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Downing Mountain Lodge

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Photo gallery for Downing Mountain Lodge

Pool
Exterior
Outdoor spa tub
Games room
Interior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire chalet

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12204 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

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Hamilton, MT
  • Place, Denton Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
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    ‪12 min drive‬
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    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

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Bitterroot River Inn & Conference Center
Hamilton
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, 1,001 reviews
The price is €207
includes taxes & fees
28 Jun - 29 Jun
Bitterroot River Inn & Conference Center

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Downing Mountain Lodge

Located 2,000' above the Bitterroot Valley, the Downing Mountain Lodge is a log lodge built in the round on a single level. With one hundred mile views and end of the road privacy, the rustic lodge built in the 1970's hosts all types of recreationists, solitude seekers, and nature lovers all year round. Located in a remote mountainous setting, the lodge is for hearty folk looking for a beautiful, adventurous, and rustic base camp including a hot tub and sauna. The Downing Mountain Lodge is a 2,500 square foot, log yurt built into the Bitterroot Mountains 7 road miles west of the town of Hamilton, Montana. With total privacy, the forested mountainside, hiking, wildflowers,  huckleberry picking, backcountry skiing, amazing views, and comfortable amenities, the Downing Mountain Lodge is a one of a kind, unique mountainside retreat for all your adventure, events, and relaxation needs. With an outside barbecue deck overlooking the valley, the front lawn featuring a hot tub, a wood fired sauna in the stone hut outside the backdoor, a great room centered by a massive stone fireplace, dining tables and room for up to fifty guests for your catered event, and a foosball table, guitar and piano, bring the whole party and the dog! Located only twenty minutes from Hamilton, with complete privacy, and three miles from the nearest neighbor, you will feel relaxed and above it all during your visit. The lodge is open year round for guests with winter time backcountry skiing the main activity and summertime fishing, hiking, gatherings, and relaxing. With a mandatory drive on a three mile, dirt, forested mountain road, at times graced by carpets of wildflowers or punctuated by deer, elk, fox, grouse, moose, black bears, bobcats, and coyotes and wolves and mountain lions, the Lodge is NOT for everyone. For those seeking solitude with their group, an expansive retreat, and comfortably rustic amenities, you will love the lodge. The lodge is primarily heated by burning wood and guests will have the opportunity to split their own firewood and start and maintain the fires in the woodstove and fireplace. A well stocked utilitarian commercial kitchen is not boutique, communal bathrooms with two toilets and one inside shower, and an outside hot tub and sauna round out the lodge's amenities and  welcome you to an authentic Montana nature retreat where you will be able to live again close to Earth and with your loved ones.  The entire lodge and 100 acre property with thousands of Forest Service mountainside acres of forest, wildlife, wildflowers in May and June and huckleberries in July and August is available exclusively to our guests. Backcountry powder skiing from December through March and spring corn skiing in April and May.  Accessible via a dirt, switchbacking, mountain road, the roadway has a couple of gates along its 3 mile approach and the lodge is locked with a combination lock.  Guests are able to call on me for help with lodge facilities, recreation ideas, dining options, and guide services for backcountry skiing, fishing, horse riding, river trips, sailing trips, mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking.  We are three miles beyond the last home on Grubstake Road, 7 miles by road from downtown Hamilton. The neighborhood includes grouse, deer, elk, bear, moose, wildflowers, huckleberries, hiking trails, a forest of green trees, two spring creeks, a burnt forest, and wind and sunshine.  As a remote wilderness lodge, guests will want their own car to access the lodge and surrounding areas. The access driveway is dirt, 3 miles long, and in fairly good condition. https://youtu.be/vs7GCXQq6ek
During your stay at this chalet, you're just a quick walk from Bitterroot Valley. 1 hot tub is available.
  • On-site recreation includes a sauna
  • Steps from Bitterroot Valley and 10 minutes by car from Bitterroot River
Downing Mountain Lodge offers its guests a hot tub and a sauna.

This Hamilton chalet is smoke free.

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Sauna

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Piano
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Foosball table

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Recycling
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Unit size: 2,200 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

Events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

Property is also known as

Bitterroot Mountain Chalet
Downing Mountain Lodge Chalet
382021
Downing Mountain Lodge Hamilton
Downing Mountain Lodge Chalet Hamilton

Downing Mountain Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 41 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 41 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 41 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 41 reviews

7.2/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erik S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great get away and perfect Covid remote work place. Loved the view and everything about it!

From the view to chopping firewood for the fireplace, playing family music with the instruments and cooking in a restaurant kitchen, it was a great experience we will always remember fondly.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Sherri D.

Awesome getaway!

We had a fantastic time at this beautiful lodge away from it all. John was a great host, too. Hot tub, sauna, gorgeous views... couldn't have been better. Thanks for the most relaxing vacation ever!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The lodge is rustic and quirky and we loved it! The view of Hamilton and the mountains is amazing. It was a great basecamp for our Montana adventures hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and horseback riding. I did miss having a washer and dryer and the ride up to the cabin is an adventure of its own, but those were minor inconveniences. Thanks to John for sharing your awesome lodge!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Krissy P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Montana

Place is really rustic and unique. Kids weren’t on their phones and had a blast. It could use some updating but the views FANTASTIC!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kara T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ultimate Socially Distant Vacation

Amazing sunrise views, and even better stargazing from the hot tub. Plenty of space to stretch out for our group and grandma even got her own bedroom. Each of us had adventures we loved - hiking to the top of the mountain, yoga on the deck, taking a sauna and an outdoor shower, cooking a gourmet meal for our group to enjoy in the dining room! It is a bit rustic as others have said but it’s a special place and we’re planning our next trip around a stay at the Downing Mountain Lodge.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Audrey S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Montana Gem

We loved this place! This was our first VRBO booking and it did not disappoint! The property was comfortably rustic as we expected. The owner communicated with us well. We loved spending our family Christmas there! We enjoyed time in the sauna and hot tub. We got some sledding done. We had everything we needed in the kitchen and slept comfortably in the rooms. We would surely recommend it to others!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Shoulder season stay at Downing Mountain Lodge - Board Meeting

My organization conducted its annual board meeting at Downing Mountain Lodge and could not have been happier with our stay. It was the perfect venue for what we need; large space to spread out, industrial kitchen, sleeping area for 10+ (could fit more like 20+) and located above the beautiful Bitterroot Valley. I only wish that our board meeting took place during the ski season, but that would have caused little work to be accomplished. Over all I give the property and owners a review of 5 stars. I would be a great location for anything between a family reunion getaway (3 season) and backcountry skiing basecamp. Keep up the great work and look forward to exploring more at Downing Mountain Lodge!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

mary M.

As great as it looks

I take all reviews and photos with grain of salt, but believe me, this is as good as it looks! Highly recommend a summer or fall stay. We only had 3 people and 2 dogs, tho the lodge can host much larger parties, but it was Heaven on Earth with 180+ degree views out the windows if it's chilly; or barbecuing on the deck at 5500 ft.; gazing down on the valley and across to Sapphire Mts at sunrise/sunsets. Perfect place for a writers' retreat (there's a great library!), or cooking class with the commercial kitchen; music gathering with a piano and incredible sound system; or base camp for easy-to-hard hikes in the Bitterroots. John works really hard to make this place available--DO take advantage!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Kimm I.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Girls Trip 2019

A group of friends and I rented this lodge for a 3 day stay. Overall it was a good experience, but it is definitely a bit dated and much more rustic than advertised. One of the hot tubs was out of order, and we experienced a few malfunctions in the kitchen area. Be prepared to chop and haul wood for your heat. However, the setting & view from the lodge is spectacular!!! It is remote but quite beautiful. Fortunately, our group was comfortable with the rustic feel. We had a group of 9 and had plenty of room/space. I believe the place is in need of a few repairs, but as I previously mentioned....our overall experience was good.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard W.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy

Great stay at the top of Montanta

Really loved the stay on Downing Mountain. The yurt has great gathering areas both in the large 'great room' or the huge deck, both of which provide excellent view of Hamilton and the valley below. It is a great launch point to enjoy hiking (either straight up the mountain or other trail heads nearby), fishing or just relaxing on the river.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kara T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fireworks view

For the 2nd summer, we had a great time at the Lodge. We added a few people since our stay last year, and our family group loved the character/ambiance and views at DML. Of course we hope to return again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ben M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fly fishing trip

Loved the location and the house. My only request because we were there when it was really hot is to get a window or wall A/C put in. The temps were really hot when we were at the property. Towels were hard and scratchy so they could maybe just upgrade to new towels. Overall I would highly recommend and loved the property. Would be interested to stay in the winter as I think it would be epic for backcountry skiing!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing property that is very unique. Not the Rotz but has a better view and much more authentic!

Downing Mountain lodge is truly a special property with a history, view, access and a setting that is in a class of its own. Feel like you’re in a James Bond film at night looking down on the lights of the valley through the large panoramic windows of the 16 sided log structure. Cooking is a breeze with the commercial stove and griddle. Pancakes, potatoes and bacon all going at once! As said it is not the Ritz. The lodge isn’t new, it gets used by enthusiasts who use it hard, and requires a little more effort than staying at a corporate chain hotel. However, it is authentic and a place we’ll remember. I would gladly return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome!

Really cool place in a great location.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular view

Lodge on the hill’s views are amazing. Lodge itself is funky and fun remnant of the 70’s. Much bigger than the pictures. Perfect place to chill out as we weathered a number of storms while hanging out by the giant fireplace. Owner is responsive and immediately sent help when storm blew a tree over the access road. Plan on an extra 15-20 minutes to get anywhere else. Ex-restaurant kitchen is very “ex” and could use a good fixing up or at least a commercial quality cleaning.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey B.

Secluded, amazing views.

My husband and I live in the Bitterroot Valley and hike around a lot but have never seen the views quite like this. Truly beautiful and will definitely be coming back. The lodge is so inviting, and we enjoyed nights out in the hot tub. Such a nice getaway yet close to home. Thank you, Johnny!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frankie P.

Beyond awesome!!

This place is the best! If you want a kick ass view up in the mountains away form eveone this is the place !!! I love the history in this place the fact it’s on the side of a mountain,your surrounded by wildlife and nature it the best!!! This place is great for huge groups! The kitchen is such an amazing addition to the trip make it wonderful knowing you can cook for everyone and not be cramped!! John was a great host I stayed in close contact with him and he was extremely helpful. We left a little early on our last day since we had a 11 hr drive back but next time I’m out there I’ll make timeto stop by and shake Johns hand! I know I’ll be back for sure totally love this place !!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

William H.

The unique location is what makes this place so special.

At roughly 5,500 feet, the views are spectacular. It is a relaxing and larger group friendly location. The layout is utilitarian and not luxury minded. It is approximately 25 minutes from the lodge to the main highway in Hamilton. Forgetting something at the market is not conveniently remedied. Once you are there you will not want to leave, primarily because it feels so nice to be there. You are looking down mostly at the airplanes and eagles. Great kitchen facilities, but a single shower means an organized group effort. Never ran out of hot water. There is a lot of cellular phone tower equipment mounted to the lodge and in a tower behind it. While this did not impact our stay it might bother some who are more sensitive to the aesthetics of it. The lodge is a great value and this might be possible because of the offset in costs due to the equipment leases. Wildlife is everywhere with chipmunks and rabbits joining the evening cocktails on the porch. The pictures I took from the deck are some of the most beautiful I have ever taken. Very unique spot.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Michelle C.

Loved it

Incredible setting in the mountains, quiet and remote. The interior is comfortable and spacious. Thanks for loaning it to us.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017
Archival

8/10 Good

Jerome T.

Great place to stay and an adventure to boot.

Loved Downing Mountain Lodge. The place is big an roomy, with great views in every direction. The kitchen was once a restaurant, so lots of great cooking appliances to create your favorite feast. Travel up to the lodge is the adventure with gravel switch back roads that are well worth the trip. If you want to get away from it all and yet be close to town, this is your place.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Incredible place

My father-in-law and I got soaked as a storm rolled through the bitterroot while we were passing through on a motorcycle excursion.. John was incredibly nice and let us stay the night when we called last minute. We had never been here, and when we pulled up we were in awe. The lodge is beautiful and the view is breathtaking. The hot tub was clean and exactly what we needed being soaked and chilled to the core. It has everything one could want, and I realized that in the winter it has great access to backcountry skiing. This lodge will see us again. Thank you so much!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

marisa s.

Great venue for a gathering

We searched long and hard for the right place to have our wedding. Many of the options were very nice but quite pricey and would not provide the view of this valley we call home. Once we realized that Downing Mountain Lodge was an option our decision was all but made. John let us visit the lodge and take measurements to see how many people we thought we could fit in the lodge as well as on the grounds. Our wedding was small (65 guests) and the weather was great. Everyone fit and we probably could have squeezed a few more in. Everything turned perfectly. I believe every guest went home with at least one photo on their phone showing the amazing view the lodge has from it's perch on the hill. We could have all squeezed inside if absolutely necessary but the ceremony on the deck, food in the lodge, and games outside felt ideal. I would highly recommend this lodge for any events you may have planned where you want to show your guests why this valley is so great. A little decorating was all it took for a beautiful wedding. The owners are great and very easy to work with. Since I don't plan to get married again, I need to find a new excuse to rent it again next summer or even in the winter!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Magical place

This was our second time staying at downing mtn lodge and it's always so relaxing. The place is cozy and beautiful. It's a gorgeous get away from missoula with hot tubs, sauna, and endless hikes in the area. The owners took great care of us and plowed the roads before we arrived and they are quick to respond to emails or phone calls. I wish I lived at this place all year round. Ps. The new flooring looks great!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Bill F.

Great Spot !!

We were just there in August 2015 - nice lodge with a wonderful view. Very private, large kitchen and fireplace. Clean and enjoyable
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Elaine W.

LOVE this place!

Our group of 9 (5 teenagers) stayed at the Downing Mountain Lodge and absolutely loved it. The views are spectacular and at night the sleepy town of Hamilton twinkles beneath you. From the seventeen switch-backs that lead you up to the secluded lodge, to the wrought-iron anchor that holds the door, to the fireplace, piano, drums, comfy sofas, this place is loaded with rustic charm. We enjoyed the commercial kitchen, stocked with the essentials and every kind of pot, dish or utensil imaginable. My favorite was the large griddle which made it easy to feed our group quickly and the dishwasher did a load in 90 seconds! There were deer and rabbits and a fox who visited at dusk. Get away from the crowds that flock to Glacier. There are beautiful drives, horseback riding, and the serene Bitterroot River. John, the owner, was a pleasure and made us feel so welcome. We love this place!