The South Fork Ranch is absolutely unique and attractive given its location. We are only two miles from the main highway...and not far from restaurants, groceries, pharmacies, banks, Glacier Park and all the other 'things' we need. However, the South Fork Ranch itself is surrounded by open space, nestled in between the owners family homestead, national forest and wilderness. There is NO crowd noise! only the sounds of South Abbott Creek and birds nesting along its banks. This same babbling creek can be heard through open windows, helping lull one into deep sleep. It can also entertain your kids without the worry of deep water. This creek is fed by large beaver ponds and springs throughout the riparian area south of the Ranch. We choose the name "South Fork" for our ranch because of our location on the South Fork River area of the Flathead River System. Most of Glacier Park's boundaries are on the North Fork and Middle Fork Rivers of the same waterway.
The South Fork Ranch house has three floors with large windows overlooking South Abbott Creek, beautiful open meadows and mountains to the East. The sun arrives early in the morning, filling the house with light and sets behind a ridge in the late day, providing the comfort of shade. Guests have private use of two of these floors: (one) the main floor with a large kitchen, dinning area, different sitting areas, fire place, a music/library room, bathroom, and a large wrap around deck; and (two) the upstairs with 4 separate bedrooms, full bath, living room and small kitchen area and air conditioning. Please Note: (three) the owner lives on the bottom floor which is completely separated from guest quarters (for their privacy and hers) with its own entrance, etc.
The outside of the house is as appealing as inside. Off the kitchen area is a large deck that wraps the house on the south, east and north with a gas BBQ, beautiful flowers and many comfort chairs and table for outside living and lounging. There is always a place with shade for those who want to read or visit sans sun. To the South of the house are gardens and a path to our wonderful gazebo, complete with sky lights where groups can gather any time of the day or night and listen to the creek, and/ or watch wildlife in the beaver ponds next to it. This area is incredibly peaceful and a paradise in itself. There is a chimera stove in the center of the gazebo for open fires with wood provided. Catch and release fishing is available with owners consent.
Close to the Ranch house on the north is a shaded water garden. This has become a passion of the owner and she invites you to enjoy the shade and sound of this area complete with its fountains, lovely ferns, hosta, fish ponds and flowers. Also, along the side of this walkway is an outdoor studio featuring our Glacier Stone Vases. We began creating these vases the last few years and our guests have been avid supporters. These vases are available for sale, or if you find a favorite stone we can turn it into a vase.
Farther north of the Ranch house are garages, storage areas and a barn, complete with a chicken coop, tack room, pens, corrals. One couple remarked: "Wow, our kids can be free range here just like the animals...we don't have to worry about where they are running, playing or roaming".
To the West of the Ranch house is forest and wilderness. We have many trails in these woods and will gladly take you on the trails or provide you with a map. In no time you are among giant cottonwood trees, grand firs, larch, alder, brush and game trails. You may catch a glimpse of an elk, deer, moose or even a bear. We do provide bear spray and our dog for those who want. His name is Togo: he is part Karelian Bear Dog, Australian Shepard and full on joy. He has three buddies: Thor (Norwegian Elk Hound), Nova (corgi), and Oso (large mutt). All of them are very friendly, neutered and know the turf. They like to go with guests on the trails and will often show you the way.
As stated above, the owner resides on the bottom floor of this beautiful 3 story home. This area is totally separated from the guest quarters and has separate entrances. Our laundry facilities are on this floor and the owner does your laundry with a smile while you are out hiking! Just leave the laundry at the door and text me.
Marion and family can provide you with all the detail information you will need to make your vacation meaningful and manageable. There is a lot to do in Glacier country and she can help you negotiate the many choices. We realize the enormity of the area and its many attractions can be overwhelming for people visiting for the first time and will be glad to help out. We have extensive knowledge of the region having lived here for over 60 years. During these years we have hiked most of the trails, traveled most of the roads, fished most of the lakes, rode horses into the mountains of the park and nearby wilderness areas, and have extensive history ourselves as settlers.
During the summer my family assists me with the many demands of running the ranch, guest facilities, gardens and maintenance. They have their own living facility on the ranch and can answer questions or help out in any capacity needed. We may be haying, moving cows and horses, or maintaining trails...regardless, all of us are in the area to assist you.
