Overview
Muddy Guard Cabin dates back to the late 1930s and offers views of wildflower-topped meadows and snow-capped mountains. Originally used as a Forest Service guard station, the quaint cabin appeals to those looking for a peaceful getaway with hiking, horseback riding and fishing.
Winter access is possible, but only by cross country skis, snowmobiles or snowshoes along a 200-yard stretch of road.
Recreation
Fishing in Muddy Creek is enjoyable and various trails for hiking and mountain biking can be found in the area. Horseback riders appreciate the convenience of keeping horses at the cabin and heading out on surrounding trails.
Facilities
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the cabin is made of peeled logs with saddle corner notching. Outside, a horse corral and hitching post are available. Inside is a kitchen and two bedrooms. One bedroom is furnished with two bunkbeds and the other has a double bed. The kitchen comes with an electric cooking stove, a wood stove for heat, a small refrigerator and a grey water sink. Furniture includes a sofa, dining table and chairs and a dresser. Cleaning supplies, a snow shovel, fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide alarm and fire alarms are also included.
No drinking water is available. Guests should bring water, bedding, cooking and eating utensils, trash bags, matches, a first aid kit and firewood.
Natural Features
The cabin is situated in a large open meadow near Muddy Creek at about 7,800 feet elevation. A dense forest of lodgepole pine surrounds the meadow. A short distance northeast lies Crazy Woman Canyon.
Moose, deer and elk may be spotted in the area. Summer climates are typically warm days in the 70s and 80s and cool nights.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Buffalo offers conveniences like grocery stores, just a half-hour drive from the cabin.
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