Ashland Ranger District - Ashland

The Ashland Ranger District is located in south-central Montana. It is the largest contiguous block of Federal ownership in eastern Montana. This District has the largest grazing program of any National Forest Ranger District in the Nation. The area is rich in coal and wildlife. The District is very popular with trophy deer hunters and also a popular turkey hunting area.

The Ashland Ranger District offers a variety of topography, varying from rolling grasslands to steep rock outcrops. Vegetation varies from prairie to dense stands of ponderosa pine.

The Forest Service offers the Whitetail Cabin and Diamond Butte Lookout for rent throughout the year. The cost is $30 per night with a maximum limit of four nights. These can be rented by calling 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov

There are three riding and hiking areas in the District that total about 40,000 acres. The areas are Cook Mountain, King Mountain, and Tongue River Breaks. These areas offer quality hunting, outstanding solitude, and a good opportunity for nature study. Motorized travel is not permitted and the boundaries are posted. There are no developed trails within the areas at this time. Maps of the areas are available at Forest Service offices in Ashland, Camp Crook, SD, and at the Billings Supervisors office.

Picnic and camping facilities are available at:

Red Shale

Holiday Springs

Cow Creek

Poker Jim Overlook