Perched on a hill in Montana's picturesque Bitterroot Valley sits a cozy cabin that features exceptional views in every direction. Watch wildlife from the patio, enjoy fishing in the Bitterroot River, head into the forest for hiking, hunting, foraging and horseback riding via our own private access trail, enjoy skiing at Lost Trail and soaking at the hot springs on the way back to camp, or just relax around the campfire and watch the stars fill the night sky.
CABIN:
The cabin was originally a hunting cabin, which reflects its simplicity. The linoleum floors and simple furnishings means easy living so you can relax and enjoy yourself.
Although small, the cozy space offers hot/cold water, full fridge, bathroom with a rustic but hot shower, propane barbecue, fully fenced yard, and more.
FRESH WATER:
The Bitterroot River provides the cabin with fresh potable water straight from the kitchen sink.
BEDROOM:
The small bedroom offers a 5-drawer dresser, and two single beds with warm linen.
HEAT:
The cabin is heated by a large woodstove. Firewood and kindling are provided free of charge.
BATHROOM:
The rustic bathroom offers a small yet hot shower, towels, shampoo/condition/soap, toilet, and apartment-sized washer and dryer. A sink in the kitchen offers running hot and cold water for brushing your teeth, shaving, etc.
KITCHEN:
The kitchen offers a tiny sink with potable water, full size fridge with upper freezer, microwave oven, coffee maker, electric hotplate, small toaster oven, pots and pans, plates, mugs, bowels, utensils, and table with two chairs. More seating is available on the patio.
COOKING:
Guests are welcome to cook with the cast-iron pan right on the woodstove, or use the electric hotplate, toaster oven and microwave. There's also a propane BBQ near the front entrance.
WOODSTOVE:
The woodstove is the sole source of heat, and does a magnificent job. Free firewood is provided.
FIREPIT:
Toss wood into the firepit located in the yard to enjoy a contained fire any time burning is allowed (per county burn rules).
LAUNDRY:
The apartment-size washer & dryer located in the bathroom is perfect for small loads. Detergent is provided. The compact dryer does best with small loads or hang your items on the community clothing line.
FOREST:
Oxen-Le-Fields Montana offers direct access to the Bitterroot Forest. Follow the trail at the back left corner of the property behind tent #1 to access miles of forest roads.
PETS:
Pets are welcome. For your convenience, two pet dishes are located on the patio. While pets love to sleep on the bed, the sherpa bedding is prone to holes from even well-groomed pet claws. Please use the pet sheet provided to protect the bedding (and your pocketbook) if your pup likes to snuggle with you. Please keep pets on a lead to prevent them from disturbing other pets and campers.
HORSES:
Pack and trail horses are welcome though no fence is available. Please secure horses to your vehicle or trailer when not riding and secure inside trailer at night. Water is available. Please bring own hay and feed.
WILDLIFE:
Deer, elk, bighorn sheep, marmots, and coyotes are abundant. Bear, moose, wolves, and cougars also share the forest. Please respect the wildlife and understand the inherent dangers they pose. Bear spray is highly recommended when exploring the forest.
THE VIEW:
Why are there downed trees in the forest? On July 31, 2000, dry lightning strikes started approximately 100 fires that decimated over 350,000 acres of the Bitterroot Forest. The fire destroyed 70 homes, 170 other buildings, and 95 vehicles. Although the naked hillsides now offer a remarkable view as far as the eye can see, the devastation from that summer will remain visible for decades to come.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Just one mile north of camp is The Rocky Knob. Enjoy the colorful history and hearty portions of truly good food at this historic gem. Seating options include the family-friendly bar on the right or the quieter side on the left.
Seven miles north at the Conner Cutoff is Two Rivers Bar that offers outdoor seating in summer.
Darby, 13 miles north, features the Sapphire restaurant, Sawmill Saloon, and the 406.
HUNTING:
Oxen-Le-Fields is located in district 270 next to districts 240, 250, and 321.
FISHING:
Blue-ribbon trout are abundant in both the Bitterroot and Big Hole rivers. Bitterroot fishing access is available all along the Hwy 93 corridor. A community fishing pier is less than a mile south. Access to Big Hole is just a short drive away. Four miles north of Darby lies Lake Como where fishing, swimming, and other water activities are enjoyed by all who visit.
HOT SPRINGS:
Enjoy a soak at Lost Trails Hot Springs just 8 miles south. Price is $10 for a soak and shower.
SKIING:
A short 16 miles to the south sits Lost Trail Ski Resort, home to 69 runs. Sitting atop the Continental Divide on Highway 93 where Montana and Idaho meet, Lost Trail boasts over 300 inches of snowfall every year for enthusiasts to enjoy.
GUEST ACCESS:
Guests are welcome to enjoy all parts of Oxen-Le-Fields except for the blue workshop. Please respect other campers' personal property as you enjoy the views and wildlife.
REFUNDS:
We are happily located in nature and while we work hard to ensure nature stays out-side, please be prepared for the possibility of nature sneaking inside. We don’t refund for bugs or critters but if you should see some during your stay, simply contact us immediately and we will come take care of things for you as best we can.
We want your stay to be comfortable and memorable yet given the unpredictability of Montana weather, we don't refund for weather events that impact travel, cause power outages or evacuations due to wildfires. These are things that impact us all and are simply beyond our control.
DRIVEWAY:
The 1/2 mile driveway up the hill includes 3 switchbacks. The driveway can get muddy after a good rain or snow but is easily accessible in most vehicles.
The switchbacks can accommodate horse trailers and campers up to 35 feet in length.