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Recreation Region: West Fork Ranger District

Magruder Ranger's House

We invite you to enjoy a backcountry experience at the historic Magruder Ranger Station located on the Selway River between the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. The station consists of 7 buildings constructed in the 1920's and 1930's and are still being used periodically by work crews. The rental cabin was once the residence of the District Ranger and his family. The two-story, five-room log house will accommodate six to ten people. There are two bedrooms, each containing a single bed and double bed with mattresses, and the living room contains two full size futons. The house has a wood stove for heat, propane kitchen appliances and propane lights. Propane and firewood are provided. During the summer months, hot and cold running water is available for the kitchen and indoor bathroom, complete with shower and flush toilet. Cabin is winterized on October 1 annually.  

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

General Information

The rental cabin is one of several buildings still utilized by the Forest Service for administrative purposes.  The rental cabin is located near several trailheads and in an area open to the public.

June thru October

Check-in is at 2:00 p.m. and check-out is at 12:00 p.m. MST.

Cabin is not cleaned between every renter.  Please bring own cleaning supplies and clean the cabin upon arrival and departure. 

Cabin is winterized Oct. 1st annually.  Potable water will need to be brought in for drinking and cleaning.  A vault toilet is provided on the administrative site.  

Overnight Use:
$100 per night

$100/Night.  Call the West Fork Ranger Station at (406) 821-3269 for the current combination for the lock on the door a week in advance of your arrival.

Contact Name: West Fork Ranger District

Contact Phone: 406-821-3269

West Fork Ranger District administrative office in the fall.

Address: 6735 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829
Phone: 406-821-3269
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 45.70166667

Longitude: -114.7163889

Directions

On US Highway 93 go south of Darby, Montana, 4 miles to West Fork Road, State Highway 473. On West Fork Road, go just past 14-mile marker to Nez Perce Road/Magruder Corridor Road 468. Go 34 miles on paved/gravel/one lane dirt road. Turn south over Deep Creek on stone bridge right before the confluence of Deep Creek and Selway River.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Biking Biking
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Hiking Hiking
Outdoor Science and Learning Outdoor Science and Learning

Fishing - River/StreamFishing - River/Stream
HuntingHunting

Viewing PlantsViewing Plants
Viewing SceneryViewing Scenery

Last updated June 10, 2025