Lowdown

  • Established

    1982. Guest ranch since 1986

  • Owner

    Craig and Barbara Barrett

  • Manager

    Kristen Snavely and Molly Smith

  • Tel

    800-654-2943, 406-821-4600

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    Summer: $1,300 - $3,000
    Winter: $950 - $2,650

  • Minimum Stay

    Summer: No minimum stay
    Winter: No minimum stay

  • Maximum Guests

    66

  • Works with travel agents?

    Yes

  • Great For

    Romance, Action & adventure, Peace & quiet, Pampering, Solitude, Diverse scenery

  • Memberships

    Relais & Chateaux, Orvis, Virtuoso, Signature, Andrew Harper
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Experience the legendary hospitaliry and enchanting beauty of one of the world's best hotels* set in the heart of the breathtaking Bitterroot Mountain Range of the Montana Rockies. A proud member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux, Triple Creek Ranch offers an epicurean, all-inclusive vacation experience of refined rustic elegance, gourmet cuisine paired with an excellent wine list, and warm, welcoming, five star service amidst the romance of a forested mountain retreat.

Our Montana luxury ranch accommodations feature a fine selection of private log cabins and splendid ranch homes with easy access to our well-appointed and comfortable lodge. Our lodge and surroundings feature a curated collection of original Western art and the anticipated amenities of a luxury resort. Here, adult travelers enjoy a truly romantic setting with incomparable scenery, a wide variety of native wildlife, an almost endless menu of all-inclusive outdoor activities and the option of adding-on some of the finest off-ranch Western adventures in the continental United States.

Come join us for a wonderful retreat from the everyday and truly relax in our world-class accommodations, dine on the freshest contemporary cuisine and sample the world's finest wines while our caring staff pampers and cares for you and your every desire.

*#1 World's Best Hotel, Travel + Leisure World's Best Readers' Survey, 2014

Good time to go

Triple Creek Ranch offers an oasis of luxury within the rugged Montana wilderness and adventures abound for those who like to play in the snow, or bask in the warmth of the sunny Montana Big Sky. Year-round adventures await!

Children at the Lodge

Great for children aged 16 and over

Children over the age of 16 are welcome, accompanied by an adult.

Minimum age children can ride

16 and over

Environmental & Social Practices

Environment

Triple Creek Ranch is a member of "Clean the World," which recycles soap and shampoo for impoverished countries. Guests can participate in a voluntary towel re-hang, reuse program to save water and electricity. The resort runs on low-wattage CFS and LED lighting to further save electricity. Housekeeping utilizes environmentally friendly, low-phosphorus cleaning aids, soaps and detergents. Guests at Triple Creek Ranch can go catch- and-release fishing and participate in a variety of complimentary tours including eco-nature, orchard and garden tours. The resort also offers bird and flower identification walks. Triple Creek Ranch maintains all horseback riding trails, thus making this well-preserved, rugged area ideal for viewing wildlife.

Community

Triple Creek Ranch has established a college scholarships program to assist employees and their children with school expenses. Merit-based Scholarships are also awarded to students from Darby High School.

Conservation

Triple Creek Ranch has planted over 100,000 Ponderosa Pine seedlings to promote regrowth following area wildfires, and to maintain the area’s natural beauty. All fencing on property is wildlife friendly. Certified weed-free hay is fed to livestock, and the ranch participates in an on-going program of noxious weed extermination. Pasture rotation, stream bank restoration and stream bed rehabilitation are among the other efforts that help preserve the local ecosystem.

Triple Creek Ranch has established a 25,000-acre conservation district with perpetual conservation easements. The resort also eliminated 176 subdivided lots and placed that land in a conservation district to protect the wildlife inhabiting the area. An active contributor to wildlife research, Triple Creek Ranch has aided the Owl Research Institute, Montana Peregrine Institute, Raptors of the Rockies, Wind River Bear Institute, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

History

The original 40 acres of the ranch belonged to Reverend and Mrs. House from New York State. He was a minister in nearby Conner and she taught at the little red schoolhouse on Piquette Creek Road. both were also teachers at the school in Darby and they raised four children in the original house located at the center of Triple Creek Ranch.

The first fifty acres of Triple Creek Ranch was purchased and developed by a Michigan industrialist in 1982. Triple Creek Ranch served as his personal retreat for the first four years and then was developed into "Triple Creek Ranch, a Montana Hideaway". In 1993, he sold the property and business to the current owners, a couple which had been frequent guests and had fallen in love with the ranch. They have since infused the resort with their passion for the great American West and a taste for luxury that has made Triple Creek Ranch the elegant Montana high country resort it is today. In 1995, the Ranch became a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Association.

Your Manager, Kristen Snavely and Molly Smith

Molly Smith and Kristen Snavely each bring distinct contributions to the General Manager position, with an abiding love for Triple Creek Ranch, its guests, staff, ownership and Montana itself.

Your manager

Lowdown

  • Types of water

    Rivers

  • Rivers you can fish on

    Bitterroot River, East Fork and West Fork of the Bitterroot River.

  • Types of Fish

    Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, cuttbow trout, bull trout.

  • Fishing Experience Level

    Beginner, Intermediate, Experienced

  • Guided Fishing Available

    Daily Rate $420

  • Unguided Fishing available

  • Fishing Instruction Included in rates

  • You can borrow

    Rods, Flies, Reels, Boots, Hats, Waders, Fishing Nets.

  • You can buy

    Flies, Hats.

  • Bring your own

    Rods, Flies, Reels, Boots, Hats, Waders, Fishing Nets.

The Setting

The Lodge and private guest cabins at Triple Creek Ranch are nestled in the Biitterroot Selway Mountain range of the western Montana Rockies. The West Fork (tributary) of the Bitterroot River lies at the bottom of our driveway and is home to five species of stream bred trout.

The Fishing

As a premier fly fishing destination, Triple Creek Ranch guests enjoy unfettered access to a full range of fly fishing gear and equipment, complimentary fly casting lessons, three stocked trout ponds on property, and guided float trips on the Bitterroot River. Starting with the Skwala fly hatch in March/April, the trout become active and bountiful right into summer when the climate is dry and sunshine is normal.

Summer temperatures range from the mid-70 to 90s F becoming cooler in the evening. The Bitterroot River, and its floatable tributaries the East and West Fork, are freestone, blue-ribbon rivers. Located between the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, the Bitterroot River runs south to north for approximately 86 miles before emptying into the Clark Fork of the Columbia River. Snowfields from the highest mountain peaks in western Montana feed the river throughout the summer, keeping it floatable and the fishery healthy. Native west slope cutthroats and bull trout are here, as well as stream-bred rainbows, brook and brown trout.

Rivers are fishable well into fall. Clear blue skies are not uncommon, combined with colors of fall, snow-capped mountains and a few flakes in the valley can be an invigorating outdoor fly-fishing experience for any angler.

Triple Creek Ranch has three trout ponds for ice fishing in winter, a truly unique activity. Using an ice auger, one of our staff will assist with drilling a hole for an old-fashioned fishing experience. 

Lowdown

  • Enjoy

    Gourmet

  • Alcohol

    wine provided with dinner, available for purchase, wine cellar

  • Enjoy dining in

    nature settings, patio, dining room (casual attire), lounge, in-room dining, private dinners

  • You'll definitely love

    ranch-raised beef, ranch-raised pork, ranch-raised chicken, farm fresh eggs, ranch garden, organic produce, locally grown produce, fresh daily bread, fresh daily desserts

  • Dietary restrictions catered for

    lactose intolerant, vegans, vegetarians, Gluten free, other

Executive Chef Jacob Leatherman has been crafting exquisite dining experiences at Triple Creek Ranch for over ten years, introducing a new Dinner menu each evening. His finely tuned and adventurous palate informs a diverse menu showcasing distinctive flavors and imaginative presentation. Chef Jake's talented team of chefs incorporates the freshest ingredients to prepare uniquely refined dishes to please all palates. For many guests, the meals at Triple Creek Ranch are indisputably the highlight of their visit with us.

All meals, including snacks and packed lunches, are included in the nightly cabin rate. Our Sommelier will be pleased to recommend a wine pairing from our complimentary selection of house wines, or purchase from our award-winning cellar of premium vintages. Meals are served in our magnificent vaulted-ceiling Dining Room, or guests may request a complimentary cabin Delivery.

Guest Favourites

  • Bacon Cheddar Pancakes
  • Nicks Famous Chili
  • Any Fish Chef Jake Recommends

Your Chef, Jacob Leatherman

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jacob Leatherman found his calling to cuisine while an english student at Ohio State University. He enrolled in the renown French Culinary institute in New York City and embraced his new career with passion. Upon graduation he worked in French restaurants in Cincinnati, but the siren song of mountain rivers called to this avid fly-fisherman and prompted a move to the Rocky Mountains. He secured a position as Sous Chef at the Home Ranch, a Relais & chateaux luxury ranch resort in Clark, Colorado.

In 2005, Chef Jake joine Triple Creek Ranch as Executive Sous Chef and quickly became an indispensable asset to the restaurant, bringing his exquisite palate and creativity to everything he touched. In February 2006, he was named Executive Chef, a role in which he continues to delight guests with his refined, contemporary cuisine. On any given day Chef Jake can be found creating dishes such as Pan Seared Skate Wing with a Salsify Puree, or Pheasant Confit and Field Green with a Pear and White Truffle Vinaigrette. He believes the most flavorful cuisine is made simply with the best, highest quality products and he considers it part of his job to inspire and educate guests about the bountythat surrounds us in the Bitterroot Valley.

Lowdown

  • Address

    5551 West Fork Road
    Darby
    Montana
    59829
    USA

  • Remote Location

    Yes

  • Elevation

    4600 ft

  • Private Land

    20,000-40,000 acres

  • Public Land

    more than 50k acres

Nearest Town - Darby

Darby has a population of 763 (approx), and is situated 7 miles / 15 mins from the Ranch.

Facilities in Darby include: grocery store, pharmacy, church, school, post office, medical clinic, bank, atm, gas station, museum.

For shopping Darby offers: small hometown necessity shops, boutique shops, western wear.

Nearest Airports

Missoula International Airport, Missoula

Distance

78 miles / 1 hour 30 mins

Airlines

Delta, United, Allegiant, Horizon, Alaska, American Airlines

Ranch shuttle

$300 Round-trip; $150 One-way.

Hamilton Airport, Hamilton

Distance

40 miles / 30 mins

Ranch shuttle

$150 Roundtrip, $75 One-way

Private Air Travel

Nearest location(s)

Helipads located on ranch. Hamilton Airport is 30 miles north of the ranch.

Travel by

Helicopter, Airplane

Lowdown

  • Nightly Rates (per adult)*

    Summer: $1,300 - $3,000
    Winter: $950 - $2,650

  • Nightly Rates (non-rider)

    $1,300 - $3,000

  • Minimum Stay

    No minimum stay

  • Preferred Arrival Day

    Any day is fine

  • Preferred Departure Day

    Any day is fine

  • Style of accommodation

    Ranch rustic, Western rustic chic, Luxury 5-Star
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Triple Creek Ranch can cater for up to 66 guests. See below for details and indicative rates.

Cabin | Triple Creek Ranch Private Cabins Overview

Rates (Per Couple)*

Summer: $1,050 - $2,650
Winter: $1,050 - $2,650
* Rates will vary based on Season and Accommodation selection. Please contact the ranch directly for Date Request, Availability and exact Rate quote/proposal

Minimum Stay

No minimum

Rooms

33

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Amenities

safe, mini-bar, fridge, hair dryer, seating area, plush bathrobes, air conditioning, wood fireplace

Entertainment

tv, dvd, cable / satellite tv, hot tub

Booking Policy

A deposit of 50% will hold your reservation; the balance will be due upon check out. Because of our small size, cancellations or date changes affect us significantly. A last-minute cancellation or date change affords us little chance of rebooking an accommodation. We uphold a strict cancellation policy. Your deposit, less $100 per room booked, will be happily refunded if cancellation is made at least 60 days prior to arrival. After that, we regret that no refund is possible, regardless of the reason for non-arrival or early departure. However, you are welcome to send someone in your place. In our Rocky Mountain setting, forest fires and other natural disasters are a possibility. In the event that a natural disaster requires a cancellation of your reservation, Triple Creek Ranch cannot be held responsible and refunds are not issued. Triple Creek Ranch highly recommends that you purchase trip insurance from your travel advisor or your insurance provider.

Included in your stay

meals, activities, lodging, Riding, beverages, house wine and spirits, outdoor heated pool, fitness center, tennis, private or nearby hot tubs, fly casting lessons, all on-ranch activities such as, on-ranch horseback riding and fly fishing, hiking, nature safaris, archery, sapphire panning, lawn games, special weekend activities, holiday celebrations, artists' workshops, vintners' weekends, and more.

Extras

Tax

Montana Bed Tax (approx 5%)

Gratuity

Recommend 15 - 20% but not required

Massage

As requested for an additional fee.

Other

Off-ranch horseback rides and guided ORVIS fly fishing, ATV, cattle drives, team penning, golfing, trap shooting & 5-stand, wilderness horseback rides and fly fishing, white-water rafting, mountain biking, Yellowstone or Glacier Park helicopter Tours, golfing (nearby), Lewis & Clark Van tours, Lewis & Clark Horseback Riding, Steelhead Celebration, Skwala Hatch Celebration, wine pairing dinners and Chef's Table Dining

Lowdown

  • You can borrow

    Cowboy hats, Riding helmets, Saddle bags, Rain coats

  • Communications

    Wireless Internet/Wifi, telephone, free long distance.

  • Business Services

    printers, common computer.

Onsite

Shopping

Triple Creek Ranch Gift Shop.

Outdoor Activities

mountain biking, tennis, Yoga, Golf - 18 hole course, sporting clays, ATV Rentals - guided, bird watching, Shooting - trap / clays, Shooting - wing, Cattle Drives, Spring Roundup and Branding, Hiking, Sapphire Panning, Orvis Guided Fishing Trips, Scenic Float Trips, Whitewater Rafting, Nature Safaris, Archery, Trap Shooting & Sporting Clays, Vintner Weekends, Artist Workshops, Klicks For Chicks, Fall Steelhead Fly Fishing Celebration, Spring Skwala Hatch Celebration, Lewis & Clark Horseback Rides or Van Tours, Glacier or Yellowstone Park Helicopter Tours, Glacier in A Day - private plane ride

Water based Activities

outdoor pool, hot tub, river floating, whitewater rafting-adventure

Spa

relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, couples massage

Winter Activities

cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, down hill skiing, snowshoeing, winter ice fishing, Dog Sledding, Skijoring, Sledding, Nature Safaris, Ice Fishing, Holiday Celebrations for Christmas & New Year, Cooking School Weekends, Nature Safari, Valentine's Day, Skiing is All-Inclusive during your stay!

Additional Services

Corporate Retreats

For groups of 30-40.

TCR is an ideal location for small corporate retreats. There are 25 individual cabins and 33 rooms with king beds.

Weddings

We can cater for groups of 50-75.

Triple Creek Ranch is suitable for small intimate weddings as our maximum capacity is 66 people. Children under the age of 16 are welcome if the entire ranch is reserved.

Local Attractions

Marcus Daly Mansion

The Marcus Daly Mansion is a National Historic Site owned by the State of Montana. The mansion was the family summer home of Copper Baron, Marcus Daly, who founded the town of Hamilton, Montana, in the late 1800s. In 1886, Marcus Daly purchased the existing Anthony Chafin homestead, including the farmhouse, and had it remodeled by 1889. He renovated the residence again in 1897 to a Queen Anne style Victorian home. After Marcus Daly's death, the home was again remodeled into a Georgian-Revival style mansion. The three-story Hamilton, Montana mansion (24,000 square feet) has over 50 rooms, with 25 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and 7 fireplaces, 5 of which have imported Italian marble. Some of the main rooms include a large living room, music room, formal dining room, sun room, trophy room (which was added in 1914), an upstairs sitting room, and a third floor billiard hall. Hamilton is 30 miles from Triple Creek Ranch.

Distance

30 miles / 30 mins

Ranch shuttle

no

Rental car

Required

Ravalli County Museum

This former Ravalli County Courthouse, built by A.J. Gibson in 1900, served as a courthouse until 1979 when it was saved from the wrecker’s ball by a vote of the people. It now houses what is considered by many to be the finest little museum in the Northwest. Permanent collections include a Native American collection, Ricketts Museum, commemorating the development of the Rocky Mountain Laboratory, an antique kitchen, miner / trapper room, a veteran's display, Ernst Peterson photo exhibits, extensive archives, Victorian rooms, and a Railway Express agent office. Rotating exhibits in the former courtroom and a weekly Sunday Series Program at 2:00 p.m. are of historic and cultural significance.

Distance

30 miles / 30 mins

Rental car

Required

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Elk Country Visitor Center is proud to be one of the newest and best conservation education facilities in the Northwest. The Elk Country Visitor Center features hands-on conservation and hunting heritage exhibits for all ages. The Center also includes a Lewis and Clark display, an impressive collection of world record elk mounts, a western wildlife diorama and a state of the art conservation theater. Shoppers will also enjoy the Elk Country gift shop full of beautiful wildlife art and many hand -crafted and Montana-made creations. The public is welcome and admission is free. Open year round. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is an international, nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, and their habitat. Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation's 150,000 members and volunteers have permanently protected more than 1,000 square miles of critical elk habitat and enhanced another 3.4 million acres of elk country. In addition, over 400,000 acres have been opened to public access for hunting, fishing and other enjoyment.

Distance

80 miles / 2 hours

Rental car

Required

Highs

  • It’s the perfect place to escape for quality time with your partner as it’s adults-only and set in the most stunning location – the heart of the breathtaking Bitterroot Mountain Range of the Montana Rockies
  • The absolute ultimate in luxury, Triple Creek is listed as one of our exclusive Relais & Chateaux Ultra Ranches
  • Triple Creek Ranch is surrounded by four million acres of national forest service land, offering nearly endless miles of unspoiled, secluded wilderness to explore on horseback, foot, bike…
  • The staff are so friendly, helpful and really go out of their way to make your stay perfect

Lows

  • As the ranch is adults-only, only children over 16 may visit

Visitor Reviews

Dont just take our word for it, see what visitors like you say...

Honeymoon Happiness

This by far is my favorite place we have been to. We stayed in the stage stop house for our honeymoon in the beginning of August and it was absolutely beautiful and more secluded than the others. The house is fully stocked with everything you need and decorated so lovely. All the staff go above and beyond and will get you anything you need. The food here is delicious from start to finish and the servers make it such a pleasant experience. they offer many amenities and have great fishing as well. The owners are lovely down to earth people that we enjoyed talking to. This place deserves all the rave reviews and more. Can't wait to come back!!

5 stars

You can find more reviews for Triple Creek Ranch on TripAdvisor