Liz Creek Cabin

Overview

Liz Creek Cabin was built in 1929 as a Forest Service backcountry guard station. Restoration work completed in 2014 brought the cabin back to life and made it available as part of the rental program. The structure is now eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

As a remote backcountry facility, the site offers only a few amenities. The cabin has a loft and a front porch, but guests will need to bring most of their own supplies and gear.

Recreation

While remote, this site offers a great chance to explore both riparian habitat and mountain vistas. Both Liz Creek and Weitas Creek offer fishing opportunities and there are a number of trails in the vicinity that service hikers, mountain bikers and motorcyclists. The following are trails and their respective authorized uses:

• Trail 20 (Weitas Creek): The Weitas Creek Trail is 29.2 miles and connects Weitas Campground (Road 250) with 12 Mile Saddle (Road 500).
• Trail 649 (Liz Butte): The Liz Butte Trail is 4.2 miles and connects Liz Butte with the mouth of Liz Creek. Liz Butte Trail is closed to motorized traffic, though off-road vehicles can access a part of Weitas Creek Trail.

Facilities

Liz Creek Cabin accommodates a maximum of four people. It has a sleeping loft with two army cots. A wood-burning stove provides heat. Other amenities include a table with chairs, broom and dustpan, storage cabinets and a fire extinguisher. A campfire ring and outhouse with pit toilet are located outside the cabin.

No water, firewood or electricity is provided. Guests need to bring their own water supply or treat water from the creek that is adjacent to the cabin. Guests are expected to pack out trash and tidy up the cabin before leaving, as there is no garbage service at this site.

Items such as fire starters (matches and newspaper), a cook stove, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, pillows, cookware, dishes, utensils, garbage bags and toilet paper are not provided.

Natural Features

Liz Creek Cabin is situated at the confluence of Liz and Weitas Creeks, at an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet. The cabin sits in a meadow that fills with colorful wildflowers every summer. Beyond the meadow, an evergreen forest covers the hillsides leading to the peaks of the Bitterroot Mountains.

With abundant water sources, forage and cover, this drainage provides habitat for a full contingent of native wildlife. With a little luck, visitors may have the chance to catch a glimpse of deer, moose or beaver, and raptors. The area is also home to elk, black bear, wolves, cougar, and numerous other smaller species.

Nearby Attractions

The historic Lolo Motorway stretches 100 miles through scenic mountain landscapes. Summer visitors can see meadows and hillsides blanketed in colorful wildflowers. Travelers should be prepared for rough, sometimes treacherous conditions. No services are located along this road, so travelers should have plenty of gas, food and water for the drive.