Basin, Montana is located in Jefferson County along Interstate 15, roughly halfway between Butte and Helena.
Situated in a high, narrow canyon about 10 miles southeast of the Continental Divide, it sits at an elevation of 5,364 feet.
The population was 212 at the 2010 census, down from 255 in 2000. Basin Creek flows through the town, joining the Boulder River on its south side.
Mining
Historically, Basin was a bustling gold and silver mining town, with its population peaking at around 1,500 in the early 20th century.
Gold deposits at the mouth of Cataract Creek, about a half mile downstream of Basin were reported as early as 1862.
Prospectors staked claims and built cabins, and within a few years placer mining extended the full lengths of Cataract and Basin Creeks.
When a settlement was established in Basin, the buildings at the mouth of Cataract Creek were gradually moved to Basin, and the Cataract camp was abandoned.
By the 1870’s lode mining boomed with mines like Eva May, Uncle Sam, and Comet.
The town prospered with the arrival of railroads and a smelter, but as ore deposits dwindled, mining declined, and many operations closed by the 1920s.
Today, remnants of this era, including abandoned mining equipment and the ruins of a smelter, are still visible.
Some of Basin’s old mines, like the Merry Widow and Earth Angel, have been repurposed as health mines, promoting radon exposure for alleged therapeutic benefits, particularly for arthritis.
These attract visitors, some staying at local RV sites for multi-day treatments.
Activities
Basin has a vibrant, eclectic vibe, largely due to artists and musicians drawn to its rural charm.
From 1993 to 2011, it hosted the Montana Artists Refuge, and the art scene remains active with places like Basin Creek Pottery and Gallery.
The town’s small business district includes a fire station, post office, two restaurants, a bar, and specialty shops, many housed in historic buildings.
It also has an elementary school, a water system, and a low-power radio station.
Surrounded by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Basin offers access to outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing in the Boulder River.
The Basin Canyon Campground, a small undeveloped site nearby, caters to those seeking a rustic experience.
The area’s geology, rooted in the Boulder Batholith, a granitic formation from 76 million years ago, adds to its rugged appeal.
Historical Habitation
Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in the region dates back 10,000 years, with Clovis artifacts found near Clancy, 20 miles northeast.
Nomadic tribes, including the Kootenai, Flathead, and Pend d’Oreilles, hunted bison here until the mid-19th century.
For visitors, Basin is a quiet stop with a mix of history, art, and outdoor recreation. The nearest major airports are in Helena (HLN) and Butte (BTM), about 30-40 miles away.
