The Bitterroot National Forest is proposing to add the historic Lost Horse Guard Station to its cabin rental system. The change is being considered as part of a region wide effort on the forest service’s part to better align its fees with the services and amenities provided, the cost of operation and maintenance, and comparable market assessment. Two campsites, Sam Billings Memorial and Slate Creek, are also being added to the fee system. This would bring the total number of sites in the fee system to four cabins and 16 campsites.
The Lost Horse Guard Station was built in 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is on the National Register of Historic Places. According to BNF Information Officer Tod McKay, the cabin has been used administratively for housing trail work crews fire crews and game state game wardens.
McKay said that the public has expressed a lot of interest in using the cabin over the years and thoughts about including it in the rental system began to take shape years ago.
“The time is right to do this,” he said, “as we are going through this process and analysis.”
McKay said that the Lost Horse Guard Station was situated in a prime area for recreation activity. It is located 20 miles up Lost Horse Road, just a few miles short of the Twin Lakes which has a campground along the shore. The road is groomed all winter and the area is very popular for snowmobilers. There is lots of good hunting and fishing in the area as well.
“It’s a great base camp for any kind of recreational activity,” said McKay.
The cabin itself is in immaculate condition. Due to its historic significance making changes to the structure is not simple to do, but some changes are being planned. At present there is only one set of bunk beds in the cabin, but Forest officials are considering installing more sleeping possibly accommodating up to eight people.
If the proposal is adopted the rental fee for the cabin will probably be set at $50 per night. The East Fork Guard Station which has been rented for $30 per night will be increased to $50 per night. The Magruder Ranger’s House and the Woods Cabin at Como Lake which currently rent for $50 and $60 per night respectively, will both be raised to $100 per night.
If recommended and approved the fee changes will go into effect in May, 2018.