain Lookout is located within a mile of the cabin at the top of the mountain at 7,813 feet. The Lookout is accessible by passenger vehicle and is manned by Forest Service personnel from mid-June through September. Participants are welcome to visit the lookout and assist with its operation. A short walk from the Lookout you can gaze down into the Beaver Creek Canyon or view some of the spectacular scenery available in the 360-degree panorama you have at your feet.

There is plenty of opportunity for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife and wildflower observation near Indian Flats. Nearby Trout Creek Canyon accesses the Hanging Valley and vista. The view is exhilarating for those who don't mind the height. A hike through Refrigerator Canyon also offers an exciting adventure; living up to its name, Refrigerator Canyon on some days may be 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding countryside. The Gates of the Mountains Wilderness and the Missouri River are also within close proximity to the cabin.

Capacity/Rental Fee - 4 people/$30.00 day

Availability - All year (maximum stay 5 nights)

Reservations- Effective March 1, 2006, cabin and lookout rentals can be made through Recreation.gov or by dialing 1-877-444-6777 (toll free). The National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) can also be contacted through TDD at 1-877-833-6777 and Internationally at (518) 885-3639.

If you would like additional information about the cabin or the area, please call the Helena Ranger District at (406)449-5490.

USDA Forest Service - Helena National Forest
Last Modified: Friday, 04 January 2008 at 11:56:11 EST