Nature loves will enjoy 5-star luxury in America's rugged west
Features
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Trekking
- Cooking Classes
- Photography
- Nature
- National Parks
- Flora & Fauna
- Canoeing
- Horse Riding
- Bird Watching
- Massage
| Papoose Creek Lodge - Southwest Montana, USA | |
Sustainability Scorecard
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From US$700 p/dbl, full board
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good for you
Set on the Madison River in the wilds of Montana, the five-star Papoose Creek Lodge is no ordinary dude ranch.
Nature lovers with a taste for luxury will enjoy a good night's sleep in the spacious and
sumptuous accommodations, (each room and cabin has its own porch, and the deluxe cabin also has a stone fireplace), while days are spent spying on the wildlife, horseback riding, fly-fishing in the Madison, or heading out to the surrounding areas, which include the famed Yellowstone Park, just 40 minutes' drive away.
Life at the ranch gets really exciting when migrating elk, grizzly bear, wolverine, and antelope migrate through the ranch on their way south to Yellowstone National Park. The Lodge has a good range of organized walks and fishing trips, allowing you to experience the best of what the region has to offer.
good for montana
While Papoose Creek lodge focuses on green tourism, the Sun Ranch is pioneering sustainable ranching methods that it hopes will flourish throughout the region, where private lands form part of the native wildlife's crucial habitat.
The ranch does all it can to be hospitable to the native wildlife, from removing barbed wire fencing to placing herdsmen - and willing lodge guests - with cattle overnight so that cow and wolf can co-exist.
With the surrounding rivers playing host to countless fly-fishers, baby trout are reared in the ranch's hatchery before being sent to replenish local riverstocks.
Highs
- The lodge's incredible location is hard to over-hype the rugged Rocky Mountain backdrop, verdant alleys, and the meandering Papoose Creek create a spectacular and inspiring setting.
- Communal dining makes it easy to meet new friends (though if you prefer to dine with your cabin-mate, that can be arranged)
- The range of activities are endless: everything from women's fly fishing, hunting and cookery classes.
Lows
- No kids under 12 means a minus for some, at least
- Although the extreme luxury of Papoose Creek facilities such as heated bathroom tiles makes for 5-star comfort, but does compromise the resort's green credentials. While the outdoor hot tub may be a luxury plus, it's an environmental minus. Papoose Creek assures us they've got an engineer on the job to improve energy efficiency, so we'll keep you posted.
Rooms
The pioneer-style lodge sleeps up to 16 guests in five luxury rooms and three freestanding cabins built from reclaimed barn wood and Wyoming snow fencing.
Rooms and cabins all have porches with comfortable chairs, ensuite bathrooms, electric fans and CD players. Guests are provided with organic soaps and lotions, soft robes, and there are novels by western writers in each room, along with local wildlife guides. The deluxe cabin has a stone fireplace and whirlpool tub. Rooms are decorated with paintings by artists from the local area and are very cosy with heavy quilts and wood paneled walls and ceilings.
All guests are free to use the communal outdoor hot tub.
Grizzly (Room One) East-facing guest room with a king-size bed featuring a large walkout deck overlooking Papoose Creek. Amenities include comfortable recliners, writing desk, CD stereo with a built in alarm clock and selected discs. The en suite oversized modern bathroom has a separate shower and features radiant heated tumbled marble floor tiles. (This room can be also be configured as a twin-bedded room).
Antelope (Room Two) East-facing, cozy guest room with a large, walkout deck overlooking Papoose Creek. Amenities include a queen-size bed, sitting area, desk and CD stereo with a built in alarm clock and selected discs. The en suite oversized bathroom has a combination shower/bath and radiant heated tumbled marble floor tiles.
Wolf (Room Three) East-facing, spacious room with a king-sized bed, and a large walkout deck overlooking Papoose Creek. Amenities include a CD stereo with a built-in alarm clock and selected discs, radiant heat tumbled marble floor tiles, and an oversized modern bathroom. Plus, its easy access by ramp along with its specially-configured bathroom makes this a comfortable choice for our guests with limited mobility. (The room can be configured as a twin-bedded room).
Elk (Room Four) West-facing, cozy second-floor guest room with a queen-sized bed, spacious walkout balcony, overlooking our stocked practice casting pond. Amenities include a CD stereo with a built in alarm clock and selected discs, radiant heated tumbled marble floor tiles, and a modern bathroom.
Moose (Room Five) East-facing, elegant second-floor guest room with a king-sized bed, spacious walkout balcony overlooking Papoose Creek, aspens, and Montana's Big Sky. Amenities include a sitting area, writing desk, a selection of books, CD stereo with a built in alarm clock and selected discs, and the oversized modern bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub, separate shower and radiant heated tumbled marble tiled floor. (The room can be configured as a twin-bedded room).
cabins
Osprey (Cabin One) This well-appointed, one-level cabin with a stone fireplace and a king-sized bed features views in every direction, ample sitting room area and deck, a selection of books, a wet bar and CD stereo with a built in alarm clock and a selection of discs. The over-sized bathroom has a Jacuzzi tub and separate shower as well as radiant heat tumbled marble floor tiles. (This cabin can also be configured with twin beds.)
Cutthroat (Cabin Two) This rustic hillside two-level cabin is just 50 yards from the Lodge, tucked into the forest. A spacious sitting area, writing desk, a selection of books, and a south-facing deck with views in every direction complements the two full-sized beds. Amenities include a wet bar, personal refrigerator, CD stereo with a built in alarm clock and selection of discs. The over-sized bathroom has a shower and features radiant heat tumbled marble floor tiles.
Golden Eagle (Cabin Three) Our recycled Wyoming fence plank cabin is located on the hillside overlooking the Lodge with spectacular views of the Madison River valley. The cabin has a king-sized bed, ample sitting areas both inside and on the spacious deck. Amenities including a CD player, selection of disks, and books. Downstairs you will find a wet bar with personal refrigerator. An over-sized bathroom with shower and radiant heat tumbled marble floor tiles completes the picture. (This cabin can also be configured with twin beds.)
Food
Nobody goes hungry at Papoose Creek Lodge. A full breakfast begins your day, a gourmet lunch provides fuel for even more outdoor activities, capped off by a dinner to satisfy of hearty food to satisfy even the most particular gourmand. Chef Michael Showers uses fresh, natural and locally-sourced foods. Ingredients include local fish, small-herd, grass-fed beef; naturally raised pork, lamb and poultry. Vegetables grown by local organic farmers are used whenever possible. A full bar is available to guests with vintage wines from all over the world. Guests gather in the lodge's central room for meals.
sample menu
Starters@:
Raviolo of Sweet Potato and Quail Egg with Green Garlic and Brown Butter
Kind of Spicy Pork Cheeks, Red Onion Marmalade, Caraway and Wild Honey Biscuit
Local Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Amaltheia Chevre, Summer Tomato and Champagne Vinaigrette
Skillet Blue Crab, Local Frisee, Yam Croutons and Creamy Dill Dressing
Soups/Salads@:
Bucket of Slightly Roasted Vegetables with a Garden Cucumber and Tarragon Tzatziki
Plate Marinated Rainbow Trout, Shaved Fennel, Orange Supreme and Local Caviar
Green Gazpacho of Cucumber, Poblano Chiles, Cilantro and Parsley with Cumin Creme Fraiche
Organic Greens, Sweet Shallot Vinaigrette, Flathead Cherries and Walnuts
Main Dishes:
Black Pepper Pappardelle, Gallatin Morels and Fava Beans in Sherry Cream with Candied Garlic
Montana Bison Ribeye, Sweet Potato Fries, Peppery Greens and Smoked Tomato Catsup
Miller Farm Pork Chop, Mustard and White Bean Puree, Grilled Stone Fruits and Garden Herb Jus
Stone Seared King Salmon, Tarragon Dumplings, Pea Vines and Fennel Broth
Sweets@: Huckleberry Cheesecake with Port Syrup
Double Shot Espresso Milkshake,
Mocha Cookie and Dipped Blackberries
Minted Crepes with Frozen Chocolate Mousse and Raspberry Jellies
Bread Pudding with Roasted Peaches and Tart Creme Fraiche
Features & Facilities
Accommodations: The Lodge can accommodate 16 guests. Five oversized double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms in the main Lodge; one single level cabin with king size bed and fireplace, two two-level cabins with twin beds and en suite bathrooms.
Amenities: The Lodge features a great room with fireplace, a dining room to seat up to 16 guests, an open kitchen, wine cellar, open-air hot tub, pro shop, public telephone, guest office with internet access, and reception office. Massage services available on request.
activities:
- Guided fly fishing (rivers, streams and lakes)
- Guided horseback riding
- Guided hiking
- Guided canoeing
- Wildlife viewing program
- Guided birding excursions
- Guided auto tour of Yellowstone Park's front country
- Cooking lessons with the chef
- Hunting program
- Photography with local wildlife photographer Tom Murphy.
packages:
All packages are available for three, four, or seven-night stays and include the following:
Papoose Creek Lodge Package: The basic package, it includes accommodations, all meals, daily complimentary beverage, guided hiking and canoeing.
Multi-Venture Package Same as Lodge Package, plus guided fly-fishing and horseback riding with instruction.
Fly Fishing Package: Accommodations, all meals, happy hour, and daily guided fly-fishing with instruction. In addition, guests will receive rental equipment and a special package of flies at no additional charge.
Birding Package: Same as Lodge Package, plus guided birding excursion.
Children: Papoose Creek Lodge is adult oriented and welcomes children 12 years old and over. Children of all ages are welcome for full Lodge buyout.
Smoking: In the interest of other guests, smoking is only allowed in outside non-public areas.
Local Info & Activities
location
Papoose Creek Lodge is located in the upper Madison River Valley of Southwest Montana, adjacent to the spectacular Lee Metcalf Wilderness and 40 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. From lush creek bottoms, across rolling grasslands, through rising foothills and up to soaring 11,000 foot peaks, guests can experience the immense natural beauty for which the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is famous. At Papoose Creek, guests will enjoy abundant wildlife and breathtaking vistas woven into the natural fabric of each day.
Yellowstone Park was established in 1872. Its 2.2 million acres include spectacular alpine lakes and rivers, as well as the geysers, mud caldrons and bubbling paint pots. The Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including elk, bison, bears and reintroduced wolves. Watch for eagles, falcons and trumpeter swans among the 303 bird species that live in the park. Witness brilliant colors of spring and summer wildflowers or winter's dazzling snow and ice.
activities:
- Guided fly fishing (rivers, streams and lakes)
- Guided horseback riding
- Guided hiking
- Guided canoeing
- Wildlife viewing program
- Guided birding excursions
- Guided auto tour of Yellowstone Park's front country
- Cooking lessons with the chef
- Hunting program
Papoose Creek lodge offers packages that involve activities in the surrounding areas.
activity packages:
All packages are available for three, four, or seven-night stays and include the following:
Papoose Creek Lodge Package: The basic package, it includes accommodations, all meals, daily complimentary beverage, guided hiking and canoeing.
Multi-Venture Package Same as Lodge Package, plus guided fly fishing and horseback riding with instruction.
Fly Fishing Package: Accommodations, all meals, happy hour, and daily guided fly-fishing with instruction. In addition, guests will receive rental equipment and a special package of flies at no additional charge.
Birding Package: Same as Lodge Package, plus guided birding excursion.
insider tips
Montana Climate: Generally, Montana's weather is milder than many visitors might expect. Montana's cold spells are frequently interrupted by Chinook winds (warm winds) and mild periods. The weather is dry, and is neither oppressively hot or cold. Average annual precipitation is 15 inches, varying from 9.69 inches to 100 inches. Average daytime temperatures vary from 28F degrees in January to 84.5F degrees in July
Sustainability
- Papoose Lodge's focus is on sustainable ranching methods for the western region of the United States. This means raising cattle without compromising the native wildlife, including grizzly bear, wolverine, elk, antelope and other species that live on and migrate through private ranches around Yellowstone National Park.
- The lodge helps support the Sun Ranch Institute - a non-profit organisation formed to develop sustainable ranching techniques and educate the community about those techniques.
- The lodge is built on Sun Ranch, which has a program to help conserve the Madison River and its trout population. The ranch also has a fish hatchery to help restore the West Slope Cutthroat Trout to its habitat in the Northern Rockies.
- The ranch has removed more than 35 miles of barbed wire to facilitate the movement of wildlife through the ranch.
- The Ranch's predator management program sees ranch hands - and guests - camp out overnight to watch over cattle, allowing the local wolf pack to live and den on the ranch without harming the herd.
- Archeological sites on the ranch, containing native American artifacts, have been left undisturbed for the study of archeologists. Lodge guests can visit the sites and learn about the indigenous cultures that lived in the area.
- Most products used at the lodge are either locally or sustainably produced. An effort is made to buy locally, reducing the greenhouse impact of transportation and supporting local growers and producers.
- Through its wildlife tours and guest speaker programs, guests can learn more about the local wilderness and ways to protect it. The lodge also puts interested guests in touch with local organization that they may wish to donate time and money to during their stay.
- Approximately 75% of the Lodge's revenue remains in the community that comprises the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Sun Ranch managers also offer education to other ranchers in the area and beyond.
- Owners Roger and Cindy Lang own both the ranch and the lodge. They are both committed conservationists.
- While Papoose Lodge has some work to do on energy efficiency and isn't at the moment using green energy, it has plans to get "off the grid" and has employed an engineer to improve sustainability in this area.
Getting There
Papoose Creek Lodge is located in the upper Madison River Valley of Southwest Montana, adjacent to the spectacular Lee Metcalf Wilderness and 40 minutes from one of our nation's jewels, Yellowstone National Park.
By Air Gallatin Field, located in Belgrade, is approximately 87 miles from Papoose Creek Lodge, and is serviced by Alaska Airlines, Delta, SkyWest, Horizon, Northwest and United/United Express Airlines. West Yellowstone's airport is approximately 41 miles from Papoose Creek Lodge, but is open from June 1 through September 30 only, and is serviced by Sky West.
by car:
from the north (bozeman)
This trip is approximately 87 miles. From Bozeman take Highway 84 southwest to Norris. At Norris take Highway 287 south 16 miles to Ennis. Drive straight through Ennis (turn left at the stop sign in Ennis), and travel another 34 miles south. Papoose Creek Lodge is between mile marker 16 and 15 on Highway 287. (Note: these mile markers start from the south, so they will be counting down). As you near, you will see the brown Lyons Bridge Fishing Access sign on your right, the lodge gate will be past this on your left about 1/2 mile. The gate has a wooden "Papoose Creek" sign
From the South (West Yellowstone) This trip is approximately 41 miles. From West Yellowstone (at the intersection of US20 and US287/US191), head north on US287/US191 for approximately 8 miles. Turn left onto US287. Continue for approximately 31 miles. Papoose Creek Lodge is on your right between mile markers 15 and 16. The gate has a wooden "Papoose Creek" sign
Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.
Rates & Bookings
3-night stay
Lodge Room - Double: US$1005 p/p
Lodge Room - Single: US1605 p/p
Cabin - Double: US$1305 p/p
Cabin - Single: US$2205 p/p
4-night stay
Lodge Room - Double: US$1340 p/p
Lodge Room - Single: US2140 p/p
Cabin - Double: US$1740 p/p
Cabin - Single: US$2940 p/p
7-night stay
Lodge Room - Double: US$2345 p/p
Lodge Room - Single: US$3745 p/p
Cabin - Double: US$3045 p/p
Cabin - Single: US$5145 p/p
- Rates are per person.
- Rates include all meals and one complimentary drink daily.
- Use of all lodge facilities.
- All taxes are included.
- Airport transfers are included.
- Three night minimum stay.
- Check-in time is 3:00 pm. Check-out time is 10:00 am.
- Children 12 and older are welcome throughout the season.
- Rates are exclusive of tax and gratuities.
MULTI-VENTURE PACKAGE: The perfect package for those seeking a variety of activities.
Package Includes: Guided hiking; guided canoeing; guided fly fishing and casting instruction; guided horseback riding and instruction; a guided auto tour of Yellowstone's front country.
Activities begin the day after your arrival at the Lodge, and are not included on the departure day.
3-night package
Lodge Room - Double: US$1705 p/p
Lodge Room - Single: US$2305 p/p
Cabin - Double: US$2005 p/p
Cabin - Single: US$2905 p/p
4-night package
Lodge Room - Double: US$2390 p/p
Lodge Room - Single: US$3190 p/p
Cabin - Double: US$2790 p/p
Cabin - Single: US$3990 p/p
7-night package
Lodge Room - Double: US$4445 p/p
Lodge Room - Single: US$5845 p/p
Cabin - Double: US$5145 p/p
Cabin - Single: US$7245 p/p
- Rates are per person.
- Rates include all meals and one complimentary drink daily.
- Use of all lodge facilities.
- All taxes are included.
- Airport transfers are included.
- Three night minimum stay.
- Check-in time is 3:00 pm. Check-out time is 10:00 am.
- Children 12 and older are welcome throughout the season.
- Rates are exclusive of tax and gratuities.
OTHER AVAILABLE PACKAGES - please enquire for prices.
Fly Fishing Package: Designed for those who know they want to fly-fish the local waters everyday.
Montana Birding Package For birders of all levels in search of rare, regional birds and finding those lifers!
WOMEN'S FLY FISHING WEEKEND: Learn the art of the perfect cast, and spend three days of guided fly-fishing.
Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.