Location: Livingston, Yellowstone Country, Montana, USA (23 Miles South of Livingston Off Hwy 89 S. on Mill Creek Rd.) View Map
Accommodations: Cabin, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 4)
Keywords: Cabin, creekside, fishing, hunting, cross country skiing, dogsledding,corral for horses
ENJOY WINTER SPORTS! CROSS COUNTRY SKIING, DOG SLEDDING. GREAT LOCATION! QUIET, PRIVATE, CLOSE TO CHICO HOT SPRINGS, YELLOWSTONE RIVER, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. ACCESSIBLE ALL YEAR.
Fishing (Mill Creek access on property), hunting, horseback riding (corral on property for your horses). WINTER RATES begin October 15th. Book now for spectacular fall colors. Now accepting reservations for 2012 season.
Nestled on a hillside in beautiful Mill Creek Canyon, Mill Creek Retreat is ideal for a couple, small family (up to 4), or several close friends. The cabin has decks with canyon and valley views and is on 8+ acres which include creek frontage. Rocky outcroppings, pines, junipers, aspens and cottonwoods are the backdrop for wildlife sightings. To the west, Paradise Valley and the Gallatin Range can be seen. The sound of water flowing in the creek will lull you to sleep, and on cloudless nights, the stars are incredible. Mill Creek flows out of the Absaroka Mountains to the Yellowstone River in Paradise Valley and is a major source of Cutthroat trout for the upper Yellowstone. During the day, you can fish in the beautiful canyon creek for these legendary Cutthroat up into the National Forest. A day trip to Yellowstone National Park is a must. Viewing the magnificent scenery and wildlife is an experience that hikers, photographers, fishers, etc., will never forget.
Cabin amenities include main living area with Murphy beds (1 twin, 1 double), couch/futon (double), sitting area, satellite TV. Full kitchen, 1 and ½ baths, one bedroom with day bed/trundle (2 twins or 1 king). Laundry room, mud room entry. Two decks, each with tables, chairs, umbrellas. Gas BBQ. Completely outfitted. Just bring clothes and food.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Garage
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Gas Fireplace
- Beds
- Convertible Bed (2) : High quality double sized futon/sofa in studio/living area. Premium mattress. Trundle day bed with "pop-up" twin can be a king sized bed or two twins in lower level bedroom. Custom mattresses.
- Murphy Bed (2) : One double and one twin Murphy bed with custom mattresses in studio/living area, fold out of cabinets at night, out of sight during daytime.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Basic Dish Network service
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : All new appliances including dishwasher and microwave.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator (2) : Under counter refrigerators plus an additional chest freezer.
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio (2) : Upper deck off main room has seating for four, table w/umbrella. View of canyon. Lower deck also has seating for four, table w/umbrella and valley view. Fire pit.
- View/Location
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details : Creek runs on boundary of property and is fishable.
- Mountain View : Property is surrounded by mountains and is in the Absaroka Range on the east side of Paradise Valley. The Gallatin Range can be seen to the west side of the valley. Adjacent to Forest Service Land with roads and trails suitable for hiking, biking, skiing, dog sledding, etc. Corral available on property for your horses.
- Communications
- Cell Phone : Antenna booster for your cell phone and broadband connection to your laptop. Verizon service best. AT&T borderline.
- Broadband Internet : Verizon broadband modem available. There is an additional charge of $15 a week for this option.
- Other Amenities
- Beautifully decorated in Mission/lodge style with original artworks, library of local writers. Quiet, peaceful. Creek, wildlife. Corral on property for your horses. Large entry/mudroom for hanging waders, storing fly rods, skis, coats and other gear.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Pets are allowed on an individual basis and must be cleared prior to your booking. Please be aware that wild animals frequent most of this area. Pets must be under the owner's control at all times. A $50 pet fee will be charged for pets.
- Kid Friendly : Not recommended for really young children. Seven years and older probably best.
- Smoking Not Allowed : Smoking allowed outside. Butts must be disposed of in sand buckets provided. Fire danger is always a concern in the mountains.
- Activities
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Located on Mill Creek with native Yellowstone Cutthroat, 40 miles north of Yellowstone National Park, near the Yellowstone River, wade and drift boat fishing, spring creeks, all with abundant trout. Horse friendly, riding and hiking trails. Dog sledding, cross country skiing.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Jan 01-May 31 & Oct 15-Dec 31 .. $425/3 day weekend .. $ 800/week
Jun 01-Oct 14 .................. $575/3 day weekend .. $1150/week
Security deposit: $250.00. Montana lodging/sales tax: 7%.
A 50% deposit is required on confirmation. Balance plus security deposit is due
3 weeks prior to check-in date. Security deposit will be refunded less charges for
damages within two weeks of your departure. PETS: A $50 CLEANING CHARGE ADDED.
Ask about our multiple week rental discount!
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2007
Owner's Map of Livingston
Owners Johnny Hale and Joan Watts have lived in the Livingston area for 37 years and 17 years respectively. Johnny, a fisheries biologist by education, is a retired movie grip and former leader of a country/western rock group called the Buffalo Chips. He was a staff writer for ATV in Los Angeles when the company was owned by the Beatles. He retired from music when the company was sold. Joan a landscape painter, was formerly a marketing director and fund raiser for non-profit organizations in California. She opened the Blue Winged Olive, An Angler's Bed & Breakfast in 1995. The B&B has been written up in many publications including Fly Rod & Reel and The Wall Street Journal. Many of her guests return year after year. She is the daughter of the late writer, Alan Watts, philosopher and authority on Zen Buddhism. Both Johnny & Joan are avid fly fishers. Many guests have been greeted by various Jack Russells over the years, most recently by Eddie, a rescued Parson Jack Russell. Between them, they have seven adult children and eleven grandchildren. They built the cabin as a retreat and vacation rental for folks like themselves, that enjoy occasional solitude in an incredibly tranquil setting.
Property Photos
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- Blue Winged Olive Mill Creek Retreat, Summer - Livingston Vacation Cabin near Skiing and Fishing
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- View of Mill Creek Retreat Cabin & Property, Winter - Livingston Vacation Cabin near Skiing and Fishing
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- Living area with custon full sized futon/couch - Livingston Vacation Cabin near Skiing and Fishing
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- View of room towards kitchen and stairwell
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- Kitchen with dining area
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- Twin Murphy bed opens out of wall cabinet at night--folds back up during the day
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- Cabin living area with stove
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- Bedroom on lower level of cabin
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- Double Murphy bed folds out of wall cabinet at night
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- Approach to Mill Creek Canyon
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- Mill Creek as seen on our property
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- Yellowstone Cutthroat (all catch & release) (Kevin Erb photo)
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- Cliff view from cabin deck
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- Entry and detail of cabin exterior--in Summer
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- Dog Sledding in Mill Creek Canyon
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- Beautifully tiled bathroom with shower
Traveler Reviews (13)
A charming and unique cabin
Guest: Margaret
(Dugspur, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 03/06/11
Review Submitted: 03/25/11
We really enjoyed our stay at The Mill Creek Retreat. The cabin was fairly new, very comfortable and contained everything we needed. It is beautifully furnished and decorated, with ample space for fishing and sporting equipment in the garage and ground level entry room. It is convenient to good trails for hiking and skiing, and an easy, 45 minute drive through beautiful Paradise Valley to Yellowstone. Chico Hot Springs is just a few minutes down the road if you want to relax in the hot springs or have a delicious dinner. The owners are gracious and very accomodating. We look forward to returning soon.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Unbelievable
Guest: none
(Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 07/02/09
Review Submitted: 03/22/11
My family and I rented this cabin July of 2009 for 4 days, and it was so much more than we expected. My wife and I had to pinch ourselves for stumbling across this gem. If you like the mountians, rivers, and a little a way from it all this is for you. My wife and I our 2yr old son, and my wife's teeange brother stayed here, and there was plenty of room for all of us, and this was before there was a seperate bedroom. The owners keep it in great shape and are more than helpful. What a beautiful setting and great location. A great suprise for us. It is about 35-45 min from the north enterance to Yellowstone, but worth the drive! We will be returning in the future.
Owner response:We appreciate the positive reviews of our guests. It is always our aim to make folks feel welcomed and comfortable in a peaceful setting for a truly relaxing vacation with interesting activities in this beautiful area of Montana. Joan & Johnny, Owners
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.
An amazing escape
Guest: Fish Lovers!
(Tacoma)
Date of Stay: 07/25/10
Review Submitted: 08/09/10
Thanks to your hospitality and wonderful cabin, our stay felt like home! This location was not only perfect to get to all the surrounding sites, but provided the most breathtaking scenery right from the porch! We will be back soon and can't thank Joan and Johnny enough! A+++!!! :)
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Mountain Getaway
Guest: Pete
(Ferdinand IN.)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10
Review Submitted: 07/09/10
We had a great time at this very cozy rental cabin. It was clean and comfortable. Perfect place to stay for going to Yellowstone Park. Only 30 or so miles away! The creek below put you to sleep at night. It was so relaxing listining to the water. Paradise Valley is the drive all the way to Yellowstone and is breathtaking. I would recomend this cabin to anyone. Gary and Cathy Altman
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.
Mountain Getway
Guest: Jason
(Michigan)
Date of Stay: 06/20/10
Review Submitted: 06/29/10
This rental was perfect for our Yellowstone adventure. We stayed here for a week and really enjoyed it. It was very clean, and had all the amenities we needed. The owners are very nice. The property is secluded on the side of a mountain near a creek that you can hear as you drift off to sleep at night. It was built with the environment in mind, special insulation, tankless water heater, etc., which makes a lot of sense considering it is near the greatest natural attraction in the country. Paradise valley, near where it is located, and which you drive through to get to Yellowstone is an absolutely beautiful setting surrounded by snow-capped mountains. We definitely recommend this to others.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Guest: Angie and Philip
(Columbus, MT)
Date of Stay: 01/21/10
Review Submitted: 01/21/10
We had a great time with nine of our sled dogs at the Blue Winged Olive’s Mill Creek cabin. Close access to cross-country skiing, skijoring, and dog mushing trails, as well as live music at the Pine Creek Restaurant and hot springs at Chico. The cabin had everything we needed and more. We plan to book another stay at this dog-friendly cabin in February.
Owner response:PLEASE NOTE that "mushers" keep their dogs either outdoors or in a truck outfitted with kennels. Angie and Philip were impeccable with their dog care and respect for our property. We only allow one or two dogs in living area and are very strict about pets on furnishings and beds.
Recommended for:
Guest: Bill Toone
(Bozeman, MT)
Date of Stay: 10/13/09
Review Submitted: 10/13/09
We enjoyed our stay at the Mill Creek Retreat. Being able to bring our dog was very much appreciated. The cabin was quite comfortable and in a very pleasant setting. Hearing the babble of Mill Creek was quite soothing as well and added to the enjoyment. We would very much recommend a stay here.
Recommended for:
Guest: Tamara10
(Green Bay, WI)
Date of Stay: 06/24/09
Review Submitted: 06/24/09
WOW - there are no words to describe this place. I almost don't want to leave a review so we can keep this cabin a little secret to ourselves! :) However, all things terrific must be passed along so others can enjoy them too. My husband and I celebrated our 11th anniversary at the cabin and we couldn't have picked a better place. The solitude is amazing - peace and quiet with the background noise of a river - it doesn't get much better than listing to the river as you go to sleep. Everything is new and clean. The beds are VERY comfortable (even for stomach sleepers such as myself). The owners are super duper friendly and very resourceful. The cabin is centrally located to everything - small towns, middle sized towns, large towns and Yellowstone. We drove through Bear Tooth Pass, went to Yellowstone for 2 days, hiked Mt. Emigrant, and then traveled up to Bozeman to the Museum which was quite fantastic too. We ate at the Old Salon in Emigrant (good food and friendly staff), a chop house in Livingston with the best baby back ribs, and also at Chico Hot Springs (HIGHLY recommended). If you want a true Montana experience in the wilderness with modern luxary close to many attractions - you must visit this cabin, you will not be sorry.
Recommended for:
Guest: Brenda Papera
(-)
Date of Stay: 01/27/09
Review Submitted: 01/27/09
We had a wonderful time at the cabin. It was ideal for us with the horse corral. We rode each day on the Mill Creek trails and spent an evening at Chico Hot Springs dancing. The cabin is beautiful and ideal for a couple, but given it's open layout, it there is no privacy for more than a couple. We brought in groceries and have wonderful meals. The place is convenient next to the road, but secluded for lots of privacy, which we really liked.
Recommended for:
Guest: Scott, Mathew, Adam
(-)
Date of Stay: 01/13/09
Review Submitted: 01/13/09
My two sons and I spent one of those “trips of a lifetime” in your Mill Creek Retreat in August and enjoyed every minute of it. The cabin was perfect for us, close to the streams, secluded but not too far for supplies and in a picture perfect location. The only thing better than the accommodation was the hospitality from Joan and Johnny. We will remember this trip for a life time.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #220016
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