Guest ranches, guest lodges, and resorts are a memorable way to experience the Bitterroot Valley.
From rustic Montana lodges to world class luxury resorts, we’re lucky to have a great selection of unique options.
We’ve listed them all below, with links to more information.
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Ranches, Lodges and Resorts in the Bitterroot Valley
Here’s our list of guest ranches, lodges, and resorts in the Bitterroot Valley, listed from north to south.
Here’s a map of the Bitterroot Valley if needed.
Image / Expedia
THE LODGE AT LOLO HOT SPRINGS
The Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs is located 26 miles west of Lolo, MT
The lodge features 30 rooms in a variety of configurations, free continental breakfast, and a convenience store in a great Montana setting.
Image / Dunroven Ranch
DUNROVEN RANCH
Dunroven Ranch is located in Lolo, MT
The ranch features 2 private apartments with full kitchens, and offers guided horseback rides and other outdoor activities.
Image / VRBO
DOWNING MOUNTAIN LODGE
Downing Mountain Lodge is located in Hamilton, MT
The yurt style lodge sits 2,000 feet above the Bitterroot Valley floor providing a unique, private experience for small groups.
Image / SkyWater Cabins
SKYWATER CABINS
SkyWater Cabins is located in Hamilton, MT
Formerly Angler’s Lodge, SkyWater Cabins feature a variety of cabin configurations with full kitchens, perched on the banks of a private 5 acre lake.
Image / Expedia
ABC ACRES
ABC Acres is located in Hamilton, MT
This permaculture farm features 4 separate and unique rental homes, surrounded by sustainable farming and a variety of livestock.
Image / Bitterroot River Lodge
BITTERROOT RIVER LODGE
Bitterroot River Lodge is located in Hamilton, MT
The fishing lodge features a variety of recently renovated guest rooms on the banks of the Bitterroot River, surrounded by a private wildlife refuge.
Image / VRBO
THE BITTERROOT MILE CLUB
The Bitterroot Mile Club is located 8 miles south of Hamilton, MT
This Orvis endorsed luxury riverfront lodge sleeps 18 people in a variety of suites, cabins and glamping cabins.
Image / Lost Horse Resort
LOST HORSE RESORT
Lost Horse Resort is located 11 miles south of Hamilton, MT
This rustic Montana resort features 14 cabins, 2 dry cabins, a bunkhouse, kitchenettes, and wood burning stoves.
Image / Chief Joseph Ranch
CHIEF JOSEPH RANCH
Chief Joseph Ranch is located 2 miles south of Darby, MT
This historic ranch is the famed ‘Dutton Ranch’ from the popular Yellowstone TV series, featuring unique lodging options and tours for guests.
Image / Expedia
RYE CREEK LODGE
Rye Creek Lodge is located 6 miles south of Darby, MT
This rustic Montana ranch features a selection of private, luxury log cabins on a 120 acre high mountain ranch.
Image / Triple Creek Ranch
TRIPLE CREEK RANCH
Triple Creek Ranch is located 13 miles south of Darby, MT
This luxury all inclusive ranch resort is one of the world’s best resort hotels, featuring 7 different cabin styles in spectacular Bitterroot Valley settings.
Image / West Fork Lodge
WEST FORK LODGE
West Fork Lodge is located 14 miles south of Darby, MT
This rustic lodge features a selection of guest rooms and cabins, and offers pilots a private 2,600′ airstrip in the middle of Montana paradise.
Image / Lost Trail Hot Springs Resort
LOST TRAIL HOT SPRINGS RESORT
Lost Trail Hot Springs Resort is located 6 miles south of Sula, MT
The resort features a collection of rustic cabins and a historic mineral hot springs pool just down the road from Lost Trail Ski Area.
Common Visitor Questions
When is the best time to visit?
It's always a great time to visit the Bitterroot Valley!
Having said that, mid-June through early September combines our most pleasant weather with the most recreational opportunities, activities, and events of the year.
When should we book our lodging?
Book early, popular summer dates go fast.
Many people book their lodging 9 to 12 months ahead of June and July stays. Try to book by the end of January if possible.
Which airport should we fly into?
Most people fly into Missoula, MT (MSO).
Other popular options include Spokane, WA (GEG) and Bozeman, MT (BZN), each about a 4 hour drive from the Bitterroot Valley.
Hamilton, MT also hosts a small FBO. Our Bitterroot Valley Map and Directions article provides more info.
Do we need to rent a car?
Yes, you'll need a vehicle. There's lots of driving to see all that the Bitterroot Valley has to offer.
Any vehicle is fine during the summer months, but winter can be a different story. All wheel drive with winter tires is a good idea from November through April.
What should we pack?
We recommend an abundance of layers, sturdy hiking shoes, quality hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, flashlight, bear spray, reusable water bottle, emergency essentials, and a good map or GPS.
Are there good places to eat and drink?
The Bitterroot Valley features over 130 food & drink establishments, and all but a few are locally owned and operated.
Learn more about Bitterroot Valley Food & Drink.
What kind of wildlife might I see?
The most common wildlife sightings include deer, elk, moose, eagles, osprey, and wild turkeys.
Bear and mountain lion sightings happen occasionally, but are far less common.
Are there good places to hike?
Yes, the Bitterroot Mountains feature many quality hikes of all ability levels, including Blodgett Canyon, Kootenai Creek, and Lake Como.
Learn more about Hiking the Bitterroot Mountains.
Do I need bear spray when hiking?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended, especially in wilderness areas. Be sure you know how to use it.
Is there good fishing in the area?
The Bitterroot River is one of Montana's more popular trout fishing destinations, with excellent fly fishing opportunities.
Learn more about Bitterroot Valley Fishing.
How much is a Montana fishing license?
You'll need a fishing license to fish the Bitterroot River, or the mountain lakes and streams in the area.
Costs vary depending on residency and number of fishing days..
You can use our handy calculator to see your fishing license costs here.
Are there hot springs nearby?
Yes. Popular options include Lost Trail Hot Springs near Sula and Jerry Johnson Hot Springs just across the Idaho border west of Lolo.
About This List
This list and similar lists on Bitterroot Info are provided as a courtesy, and listings are complimentary.
We draw on years of local lodging experience to create and maintain our lists, but we do not formally review or stay in the listed properties.
If you know of a discrepancy or error in the list, please report the issue.
If you would like to add your lodging, or update your listing, please contact us.