Darby cabin rental - front of cabin - July 2011.
front of cabin - July 2011.
 
Darby cabin rental - front of cabin - July 2011.

front of cabin - July 2011.

Guest cabin

Guest cabin

Painted Rocks Lake, on your drive up to cabin.

Painted Rocks Lake, on your drive up to cabin.

View out front lawn, across West Fork river and Coal Mtns in background

View out front lawn, across West Fork river and Coal Mtns in background

Front door of main cabin.

Front door of main cabin.

View out kitchen window; elk - left, whitetail - right. Large kitchen & table

View out kitchen window; elk - left, whitetail - right. Large kitchen & table

Large living room with vaulted ceilings, leather sofas, lodge style decor.

Large living room with vaulted ceilings, leather sofas, lodge style decor.

Living room with wood burning fireplace, leather sofas, and flat screen TV.

Living room with wood burning fireplace, leather sofas, and flat screen TV.

Master bedroom with queen memory foam topped bed and down comforter

Master bedroom with queen memory foam topped bed and down comforter

Second bedroom with twins, memory foam topped beds with down comforters.

Second bedroom with twins, memory foam topped beds with down comforters.

outdoor hot tub, private and hidden.

outdoor hot tub, private and hidden.

pavillion with fire pit, great place for sitting by the fire and making s'mo

pavillion with fire pit, great place for sitting by the fire and making s'mo

  • Bedrooms2
  • Sleeps8
  • 3 Bathrooms
Minimum Stay 3 nights
 

Photos and Description of the Darby vacation cabin rental
Main cabin: 2/2, private Guest cabin 4/2, Bunk house 4/2

Relax in this serene 5+ acre setting while Elk, Deer, and Moose wander through the Ponderosa Pines. Enjoy the stunning drive following the winding West Fork river, coming upon the breathtaking Painted Rocks Lake, and a little further to mile marker 26. 7 miles further along the road is the Idaho boarder. The drive alone is breathtaking.

From May through September you'll see fly fishermen and women all along the West Fork and add in creeks, plus numerous float boats with guides and fisherman, after five different trout species.

Summer nights are frequently in the mid 40's with days in the dry 70's at this elevation of 4,800. The road is well kept in winter, allowing easy driving access to Lost Trail Ski Resort where you'll discover great skiing and snowboarding. It's locally owned, so come prepared with equipment or stop in Hamilton and get stocked up at Bill Ward's Outdoor store that carries everything for the year round avid outdoors sports person.

Our favorite activities are fly fishing the West Fork River and Overwhich Creek as the sun sets in the West, hiking, and riding ATV's. Summer activities are numerous, including hiking, fishing, and ATV riding the 3,000 miles of Forest Service trails we have behind us, including the Magruder Trail into the Frank Church Wilderness.

Or, simply enjoy the front porch swing and read a good book. Afternoon naps are wonderful, especially with the refreshing mountain air, snuggled under a wonderful down comforter. There's also plenty of sightseeing to do from Glacier National Park to historic battle sights, and Hamilton's famous Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot

'A beautiful flower, a beautiful river, a valley, a magnificent range - such is the Bitter Root'

- Wheeler, 1898 -

Keywords: Log cabin, West Fork River, Bitterroot mountains, fly fishing, trail riding, hunting, remote, wildlife, 55+, relaxation, peaceful, solitude, R&R, fishing, hiking. nature, family reunions.

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About Gary and Missy Plum

We've been coming to Montana for the past three years and fell in love with the land and people of Darby. Home is Florida for us, but our hearts are in the Bitterroot Valley.

Gary and Missy Plum purchased this cabin in 2010
Why Gary and Missy Plum chose Darby

The West Fork area is full of treasures just waiting to be discovered. There are over 3,000 miles of trails to ride, and we haven't even discovered the winter activities yet! All the locals tell us how great the local ski slopes at Lost Trail are for snowboarding and downhill skiing. Plus, there are thousands of miles to ride snowmobiles that await our exploration this winter.

What makes this cabin unique

I love exploring the high mountain lakes, trails, and creeks that surround the West Fork area. Sleeping is so refreshing with the fresh mountain air under the down comforters and memory foam topped beds, so I love taking naps at 4,800 altitude. I'm usually tired for the first three days as my body adjusts to the altitude.

7 Reviews of Property 294629 in Darby, Montana

Blue Ribbon Waters Cabin on the West Fork River W/ Hot Tub
average rating of 4.857143 based on 7 reviews
business
Blue Ribbon Waters Cabin on the West Fork River W/ Hot Tub
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p294629vb
+ 941-725-1990
Darby Bitterroot Valley
Rosemary Beach, FL
5

Just what I needed...

5 of 5
Submitted: August 13, 2012 Stayed: August 2012
If you love fishing, hiking, exploring, or just hanging out in a cool place, then this is the place for you. The cabin sits just above the West Fork of the Bitterroot, 2 hours from the Missoula Airport. We could not have asked for anything more in terms of accommodations. It had everything that we needed during our stay, less the main ingredients to a meal, which you will need because there are no restaurants nearby.

We spent our first day slaying trout on a float trip for 3 miles that ended at Conner Cut-Off. Use Jim at the Orvis shop in Darby as your guide. There are a lot of access points down the West Fork and the East Fork, if you like to go at it alone, which we did for the remainder of the trip. We also broke up the fishing with a hike to Boulder Point. It is on the upper side of intermediate, but well worth it on a clear day. There are quite a few scenic hikes, but we just ran out of time.

I suggest the Naughty Moose just up the East Fork for dinner if you end up in the area after a day of fishing or hiking. It is informal and the food is great. For an upscale dinner, we hit the Triple Creek Ranch (20 minutes away). I don't think I would stay there, but the chef is excellent.

We will be back...
Recommended for:  Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
business
Blue Ribbon Waters Cabin on the West Fork River W/ Hot Tub
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p294629vb
+ 941-725-1990
Darby Bitterroot Valley
Melbourne FL
5

Believer!

5 of 5
Submitted: August 7, 2012 Stayed: July 2012
Believer! I had heard about the beauty of Montana but like everything, I took the accolades with a grain of salt. Wrong! As we entered the Bitterroot Valley it soon became apparent that the beautiful streams and mountain vistas were indeed, a one of a kind. Beauty is everywhere. The rivers are full of native trout. We caught over 200 fish! That’s right 200. We saw Mule Deer, White Tail Deer, Elk, Mountain Goats, Quail, Grouse and several Bald Eagles.
The accommodations are very good. We were 4 adults and 4 children; we found the accommodations to be fantastic. Spacious and well-appointed with beautiful stained glass and game trophy's everywhere. If you fly into Missoula be sure to stop for food on your way to the cabin. After a long day outdoors, it was nice to settle into the spacious living room to relax and recount our adventures of the day.
Hamilton offers three well stocked grocers. Darby, which is the closest town to the cabin, only has one grocery store and food choices become limited. Be sure to stop by the Bitterroot Fly Company for your fishing license and some local tips.
I have fished all over the world and this place is now on my top two list. Guess I'll be going back, I hate indecision!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, People with Disabilities, Romantic Getaway
business
Blue Ribbon Waters Cabin on the West Fork River W/ Hot Tub
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p294629vb
+ 941-725-1990
Darby Bitterroot Valley
Cape Coral FL
5

Beautiful Cabin in the Bitterroot Valley

5 of 5
Submitted: July 26, 2012 Stayed: July 2012
This was a beautiful property!
We enjoyed the fact that it was a fully stocked home, very homey and comfortable, like staying at a friends house. The wildlife was abundant and view was spectacular. Would recommend to any family wishing to stay in Montana and looking to get away from the "city life"
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
business
Blue Ribbon Waters Cabin on the West Fork River W/ Hot Tub
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p294629vb
+ 941-725-1990
Darby Bitterroot Valley
Spokane
4

Everything we wanted

4 of 5
Submitted: September 27, 2011 Stayed: September 2011
First of all, let me say that this valley could not be more stunning. The river is beautiful, and the fly fishing is world class. The mountains are high, the wildlife abundant, and the people are few and far between, which is exactly why I like Montana. The cabin was also everything it promised to be: a beautiful log cabin, tastefully decorated (no mean feat), clean, comfortable bed, well-stocked kitchen, and a nice hot tub under the full milky way. The owners were responsive and helpful. My only quibble is that the neighbors are pretty close (I believe the parcel has been subdivided?), although you had to look out a back window to see them. I would return in a heartbeat (or the next time the trout are rising to a dry fly).
Recommended for:  Adventure Seekers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 0/1
business
Blue Ribbon Waters Cabin on the West Fork River W/ Hot Tub
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p294629vb
+ 941-725-1990
Darby Bitterroot Valley
Newport, WA
5

Great Get-a-way

5 of 5
Submitted: August 28, 2011 Stayed: August 2011
Our week at the cabin was wonderful. Our six adults, ages 65-26 were very comfortable and had a great time. Everything was exactly as presented on the website. The plums were helpful and understanding hosts. My two and a half year old granddaughter loved every minute, and my son-in-law reported tha this was the most relaxing and refreshing vacation he has had in his adult life. We all went fishing and played games, went for walks, and ate well. (The kitchen had everything a cook could need.) The west Fork of the Bitterroot is a delightful creek within a short walk of the cabin. It is an excellent fishing river below the reservoir. We had the most fun fishing at dusk close to the cabin. I would highly recommend this experience for anyone.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: We're so glad you all enjoyed the area as much as we do! I'm absolutely tickled that your granddaughter loved the vacation as well. I'm especially pleased to hear you found what you needed in the kitchen. I'm still searching for a game table for playing cards, doing puzzles and other fun stuff.

We'd like to extend our "repeat guest" discount of 20%. We had a special place when our kids were young that was relaxing and refreshing, much like your son-in-law discovered. Parents with young ones really need some R&R; we still recall that much from those years!

And you'll be pleased to know that Gary and Frank went out and cut two cords of firewood. This was new to Gary and excellent exercise!! We're so glad you enjoyed the fireplace; it truly is my favorite part of the cabin.

Gary & Missy Plum
Helpful votes: 0/1
business
Blue Ribbon Waters Cabin on the West Fork River W/ Hot Tub
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p294629vb
+ 941-725-1990
Darby Bitterroot Valley
Georgia
5

Fantastic Forested Valley getaway

5 of 5
Submitted: October 6, 2010 Stayed: September 2010
Thanks for a wonderful place to get away and decompress. The home is wonderfully appointed and decorated, as well as being clean and well-maintained. Mornings were spent either at the dining table or on the front porch drinking our coffee and watching the birds, chipmunks, squirrels and deer begin their busy work for the day in preparation of winter to come. Highlights were the elk and mama bear and cub, as well as the easy access to forest service roads, trails and wilderness areas that surround the valley. Fishing for rainbow and brown trout was also successful in the nearby rivers and streams that were within an easy walk or ride in the four-wheel MULE provided with the rental. Overall, we had an absolutely wonderful experience and hope to return to this exact spot many times in the future. Thanks for offering this home to us-it really did feel like a home!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, People with Disabilities, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 2/3
business
Blue Ribbon Waters Cabin on the West Fork River W/ Hot Tub
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p294629vb
+ 941-725-1990
Darby Bitterroot Valley
Georgetown, KY, USA
5

Best two weeks ever, spent in great location, climate, viewings, and peace and quiet.

5 of 5
Submitted: October 1, 2010 Stayed: August 2010
The two weeks we spent here were ideal. The property was clean, very well decorated and everything we needed at the cabins. We were so pleased, this was the second time this past summer that we stayed. The owners were extremely helpful, told us everything we needed to know, and mentioned great restaurants nearby. We enjoyed eating at all of them and especially enjoyed the firepit at the pavillion at night, toasting the marshmallows to make s'mores. The rides up the trails were phenominal and the views breathtaking. We took many pictures and still pull them out to enjoy again. The listing provided all the information needed and when we arrived, it was exactly as advertised. Having a washer and dryer was very helpful, as well as a well stocked kitchen with everything needed to prepare a meal and serve it. The front porch provided many evenings of sightings of deer, elk, mountain goats and watching the squirrels play. We would recommend this rental to family and friends and intend to return next year again.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, People with Disabilities, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 2/3