Enjoy log cabin comfort and rustic elegance in the privacy of your own mountain meadow (50 acres near Helena, Montana, surrounded by Nat'l Forest).
Thank you for your interest in Black Mountain Lodge! We appreciate the opportunity to share this historical property. We strive to provide a unique lodging experience while honoring the stewardship and preservation of the land and structures. We are certain the magic of this historic space will create long lasting memories.
This historic property was originally a lucrative mining claim during the Gold Rush. The tailings from multiple mining claims can be found in the nearby hills. You might get lucky yourself but don't be tricked by the glittering Fool's Gold that laces the stream! In the early 1900s it became Primrose Farm, a dairy providing fresh milk to nearby Helena. Our family acquired the property in 1941 and we are now heading into our fourth generation as stewards of this remarkable piece of Montana.
During the day take in the panoramic view from the large screened porch. Or hike miles of spectacular trails right from the front door. Wildlife abounds in our mountain meadow and you will spot animals large and small--moose, deer, elk, coyotes, even bear--from both the porch and trail.
GUEST CAPACITY
ACCOMMODATIONS
The spacious Main Lodge with its sleeping porch and four private sleeping cabins accommodate up to 12 guests. *Quiet Hours 10PM-7AM. A gurgling mountain stream winds its way between the Lodge and cabins lulling you to sleep at night. Please note we no longer offer options for events. Our 12 guest capacity is firm. If you are looking to expand accommodations for up to 3 people, a fully equipped Chalet can be added to your reservation. The Chalet is a short walking or driving distance from the Lodge and has its own parking and WIFI. This addition can be added for a minimum of one night or be available for your entire stay. Contact your host for more details and availability.
The Main Lodge sleeping porch has two twin beds. The four sleeping cabins include a king size bed, a four person bunk house, a lower cabin with a full size bed and futon and a creek side cabin with a full bed and twin bed. A full bathroom is located in the Main Lodge and a multi-user Bath House serves the sleeping cabins.
The Lodge kitchen is provisioned with staples such as basic spices, coffee, filters, tea and cleaning supplies. There is a gas stove, microwave, toaster, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee maker and outdoor gas grill for your use.
The Lodge does have WIFI. However, Cell phone reception is patchy in the mountain valley. There are a couple spots in the meadow where calls can be made although texts can be sent and received more consistently. Ask Ayrne and she can point out those hot spots!
EXTRA GUESTS
A Chalet style cabin can be added to your reservation if available (sleeps up to 3). The Chalet is located a short distance from the Lodge and has its own kitchen and bath. Inquire with the host for availability.
NEIGHBORS AND CHALET
Moose Creek Road is a private road passing through private property. Please drive slowly and respectfully. There are speed bumps along the way. Black Mountain Retreat and Chalet property begins after the sign before you reach the Chalet. Property on either side of the road, before this sign is private, trespassing is not allowed. Walks down the road are permitted, no offroad vehicles, side by sides, 4 wheelers, dirt bikes ETC. Dogs walking on this portion of the road should be on a leash. If the Chalet is not part of your reservation, it’s likely to be occupied by guests. Chalet guests are asked to refrain from exploring the Lodge space to ensure your privacy. Please honor their privacy with slow driving speeds, respecting the quiet hours and approved pet etiquette.
GARBAGE
Garbage is stowed in animal safe trash containers outside the kitchen across the stream. Please close and secure bags before placing them in the containers. Excess garbage generated from your stay must be handled by the guest.
HORSES, WILDLIFE AND BARNS
There are horses pasturing in the upper meadow. They are a friendly bunch but please do not feed them anything. They are already well fed! Wildlife abounds at Black Mountain Retreat. If we have had recent bear or other critter traffic, Ayrne will alert you. Do not allow pets to chase horses or wildlife. Barns are not maintained and are off limits to guests.
PETS
Pets must be approved. Pets are not allowed on furniture or beds. Extra charges will apply for property or linens damaged by pets. Black Mountain Retreat is not responsible for the safety of your pet or liable for any injuries. Clean up after your pet. Pet fees do apply.
LOST & FOUND
We are not responsible for any personal items left in or around the area. There will be a $25.00 service charge plus shipping and handling for items claimed within 30 days and forwarded to you.
COLD TUB
The water flowing into the cold tub is spring fed and not potable. The overflow is intentional to allow for a clear/clean soaking experience. No rocks or foreign matter in the tub please. Towels are provided for the cold tub. Do not use bath linens outdoors.
FIRE SAFETY *NO OUTDOOR FIRES, FIREWORKS, OPEN FLAMES OF ANY KIND
Montana in the summer can be DRY, DRY, DRY. Forest fires pose an extremely serious threat. Please help us prevent such an environmental disaster by following the guidelines below:
We will notify you if conditions allow for a fire in the main lodge fireplace during your stay. If fires are permitted, please keep them small and in control. Large fires produce large embers, which come out of the chimney and can land on a nearby tree. Please do not discard excess ashes outdoors. If the ashes become plentiful, ash buckets are located next to the fireplace. Leave ashes in buckets for the host to dispose of properly. Portable electric space heaters are stored in each sleeping cabin. Keep the heaters 3 feet away from any objects. Do not leave them on and unattended. Fire extinguishers and alarms are in each cabin. In the event of a fire, call 911 immediately.
PARKING (OFF-ROAD VEHICLES ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE PREMISE OR ROADWAYS)
Do not block roadways or gates. Parking is not allowed in tall grass or septic field. Ayrne will direct you to overflow parking for additional vehicles.
GATES
Horses live on this property. Please keep gates closed and utilize walk-throughs located next to gates whenever possible. The gates have been adjusted and fine-tuned for the terrain. Please do not swing or hang on gates as this can cause permanent damage to their set posts and mechanisms.
IRRIGATING AND MAINTENANCE
We may need to arrange a time to irrigate or perform maintenance during your stay. Staff may need to drive up to barns to care for horses and maintain fencing. Please do not block gates so maintenance vehicles can access the grounds. If this is the case, your host will contact you. We will do our best to arrange a schedule that will not interfere with your privacy.
LINENS
Sheets and towels are provided. Note: there is not a washer and dryer on premises. Please strip the beds that were slept in.
CHECKOUT INSTRUCTIONS
Return items where they came from prior to checking out. This allows us to keep track of items we provide for guest use and avoids extra charges for uncountable items. Place outdoor games, indoor games, flashlights, and other amenities back in their homes. We prefer you do not remove items from cabins to use elsewhere. If items from individual cabins are used elsewhere, please return them to the cabins they came from before checkout.
