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Downing Mountain Lodge

Chalet in rural Hamilton location

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Photo gallery for Downing Mountain Lodge

Terrace/patio
Pool
Game room
Interior
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
  • Place, River Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Claudia Driscoll Park
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Hamilton

In Hamilton .At this Hamilton chalet, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Bitterroot Valley and 6 miles (10 km) of Denton Park. Bitterroot River and Bitterroot Health - Daly Hospital are also within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Chalets in HamiltonOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Steve Powell Park - 10 min drive - 5.8 km
  • Denton Park - 11 min drive - 6.5 km
  • River Park - 11 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Claudia Driscoll Park - 12 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Daly Mansion - 17 min drive - 11.7 km

Getting around

  • Missoula Intl. Airport (MSO) - 88 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Higherground Brewery - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬13 min drive

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

Similar properties

Lobby
Bitterroot River Inn & Conference Center
Hamilton
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, 1,002 reviews
The price is CA $261
CA $282 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 1 - Jun 2
Bitterroot River Inn & Conference Center

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Sauna

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • 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
  • Smoking not allowed

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 organized 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

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 there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Parties and events are allowed on site. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Bitterroot Mountain Chalet

Downing Mountain Lodge Chalet

382021

Downing Mountain Lodge Hamilton

Downing Mountain Lodge Chalet Hamilton

Frequently asked questions

How close is Downing Mountain Lodge to the airport?

This chalet is 56 mi (88-min drive) away from the Missoula Intl. Airport (MSO) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Downing Mountain Lodge have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this chalet.

How close is Downing Mountain Lodge to the beach?

This chalet is 17.5 mi (33-min drive) from Como Swimming Beach.

Does Downing Mountain Lodge offer free breakfast?

This chalet does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Downing Mountain Lodge?

No, there is no casino at this chalet, but Silver Coin Casino (11-min drive) and Shiny Buckles Casino (11-min drive) are nearby.

What time is check-in at Downing Mountain Lodge?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Downing Mountain Lodge?

Free parking is not available at this chalet.

Does Downing Mountain Lodge have a pool?

This chalet does not have a pool.

Does Downing Mountain Lodge have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this chalet.

How close is Downing Mountain Lodge to downtown Hamilton?

This chalet is 3.5 mi away from 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

10/10 Excellent

Sandy T.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Richard W., ALEXANDRIA

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

10/10 Excellent

Kara T., Stevensville, MT

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

10/10 Excellent

Ben M.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Tony K., Wayzata, Minnesota USA

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Erik S.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Stephen B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome!

Really cool place in a great location.

10/10 Excellent

Kara T., Stevensville, MT

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

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Audrey S., Spokane, wa

Liked: Cleanliness

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!

8/10 Good

Krissy P.

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

6/10 Okay

Kimm I.

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

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey B., Montana

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

10/10 Excellent

Frankie P., Federal Way

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

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

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

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

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