Mile High Cabins
Townsend, Montana
Home
Cabins
Things to Do
Neighborhood
Region
Policies
Rates
Contact
Mule Deer on Hill

A group of mule deer are bedded down for the afternoon on a hill overlooking the camp.



Neighborhood

Located in the Big Belt Mountains, east of Townsend, Montana, at 5,280 feet above sea level, we plan to have five rustic cabins scattered across 20 acres of rugged terrain. We foster a quiet, family-oriented experience for couples, small families, even solitary individuals, looking for a Montana mountain getaway.

There is no cell phone or Internet service at our cabins. If you have a medical emergency, it is a 20 minute drive to the hospital in Townsend. If you have a law enforcement emergency, report it to us right away. We have neighbors who are law-enforcement trained and equipped.

Home
Cabins
Things to Do
Neighborhood
Region
Policies
Rates
Contact
Mount Baldy

The summit of Mount Edith rises to 9,500 feet above sea level. Behind and to the left is Mount Baldy, at 9,472 feet. Together, they look over Townsend, Montana, more than 5,600 feet below. Edith and Baldy are part of the neighborhood at Mile High Cabins.


Your Mile High adventure takes place in an authentic Montana mountain setting, where the dangers and hazards are real. The animals are not in cages. Lightning strikes trees, vehicles, and people. A windstorm can drop a tree on your cabin. A wildfire can reduce the entire camp to ash. Some city folk will fear for their lives and never venture out into the wilds. Some will weigh the risks and still choose the adventure.

Even in summer, weather conditions at this elevation can change quickly. Under the best conditions, the county road can be full of ruts, potholes, and mudholes. A heavy rain will make neighborhood roads impassable. DO NOT attempt to reach the camp in a two-wheel-drive vehicle. Snow is possible on any day of the year. Bring chains for your four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Home
Cabins
Things to Do
Neighborhood
Region
Policies
Rates
Contact

Road Sign

The Broadwater County Road Department recommends four-wheel-drive and 15 mph for all travelers on this road. Ross Gulch Road is part of the neighborhood at Mile High Cabins.


If you bring a trailer with ATV, UTV, or dirt bikes, the maximum length to maneuver inside our camp is 18 feet. We do not have room to park or turn around travel trailers and camping trailers. Hunter's Cabin is accessible ONLY with ATV or on foot.

Because wildfire is always a real threat, and because we are surrounded by land administered by the US Forest Service and Montana Department of Forestry, we require every vehicle to carry an axe, bucket, and shovel. Pick good quality tools that you handle well.

Home
Cabins
Things to Do
Neighborhood
Region
Policies
Rates
Contact

deer

A mule deer doe browses the summer forest floor near the Clint Eastwood Cabin. Deer are part of the neighborhood at Mile High Cabins.


Part of the mile-high experience is that weather conditions can change rapidly. Bring clothing and accessories (coat, hat, gloves) suited for cold temperatures (down to freezing), as well as hot weather (up to 100°F). You might find that you need a jacket in the morning, short sleeves at midday, and a sweatshirt with hood in the evening.

The US Forest Service publishes guides to enjoying the outdoors, being aware of the ordinary hazards to be found there, and common sense steps one can take to reduce the risks. We recommend that you read these guides before you arrive. (Internet service is not available at the cabins.) These will allow you to pack the right equipment and clothing for your mile high adventure.

Home
Cabins
Things to Do
Neighborhood
Region
Policies
Rates
Contact

blue lupine

Lupinus perennis is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is widespread in the eastern part of the USA and Minnesota, Canada, and on the coasts of the Arctic Ocean, where it grows in sandy areas such as dunes and savannas.--Wikipedia.

These blue lupine were blooming in the meadow above Audrey's Cabin in late June. Blue lupine is just one of the many wildflowers that create the perfect setting for your Mile High adventure.


Bugs of all kinds are native to our area. Mosquitos, biting flies, and ticks are the most common pests. You might wish to wear long sleeves and long pants during parts of the day, just for insect protection.

The thinner air at Mile High Cabins can affect your breathing. If you normally reside at lower elevations, you should expect to get winded more quickly. Plan your hikes and walks with this in mind.

Home
Cabins
Things to Do
Neighborhood
Region
Policies
Rates
Contact

great blue heron

Another common visitor to our neighborhood is the great blue heron. The first thing you notice is how much noise they make as they fly around. This one landed at the top of a juniper tree near the Mile High Cabins.


The Montana mountain air is also drier. This will cause you to become dehydrated more quickly. When walking or riding, always carry water for hydration. The drier air will also dry out your skin more quickly. You might need to use a lotion while at camp. Choose one with no scent. Be sure to bring lip balm, too.

Several kinds of snakes are native to our area. Some are benign, helping to control pests. Yes, we have rattlesnakes. Be sure to read the US Forest Service web page about snakes before you arrive. If you are walking about or hiking, we recommend wearing long pants and sturdy shoes with socks. Stay alert! Carry a walking stick. If you are comfortable with firearms, carry "snake medicine."

Home
Cabins
Things to Do
Neighborhood
Region
Policies
Rates
Contact

Black Bear

This Black Bear cub wandered through camp on a warm August day. It's ok to think about how cute they are, as they explore and learn about the world around them, but the most important thing to remember about bear cubs is that mama is usually nearby. Black bears are part of the neighborhood at Mile High Cabins.


We have all kinds of wildlife in our neighborhood. The most common four-legged critters will be deer, elk, moose, bear, cougar, bobcat, squirrel, weasel, coyote, and wolf. Be sure to read the US Forest Service web pages about wildlife before you arrive. (There is no Internet service at the cabins.) Most animals will stay clear of the campground and cabins during the day, but everything changes after dark. Our trail cameras have caught bear and cougars wandering through camp at night. If you must be out after dark, carry a walking stick and make some noise with your feet. That is another part of the mile-high experience.

We have not found poison ivy or poison oak or poison sumac around the camp. Wild rose bushes and wild raspberry bushes have thorns. Stinging nettles are common in the wet areas. If you expect to be poking around in the brush, wear long sleeves, long pants, and gloves.

Home
Cabins
Things to Do
Neighborhood
Region
Policies
Rates
Contact
Arrowleaf Balsamroot

Balsamorhiza sagittata is a North American species of flowering plant in the sunflower tribe of the aster family known by the common name arrowleaf balsamroot. It is widespread across western Canada and much of the western United States--Wikipedia.

Arrowleaf Balsamroot are part of the neighborhood at Mile High Cabins.


Trees and wildflowers bloom later in the season at a mile high. The colors are beautiful, but the pollen can be overpowering. If you have hayfever or allergies, be sure to bring medication to help control your symptoms.

Our cabins are supplied with beds, dishes, pots & pans, utensils, dish soap, SOS pads, toilet paper, dish cloth, and a dish towel. For a list of furnishings and features, please, see the cabins page.

Home
Cabins
Things to Do
Neighborhood
Region
Policies
Rates
Contact
Picnic Table and Fire Pit

You should bring bedding and pillows, bath towels, flashlight, lantern, axe, and first aid kit. Groceries, toiletries, and camp supplies are available in Townsend, 20 minutes away.

See Policies page for a more complete list of dos and don'ts.

Be sure to read the US Forest Service web pages about enjoying the outdoors, safety, mountain weather, and wildlife before you arrive.

Home
Cabins
Things to Do
Neighborhood
Region
Policies
Rates
Contact

This page updated 28-August-2022.