About SWAN GUARD STATION
Overview Swan Guard Station is located next to beautiful Swan Lake, in northwestern Montana, where visitors enjoy all kinds of recreation. The fully restored historic cabin can accommodate up to eight people and offers somewhat modern amenities and plenty of space. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation In addition to wildlife viewing, hiking and mountain biking trail access is nearby at Bond Creek Trailhead. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities enjoyed by visitors during the winter. The cabin is located just south of the town of Swan Lake, which offers opportunities for fishing, motor boating, non-motor boating, swimming and picnicking.Facilities The accessible cabin has beds and mattresses to accommodate up to eight people. It offers electricity, but no indoor plumbing. A propane heater provides heat in the living room.A kitchen provides a refrigerator, sink, cooking range, and oven. It has ample cupboard space, as well as preparation and serving surfaces. A vault toilet and a hand-pump water system are available outside the cabin. Guests will need to bring bedding, food, flashlights, a first aid kit and other necessary camping gear. The cabin will need to be cleaned and all trash carried out before leaving. Click here for more cabin details. Natural Features The cabin is the oldest building in the Flathead National Forest. It was constructed in 1909 as a remote ranger station and has since been fully restored and reconstructed. It is located at the south end of Swan Lake, near the village of Swan Lake. The nearby Swan River Wildlife Refuge provides abundant bird and wildlife viewing opportunities. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (406) 837-7500.
How to Get There
From Bigfork take Hwy 83 south towards Swan Lake. Continue through the town of Swan Lake to mile-marker 69, just south of town. The cabin driveway is just south of the cabin rental sign. Continue down the driveway to the cabin with the porch.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 7 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
- ☔
Rain jacket / shell
78% chance of precipitation in the forecast.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- 🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SWAN GUARD STATION
Heading to SWAN GUARD STATION? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SWAN GUARD STATION?
No central reservation system listed for SWAN GUARD STATION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233272) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SWAN GUARD STATION?
From Bigfork take Hwy 83 south towards Swan Lake. Continue through the town of Swan Lake to mile-marker 69, just south of town. The cabin driveway is just south of the cabin rental sign. Continue down the driveway to the cabin with the porch.
How do I contact SWAN GUARD STATION?
You can reach the park at email: anthony.butterfield@usda.gov.
References & Official Resources
