Helena National Forest

Recreational Activities

Rillway Cabin

History of the cabin

The cabin's history can be traced to Dr. A.C. Kelly, a physician who arrived in Townsend in 1915. The popular Kelly served as mayor of Townsend from 1920 through 1924, when he left the community. He practiced briefly at Bozeman before returning to chicago, where he died in 1939. In 1918, Dr. Kelly obtained a term permit from the Forest Service for a cabin site on Deep Creek. It appears that the cabin was built sometime between 1918 and 1922, when Dr. Kelly sold it to Nellie Hale (Mrs. Truman N.) Averill and her son-in-law Floyd L. Hollaway. Family sources indicate that Mrs. Averill had purchased the cabin from its builder "a year or two after construction", which would make the construction date 1920-21. By 1924 the cabin was known as "Rillway", a combination of the Averill and Hollaway family names and an apt reference to its scenic setting on Deep Creek.

How to get there

Tucked back near a moss-covered canyon wall 14 miles up Deep Creek east of Townsend, the Rillway cabin is the newest addition to the Helena National Forest's inexpensive getaways. The cabin is accessible year-round by vehicle. It sleeps six people in three bunk beds, and provides a good base camp for hiking, skiing and snowmobiling. This cabin offers the easiest access to any of our cabins. It is located at the 14 mile marker on highway 12. From the 4-way stop light in Townsend, turn east. Follow the road for 14 miles and watch for the Rillway Cabin sign along the right side of the highway at the 14-mile marker. There is also a sign that welcomes you to the National Forest. Please note, only right turns are allowed when you leave the cabin area. A short distance (about 1 mile) to the east is a pull out, use this to turn around if you must drive west. Please respect the private lands that are near the cabin site.

What is provided

A fireplace insert, propane lanterns, propane cook stove, table and chairs, three bunk beds with mattresses, silverware, dishes, cooking utensils, pots, pans, firewood, axe, shovel, bucket, outhouse and cleaning supplies. The cabin does NOT have electricity, running water or sewer.

What to bring

Bring your own drinking water, sleeping bags, warm clothes, food and flashlight. You should also plan on bringing one or two small propane cylinders to use in the lanterns or propane stove.

What to do in the area

The Rillway Cabin is nestled in a beautiful canyon setting with Deep Creek splashing through the backyard. It is rumored that Deep Creek holds a trout or two, so bring some fishing equipment in season. This cabin offers nearby access to a number of trails and roads. A new cross-country ski trail is just up the highway and snowmobiling areas are close by as well.

Capacity/Rental Fee - 6 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 Townsend Ranger District at (406)266-3425.

Rillway Cabin Vicinity Map

USDA Forest Service - Helena National Forest
Last Modified: Friday, 04 January 2008 at 15:31:21 EST