Ranger station, cabin now open to public use

The Old Condon Ranger Station in Condon and the Swan Guard Station near the town of Swan Lake now are available for public rental.

Both cabins are on the Swan Lake Ranger District of Flathead National Forest.

Visitors can reserve the cabins through the National Recreation Reservation Service, 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov. The cabins are available for rental year-round.

The Old Condon Ranger Station is located on Condon Loop Road No. 124.

The ranger’s residence has been restored for public use. The cabin features electricity, running water and an indoor bathroom. The screened-in porch offers views of the Mission Mountains. 

There is a wood stove and full kitchen. The cabin accommodates eight people and dogs are allowed. The cabin rents for $65 per night with an additional reservation fee.

The Swan Guard Station is located at the south end of Swan Lake on U.S. 83. Built in 1909 as a remote ranger station, the Swan Guard Station is the oldest building on the Flathead National Forest. 

The fully restored cabin can accommodate 10 people and dogs are allowed. The cabin features electricity, propane heat and a wood stove.

A hand pump for water and a vault toilet are located just outside the cabin. 

The cabin rents for $55 per night with an additional reservation fee.

Flathead National Forest offers 12 other cabins and lookouts for rent, including Schnaus, Ford, Ninko, Ben Rover and Wurtz Cabins and Hornet Lookout in the North Fork area, Zips and Challenge Cabins in the Middle Fork area, Star Meadow Guard Station northwest of Whitefish, Owl Creek Cabin near Holland Lake, the Mission Lookout south of Swan Lake and Silvertip Cabin on the Spotted Bear Ranger District.

For more information about renting the Old Condon Ranger Station and Swan Guard Station contact the Swan Lake Ranger District, 837-7500.

For more information about other cabin rentals on the Flathead National Forest visit www.fs.usda/gov/flathead.