Property Description
Overlooking the country where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers unite to form the Missouri River, Headwaters Cabin offers 30.21 deeded acres of privacy, wildlife habitat, and expansive views in the heart of southwest Montana. Situated in the scenic Clarkston Valley between Three Forks and Bozeman, the property captures panoramic vistas of the Missouri River Headwaters, the Horseshoe Hills, and the Tobacco Root Mountains. Bordering a large neighboring ranch to the northeast and accessed by a private drive, the property enjoys end-of-the-road privacy within convenient reach of modern amenities.
For the sportsman and outdoor enthusiast, Headwaters Cabin provides exceptional year-round wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities. Located within Montana Hunting District 312, the area is known for healthy populations of elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, and wild turkey. The property's mix of native grasslands, rolling terrain, and neighboring ranchland creates ideal habitat for wildlife, with frequent sightings throughout the seasons. Just 2.5 miles away, Fairweather Fishing Access provides convenient access to the Missouri River, offering excellent trout fishing and opportunities to explore one of Montana's most iconic waterways.
The property's 1,300 square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath cabin provides a functional basecamp from which to enjoy the land, wildlife, and surrounding recreational opportunities. Equipped with solar power, propane, and a private well, the off-grid cabin offers the essentials for comfortable rural living while presenting an opportunity for future improvements. Whether a buyer chooses to renovate the existing structure, create a seasonal retreat, or develop a more substantial residence, the property's exceptional setting, privacy, and views provide a remarkable canvas for bringing that vision to life.
The landscape is quintessential Montana—rolling hills, native grasslands, and expansive western horizons stretching in every direction. Partially fenced and offering ample space for recreation, horses, or simply enjoying the privacy of rural living, the property captures the essence of the Montana lifestyle. Whether watching elk move across the neighboring ranch, spending an afternoon on the Missouri River, or enjoying a sunset over the Tobacco Roots, every aspect of Headwaters Cabin is connected to the land and the outdoors.
Located approximately 20 miles from Three Forks, 40 miles from Bozeman, and 32 miles from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Headwaters Cabin offers a unique balance of seclusion and accessibility. Combining exceptional views, abundant wildlife, end-of-the-road privacy, and outstanding potential for future improvement, the property presents a rare opportunity to create a personalized Montana retreat in one of southwest Montana's most scenic and historic landscapes.
PROPERTY ATTRIBUTES
- 30.21 deeded acres
- 1,300 sf home (2 Bed / 1 Bath)
- Off-grid cabin: solar, propane, well, septic
- Secluded property (private drive with end-of-the-road privacy)
- Year-round abundant wildlife
- Hunting for elk, mule deer, whitetail, turkey
- Amazing views of Missouri River Headwaters, Horseshoe Hills, Tobacco Root Mountains
- Partially fenced
- Large ranch borders to the northeast
- 20 miles to downtown Three Forks, MT
- 40 miles to downtown Bozeman
- 32 miles to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
- 2.5 miles to Fairweather Fishing Access (Missouri River)
HUNTING
Hunting Region 3 - District 312.
Big Game Species: Elk, Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Bear, Mountain Lion.
Small Game Species: Turkey, Grouse.
Combination License Elk/Deer (General unit — whitetail or mule deer). Headwaters Cabin is located in a general unit for big game combo licenses, allowing hunters the opportunity to hunt elk and either whitetail or mule deer. The property has year-round abundant wildlife.
The Cabin sits north of Interstate 90 on the west side of the Horseshoe Hills and just east of the headwaters of the Missouri River. HD 312 is known for supporting healthy populations of elk, mule deer, and whitetail deer. The area's diverse landscape of timbered mountains, foothills, and open valleys provides outstanding hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. In the summer months, elk and deer use the property for calving and as a safe haven for raising their young. As fall approaches the animals begin to filter down the valleys and closer to the property. Elk bugling can be heard from the deck of the home right over the sound of the creek.
Resident Draw (season start date: first Saturday in September). Montana residents can purchase a General Big Game Combo license OTC.
Archery season: September 5 - October 18, 2026.
General Rifle Season: October 24 - November 29, 2026.
Muzzleloader season: December 12 - 20, 2026.
Non-Resident Draw (season start date: first Saturday in September). Montana non-residents enter into a preference point system.
Small game:
- Turkey (OTC tags available for resident and non-resident). Season dates: spring April 15 - May 31; fall Sept 1 - Jan 1.
- Grouse (Upland game license OTC available for resident and non-resident). Season dates: Sept 1 - Jan 1.
Bear (General unit). OTC tags available for both resident and non-resident. Spring and fall hunting: April 15 - June 15; Sept 15 - Nov 27.
Mountain lion (limited license). Season dates follow the applicable Lion Management Unit (LMU): archery only Sept 5 - Oct 18 (no dogs), rifle Oct 24 - Nov 29 (no dogs), any weapon Dec 1 - April 14 (dogs).
Property Recreation: Hunting, Hiking, Horseback Riding, ATV, Shed hunting.
HOUSE
- 1,300 sf (2 Bed / 1 Bath)
- Home built in 2015
- Main floor living with loft bedroom
- Off-grid living: solar panels, propane tank, well
- Propane range, on-demand water heater, microwave, refrigerator, freezer
- Graveled drive
Main level rooms: Bedroom, Living room, Kitchen, Dining room, Pantry, Wood burning stove, Front porch deck, Full bathroom, W/D.
Loft: Bedroom.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- Solar panels to battery storage
- 250 gallon propane tank
- Well: 250 ft with 30 GPM
- Septic: 1000 gallon
- Propane heat / Wood stove
- No covenants
- No HOA
- Livestock welcome
- Partially fenced
LAND
The property features a diverse mix of native foothill vegetation, including mature Rocky Mountain juniper, extensive sagebrush cover, and productive native grasslands. The combination of timbered draws, brush-covered slopes, and open grassy hillsides provides excellent wildlife habitat and contributes to the property's strong recreational and hunting appeal. End-of-the-road privacy. 360-degree mountain views — Horseshoe Hills, Tobacco Root Mountains, Missouri River. 2.5 miles from Missouri River access. Elevation: 4,400 ft.
AREA LIFESTYLE/RECREATION
The Three Forks and Clarkston area represents a part of Montana where the landscape is still defined by open country, working ranches, and a pace of life rooted in the land. Framed by the rolling Horseshoe Hills and situated near the historic headwaters of the Missouri River, this corner of Gallatin County offers a blend of western heritage, agricultural tradition, and outdoor recreation. Three Forks takes its name from the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers, where the Missouri River begins its 2,300-mile journey. The area's history runs deep, from the travels of Lewis and Clark to generations of ranching and farming families who helped shape the character of the valley.
Life here revolves around the outdoors. The nearby Madison, Jefferson, Gallatin, and Missouri Rivers provide exceptional trout fishing opportunities, while Missouri Headwaters State Park preserves one of the most significant historic and natural landscapes in the American West. Whether it's a day spent floating the river, exploring backroads through the Horseshoe Hills, horseback riding across open country, or simply watching the seasons change across the valley, the area offers endless opportunities to enjoy Montana's natural beauty. Residents enjoy convenient access to the amenities of Bozeman, located less than an hour away, including Montana State University, commercial air service, shopping, dining, healthcare, and year-round cultural events.
LOCATION
- 20 miles to downtown Three Forks, MT
- 40 miles to downtown Bozeman
- 32 miles to Bridger Bowl Ski Area
- 42 miles south to Big Sky Ski Resort
Schooling: Three Forks School District K-12.
DISCLAIMER
Listing broker must be present on all showings. No drive-bys or unauthorized attempts to view the property. Minimum of 48 hours notice prior to all showings.
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