National Forest Cabin Woods Cabin

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Website http://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot Phone 406-821-3913

Overview Service & Activities

About Relax in this cabin on the north shore of Lake Como, with large windows and decks overlooking the lake and near-by scenic mountain peaks. Sunsets are remarkable! To the west of the cabin, a short walk will take you to a trailhead that begins the six-mile loop trail around Lake Como. This trail is suitable for hiking, mountain biking and accessing the lake for swimming or picnics. The first 1/4 mile is wheelchair accessible. Approximately 3 miles from the cabin, at the west end of the lake, is a magnificent waterfall cascading over fern covered rock cliffs. From the waterfall you have the option of continuing around the lake loop trail or heading west up Rock Creek into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, part of the second largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states. You may see osprey, bald eagles, deer, moose, elk or bear. To the east of the cabin, a short walk will take you to a popular sandy beach and swimming area. On the south side of Lake Como there is a boat ramp and parking for trailers. The cabin is over sixty years old and provides rustic accommodations that sleeps a maximum of 15. Day use maximum of 40. It has three bedrooms, a kitchen and dining room, and a large living room that is conducive to group meetings. Water, wood heating stove, and a propane cook stove is provided. There is no electricity. A modern outdoor toilet is located close to the cabin. No pets are allowed. The facility is located about 2 miles north and 4 miles west of Darby, MT and is at 4,245 feet in elevation. Lake Como dam was constructed in 1905 to provide late season irrigation for the Bitterroot Valley. The lake is typically at full pool from early spring through mid-July. From Memorial Day through Labor Day all vehicles parked within the recreation area must display a valid Recreation Pass. Recreation Passes are $2/day per vehicle or $20/season. Golden Passports are honored at all day use fee sites. The Lake Como Recreation Area has a variety of day, overnight, extended backpacking, motorized, and non-motorized use. Below are a descriptions of the other facilities at Lake Como: Rock Creek Horse Camp has 11 sites, 4 of which are pull-through. Hitch rails, feed troughs, accessible toilets, garbage, no water. One group site with large fire ring, parking for 5 vehicles. Rock Creek Trailhead has parking areas, accessible toilet, accessible loading ramp, no water. This trailhead access the south half of the Lake Como National Recreation Trail. Stock allowed on south side of lake only. The Boat Launch at Lake Como Recreation Area has 40 boat and 8 passenger vehicle parking spots, accessible toilets, dock, no overnight camping or water. Water adequate for boating mid-June through mid-August depending on the water level. Creekside dispersed area is an overflow overnight/day area with one fire ring and outhouse. Lower Lake Como (RV) Campground has 11 pull-through paved sites with electrical and water hookup, one group site, and accessible toilets. Lake Como Beach has two parking areas for a total of 83 vehicles, accessible toilets, dressing room, picnic tables, garbage, water, and designated swim area. No dogs allowed on beach. The Picnic Area has parking for 17 vehicles, accessible toilet, picnic tables, pedestal grills, and a fire ring. Lake Como National Recreation Trailhead has parking for 17 vehicles, accessible toilet, picnic tables, pedestal grills, and water. Trailhead access a paved 3/4-mile interpretative trail (1/2 mile after that is unpaved), lakeside picnic sites, and the 7-mile Lake Como National Recreation Trail. Trail is popular for hiking, day use, and mountain biking. Upper Lake Como Campground has 11 tent and smaller trailer campsites, accessible toilets, water, garbage service, and native surface roads. Campground has two short trails, one near the campground and one along a small pond. For more information please contact the Darby Ranger District at 406-821-3913. The combination lock on the gate is changed regularly and renters will need to call the Darby Ranger Station one week prior to reservations for current combinations.

Contact

MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 388
Darby, MT 59829

CONTACT 406-821-3913

FAX 406-821-4264

Details

SEASON Mid-May - Mid-September

SPECIAL DIRECTIONS To reach Wood's Cabin, take US Highway 93 approximately four miles north of Darby, Montana. Turn west on County Route 82 (Lake Como Road) and follow it approximately four miles to the Lake Como National Recreation Area. Follow signs to the swimming area on the north side of Lake Como and continue past the swimming area parking lot to the third parking area. A gate on the west side of this parking area secures the driveway into both the Wood's Cabin and the adjacent privately permitted Hiker's Cabin. Take the left-hand fork to the Wood's Cabin.

SERVICES

ACTIVITIES