Chalet

Downing Mountain Lodge

Photo gallery for Downing Mountain Lodge

A cozy room with a stone fireplace, wooden walls, and leather sofas.
A pool with a sunset view, surrounded by trees and distant mountains.
A wooden deck with a bench, a fire pit, and a view of mountains.
A bed with a fluffy pillow, a wooden headboard, and a circular wall fan.
A kitchen with wooden flooring, a central island, and a dining table with chairs.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Panoramic mountain views
    Guests love the sweeping mountain views that frame every part of the stay.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Unmatched views, unforgettable moments
    Guests like the location for the scenic views.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Bitterroot Valley

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Balcony
  • Pet-friendly
  • Onsite parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Bathtub

Explore the area

View in a map
Hamilton, MT
  • Place, Bitterroot Valley
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Daly Mansion
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Place, Stock Farm Club
    ‪49 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 21)

Bedroom 1

+11
14 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms

Bathroom

Bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony

Add dates for prices

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About the neighborhood

Hamilton

Located in Hamilton, this chalet is in a rural area and in the mountains. Shed Horn Cellars and Westslope Distillery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Bitterroot Valley and Bitterroot River.
View more Chalets in HamiltonOpens in a new window
Map
Hamilton, MT

What's nearby

  • Bitterroot Valley - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Daly Mansion - 21 min drive - 11.7 km
  • Rock Creek Trailhead - 32 min drive - 34.1 km
  • Bear Creek Trailhead - 36 min drive - 27.5 km
  • Stock Farm Club - 49 min drive - 21.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Higherground Brewery - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Bitter Root Brewing - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Downing Mountain Lodge pet-friendly?

Yes, this chalet allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 218 lbs per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Downing Mountain Lodge?

As of Nov 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Downing Mountain Lodge on Apr 27, 2027 start from $1,436, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Downing Mountain Lodge?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Downing Mountain Lodge?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Downing Mountain Lodge located?

Situated in the mountains, this chalet is steps from Bitterroot Valley and 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Bitterroot River. Denton Park and Bitterroot Health - Daly Hospital are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
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

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Archival

10/10 Excellent

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
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 2, 2020
Great news. Love sharing the lodge with appreciative guests.
Verified review

8/10 Good

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
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 2, 2020
Thanks for the kind review. Come back and stay anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 6, 2020
Thanks for sharing your experience from the lodge. Im glad it worked out well for your whole group. I look forward to hosting your group again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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!
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 2, 2020
I do hope you can make it back for ski season!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

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!
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 2, 2020
Thank you for your visit and your kind review of our mountain lodge. It was great to meet you and your family and I look forward to your return. I'm so glad you enjoyed the lodge so well and that you made some great hikes in the Bitterroots.
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 2, 2020
Thanks for leaving your review. I am glad that you had an overall good experience on your women's retreat at the lodge. You mention that it is more rustic than advertised and I just wanted to note that in the second paragraph of the property description I have this written: "Downing Mountain lodge is not for everyone though. With a 3 mile, dirt, mountain road in good condition required to access the property and set in a wild environment, this is a semi wilderness experience. Inside the lodge, while comfortable and on one level with an additional sleeping loft, there are no bathrooms connected to bedrooms and only one indoor shower and two toilets. The kitchen is a well supplied commercial kitchen, but well used and by no means fancy or boutique. Furthermore the lodge is heated primarily by wood and guests will have the opportunity to split their own wood and start their own fires in the woodstove and fireplace" Please let me know if there are other ways in which I can help future guests with understanding the lodge and managing guests expectations. Have a great summer and come back soon.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 29, 2021
Thanks for the positive review. I am glad you enjoyed your stay. Cone back when you can.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 17, 2021
Thanks for the thoughtful and honest review.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 5, 2021
Thanks for such an authentic review!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 29, 2020
Thanks for the kind review of your memories of staying at the lodge. Come back when you can!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Awesome!

Really cool place in a great location.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 2, 2020
Thanks for the kindest of reviews. You're welcome at the Downing Mountain lodge anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 2, 2020
Thanks for your kind review. I’ll look forward to your return this winter for backcountry skiing or summer hiking and fishing. The lodge has quite the unique history in Western Montana, with many different aspects of the land ownership and building of the lodge coming together to make for unique lodge location, architecture and access to views and superb forest service skiing.
Verified review

8/10 Good

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
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 2, 2020
Thanks for the kind and thoughtful review, Bill. I’m glad you enjoyed the lodge, view, and wildlife. There is a second shower outside on the way to the back deck. Only for the rustic minded and uninhibited. Come back again for fishing another time when the flood waters have subsided.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

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

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!
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 2, 2020
It was great to host another group of cross country motorcyclists. I look forward to your return for backcountry ski season.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

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!
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 2, 2020
Thanks for the kind and thoughtful review. It is your weekend was so perfect and the weather so nice.
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!
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 2, 2020
Thanks for your kind review and interest already in booking for next year's Thanksgiving.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

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

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!
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