Savenac West Cottage

About this site

Overview Savenac West Cottage provides a well-equipped kitchen and sleeping quarters for a family or small group of four people at the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery in the Lolo National Forest of Montana. The area is filled with history and was once the site of the U.S. Forest Service's largest and most beautiful nursery in the West. The cottage offers somewhat modern facilities, as well as access to a variety of recreational opportunities. Recreation A variety of historic sites and memorials, as well as interpretive trails, are located around the cottage. A self-guided tour of the nursery is available to provide visitors with historical perspective. The world-class Route of the Hiawatha Trail is located just 7 miles to the west, offering pristine mountain biking. Numerous mountain streams and the St. Regis River are available for fishing, wading and non-motorized boating within just a few minutes of Savenac. The beautiful Savenac Creek runs through the compound. In the winter, trails in the area are groomed for snowmobile use and opportunities abound for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Lookout Pass ski hill is located just 10 miles west, on Interstate 90. Facilities A variety of historic sites and memorials, as well as interpretive trails, are located around the cottage. A self-guided tour of the nursery is available to provide visitors with historical perspective. The world-class Route of the Hiawatha Trail is located just 7 miles to the west, offering pristine mountain biking. Numerous mountain streams and the St. Regis River are available for fishing, wading and non-motorized boating within just a few minutes of Savenac. The beautiful Savenac Creek runs through the compound. In the winter, trails in the area are groomed for snowmobile use and opportunities abound for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Lookout Pass ski hill is located just 10 miles west, on Interstate 90. Natural Features The cottage is one of three rental cabins located at the Historic Savenac Nursery. The nursery was founded in 1907 to grow trees for the Forest Service Nursery operations that concluded in 1969. The site is now open to the public for recreation. The cottage was originally a residence and was converted in the 1970s to a space for eating and food preparation. The facilities are close to the Idaho border in the Bitterroot Mountains of western Montana. The Lolo National Forest is home to many species of wildlife, including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, moose and black bears. Nearby Attractions The nursery is located near Haugan, with easy access to Interstate 90. It is within walking distance of a family restaurant, gas and general store and gift shop. The Savenac compound also consists of a visitor center that is operated from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Additional Info: The cottage features two bedrooms (one queen bed, two twin beds), full bathroom with shower and flush toilet, complete kitchen with electric stove, microwave, refrigerator, and cooking utensils. Running hot and cold water and electricity are provided. Guests must bring bedding, towels, soap, and toilet paper. Winter access requires four-wheel drive. Maximum stay is 5 nights. Closed for construction May 16-June 15, 2026.

Amenities & access

Maximum vehicle length

60 feet

Contact

• 406-822-4233
• https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/lolo/recreation/savenac-west-cottage

Location

47.195731, -114.892897