Overview
The Star Meadows Guard Station has all the rustic feel of a remote Forest Service cabin while still being accessible by paved road from Whitefish. Furnished with a refrigerator/freezer, range and oven, microwave, coffeemaker, pots and pans, dishes and silverware, and electric heat, this cabin has everything you need to come and enjoy some time in the Forest. Nearby Tally Lake and Sylvia Lake offer opportunities for water play and fishing and a centralized location in the Tally Lake District to access miles of hiking, biking or horseback riding trails with a trailhead right behind the cabin. Enjoy a large backyard area for family games, or just sit in front of the campfire with s’mores and make some memories. Star Meadows Guard Station is 23 miles from Whitefish on Forest Service Road #539. The road is paved and open year-round.
Great Facilities and Amenities
Campfire Allowed
(All campsites have Campfire Allowed)
Checkin Time
(All campsites have Checkin Time)
Checkout Time
(All campsites have Checkout Time)
Driveway Entry
(All campsites have Driveway Entry)
Hike In Distance To Site
(Up to 300')
Max Num Of People
(Up to 12)
Max Num Of Vehicles
(Up to 3)
Pets Allowed
(All campsites have Pets Allowed)
Shade
(All campsites have Shade)
Site Access
(All campsites have Site Acceses)
Natural Features
![Historic forest service cabin bunkhouse with couch and two bunkbeds Historic forest service cabin bunkhouse with couch and two bunkbeds - Credits: Forest Service](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2021/08/20/15/43/234345_285cf48f-6f87-4826-8fe6-7ac4c6413962_700.jpg)
![Historic forest service cabin kitchen with table, stove and fridge. Historic forest service cabin kitchen with table, stove and fridge. - Credits: Forest Service](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2021/08/20/15/23/234345_5ab81038-c675-4e0a-a201-88e33ee365ac_1440.jpg)
![Historic forest service cabin photo with 4 pictures including stocked kitchen cabinets and entry hallway with games. Historic forest service cabin photo with 4 pictures including stocked kitchen cabinets and entry hallway with games. - Credits: Forest Service](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2021/08/20/18/22/234345_98cc503d-169e-43ff-8dc6-e3421295a11c_700.jpg)
![Star Meadow Guard Station back patio with tables and chairs and bbq Star Meadow Guard Station back patio with tables and chairs and bbq - Credits: Forest Service](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/images/76024.jpg)
The cabin sits in a valley near the foot of Mt. Swaney, providing views of the surrounding forested mountains. It is in the northwestern corner of Flathead National Forest in the Tally Lake Ranger District.
Recreation
![Historic forest service cabin with treed mountain behind. Historic forest service cabin with treed mountain behind. - Credits: Forest Service](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2021/08/20/15/02/234345_ad0b9b02-2b1d-4a6c-9a0b-4f9ad642c261_1440.jpg)
![Historic forest service cabin with treed mountain behind. Historic forest service cabin with treed mountain behind. - Credits: Forest Service](https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2021/08/20/15/02/234345_ad0b9b02-2b1d-4a6c-9a0b-4f9ad642c261_1440.jpg)
There is plenty of opportunity for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking in the area surrounding the cabin. Trail #171A starts in the back yard and goes all the way to Sylvia Lake approximately 10 miles away. In the winter, visitors enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Snowmobiling can be enjoyed on designated trails, but is not permitted on the cabin grounds.Big game hunting in the national forest lands is a popular activity enjoyed by visitors, as well as fishing in Sheppard Creek behind the cabin, other nearby mountain streams and Tally Lake, which is about 11 miles east of the cabin. Guests at the cabin also enjoy ample open space for yard games and other outdoor group activities.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Whitefish is about 45 minutes away. Tally Lake, the second deepest lake in Montana is located 7 miles away.