Yes, you can cast from the deck to some of the most famous dry fly fishing.
Location: Darby, Bitterroot Valley, Glacier Country, Montana, USA (29 miles south of Hamilton on Hwy 93)
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 2.5 Baths (Sleeps 8-10)
Keywords: House
Are you going to finish your coffee on the deck while watching elk graze across the river as the sun peeks over the Sapphire Mountains, or are you going to step off the deck and catch that 18 inch Westslope Cutthroat feeding at your feet? Life is full of tough choices.
Whether your day is filled with fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, downhill skiing at Lost Trial Powder Mountain, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, browsing antique shops, exploring small town Montana, visiting the Big Hole National Battlefield, tracing Lewis & Clark’s steps without leaving the property (what a great history lesson if you have kids!), or explore the Nez Perce Trail, horseback riding, enjoying a good book, or a napping on the deck while listening to the river gurgle... you’ll love coming home to The Riverhouse and an evening that’s likely to include sites of big horn sheep, moose, deer or elk. Then smores at your campfire next to the river and the sight of more stars in one night than you’ve likely seen in a life-time. Leave your sounds of nature CD at home and crack the sliding door and nod off to the sounds of the river just a 33 feet from your King Size Select Comfort Sleep Number Bed in the master bedroom. You might even be treated Coyotes singing you to sleep from Coyote Gulth (yes, that's the real name of the gulth) across the river.
The Riverhouse is a unique experience, away-from-it-all yet, in the middle of everything the Bitterroot Valley and Mountains have to offer. So close to all of the activities you want to experience in the Bitterroot Valley and the surrounding mountains, yet once you enter the grounds, you’re away from it all - ready to enjoy the river, the mountains directly across the river, the wildlife, and the peace and serenity of The Riverhouse.
Whether you're looking for relaxation, wildlife viewing, fishing, or hiking you can do it all and more right here at The Riverhouse and still be only minutes away from everything the Bitterroot Valley, Bitterroot Mountains and Sapphire Mountains have to offer.
If you're the adventurous type you'll want to walk a couple hundreds yards upstream and follow some of the small streams coming from the west and explore the Beaver dams.
You'll love the extra touches that make The Riverhouse your home for a few days, a week, or a month. Touches like:
* King Size Sleep Comfort Sleep Number bed in the master bedroom. Ever wonder what it was like to sleep in perfect comfort? Find out while you're at the Riverhouse.
* The huge deck that starts 18 inches from the river bank.
* Fitted bottom sheets. Don't you hate it when you stay in a hotel and you're ready to jump into bed and you end up remaking it because the bottom sheet comes untucked?
* Large soft snuggly bath towels.
* Snuggly comforters
* Themed decorating that highlights local history and the great outdoors of Montana (The Lewis & Clark trail, Nez Perce Indians, Big Sky country, Montana Wildlife, and of course Fly Fishing).
* Give yourself a history lesson and study the wall maps and artwork that show that Lewis & Clark likely had lunch right on the property. The Nez Perce trial runs right through the property also.
* Cozy gas fireplace
* Outdoor fire pit
* Comfy deck chairs
* The balcony off the 2nd floor bedroom with it's wonderful view of the river and "The buffet" just across the river where deer, elk, big horn sheep and moose graze on the grasses and willows. We call the grassy area across the river the buffet because the wildlife are over there grazing so much the must think it's a "buffet".
When we started looking for a vacation house as a fly fishing base in Montana, I literally said, "O-MY-GOD Patty, You have to see this" when our realtor sent us information on The Riverhouse. It's location, right on the East Fork, with its reputation for great dry fly fishing... and its close proximity to a half dozen world class rivers and dozens of great creeks blew me away! Then we found out about Lost Trail Powder Mountain skiing 14 miles away - all of the great trails (if you're used to skiing the mega resorts with huge crowds you won't believe how much room you have to kyourself). The history, right here - the wildlife, right on the property, in the river, and across the river - a great wonderful "Real Montana" restaurant only a mile away - and all that the Bitterroot Valley and surronding mountains have to offer... The minute we drove onto the grounds of The Riverhouse, Patty and I knew this was our second home.
When we bought the Riverhouse I expected to spend a lot of time fishing those other world classes rivers and streams close by, but after fishing up and down the river right off the deck, I seldom go anywhere else. I’ve fished all of the famous rivers in Montana and scores of creeks, and it doesn’t get any better than up and down the river right here at the Riverhouse.
I was shocked at how good the fishing was and then I realized that it’s not easy to get on the river right around The Riverhouse unless you own property, or know someone who does, so it’s likely that during your stay you will not see another angler. Other than my friends, staying with us, I only saw one other angler last year.
Please remember, it is always illegal to keep any cutthroat trout on the East Fork. To keep this one of the best places to fish in the world, please practice catch and release with all fish.
Remember what Lee Wulff said in 1938, “A good game fish is too valuable to be caught only once. Releasing the fish is your gift to other anglers.”
If you need a fishing guide, just ask us.
We're sure you'll love The Riverhouse like we do.
Give us a call, see phone number below - Pacific Time.
Call between 8am and 10pm please.
Keith & Patty Lee
The Riverhouse is 76 mile south of Missoula, 30 miles south of Hamilton, and 14 miles south of Darby, Montana on Hwy 93.
No pets, please.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided : Cozy comforters and fitted sheets
- Garage
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : Plenty of room on the property to park your RV, boat, or trailer
- Gas Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed : King Size Select Comfort Sleep Number Bed
- Queen Bed : Queen beds in the second and third bedroom
- Twin/Single Bed : Twin inflatible bed
- Convertible Bed : Queen size futon in the great room
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : 120 Channel Dish TV
- DVD
- VCR
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Everything you need even a latte machine
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : You'll spend a lot of time on the deck that is about a foot and a half from the riverbank with the mountains across the river.
- Balcony : Wonderful balcony off the second bedroom upstairs overlooks the river and the "buffet" across the river. We call it the "buffet" because you'll often see deer, elk, big horn sheep and moose grazing on the grasses and willow in the "buffet"
- View/Location
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details : The highlight of The Riverhouse. You would need gills to sleep closer to the river. The deck is literally 18" from the riverbank
- Mountain View : The #2 highlight of The Riverhouse, just after the river view. The Sapphire Mountains rise a few hundred feet beyond the river. You'll likely see big horn sheep, deer and elk on the mountain side.
- Communications
- Telephone : You'll need a calling card to make long distance calls. Free local calls. Most cell phones work at the house or close by. Verizon has the best reception.
- Broadband Internet : High Speed Satalite connection. It's a lot faster than dial up, but not as fast as Cable Modem or DSL.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseshoes
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- You'll want to take incredibly scenic drives up the East Fork Road, five minutes away and explore beautiful East Fork of the Bitterroot Valley in the Sapphire Mountains, You'll also want to drive up the West Fork Road - 5 minutes away on the other side of the Bitterroot Valley and see the picturesque painted rocks and Bitterroot Mountains that surround you along the way, Be sure to visit The Big Hole National Battlefield - another wonderful drive through the Sapphire mountains to the Big Hole Valley, You'll also want to set aside a day to explore Darby, a quaint old west town 14 miles north on hwy 93, and don't miss historic downtown Hamilton. Most of all you'll want to enjoy the sounds of the river, the deck and the mountains from the deck.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Sept - June ... $200/night (2 nt min) .. $720/4 nights .. $1200/week
July - Aug ... $300/night (2 nt min)... $1080/4 nights... $1800/week
Rate for 4 people. $10 per night for extras. ADD Montana's 7% Accommodation Tax:
50% Deposit of total rent at time of reservation; balance 30 days before arrival.
Deposit is forfeited if you cancel unless we rerent your dates.
Total rent is due if cancelled within 30 days of arrival unless we re-rent.
$250.00 Security/Damage Deposit on all rentals.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
-
Credit Cards Accepted:
-
-
-
Property Photos
-
- Yes, you can cast from the deck to some of the most famous dry fly fishing. - Bitterroot Valley, MT Vacation Lodging in Hamilton
-
- Living room windows looking to the river and the Sapphire mountains. - Bitterroot Valley, MT Vacation Lodging in Hamilton
-
- - Bitterroot Valley, MT Vacation Lodging in Hamilton
-
- Welcome to The Riverhouse
-
- Master bedroom has its own bathroom. Slider leads to wrap around deck.
-
- Bedroom 2 with slider to balcony that overlooks the river.
-
- Living room from second floor landing
-
- Coming home after a day exploring the Bitterroot Valley and Mountains.
-
- White speck between goat's head and me is a fish on! Taken from house deck
-
- Full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, and all utensils.
-
- Full size washer and dryer.
-
- Bedroom 3
-
- Yes the fishing is great in the winter. Cutthroat swimming on sheet of ice.
-
- Lost Trail Powder Mountain is just 16 miles away!
-
- Beautiful West Slope Cutthroat take just downstream from the house
-
- Taken from our deck. Herd of femail big horns crossing the river.
Traveler Reviews (11)
At least as good as promised
Guest: April
(Lancaster, PA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/11
Review Submitted: 07/12/11
The photos, while accurate, do not do justice to the house, setting and environment. The combination of the three are wonderful. We were very comfortable and found the kitchen well equipped for home cooked meals. The house is remote and we liked it that way. Unfortunately we found the river to be quite high (early July) due to extraordinary runoff making it unsafe to wade. Worked with a great guide (Kurt Rausch 406 369-2873) to float the West Fork and caught some beautiful trout. Beyond fishing there are a number of great hikes in the area. We did Trapper Peak and Little Rock Creek Lake. No hesitations in recommending The Riverhouse!!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers.
River Side Relaxing
Guest: Str8 Casting
(Bellevue, WA)
Date of Stay: 04/07/11
Review Submitted: 04/12/11
Great home on the east fork! House was very clean and had lots of books and games for entertainment. BBQ on the deck while spotting big game across the river or wade right in and catch a cutty. Keith (owner) was very helpful and the three of us enjoyed the house very much. Everything you need from towels, washer/dryer to cook wear. Spring weather was somewhat unpredictable but the house made our stay pleasant.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+.
April at the Riverhouse was AMAZING!!!!
Guest: Patrick
(Camarillo, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/18/09
Review Submitted: 08/13/10
My family and I visited in April. The weather was fantastic - cool, crisp and clear mornings followed by 70 degree sunny days. We spent most of our time on the deck! At one point, we watched 40+ animals on the hillsides across from us (you look over the river). There were bighorn sheep and deer everywhere, it was amazing. At night, we were awestruck by the stars; you can actually SEE the milky way. The fishing, as you would guess, bordered on unbelievable. Great fish eating dry flies. Can't be beat! Bottom line, any spring that we don't make it out here will be a major regret for us! We will be back.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
WV river bum
Guest: Dave
(Parkersburg)
Date of Stay: 07/23/10
Review Submitted: 08/12/10
Everything was just like was presented in the add. Very nicely decorated, spacious, comfortable and we slept to the sound of the babbling East Fork. Fly fishing was very good near the house and upstream and the House is a convenient base for numerous float trips on the Bitterroot.. Darby was closeby and had a great fly shop and pizza shop. We would not hesitate to recommend the River House and would love to have a return trip.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Great Stay!
Guest: Rich
(Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10
Review Submitted: 08/09/10
This was our 2nd stay at the Riverhouse. As with the first time, we really enjoyed our stay. The house is great and deck is even better. The fishing near the house is good in both directions by walking or driving just a few minutes. We fished the East Fork 10 miles up from Sula as well as the East Fork at the house and just up the road past the campground. Also fished the West Fork near the dam and fished the main Bitterroot near Darby. In my opinion both the East and West Forks offer better fishing and more solitude than the main Bitterrroot. The biggest fish caught during our trip was just downstream from the house. We also took a day trip over to Rock Creek and had a great time catching fish and watching moose. Each night was topped off by sitting on the deck, discussing the ones that got away, watching for falling stars and wishing the trip wasn't going to end.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+.
Riverhouse visit
Guest: Mike
(Spokane, WA)
Date of Stay: 07/24/09
Review Submitted: 07/26/10
What a wonderful retreat!!! Great fishing right off the deck and a great location for day trips to the surrounding historic sites. We hope to make a Riverhouse trip an annual event.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Majestic
Guest: fly guy
(Medical Lake, WA)
Date of Stay: 06/24/10
Review Submitted: 07/23/10
the home was definitely a home away from home, very inviting and comfortable. We had six adults and two small children at the home, yet the home was so spacious we were able to have more than enough elbow room. The view and solitude were unmatched anywhere we have vacationed before. Within a few miles of the home we saw so many amazing animals of the bitterroot valley. Among the creatures we observed making their home in this valley: elk, antelope, sand hill cranes, big horn sheep, a mink, deer, prairie dogs, rabbits, Lewis woodpeckers, cedar waxwings, and even a skunk. The river was only a few feet from the deck and cast such a calming nature on the experience. We highly recommend a visit to this little paradise. We plan a return trip ourselves.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
good/bad
Guest: wd
(eugene,or)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10
Review Submitted: 07/23/10
GOOD.. wonderful home, great layout/furnishings, bird watching paradise, satellite TV for sports junkies, NOT SO GOOD.. nowhere to walk ( except in the water) river bank overgrown, private property, neighbor close on one side, tractor,gravel storage on the other...
Owner response:The highlights of the Riverhouse are the closeness to the river, relaxing or dining on the deck with the magnificent river and mountain views, the cathedral windows facing the river and mountains in the great room, the views from the master bedroom and 2nd bedroom, the layout of the house, the furnishings, the quality of all of the kitchen supplies, bedding etc; the fishing, and the proximity to everything else in the Bitterroot Valley. By definition a healthy river in the Bitterroot has to be "overgrown". A river without growth on the riverbank would be a very sterile river. Four of the pictures on this site show the riverbank and depict exactly what the East Fork is – a healthy river environment. The neighbors are close by wide open Montana standards. With that said, they are retired with no kids and it is doubtful you will ever hear or see them. There is a six foot tall fence between our property and the neighbors. Like most Montana rivers, the river downstream from us is private property. Starting at our property line, upstream from the house, it is public land for 5 miles. Of course when you stay in Montana the entire river under the high river mark is public and the East Fork is not a big deep river. That means that, in other than high water times, you can wade up and down the East Fork at the Riverhouse all you want. I can understand someone saying there is no place to walk. This is not the place to stay if you want to stroll along a sidewalk or country road or a river in the city with a paved path in the evening. It is the place to stay if you want to have a relaxing dinner (maybe a BBQ), riverside - on the deck - with a glass of wine or a beer while listening to the river and looking for wildlife across the river and on the mountainside. Or maybe, like others reviewing the Riverhouse you want to hop in the car for a leisurely drive to spot the abundant wildlife. Or maybe you just want to throw a line in the river as the sun goes down. With that said, if you are at all adventurous there are incredible hiking opportunities. Go upstream either along the river or on the road. Take your time. Wander around. Follow the same paths the wildlife uses. There is a wonderful hiking trail about 1/2 mile away up Warm Springs road and many other hiking trails close by. In addition, if you walk, or drive, up Hwy 93 about a ¼ mile there is a bridge over the river.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway.
amazing get away
Guest: fly guy
(Medical Lake, WA)
Date of Stay: 06/24/10
Review Submitted: 07/23/10
We stayed at the riverhouse for four very relaxing, adventurous days. The fishing was slow due to heavy rains and spring runoff, June is always a gamble, but that didn't seem to matter to anyone. The home was spacious enough four the three couples and two small children that went, a beautiful home and setting. It is so nice to just bring food and everything else is supplied. One day while relaxing on the deck we witnessed a mink across the river searching for food, and less than a mile away we spotted a herd of mountain sheep, cedar wax wings practically ate out of our hands and Lewis woodpeckers were abundant. Thank you for sharing your home, it was truly a home away from home, we will be back.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children, age 55+.
Guest: Pat Daly
(-)
Date of Stay: 04/03/06
Review Submitted: 04/03/06
Dear Keith and Patty, Thanks for sharing this piece of heaven. It really is dry fly heaven. What a wonderfully easy to fish river... and then just walk back to that incredible deck and the views of the mountains, wildlife and river. It just doesn't get any better. Thanks again. Pat Daly, Tacoma WA
Recommended for:
First (10) of (11). View all Reviews | Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #85837
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2006.
Date last modified - Monday, August 29, 2011
