Dates & Locations

Artists can apply to one of the four Wilderness immersion opportunities. 
Full immersion in the Wilderness is possible with the use of a Forest administrative cabin. Enjoy rustic settings in diverse forest environments with four different cabins to choose from. Some cabins are very private, suggesting solitude, reflection and personal work; other sites offer the experience of working and/or living with Forest Service work crews or frequent interaction with the public. The best residency experiences come from plans that allow for the unexpected and are entered into with an open mind.

Why Wilderness?
"Wilderness is the land that was - wild land beyond the frontier...land that shaped the growth of our nation and the character of its people. Wilderness is the land that is - rare, wild places where one can retreat from civilization, reconnect with the Earth, and find healing, meaning and significance." -1964 Wilderness Act. Almost half of the Flathead National Forest’s 2.4 million acres is designated Wilderness, including the Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness Areas.

Please note: AWC will be taking a break from our residencies in 2024 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the program! Stay tuned for the schedule of events coming this spring.

IMPORTANT: These cabins are not available for public rental. This information is just for those participating in the Artist Wilderness Connection program.

Spruce Park Cabin 

DATES: No dates in 2024 – check back in 2025!

Spruce Park Cabin is located in the Middle Fork of the Flathead drainage about 7 miles from the Bear Creek Trailhead on Highway 2 East. The Big River Trail #155 is generally flat and takes a mild uphill climb to the cabin. Spruce Cabin sits above the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River, and is surrounded by an old growth spruce forest. The cabin was built in the late 1960’s after the original cabin was washed away in floods. There are several hiking opportunities from the cabin, including up the Vinegar Mountain Trail #260, that provides views of the surrounding area and peaks. During rafting season there are occasional rafting parties that may pass by.

Hiking Level of Difficulty to Reach Cabin: Moderate

Shaw Cabin 

DATES: No dates in 2024 – check back in 2025!

Located in the Bob Marshall Wilderness about 15 miles from the Owl Creek Trailhead on the Swan Range, southeast of Condon. Shaw cabin sits at the confluence of Shaw Creek and Gordon Creek. Gordon Creek is a major eastward flowing tributary of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. The cabin is also located at the junction of two main trails. Traveling to Shaw over the 6,800 foot Gordon Pass is a treat in itself with views of the Swan Valley, the Mission Mountains and into the reaches of the Bob Marshall. From the cabin, trails take you to Koessler and Doctor Lakes. Named after early-day Seeley Lake Ranger Ezra Shaw, the cabin was built in 1928 as part of a network of strategically placed pasture and shelter facilities with Shaw only 60 miles from Ovando, Montana, the nearest post office and supply point. Shaw is part of the 2014 designation of the Flathead National Forest Backcountry Administrative Facilities National Historic District.

Hiking Level of Difficulty to Reach Cabin:  Very Strenuous