The Best Vacation Rentals to Book in Montana

Coyote Bluff Estate occupies an enviable spot gazing down on the Flathead Valley from the top of the Flathead Ridge. Its architect took advantage of this vantage point by designing an expansive patio complete with a fire pit and seating area overlooking the magnificent Flathead Lake and the distant Flathead National Forest. Inside the Coyote Bluff Estate, choose from three individually-styled, sumptuous suites, complete with king-sized beds, heavy wooden beams and dark leather furniture. Each has either window seats or balconies from which to take in the sublime view.

You can find the smart and homely West Glacier Cabin Village just south of Glacier National Park and Lake McDonald, ideal for hiking in the former and fishing in the latter. The cabins themselves are a handsome contemporary take on the log shelters that once protected the trappers and fur traders of the 19th century from the elements, complete with private decks and fully-equipped kitchens. Each cabin sleeps up to four people and is a superb base from which to explore the surrounding wilderness.

A chalet-style Montana vacation rental surrounded by a living picket fence of spruce trees, this three-bedroom ski-in/ski-out property offers impressive views of the Spanish peaks and is an easy walk to a groomed ski access run. It sleeps up to ten people beneath its gently sloping roof, with plenty of space for your mountains of luggage across its three floors. There are plenty of alpine activities to keep you busy nearby, but if you want to venture farther afield, the rugged grandeur of West Yellowstone National Park is just a 45-minute drive away.

In the midst of an untouched pine forest, Bear Creek Lodge is an exclusive adults-only sanctuary – an escape from the hubbub of everyday life. There are eight individually-themed guest suites at this two-story, pine-log lodge with wraparound verandah, and whether or not you believe in the healing power of the elements after which they are named, a lot of thought has gone into the creature comforts. Each suite has a private door that opens directly onto views of the surrounding forest, and the location is perfect for hiking the twenty-nine trails that crisscross the surrounding Bitterroot Mountains.

Tanager House is a graceful four-bedroom cabin, its decor earning it a place in the Architectural Digest’s piece on the World’s 9 Most Beautiful Hotel Cabins. Large windows flood the property with plenty of natural light and frame views of a beginner-friendly ski trail from which it is possible to access more advanced ski slopes via a high-speed chairlift. Colorful throw cushions, nature prints and contemporary chandeliers add character inside whilst after a day on the slopes you can relax in the hot tub, warm yourself by the fireplace or watch the sunset from the private deck.

A traditional stone-and-timber mountain lodge with the understated cream-and-brown decor in its carpeted, wood-paneled rooms, this Montana vacation rental combines access to the great outdoors with contemporary comforts, such as spa-style showers and king size beds. The area lends itself to year-round outdoor experiences, including hiking in Glacier National Park, fishing and skiing at the nearby Whitefish resort. You can fuel up for your day of adventure with the resort’s hot complimentary breakfast.

On the edge of the rural town of Dillon in southern Montana, overlooking Beaverhead River, this Montana vacation rental offers three different homes to visitors keen to explore the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are opportunities for big game hunting, fly-fishing and excursions into Yellowstone National Park and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The homes accommodate various party configurations, ranging from the two-bedroom Bunk House with oversized deck and the three-bedroom Cervelli House with private firepit to the five-bedroom River House with a particularly spacious living room.