Kenck Cabin

$50.00/night

Rocky Mountain Ranger District PO Box 340
Choteau, MT 59422

Overview

Guests can stay at Kenck Cabin for a rustic getaway in the fresh mountain air. The cabin was built in 1924 by a traveling doctor who arrived in the area in 1904 and spent his entire career along the Rocky Mountain Front. In 2003 the property was donated to the Forest Service by the Kenck Family Trust, and it has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Recreation

Guests can relax by the stream, watch for birds and hike the surrounding area. Photographers will particularly enjoy the views of Patrol Lookout found by the gate to the cabin.

Facilities

Kenck is comprised of one room that sleeps six on a double bed, a futon that turns into a double bed and two cots. Heating and cooking is from two wood stoves, and firewood is provided. Cooking utensils and dishes are also provided. The cabin has a replica of an old monarch stove and classic wood dining chairs. No water is available. Renters should bring their own drinking water or be prepared to filter or boil stream water. A bucket and shovel is provided. An outhouse is available directly behind the cabin. Items to bring include trash bags, coolers, food, toilet paper, bedding, flashlights, small propane cylinders for the lanterns. (Click here for more cabin details.)

Natural Features

Perched at an elevation of about 5,200 feet, the cabin sits near a series of flowing water, including Benchmark Creek, South Fork Sun River and Burned Creek. The surrounding area is a mixed conifer forest. The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest boasts 1,600 miles of streams and a mix of small natural and man-made lakes. Native wildlife includes grizzly and black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, lynx, bighorn sheep and grey wolves.

Nearby Attractions

The nearest town with conveniences is Augusta. The distance is about 30 miles, but due to rough, winding gravel roads, travel time can take an hour and a half to two hours.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Fire pit: all 1 sites
Largest party: 6 people

Directions

From Augusta, head west Laura Street, which becomes Benchmark Road. Travel 13 miles to a "Y" intersection and turn left continuing on Benchmark Road. Drive 15 miles to the end of the road at South Fork Trailhead. Take the main trail that runs in front of the outhouse. From the main trail, take the first trail to the right, just after the "Pack-In-Pack-Out" sign. A small sign marks this trail leading to Kenck Cabin. The cabin is about a half-mile down the trail. Benchmark Road is not plowed in winter and can be snowed in as early as October. Snowmobiling is allowed on the road to the South Fork Trailhead if the road is no longer accessible to vehicles. However, snowmobiling is not allowed on trails beyond that point. Plan to hike, snowshoe or ski on main trail to cabin.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 2 PM.

Reviews

8 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

Jessica T

Loop:Kenck Cabin

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

We rented the cabin for the long, holiday weekend and had a great time hiking and exploring!!! A previous guest had left packets of oatmeal and other foods in the cabinet that were not adequately secured and we were limited on water, so cleaning up the mess left behind by the locals was a little tricky. It was a bit of a hike to get all our gear in (we have a toddler) but otherwise a fantastic, quiet place to stay! Will definitely be back again soon!!

jasmine k

Loop:Kenck Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

In the summer there is not much water available in the tiny rivulet near the cabin. We caught three rats in the havaheart trap, and took them for a walk. After that, there were only mice. The cabin is very dark inside, even in summer. There was a propane stove available, and had we known that we wouldn't have schlepped our own propane stove all the way out there. There were all sorts of other supplies, like bug dope, canned food, cleaning supplies, water jugs and etc available, and it would have been nice to know, so we wouldn't have to schlepp our own. The cabin seems perfect for a certain type of visitor- perhaps people with young children, hunters or fishers - which was not us. We were there to hike, but its a long way to any trailhead, except for the South Fork of the Sun, which is very heavily traveled by horses and people. We had a good time there (it's The Bob! How can you not?), but would not rent Kenck again.

Mark L

Loop:Kenck Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

The cabin itself is great, but you need to plan to minimize the weight of your provisions because the hike in there can be a challenge, especially when it's hot out. So if you pack lightly and try to keep your meals to freeze dried foods everything will be great. The cabin is in a great location on a ridge above the river and there is a small stream running near the cabin that you can use to keep beverages cold and to use for water if you bring a good water filter system (or boil it). The only downside to the cabin is there are a LOT of mice in there, but that's to be expected in a remote cabin. All in all we had a great stay.

Michael R

Loop:Kenck Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

We snowmobiled in 16 miles (from the end of the county road where plowing ceased). Seems like a rarely used cabin the winter. Great opportunities for XC ski tours, trail skiing, and wildlife viewing in the Sun River.

Colter H

Loop:Kenck Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

Cabin was fantastic! I forgot mantles for the lanterns so that was a bummer but otherwise a great experience!

Ralph L

Loop:Kenck Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 4 years ago

Had a great time at the cabin. Was well furnished with the basic necessities. Spent 2 nights, went for a hike along the river. We were on our way to Glacier National Park was a great stop over.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 0% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 1 years of reservations.