A bit about the cabin and the club...
Situated on the shore of scenic Lake Como, El Capitan Lodge was built in 1935-36 by volunteers and is today one of only two buildings located on or near the lake. The area is an open ponderosa pine forest with dramatic views from the lodge extend beyond the lake to the Como Peaks in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area.
The Hamilton Hikers Club was formed in the early 1930's by a local group of young people who enjoyed hiking in the mountains. They hiked to many destinations including Trapper Peak, the Lost Horse area, and other places at a time when many of today's access roads did not exist. The Club built El Capitan Lodge in 1935, in order to have a focal point for their activities.
El Capitan Lodge is available at no charge to groups serving youth and disadvantaged adults by arrangement with the Club President, but is not rented to the general public. The Hikers’ Club encourages use by non-members, particularly by local groups, and especially by disadvantaged, disabled or youth groups, so all members should feel free to recommend use of the Lodge to community groups and to sponsor these groups whenever possible.
The cabin was designed by N.J. Kramis and other charter members of the Hamilton Hikers' Club. The Hamilton Hikers' Club still owns, maintains and regularly uses the lodge and, for this reason, the building is in excellent condition.
The Hamilton Hikers Clubs operates and maintains El Capitan Lodge under a special use permit from the United States Forest Service through cooperation with the Bitterroot National Forest and the Darby Ranger District. The Hamilton Hikers Clubs shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex (in educational activities), national origin, age, or disability or by curtailing or refusing to furnish accommodations, facilities, services, or use privileges offered to the public generally. Read More...
