Overview
Little Bear Cabin was built in 1938 and still looks much the same as it did back then. It is available year-round for recreationists, as well as for those who seek a quiet mountain retreat. The cabin can be accessed by vehicle during the summer and fall (June 16th - December 31st) weather and snow conditions permitting, but winter access requires snowmobiling or skiing 10 miles from the paved road. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
Several multi-use trails and roads crisscross the area, ideal for motorcycle and off-road vehicle riding, mountain biking and hiking. Winter activities include snowshoeing,snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The area surrounding the cabin is popular with hunters in the fall.
Facilities
The cabin has a bunk bed downstairs and two beds in the loft, each with mattresses, to sleep up to four people. There is a wood cook stove which provides some heat, but it may not be sufficient in extremely cold temperatures. A table with chairs, broom,dustpan and snow shovel are provided. A campfire ring and outhouse with vault toilet are located outside the cabin.Water and electricity are not available. Guests must bring their own drinking water, as well as fire starters (matches and newspaper), bedding, dish soap, flashlights or lanterns and extra toilet paper, among other necessities. The cabin must be cleaned and all trash removed prior to leaving.
Natural Features
The cabin sits atop a grassy knoll on a small ridge near the north end of the Gallatin Range, offering views of Gallatin Valley and the Bridger Range. Stands of mixed conifer surround the cabin. Wildlife in the surrounding area includes grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, mountain lions, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and Canada lynx. Birders may see a wide variety of bird species.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area