Escape to a serene retreat in Northwest Montana, where Flathead Lake's scenic beauty meets comfort and tranquility. Unwind at the cozy first-floor apartment with private entrance, or explore the sprawling front yard and untouched forest. Enjoy your own private driveway, fully furnished home-away-from-home with kitchen and laundry facilities.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire apartment
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 360 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
Montana Forest Retreat, Easy Walk to Flathead Lake, 1.5 Acres Fenced for Dogs!
Escape to nature in Northwest Montana at this serene retreat near Flathead Lake!
Featuring: - A scenic 1/3 mile stroll to Flathead Lake - Private entrance to a cozy first-floor apartment (Note- the hosts live on the second floor but use a separate driveway and entrance. - Sprawling front yard and untouched forest for exploration - A charming 2-story house nestled on 6 acres of wooded property - Your own private driveway for convenience - Fully furnished home-away-from-home with kitchen and laundry - Easy access to Flathead Lake for swimming and kayaking - Adjacent to reservation forests, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife observation - Plus, countless magnificent views! - Newly renovated to include acoustical ceiling and modern electrical fixtures. (Feb 2025) The lower floor of this custom home offers a fully furnished apartment, complete with all the amenities you'll need for a relaxing vacation. Wake up to the soothing sounds of nature outside your window and enjoy the comfort of a propane fireplace, a full laundry room, and a well-equipped kitchen. Need to catch up on work? Set up your laptop and project to the smart TV while you enjoy the scenery.
Friendly dogs are welcome here, with over 1.5 acres securely fenced for your furry friends to roam freely. They will have instant playmates and entertainment as our 2.5 year old retriever and 1 year old lab love other dogs (and people). And for outdoor enthusiasts, there's plenty to do, from kayaking on the lake to exploring the nearby mountain trails.
With so much to see and do in the area, from skiing in Whitefish to exploring Glacier National Park, this retreat is the perfect home base for your Montana adventure. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty of Flathead Lake and beyond!
Additional Info: The top floor of this custom home is occupied by the hosts/owners, a quiet older couple, one golden retriever (age 2), and one labrador retriever (age 1). We ask that you bring only friendly, healthy dogs as they will be sharing the yard with ours. The lower floor (the VRBO unit) boasts a fully furnished apartment that you are sure to enjoy for your vacation rental experience! Wake up to the sounds of birds chattering and see the majestic pines sway in the wind as you view it through the bedroom's picture window. The apartment is fitted with a walk-in laundry room, propane fireplace, leather reclining seats with cup holders, kitchen stocked with cookware and utensils, coffee, common spices, ice maker, Keurig, Internet, TV, dining area with a picture window, family board games, and exercise bike. An optional twin rollaway bed can be provided. *** Please note: Since the hosts live on the second floor and you may hear regular daytime noises such as walking from one room to another or opening a door. Our dogs are generally very quiet but may bark at deer or other wildlife. They are well-mannered, playful, and love to have someone throw a frisbee or ball. Both are big dogs but do not jump on people. They have also been trained to chase deer out of the fenced area so will help to keep your dogs safe.**
There is ample parking for large vehicles/boats, an outdoor fire pit that converts to a wood grill (subject to local fire restrictions), and access to 2 kayaks with life vests in the summer. The home is 1/3 mile from Flathead Lake by road with a rustic public access beach from which to launch kayaks or swim. Watch for deer wandering the property as they make daily treks to the lake for water. The back part of the property has a mountain trail which used to be an old logging road. The towering pines and abundant natural flora speak calmness into your soul. You are welcome to sit on a rock or log and just breathe in the healthy air.
You won't want to miss taking a 7 minute walk down a country road to reach the shore of Flathead Lake. You'll pass wild choke cherry trees, hawthorn shrubs, and many large firs and pines. Here you will find a small public beach that is rarely used. (Shhh... only locals know of it's existence!) It is untamed with driftwood and cattails on the shore. There is no dock for use, but you won't need it to launch the kayaks. The water is shallow for 100 yards or more. Sit in the cool water, swim out a ways, or kayak into the vast Flathead Lake. It is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River and has spectacular views in every direction. Also note Dixon 4-H Park, a county maintained public park, boasts a large pavilion with picnic tables, a bathroom, dock with ladder, and is only 2 miles away. Directions and photos of both these lake locations are posted in the binder on the living room table.
Are you a quilter? So is the owner! If you have a quilt top to be finished, arrangements can be made to complete an edge to edge design on a longarm machine while you are exploring the region. Ask for pricing.
Local Attractions: There is SO much to experience! Whitefish is 1.5 hour away and features many tourist attractions and ski resorts including Big Mountain. Check out Polson (population of 5000) which is a quick 10-minute drive. You can shop the farmer's market on Fridays (seasonally), find a locally owned restaurant, visit the cheese factory, get locally hunted foods at M&S Meats, rent a boat or jet ski, charter a fishing guide, swim, raft Flathead River, or explore the historic downtown shops. Glacier National Park is about 2 hours away, Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort (1 hour) is a gorgeous scenic drive to the north in Lakeside. Missoula ski resorts are 1.5 hours away. Big Arm has a great public park (15 min.) Lakeside has an awesome alpine coaster (35-minutes) that is open year-round. The city of Kalispell is to the north and hosts many more shops and attractions (1 hour). The quaint town of Bigfork is less than an hour's drive and has the most amazing Christmas wonderland store. You could also find a local orchard and pick cherries or wild huckleberries in July, apples in September/October. Book a spa day at Quinn's Hot Springs pools. Try your luck at viewing the Northern Lights on cold, clear nights in any open north facing area. Of course breathtaking photography opportunities are abundant no matter the season.
Flathead Lake boat rentals: Polson, Big Fork, Lakeside, Woods Bay, Somers, and Big Arm.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Snowboarding nearby
Internet
Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Hob
Ice maker
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
3 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
2 accessible parking spaces
Area rugs in public areas
Front entrance ramp
Hardwood flooring in public areas
No lift (single-level property)
Single level property
Smooth flooring in public areas
Tile flooring in public areas
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
In the mountains
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near the marina
On a lake
Things to do
Boat
Golf
Gym
Kayak
Snow sports gear
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Please place used towels in the bathtub.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Only healthy, friendly dogs allowed. Your dog(s) will be sharing a yard with the host’s 84 pound golden retriever.
Check out procedure
Easy!
1. Wash your dishes with hot soapy water
2. Place used towels in the bathtub.
3. Pile used bedding on bed.
Pet clean-up
1. Use towels in laundry room for your dog instead of bathroom towels.
2. Clean up dog waste outside using provided materials and can.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
3 total pets
Note from host: NO cats-owner has allergy. Friendly dogs only.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Apartment is not toddler-proof.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the area
Located in Polson, this apartment is in a rural area and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Flathead Lake and Pablo Wildlife Management Area, while Polson Flathead Historical Museum and Miracle of America Museum are cultural highlights. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skiing, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling. Visit our Polson travel guide
Is Montana Forest Retreat, Easy Walk to Flathead Lake, 1.5 Acres Fenced for Dogs! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total).
How much is parking at Montana Forest Retreat, Easy Walk to Flathead Lake, 1.5 Acres Fenced for Dogs!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Montana Forest Retreat, Easy Walk to Flathead Lake, 1.5 Acres Fenced for Dogs!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Montana Forest Retreat, Easy Walk to Flathead Lake, 1.5 Acres Fenced for Dogs!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Montana Forest Retreat, Easy Walk to Flathead Lake, 1.5 Acres Fenced for Dogs! located?
Situated on a lake, this apartment building is within 1 mile (2 km) of Flathead Lake and Little Bull Island. Jorgenson Heglie Park and Flathead River are also within 9 miles (15 km).
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Montana Forest Retreat, Easy Walk to Flathead Lake, 1.5 Acres Fenced for Dogs! Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
This property was near our relatives’ house and close to town. It was a cozy, comfortable lower level living space. Cheryl was friendly and responsive to questions. A great place to relax- and enjoy the deer that wander around!
The best stay we have ever had that we could bring the pups! The owners pups were so well mannered and were ours best friends! The owners were respectful of our privacy, but open to wonderful chats! Perfect stay!
Well appointed. Clean, nice and modern. Kayaks were offered to us though we did not take advantage. Easy to get in the space and was given a dedicated parking space. Would stay again.
emily B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ronnie
25 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Cheryl was an excellent host. The property is well taken care of and has a very homey, comfortable feel. We had a very relaxing quiet day which was exactly what I was looking for. Having the fenced yard for our dog to run and play in just made our trip so much easier. I would be very happy to return if the opportunity presents itself
We loved it! Our dog enjoyed a very large, fully fenced yard. Resident dog “Huckleberry” was a gentle and enthusiastic playmate for our dog. Cheryl and Bret loaned us kayaks and navigated us to local launch sites. Our apartment was very clean and stocked with all essentials from shampoo to coffee K-cups. It was quiet and the outdoor patio was so pleasant to enjoy at night.
Cozy, daylight basement perfect for the 2 of us and our puppy. Very clean and well-stocked. Porch was a nice place to sit out at the end of the day. Cheryl and Brett were great hosts. They’ll visit as much or as little as you’d like. Huck, their dog was a gentle giant as he played with our 11#, 8 month old puppy. We’re looking forward to staying there again.
We were in the neighborhood for a wedding on the lake. The setting, hospitality, and cleanliness of the Montana Forest Retreat was remarkable. I truly wished we had more time to enjoy the place. The retreat was decorated so thoughtfully and all the supplies one could need were available. Above and beyond was the kindness and understanding of the hosts. Good, genuine, thoughtful people. Thank you!
The title, Montana Forest Retreat, neatly summarizes our experience. Most mornings we sat at the patio, sipping coffee while looking out into the forest. Morning walks on nearby roads were invigorating. Very peaceful and serene. The property was comfortable, clean and well provisioned. Several times we took the kayaks out on Flathead Lake: we so enjoyed that! Cheryl was great to work with, and was very responsive to our needs and questions. We very much enjoyed Cheryl the host and her dog Huckleberry!
It was short but sweet the weekend before the 4th. My boys our dog and I stayed two nights while we adventured during the days. Our stay was perfect and as it compares to other accommodations we have used over the years, the Muri’s place is o par with the best. We couldn’t find a “binder” with departure instructions so we winged it and left the place appropriately set up for what was hopefully an easy re-set for the next guests (stripping linens, leaving towels in the hamper ready for a wash, etc.). We would highly recommend it for a quiet, out of the way spot to get some quiet R&R. Also, their pup is possibly the friendliest dog alive.
Cheryl, Bret (and Huck) were wonderful hosts! Cheryl had great suggestions on local attractions, activities and food! Even had great rainy day suggestions as well. You will not be bored no matter the weather!
Their property was absolutely perfect for our situation with dogs that are basically our children. They even have a delightful dog named “Huck” who is also one of the best hosts we've ever encountered.
You get a private driveway, parking area and entrance to their fenced in yard. It was easy to let the dogs in the gate and then unpack our belongings. Same way with check out!
We loved our stay so much and would definitely recommend this host. We will most certainly be coming back again soon! Thank you Chery/Bret/Huck
My husband and I stayed this last week of September and found Cheryl and Bret's rental better than we expected - and we expected a lot. The apartment is clean and comfortable, all you could need is there. The decor is current and nothing is aged or outdated. The hosts were so very friendly and gracious to visit with us when we initiated, but we never felt intruded upon. The property was just gorgeous out in the woods. We were delighted to have such a wonderful "home base" to return to each day.
Where this rental excels is its design to provide for travelers with dogs! We did not bring ours because and I'm very cautious about the safety, security and environment our dogs are in. This was a recon visit and I would not hesitate to bring the dogs next visit! The fencing is solid, some much room to run and the hosts' dogs, Huck and Ruby, are a delight. It is doggy paradise too!!
I had been dreaming of visiting Montana since I was a child and finally it came true! In June of 2024 my best friend and I, along with my dog Freddy, drove to Flathead Lake where we spent 11 perfect days as guests of Bret, Cheryl and their delighful dog Huck.
I can't find enough superlatives to describe how completely perfect our stay was. From the layout of the home, to the location within an easy walk to the lake, to the kind and generous hosts, to the absolutely stunning weather, everything contributed to making this the trip of a lifetime.
While we were there I visited Glacier National Park twice, the Bison Range, the Ninepipe Naure Center and a quilt and woodcarving show, among other things. In between I relaxed and enjoyed all the sights and scents that make Montana so special.
Cheryl, Bret and Huck, thank you for helping my dream come true. I would definitely choose your home to stay in should I ever have the great fortune to travel to Flathead Lake again.
Best Wishes! Lin, Gale and Freddy
What can I say? Cheryl and Brett are amazing hosts. They did extremely well at being available to us at all times while still respecting our privacy. Brett loaded up the kayaks and drove us to the lake without us even having to ask. Their dog Huck is an ABSOLUTE delight. I miss him already, such a good boy.
The property itself is gorgeous. While we were there, we had deer sitings, a mountain lion, and a momma black bear and her cubs. We felt 100% safe and secure at all times though, they even have bear spray to take with you if you go hiking.
Every small detail in the suite was considered. The wifi password is displayed prominently and easily, there are complimentary toiletries, and the decor around the house is absolutely adorable.
Flathead lake is absolutely gorgeous and lived up to every drop of the hype. Kayaking was an amazing experience and we are already talking about making this a yearly trip.
If you are looking at this property, book it with full confidence. We had a stunningly good experience and can't wait to see Cheryl, Brett, and Huck again next year.
Andrew J.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
4/10 Poor
Nicholas A.
5 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy
Not Private from Hosts or their dog
This is a hard review to leave. The Hosts and their pup, 'Huck' are very sweet folks but I read too fast over the description once I read fenced yard, short walk to the lake, and private I jumped and booked it. It's a great area but NOT private from the hosts - who are very sweet people - but present the entire time and their dog has free range of the yard space which was an issue with our reactive pup. I gave 2 stars for the Location and Cleanliness of the unit. Otherwise we had no privacy from the hosts or their dog (Huck) and you can hear most of what happens from the owners unit above from Huck running around to people walking around, light talking and of course the vacuuming above. This was a disastrous stay for our holiday week trip. If you don't mind the shared yard space and enjoy meeting the Hosts this space is great for you! If you wanted actual privacy I would skip this one. I did contact Vrbo folks and was told that since the host discloses the 'custom home above the unit' there isn't anything they can do and all I can do at this point is share a review after the booking. Again, it's clean and a great area, just not private hope this helps someone else looking for privacy/quiet time.
We really enjoyed Very relaxing and private at the same te the owers were avaliable and really niceThe property was packed with all we need in case We very grateful with the owners!
This was such a great stay! Cheryl is so kind and communicative, the place was clean and had everything we needed, and check in/check out is a breeze. This is such a gem for Flathead lake. Definitely stay here!