Alla Ponomareva 1/12/25 Alla Ponomareva 1/12/25

How To Photograph The Essence of Winter

Winter time is the most beautiful time in Montana to go outside, grab your DSLR and capture textures, landscapes, action, details, and moments with your pets and your loved ones. Get inspired with these photography tips and examples.

Wintertime feels like the worst time to capture any worthwhile images. First of all, if you use your cellphone to photograph, in lower temperatures the battery drains as fast as it takes for you to take off your gloves. With a DSLR, if you don’t know the right settings, your camera always makes the snow look grey (more on that later). Getting to photogenic places in the wintertime requires a 4-wheel drive, winter tires, and then a snowmobile or snowshoes, so basically a small fortune. Finally, good luck finding humans who are available and eager to be photographed in the winter, when all we want to do is spend it indoors, under a heated blanket, with a tub of popcorn in the middle, a pet on one side, and a Netflix remote on the other.

Hi, I’m Alla, I live in the woods of Montana and I LOVE to photograph in any season. I can get out of bed in my pajamas, scream at how pretty the outside looks, then quickly put on some winter boots, a hat, a sensible jacket, grab my already charged DSLR camera, and step into my backyard, which serves as my photography playground and I believe one of the prettiest places in the world.

I’ve lived on this piece of land for the past 15 years and still feel giddy and excited with the change of the seasons, whenever a new bird visits my garden, or whenever our new guests ask for a property tour of our self-built glamping wonderland.

Let’s dive into what photographing the Essence of Winter is all about and how you too can take your photos from boring grey winters to bright and interesting shots that make you feel excited to get out there in the colder months.

photographing winter’s Textures

From cracking ice, to fluffy, lumpy snow, smooth icicles, and melting/muddy snow - there are so many exciting textures that surround us during the winter months. The trick is to pay closer attention. You may need to get on your knees for some shots. You may need the help of a stool for icicle shots. If your eyes are sensitive like mine, you may need a pair of sunglasses and a cap to help you see better on those bright days. Also, if you plan on spending a while outdoors, you may need to lather on some sunscreen, because the ray’s reflection against the snow can be brutal and nobody wants a sunburn in the middle of January.

In terms of photography itself, there are two different filters that you can use on bright wintery days:

Polarizing filter

Reduces glare and reflections from snow
Enhances the contrast between the snow and the sky
Improves color saturation
Makes the sky appear deeper and more saturated
Decreases the amount of light reaching your camera sensor

Neutral Density Filter

Helps to create long exposures
Helps to smooth out water and draw out more color
Helps to highlight the intricacies of snow and icicles
Helps when areas are too bright for your desired camera settings

photographing winter’s details

While textures are also a type of winter detail, you can be more creative with this. Look around you for patterns like snow accumulating on fences, benches, or garden pots. Try to find plants that may or may not have been covered by snow. Look up, in search of icicles. Go up close to trees to see if you can creatively capture the needles or newly covered leaves or branches. Do you see any wild critters or their homes? Are there tracks in the snow or do your own footprints make for an interesting leading line or texture?

Photographing winter’s landscapes

While winter’s details may require a zoom lens to get closer to those details, Winter’s Landscapes are naturally more magnificent in a horizontal mode with a wider angle lens. My go-to lens is Fuji 18-55mm f2.8, but my newest prime Samyang 12mm is another lens I keep in the rotation.

For those days that are too cold and I won’t be walking around, spying details, I opt to just quickly grab the general sense of the winter day and one of the two wider angle lenses goes on the camera.

Some days the sunset looks incredible and I shoot a landscape shot.

On other days, the landscape in shallow aperture doesn’t look very inspiring, then a foreground object is important - like a solo tree, a building, or my hubby and I quickly jump in, and pose, before the blizzard blows the camera off the tripod.

Photographing winter's landscapes at The Hohnstead

Photographing Winter Landscapes at The Hohnstead

““Wintering brings about some of the most profound and insightful moments of our human experience, and wisdom resides in those who have wintered.””

— ― Katherine May, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times

PHOTOGRAPHING WINTER’S PLAYFULNESS

Montana’s winter sometimes lasts from October to April and whether you want it or not, you have got to find hobbies that you can do outside. For some, it’s cross-country skiing, snowboarding, downhill skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, dog sledding, and many others. No matter the sport, you just have to remember to be well prepared with various layers, but most importantly proper gloves and winter boots. Frozen fingers and toes for me is the fastest way to run back inside, where it’s warm and the roaring fire helps to defrost in no time.

WARNING!

When you return home from your winter wonderland adventure with your camera, you have to be careful. Do not shock your camera from the cold outdoors to warm indoors. This seemingly innocent camera handling can cause condensation to form on the lens and inside the camera body. This can potentially damage your camera by creating moisture where it shouldn't be (just like a pair of glasses that get fogged up.)

Place your camera in a sealed bag to control the humidity change when returning from the wintery outdoors and try to find a spot that is cooler rather than warmer like an entryway or a foyer.

My mom-in-law always recommends taking images of our garden in the summertime for memory’s sake during winter, likewise, I think it’s just as important to photograph those playful or typical moments during winter.

My father-in-law, if you’re reading this - we appreciate you clearing our winter-covered roads with a snow plow (which reminds me that I should get a picture of him doing that for memory’s sake.)

Couples winter time photography at The Hohnstead

Portrait winter time photography at The Hohnstead

PHOTOGRAPHING THE BEGINNING OR THE END OF THE WINTER SEASON

Here in Montana, the beginning of the winter season usually means the turning of the larch trees. Check out this blog post where I hiked and photographed a bazillion larches near Missoula, Montana and we visited the one and only Gus — the world’s oldest larch, which also happens to be taller than The Statue of Liberty!

Winter is not only the all-white winter-wonderland-looking time. Try to challenge yourself to find interesting shots of the upcoming winter season, whether it’s the snow-capped mountains in the distance, the foggy weather, or the rainy days can also be an interesting aesthetic.

The moody, foggy forest is my favorite, and seeing the sun’s rays peeking through the fog feels very magical.

Seeing the fog move through the forest makes you feel like it has a mind of it own, almost like being inside a horror movie where the fog is the villain.

Similar to foggy days, when the camera tries to expose for the darks and the shadows, it renders the fog grey. We may need to manually increase our camera’s exposure if you’re looking for a brighter image. And voila! Fog or snow turns white without the need for editing.

Photographing Larch Trees at The Hohnstead

Changing of the seasons at The Hohnstead

PHOTOGRAPHING WINTER’S MAGIC THROUGH BOKEH

Created by a wide-aperture lens, bokeh is the quality of the blur produced in out-of-focus parts of an image. In layman’s terms, bokeh are the little circles that you see around your subject when you shoot in a small f-stop (f1.2, f1.8, f2).

Bokeh can help to emphasize your subject or be used in an abstract manner, like the first image in the carousel below.

Which bokeh image from the ones below is your favorite?

PHOTOGRAPHING ANIMALS AND PETS IN WINTER TIME

Since the passing of my furry bestie, Slonik two years ago, we haven’t made a decision to get another pet. What I do have are various wild critters walking around our land and that will do!

Some days I feel like Snow White with fearless deer walking past our windows and that’s where my long zoom of 70-300mm helps. Otherwise, forget trying to sneak up on them in the forest on their territory, they can sense you coming before you even take off your lens cap.

““Snow creates that quality of awe in the face of a power greater than ours. It epitomises the aesthetic notion of the sublime, in which greatness and beauty couple to overcome you—a small, frail human—entirely.””

— ― Katherine May, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times

PHOTOGRAPH ITEMS NOT COVERED IN SNOW

Your winter season may not get as much snow as up here on the mountain, but trust me, there are still plenty of interesting subjects that you can observe during the winter.

Some plants and objects may take on a new-to-you look, which you may take for granted during other seasons.

You may use the frost to create unique photographs or use a spray bottle, or foamy water and a straw to create your own unique designs.

Photographing nature's details at The Hohnstead

WHEN THERE IS NO SNOW, OR NO INSPIRATION - LOOK UP!

I’ll be honest, not every day do I charge my batteries, clear out the memory card, and bring my camera outdoors just to walk around for an hour or two and feel photographically deflated.

Nothing inspired me today.

Nothing caught my photographic eye.

And then I look up, let the sun shine upon my rosy, wind-blown cheeks and I start paying attention to the clouds. Clouds can have some unique textures, patterns, and details and when combined with objects here on Earth - a picture is born!

Photographing the skies at The Hohnstead

I hope that the examples from this post have inspired you to get your camera, gloves, snow outfit, and winter boots and go outside. Winter time is the most magical time of the year, here in Montana, because of just quiet and peaceful everything is. The quiet is very obvious here in the mountains and it’s the perfect time to be one with nature and with your camera. I hope you enjoy photographing your next winter and if you do, let me know how it goes in the comments below.

stay and photograph at the hohnstead glamping cabins

Winter Core at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins

Alla Ponomareva 1/5/25 Alla Ponomareva 1/5/25

Explore Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in The Wild in Lincoln, Montana

Do you enjoy art and being outdoors? Then you'll love Blackfoot Pathways Sculpture In The Wild in Lincoln, Montana a 26 acre peaceful forested museum under the open skies.

If you had 20 acres in rural Montana and wanted to somehow unite international artists under one mission, how would you do it?

Welcome to Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in The Wild in Lincoln, Montana, where rich cultural, environmental and industrial heritage of the Blackfoot Valley is celebrated through contemporary artworks by various artists in residency in about 3 weeks time.

Located about one hour away from The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins and 1.5 hours from Missoula, Montana, Sculptures in The Wild is a wonderful, pet-friendly (on the leash) and free park, where you can take a walk, have a picnic, and enjoy the works of over a dozen international artists who created various sculptures made of natural and industrial materials.

Blackfoot Pathways Sculptures in The Wild 3.jpg

26 acres of forested land have been allotted for this artistic endeavor and every time I’ve visited, it has been so peaceful and serene, with very little human traffic, making me feel like the place was built just for me.

You’re able to explore the space on your own time, walking in any direction on easy to traverese trails.

There are maps in the beginning to guide you in the direction of specific sculptures, but I prefer to let mystery and curiosity guide me every time I go.

Some of the artists include Jaakko Pernu (Finland), Jorn Ronnau (Denmark), Steven Siegel (USA), Chris Drury (UK) and Patrick Dougherty (USA). Since Sculptures in The Wild is a residency program with an annual changeover, you’re likely to see some new pieces of art regularly.

For me, one of my favorites is called Hill and Valley by Steven Siegel from USA. His art work has been there since 2014 and it’s still an impressive site - 30,000 pounds of newspaper, 400 pounds of nails, and 28 pine lodge poles.

It just makes me ask one question: How?

There are no specific open hours, just dawn to dusk, my favorite time was during Golden Hour.

So go ahead, grab your pet and some picnic lunch, and check off this Top 15 Places To Road trip as named by Sixt Magazine in 2023.

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Blackfoot Pathways Sculptures in The Wild 7.jpg

If you enjoy the peaceful nature of Sculptures in The Wild, you’ll definitely enjoy staying at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins, about one hour away in Bonner, Montana. We’ve got 5 cozy, peaceful cabins for you and your pet to enjoy and if you’re an artist yourself, ask us about our own Artist Fellowship Program.

Blackfoot Pathways Sculpture in The Wild

Sculptures in The Wild in Lincoln, Montana

Alla Ponomareva 12/22/24 Alla Ponomareva 12/22/24

Explore Jerry Johnson Hot Springs near Missoula, Montana

Exploring Jerry Johnson Hot Spring in Winter near Missoula, Montana

One of our many favorite wintertime activities in Montana is stripping down to almost nothing and soaking our aching bodies in the hot waters of a natural hot spring. The feeling of driving through icy roads, then hiking in snowy conditions while seeing your breath and wondering, “Why would I take off my clothes now? It’s winter!”

For me, the tingles throughout my body (similar to those in a hot tub but better because I’m in chemical-free water) make the trip totally worth it!

where is Jerry johnson hot springs?

Jerry Johnson Hot Spring is located 84 miles from The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins and takes about 1:45 hours. Located in Clearwater National Forest in Idaho, you’ll actually be on Idaho time when you arrive (one hour behind Montana).

This is a beautiful drive to this year-round family destination, it takes you through the meandering roads of Lolo Pass. In the wintertime, it is extra photogenic, making you feel like you’re driving through Winter’s Wonderland.

Lochsa River on the way to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs

how long of a hike is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?

There are three hot springs sources and the hike generally takes 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on your speed and fitness level) to cover 1.3 miles one way (2.6-mile roundtrip). It is considered an easy hike, but in the wintertime, because the trail is heavily treed and the snow has a harder time melting, it is recommended to bring crampons for easier walking.

The trailhead parking lot is called Warm Springs After parking, cross Highway 12 and the pack bridge over the Lochsa River. Take a right to follow Warm Springs Trail #49 south along the creek for about one mile.

Start of the trail - crossing the Lochsa River on the way to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs.

Are dogs allowed at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?

Yes, this hot spring is pet-friendly and dogs need to be on a leash. No dogs are allowed in hot springs.

Is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Clothing Optional?

Yes, like many natural hot springs, Jerry Johnson is clothing optional, allowing you to soak freely in ways you feel comfortable.

There are no facilities (except for the bathroom at the beginning of the trail across the road).

Searching for pool #1 at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs

Are there fees at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?

No, there are no fees, it is a free hot springs site.

Camping at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs

There is no overnight camping at Jerry Johnson. It is designated for day use only. There is a campground one mile from the Warm Springs.

whats the ‘glitter’ in the water at jerry johnson hot springs?

The elevated levels of sulfur (glitter-looking particles) in hot spring waters offer antifungal and antibacterial properties that can soothe and even help heal the skin. Healing hot spring waters can also improve skin irritations and conditions.

“Soakers enjoy reduced stress levels when spending time in natural hot springs.”

In under two hours from The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins, you can enjoy the healthy benefits of hot springs at Jerry Johnson. PRO TIP! You can also make a pit stop at Lolo Peak Brewery and Grill on the way there or back. There you can enjoy some refreshing libations and check out the building itself - it is a gorgeous log building, which is definitely unique, unlike the other breweries in Missoula.

Have you visited Jerry Johnson Hot Springs before? In which season?

Easy Hike and Hot Spring Soak near Missoula, Montana

Alla Ponomareva 12/8/24 Alla Ponomareva 12/8/24

Missoula Walking Tours with Unseen Missoula

Experience the past with a guided historical tour through the downtown of Missoula, Montana with Unseen Missoula Tours.

It took just 90 minutes to learn about - pubic wigs, feet turned into moccasins, tunnels full of ghosts, and over 1,000 buried bodies found under an elementary school near Missoula.

And those were just some of the crazy and shocking facts that we learned on Unseen Missoula’s Walking Tour called “Screams and Spirits.”

Wait, there are other tours, similar to this one?

Sign me up!

Living on and off in Missoula since 2010 and running our glamping business, we haven’t had much time to get to know Missoula. Garrett attended the University of Montana in Missoula many years ago and like most folks, we don’t always venture out to do the “touristy” things.

In an attempt to be more involved in the Missoula community, we’re so thankful that there are so many passionate folks who are excited to bring the history of this little town back to life.

Maybe we can finally get some answers to some of our burning questions:

“What’s up with that M sign on Mount Sentinel?

“Are there really tunnels under Missoula? And where do they lead?”

“What is known about Missoula’s Queen of Brothels?”

A lot of folks think that the highlight of Missoula’s history is Norman Maclean’s book “A River Runs Through It,” which tells the story of two brothers from Missoula, who love fishing on the Blackfoot River. Yes, technically, that book and later the movie helped to put Missoula on the map (though few people know that it wasn’t filmed here, but in Bozeman and Livingston.)

If you live or visit Missoula and love walking tours and fascinating stories, you’re in luck!

WHAT IS UNSEEN MISSOULA?

Unseen Missoula Tours started in 2018, entertaining and baffling over 1,400 people since its inception, and I was recently one of them.

Thanks to the wonderful Missoula ambassadors, Hauna and Melissa, from Women Who Explore (WWE), I learned about the Unseen Tour and decided to sign up. Check out another exciting and insanely photogenic hike we went on with WWE in this blog post.

Unseen Missoula is a program of Heritage Missoula and the Downtown Missoula Partnership that offers educational walking tours that showcase Missoula’s unique history. At the time of this writing, six tours are offered from April to October. Check out the tours and get your tickets here.

SCREAMS AND SPIRITS TOUR

October was the perfect month to hear Missoula’s spine-chilling history, despite that day’s colder temps and rainy conditions. Still, women who explore and I persevered, joining about a dozen other participants, celebrating birthdays and other curious folks.

Our wonderfully informative guide Sophia is a Public Historian, specializing in the history of Western Montana red light districts.

She had laminated printouts of various photos that made the tour come to life, putting a face to certain folks and seeing what the city looked like way back in the day of dirt roads and when Missoula was literally eight feet deeper than today.

We didn’t walk very far on this tour (about five city blocks), but every stop had its significance - like this Ghost Signage, which we just had to document with a group photo for WWE.

Above us are Ghost Signage in Missoula, Montana

WHAT’S A GHOST SIGN?

Ghost signs are considered valuable historical artifacts as they provide information about past businesses, products, and local culture. Due to age and exposure to elements, the paint on ghost signs fades, making them appear faint and "ghostly."

WHAT ELSE DID we LEARN ON THE TOUR?

Sophia did such an incredible job filling the 90 minutes with SO MUCH INFORMATION, but here is the quick summary of the tour to get your anticipation boiling until the tours restart in April:

What was Missoula like during the 19th and 20th centuries?

You’ll hear detailed stories of the convicted murderer John Burns, crooked sheriff William Houston, as well as two of Montana’s first state female convicts, Felicita Sanchez and Mary Drouillard.

You’ll learn about how the Clark Fork River was re-routed, The Wilma Theater was built on a man-made island where Caras Park sits today, as you drive down to the Carousel, you can feel how low Missoula used to exist before.

Your eyebrows will undoubtedly rise when you hear about the shoe-feet mocassins, which are still out there somewhere!

The hairs on the back of our spine stood up, as Sophia told us about a certain plaid-shirt-wearing and mustachioed ghost figure, which continues to show up in various businesses around downtown.

You may be joined on a tour by a business owner who swears that their downtown location has a mystery door that may or may not lead to the tunnel network under Missoula.

You’ll definitely finish the tour at Cranky Sam Public House, which happens to have a framed pubic wig displayed above the bar, ask Sophia about it.

While you’re there check out the Naked Lady in all her glory, but did a ghost reveal her location during the renovations?

We definitely have more questions about Missoula since before the Unseen Missoula Tour, but history reveals some things and leaves other facts hidden, like all the unknown names of the people buried under Rattlesnake Elementary School.

Check out tour offers and prices of Unseen Missoula here.

Unseen Missoula Tours in Missoula, Montana

Alla Ponomareva 10/29/24 Alla Ponomareva 10/29/24

Larch Madness at Heart and Glacier Lakes

Hiking and capturing fall at its prettiest at Heart and Crescent Lakes.

I’m a Woman Who Explores!

Nice to see you here again, I’m Alla and let me tell you about my latest hike which left me breathless, naked, and hugging a tree.

I’m so excited that Women Who Explore (WWE) chapters exist all over this country and the world, and this past year I’ve been to not one but four exciting events with them.

what exactly is WWE?

“From the beginning, our mission has been to create a safe space for all women-identifying voices, bodies, skill levels, and journeys. We bring together women who share a passion for adventure and love for this planet” Women Who Explore.

At the time of this writing, Montana chapter has over 12,000 members, check inside their Facebook Group to see if your city/town has an ambassador organizing trips. If not, why not apply to become one?

Missoula chapter has two ambassadors - Hauna and Melissa who volunteer to put on at least 6 trips in a single year.

On one of the floating trips, we had a gal, who was passing by, looking for fun things to do, which is actually really clever. WWE has so many chapters around the country and the world, that it becomes a great way to venture outside whether you’re a local or traveling through.

What trips have you done so far?

I’ve gone on a River Paddling and Charcautery trip, Zip Lining (around my Birthday), Missoula Spooky Walking History Tour (with Unseen Missoula), and this hike I’m going to tell you more about.

How did this event begin?

Any WWE trip begins with ambassadors posting a trip on the WWE Facebook Page, where anyone who is interested can sign up via their Eventbrite Link. Best part - this hike was absolutely free and who can say no to free opportunities to connect, sightsee, and get sweaty. I’m in!

Then ladies connected on Facebook messenger, coordinating car-pulling rides and figuring out who was coming from where. Amazingly, some girlies were coming from as far as Great Falls (a 3-hour drive), some from the Bitterroot Valley, and some from nearby Idaho.

Fortunately, I got to sleep in, and around 8:30 am I was picked up from the bottom of (basically) my driveway. It was quickly evident that it was going to be a pretty drive.

Visibility deteriorated fast and while passing the beautiful Potomac Valley, it was covered in a very thick, white fog.

As we drove toward Glacier Lake Trailhead, the fog hung around the mountains and made for quite a gorgeous vista. The lakes were even more stunning than usual, with steam rising off the lake, forgive my spur-of-the-moment image from a moving car.

Steam evaporating off the lake and larches in the background

The photographer in me is always excited and ready to capture these views, even though I’ve driven past here a few hundred of times.

The mission of the trip was to see larch trees, changing colors from typical green to a lovely yellow, before dropping the needles for next year’s rebirth.

Driving North on Highway 83 is always a treat, because of the various lakes and Swan Mountain Range that come into view.

This time of the year - around 3rd week of October - the lakes were reflecting a bunch of larches, so we made a note to return on the way back. Those photos are below.

The trail

If you’re in the area and are looking for an easier hike - Glacier Lake Trail (3.2mi) is fantastic! We hiked to it on the way back and I highly recommend it if you’re not looking for a challenge.

Here are a few photos to get you excited!

Glacier Lake in Montana — Larches at Glacier Lake

Heart Lake Trail (7.8 mi with a gradual elevation gain of 1,361 ft) is considered moderate on All Trails. It was a little challenging to find because GPS tries to take you off-road, but if you stay on the main dirt road, you should be able to find your way.

A windy road took us up in elevation, where we ALSO passed some stunning larch vistas. Despite the trees in the foreground, you can appreciate the insane amount of larch trees that go far into the horizon. How stunning!

As group trips go, there always tends to be that one or two people who are late or cancel coming altogether. On this trip, we also ran into this phenomenon, which delayed our hike a bit.

Starting around 10:30am the temperature had warmed up finally from miserable 30’s to around 50s and off we went.

Our awesome guide Hauna led the way and made plenty of room for photos, drink/snack breaks, and made the vibe of the hike very welcoming and inviting.

I love this group, primarily because I get to meet some bad-ass females and learn about their lives.

I may or may not have been the slowest hiker in the group, but I was the only one to get (almost) naked. Keep reading to learn more!

On the way to Crescent and Heart Lakes, we were able to get a bird’s eye view of Glacier Lake, which makes for postcard-type images.

Tip! Go on trips with other photographers who can take stunning photos of you. This is not a stock photo, its me as taken by Hauna (thank you for making me look to cool).

Hiker overlooking the mountains and Glacier Lake in Montana — I’m a Woman Who Explores!

Arriving at Crescent Lake first, we snapped a few quick shots and kept going.

Crescent Lake in Montana — Crescent Lake

A few more minutes later, at Heart Lake, our final destination, we unpacked and enjoyed our packed lunches.

Surprisingly to all of us, another solo hiker caught up to us, making us realize she was one of the WWE participants. Blown away by her speed to catch up with us and her ability to brave the wilderness alone, we were all so impressed by Hailey.

Meanwhile, I realized that I overdressed for the 60+ F day that it became. My insulated pants and extra thick socks made the bottom of my body uncomfortably hot, so what was a girl near a lake to do?

I walked around a corner, where some bushes would give me some privacy to undress, got down to my undies, and went for it.

Still feeling brave from the previous week’s dip in the chilly 49F Blackfoot River, Heart Lake’s water didn’t feel any warmer. But I’ll say this - after dipping to my neck a few times, I didn’t feel hot from the waist down anymore for the rest of that day :)

Honestly, we were all slightly disappointed, because looking for Larch Trees, we didn’t see very many at Heart and Crescent Lakes. But making our way over to Glacier, once again we took out our cameras to capture this very special time of the year in Montana.

As we drove South on Highway 83, we had to make another sightseeing pit stop to visit Gus.

Who is Gus?

“Two feet taller than the Statue of Liberty, Gus was awarded the prestigious title “Largest Larix occidentalis (Western Larch) Tree in the United States” by the National Register of Champion Trees in 2020. ”

— Montana Naturalist

While some old larches can live between 400-600 years, Gus near Seeley Lake, was able to survive over 10 centuries (1,000+ years old). A lot can happen in such a long span of time, like lightning strikes and forest fires and Gus was able to survive 40 fires!

He is so tall, you have to back up a few hundred feet just to see the top of it.

It also took a couple of us, holding hands, trying to hug the dang thing. Here is my miserable attempt at tree hugging Gus.

Hugging Gus, the largest larch tree — Trying to hug Gus, the largest Western larch tree in the world.

Posing next to Gus, the largest western larch tree

From the weather to the company to the sights - we had THE PERFECT day hiking with the Women Who Explore Missoula Chapter. We definitely got our fill of larches to last us a whole year. We made friends and connections. We patted and enjoyed the company of dogs (always a plus in my book). And if you’re a woman who is into the outdoors, you should join us on the next adventure with WWE. See you outside!

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Alla Ponomareva 10/22/24 Alla Ponomareva 10/22/24

From Foraging to Serving Tea and Breaking The Golden Rule

Foraging for rosehips, making rosehip tea and learning the art of being more self-sufficient while living in Montana.

Have you ever found yourself using useful knowledge from your childhood today?

It could be any type of useful knowledge - mathematics, travel, homesteading, navigation, playing a game, magic trick, etc.

For me, recently, it was while foraging.

“Foraging is the act of searching for and collecting wild food resources, such as berries, nuts, herbs, mushrooms, and animals. ”

Living in cities for the past 14 years, I’ve never found myself in a situation where I was in the wild and there was something edible growing that I could have picked. I’m sure there were such occasions on our day-to-day or in our travels, but when food is abundant and you’re living a fast-paced metropolitan lifestyle, your brain doesn’t automatically think to pick a berry of a bush and put it in your mouth.

“I’m not starving, I’m not a savage,” I thought.

Until we found ourselves quitting our jobs abroad and moving to the forest in Montana, my curiosity about nature and everything that pertains to it would start to blossom.

I’m slowly becoming a birder, a homesteader, a hiker, a forest bather, and a star bather as well. It’s true, old dog can learn new tricks :)

Came across these beauties on a hike recently, thinking that if my childhood memories serve me right, these are edible.

Indeed, these Rosehips are!

One of the ways I identified these wild berries was by taking a photo, then using Samsung’s native “Find More Info” feature I got my first identification.

Then I googled Rosehips and checked out what berries and leaves should look like. It also told me that it was an edible plant and that I could use it in a variety of ways, including making tea.

Being a big tea lover, I decided to do just that.

But while foraging these Rosehip berries, I broke one of the Golden Rules of Foraging, which I later learned.

GOLDEN RULES OF FORAGING

Don’t eat what you can’t 100% identify.
Always leave 2/3 of the plant for animals to eat and for the ecosystem’s health.

I felt pretty confident on my identification, but I honestly picked a lot of the berries.

The excitement was in the air and any old thoughts of savages foraging for food in the wild quickly disappeared. Feeling like a kid again, frolicking through the forest in search of more berries to pick, I think I’m going to like living in non-metropolitan Montana after all.

Rosehips can be big or small, when ripe orange or red (avoid green ones that are difficult to detach).

The bushes are prickly, so be careful or use gloves/sheers.

As it turns out, Rosehips grow in place of the flowers, so don’t cut all the flowers to grow more berries.

Also note that Rosehips can be made into a tea from the intact berry, or you can split it open, clean the inside hairs (which can be irritable to the throat or stomach), and do what I did.

I got rid of the black hairs that grow on one end, simply by pinching them off with my fingernails.

Wanting to dry them out completely, I cut each one in half, saving the seeds and scraping the tiny hairs out with my fingernails.

It was laborious, but I like doing things with my hands.

I saved the seeds to plant Rosehips near our garden next spring. Stay tuned for the results.

Then came the drying part, which was super easy.

I placed the halved Rosehips on a metal rack outside to be dried by the sunshine (why use electricity if you don’t have to). Each day, checking the progress, making sure they were becoming hard and very dry.

After a couple of days, they were nice and dry, so I brought them inside.

Understanding that most recipes call for one or two teaspoons of Rosehips for a cup of tea, I decided to run them through a blender.

What started off as a “pretty decent amount” turned into two 4-oz mason jars of Rosehip Powder.

Maybe an hour of manual work between the foraging, cutting, scooping, laying, blending and a couple of days of drying in the sun yielded a small amount of tea, maybe 10 cups worth.

What does it taste like?

That’s the best part, because the taste is what is going to keep me going back to foraging Rosehips.

It tastes sweet and sour at the same time — a flavor I love!

Reading more about Rosehips, it turns out that the longer they stay on the vine, the sweeter they’ll get. This is a great tip for our garden next year!

Also, apparently, if the plant is exposed to frost, before harvesting, the berries will also taste sweeter and more flavorful.

what are other uses of rosehips?

FYI: Information from the Internet, not verified, just letting you know what is out there, do your own research when putting things in your body

Rosehips are considered highly medicinal thanks to a potent combination of vitamin C and antioxidants
Rosehips are perfect to use in homemade syrup or you can infuse them into honey, oil, vinegar, or even alcohol to utilize their medicinal benefits to treat coughs and colds.
Rosehip seed oil is a gentle and soothing moisturizer for dry skin.
Rose hip tea may help reduce inflammation, soothe aches and pains, and treat sore throats
Rose hips contain polyphenols and anthocyanins, which may help ease joint inflammation and prevent joint damage.
Rose hips may be useful as a systemic therapy for hyperpigmentation.
Rosehip oil may help regulate blood glucose levels, which may reduce the risk of diabetes.
Rose hips may help strengthen the kidneys and treat kidney disorders.
Rose hips may help increase metabolism and decrease the concentration of toxins in the liver.
Rosehip extract may have anti-obesity effects, including decreasing body weight gain and lowering abdominal fat.

Foraging is so fun!

Foraging can be a fun activity, as long as you follow the golden rules and know your local laws about where you can and can’t forage. Once you do and you go through the process, enjoying a hot cup of Rosehips Tea is a wonderful experience!

Alla Ponomareva 10/11/24 Alla Ponomareva 10/11/24

My Bucket List Item Came To The HohnStead!

Photographing Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) at The HohnStead Glamping Cabins in Bonner, Montana

Ever since I was little, my father told me stories of working in some remote part of the USSR where he was able to observe the incredible and magical Aurora Borealis aka The Northern Lights.

As a kid, growing up without the Internet, or HD footage, we could only imagine what Northern Lights would actually look like, so I wondered:

Is it a defined image in the sky?

Does it last long?

Is it always one color?

Does it move slowly or quickly?

Does it have to be very cold to see it?

Is it scary/like an explosion in the universe?

At that time, dreaming of anything seemed like a far-fetched idea, so it never occurred to me to put it on my Bucket List for later in life.

After moving to America, I realized I was a bit closer to observing this natural wonder, maybe via a trip to Canada or somewhere equally cold. We traveled a bit, mostly to Disney World in Florida, checking off a pretty cool childhood dream, but nope, there were no Northern Lights in Orlando.

It would be at least 10 more years before I started working abroad and traveling the world on my own. Seeing other travelers and fellow photographers make special trips to Sweden and Norway to catch Aurora, often coming back with mediocre images and feeling like money was wasted.

My curiosity grew stronger and stronger.

Once, at a Farmer’s Market in Montana, I met a photographer who worked and photographed Glacier National Park.

“No way! Glacier has Aurora Borealis!” I exclaimed.

“Sure, but you have to be near or at the park on the night of,” he said.

Well, it’s only 2.5 hours away from our Montana property and maybe one day I’ll make the drive, I thought, but in reality, I knew that I never would.

I don’t like driving very much AND I definitely don’t like driving the windy roads of Montana at night, watching out for deer, mountain goats, and other critters that come down to the pavement to lick off the salt.

“The aurora australis, or Southern Lights, is the aurora borealis’ counterpart in the southern hemisphere.”

Earlier this May, the Aurora Borealis came to Montana and was visible in Missoula and nearby towns, BUT we had no idea, so we slept through it just to enviously read all the excited photographers and observers who caught it.

I was so annoyed with myself. Northern Lights came here and all I had to do was look outside. No need to drive or get a National Park permit, just open the door and look up….

By this point, I’ve officially put the Northern Lights on my Bucket List in the hopes that the stars will align and I’ll get to either watch them or photograph them or even both! Fingers crossed!

Aurora at The HohnStead — Aurora Borealis at The HohnStead.
Shot with Fuji X-T5, 18-55mm 2.8 lens.
Settings: ISO 6400, f4, 15 sec. Edited in Snapseed

I didn’t have to wait too long because this week, we had not one but two sightings of them in this part of the world!

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that I missed the first one.

Slept through like a 39 y.o. baby :)

But the second time the news again posted about a “Severe Solar Storm To Light Up Large Part of The U.S.,” and I was ready!

With camera batteries charged, memory card in, and tripod ready, I walked outside around 11 pm and walked towards an open field near the A-frame cabin. All I saw were white, whispy clouds, some stars in the sky, and then a noisy whoosh in the bushes nearby.

What is a girl in the woods to do?

I growled loudly in that direction (hoping to sound scarier than whatever was hiding in the bush), I backed up towards the Commons Area and felt safer shooting from near there.

Again, I wasn’t sure if what I was seeing was just clouds or WAIT!

They are moving quickly, appearing and disappearing on a whim. At times it felt like the sky was pulsating with white puffy things forming like quick pimples in the sky, then disappearing again.

“I guess I’m seeing Aurora, but man, is it UNDERWHELMING,” I thought.

Where are the vivid colors? or the shapes?

Cue the assistance of a long-exposure camera!

It was only IN the camera that I began to see THE MAGIC of that moment.

The colors were green, pink, purple, and even blue, and all I saw was black and white with my naked eyes.

And that is where I lost myself.

Sometimes, when photographing, I get so caught up in the moment, changing settings, composition, position, location, etc. I forget about time, or the fact that it was almost midnight and my hands were feeling chilly. I forgot about that scary sound in the woods and kept walking around through the dark in search of a better angle. I forgot about even the fact that I should have just stopped and looked up to appreciate the magic, no matter how much BETTER IT LOOKED IN THE CAMERA.

After about 60 photos of 15-second exposures each, I was satisfied with my results, saving editing them for the morning, when the excitement and the eyes would be fresh.

Check out my results below, and comment below what you think.

Is it a defined image in the sky? Nope, it changes almost every second, blink and you’ll miss it.

Does it last long? Not sure, I was there for an hour but I’ve heard other photographers stayed up past 3 am still shooting it.

Is it always one color? Nope, as you can see, after adjusting brightness and Luminance, there are so many different colors at play. So a naked eye or a phone may not see the entire spectrum.

Does it move slowly or quickly? Sometimes slowly, sometimes fast.

Does it have to be very cold to see it? Nope, and that’s the best part! Save yourself a trip to frigid Northern countries, when you can enjoy Aurora with just a light sweatshirt in some parts of the world (come to Montana :)

Is it scary/like an explosion in the universe? It’s quite unusual to see such changes in the night sky, but after a few moments, you get used to it and start to appreciate its glory.

It feels so good to tick Aurora Borealis off the list and pick a new Bucket List item to look forward to.

Did you know that The HohnStead Glamping Cabins have very little light pollution?

This makes Stargazing, observing the Milky Way, and the Northern Lights very easy, compared to being in or near a city.

Of course, we can’t ALWAYS guarantee an incredible Stellar Experience while here, but if you stay a few nights, you might just luck out!

We can’t wait to host you in the woods!

- Alla and Garrett

The HohnStead Glamping Cabins in Bonner, Montana

Stargaze here

Best Place for Northern Lights near Missoula, Montana.jpg

Alla Ponomareva 9/27/24 Alla Ponomareva 9/27/24

Birding around The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins

Go beyond just bird-watching with this very helpful FREE aid.

Have you ever found yourself in the woods, in the park with lots of singing birds, but you could not see or identify them?

Some bird species are quite small and can conspicuously blend in with their environment, but what is a birder ( bird-watcher) to do?

Answer: Download the FREE Merlin Bird ID App (not sponsored, just a big fan)

What is Merlin Bird Id App?

Merlin Bird ID, which was designed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is widely recognized as the best digital tool specifically designed for bird identification. With the help of eBird, this app is powered by Visipedia and has over 1382 supported bird profiles. The app's outstanding features of mostly accurate bird ID have helped all types of birders, from complete newbies to seasoned bird lovers.

Why should you download Merlin Bird ID?

The first time we learned about this new app, was from a guest, who loved the ease of use and easy identification based on the bird’s call. She opened the app, pressed the middle green button - Sound ID and the app used its magic to identify a bird that was singing at that moment. Or take a picture of the bird and use the Photo ID button instead.

Better yet, you get photos, sounds, range maps, and expert ID tips as you learn and build your birding skills while using the app.

Based on our last article on Birding around Missoula, MT, some people keep Life List of all bird species that they’ve ever witnessed. Merlin Bird ID helps you maintain that list if you sign in to a new account.

Explore function allows you to check out various birds that may be likely in an area near you (this morning, my app tells me that there are 119 bird species likely today near Missoula County). It is possible that other bird watchers in the area are also using this app and have been able to spot a few new ones for me.

My Sound Recordings inside the app keeps track of all the recordings I’ve done so far, which makes it fun to share with folks who are not familiar with this magical app.

When you connect with another birder, you realize that it’s not just the birds that we’re after, we’re observers and pay closer attention to nature. Some of us are photographers, like myself, and enjoy “getting that perfect shot.” Some of us are list-makers, using birding as a hobby we can track. Some of us are ornithologists, aka scientists who study birds using formal scientific methods. And if it wasn’t for the latter, we’d probably never have the ease and excitement of Merlin Bird ID.

More than 100 focal recordings are needed to train Merlin to identify a species, but only 20% of bird species worldwide have enough recordings. And that’s where you and me come in, by downloading and using the app!

Canada Jay / Gray Jay at The HohnStead Glamping Cabins

FUN FACT!

Canada Jay or Grey Jay are very smart birds. Their incredible adaptability allows them to eat almost anything, such as ticks off the back of a moose, baby bats, amphibians, baby birds, in addition to more normal foods like invertebrates, seeds, and berries.

One of our friends’ family is so passionate about birds, that they once competed against each other in a contest where you had to be able to identify birds by names and by their calls/sounds. This friend could identify a whopping amount, over 250 different bird species.

How many bird species can you identify?

Western Tanager at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins

birds I identified with merlin bird id app at The Hohnstead this summer?

Cassin’s Finch
Mountain Chickadee
Northern Flicker
Clark’s Nutcracker
Stellar’s Jay
Sharp-shinned Hawk
American Goshawk
Brewer’s Sparrow
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Dark-eyed Junco
Black-capped Chickadee
Hairy Woodpecker
Western Tanager
Cedar Waxwing
Chipping Sparrow
Swainson’s Thrush
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Williamson’s Sapsucker
Pine Siskin
House Finch
American Robin
Evening Grosbeak

Wow! And that is only in the past 3 months.

While my camera and zoom lens haven’t always been available during my identifications, I was still able to catch some pretty great shots of a few birds (and other critters) in or near our garden, check them out below.

Whether you’re a birder or not, if you love nature, walking in the forest, or traveling and exploring National Parks and Forests, you’re definitely going to enjoy using Merlin Bird ID App. With this app, you are able to store, quickly identify, and share your knowledge of silly creatures that fly around you. I’m sure that you’re going to have fun and feel like a kid again when you start to memorize and eventually identify them on your own. Who knows, maybe you’re already ready to connect your Merlin App to the advanced Swarovski Optik binoculars for seamless observation and identification of more than 8000 birds or wildlife critters. But if you’re just a novice, like me, you’ll stick with the free app and a zoom lens :)

Alla Ponomareva 8/11/24 Alla Ponomareva 8/11/24

Glamping Essentials: What to Pack for a Weekend Glamping Trip

What should you pack for a weekend Glamping Trip? We’ve got answers!

When you’re living or staying in the mountains, bringing warmer clothing is always a must, because higher elevations usually bring cooler temps at night, no matter how hot the day’s temps were. In an attempt to help our guests pack for their adventures in the woods this summer, we’ve put together a list of items that are necessary to pack when going on a Glamping Trip (like The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins). Whether you’re a seasoned glamper or a first-timer, having the right items can make all the difference.

What Is Glamping?

Before we dive into the packing list, let’s clarify what glamping is. Imagine if a hotel and a campsite had a baby – that’s glamping! Glamping sites provide pre-set tents with beds, blankets, and other comforts. However, the bathroom is usually separate, and you won’t need to bring your entire outdoor arsenal. It’s like camping, but with a touch of luxury.

Here are the essentials you’ll want to pack for your glamping adventure:

clothing

Casual clothing for lounging around
Activewear clothing for hiking /doing Scavenger Hunt / splitting wood/ archery activities
Yoga clothing if you plan to do morning stretching
Swimwear / swim shoes for ease of exit
Cute concert outfit (for Kettlehouse Amphitheater) with a warm sweater or jacket for nighttime

shoes

Flip flops or socks when inside your cabin
Hiking shoes or sneakers which may get muddy
Casual shoes for day trips to town or to see a concert in.

accessories / other

Sunglasses
Sunhat or baseball hat
Day pack for hiking and walks
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Charging cables
Chapstick
Moisturizing Lotion (Montana summers are dry!)

layers

Sweatshirt or sweater for those chilly evenings, you’re almost at 4,000ft!
Fleece or puffy jacket for extra warmth and layering (it has snowed on our guests in May and September) Also nice when visiting permanently snowed in Glacier NP
Base layer (long underwear) for sleeping, lounging and ‘just in case’
Wool socks are great to wear during all seasons
Beenie / a warm hat

pet companions

Dog Food
Dog Treats
Dog Leash / collar / harness
Dog Bed
Dog Toys, bring extra as you may lose them in the woods
Dog’s warm sweater/jacket for those cool Montana nights
Dog’s blanket for those chilly nights
Portable water bottles for road trips
Water dish / food bowl
Any medications / supplements

download this packing list

Remember, glamping is about enjoying nature without sacrificing comfort. So pack wisely, and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor experience!

Alla Ponomareva 8/5/24 Alla Ponomareva 8/5/24

Cabin Core Ideas for Your Bedroom

Check out our selection of Cabin Core Ideas for The Bedroom.

Our guests often praise our interior design selections, which include mountain-themed wall decor, rustic kitchen accessories, cozy lamps, and charming rugs. Today, we’re excited to share our top cabin finds with you. Even if you don’t reside in a woodland cabin, embracing the Cabin Core aesthetic can envelop you in warmth, inspire candlelit evenings, and encourage outdoor exploration.”

what exactly is cabin core?

Cabincore is a clothing and decor style that's inspired by remote, woodsy locations and evokes a cozy, rustic cabin feel. It's similar to cottagecore and naturecore aesthetic, but with more earthy tones, like greens and browns, and a darker, moodier vibe. Cabincore motifs include:

Colors
Faded paint in olive, terracotta, and rusty tones, as well as hints of forest green
Materials
Thick, textured rugs, faux sheepskin pelts, and thick blankets
Decor
Ornate embroidery, lots of wood, candles, vases of flowers or dried grasses, and nature-inspired art
Motifs
Cabins, forests, hiking, pinecones, forest animals, muddy paths, vegetable patches, gloomy or cloudy days, autumnal seasons, streams, fishing, cold weather, and fireplaces

WHAT CABIN CORE ITEMS CAN I include in THE Bedroom?

Reclaimed Wooden Beams: Add wooden beams to your ceiling for that rustic cabin feel. You can even make these beams yourself! They evoke a sense of warmth and authenticity.

Wicker Details: Introduce wicker baskets, chairs, or other accessories. Wicker adds a touch of cottagecore charm and pairs well with the cabin aesthetic.

Comfy Throw Blankets: Drape long, comfy throw blankets over the bed or chairs. Opt for natural materials like wool or chunky knits to enhance the cozy vibe.

Plush Blankets and Soft Bedding: Layer your bed with plush blankets and soft bedding. Think faux fur throws or woolen blankets for extra warmth and comfort.

Foliage-Inspired Hues: Cabincore embraces earthy tones inspired by nature. Consider greens, browns, and deep blues for your bedroom color palette.

Antique Finds: Scour antique shops for unique pieces. Vintage lanterns, old maps, or weathered signs can add character to your space.

Plaid and Leather Accents: Incorporate plaid patterns and leather textures.

check out cabin core for bedroom finds

Remember, the key is to create a space that feels both intimate and connected to the outdoors, allowing you to escape into the woods even if you’re not in an actual cabin!

This page contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support.

Alla Ponomareva 7/15/24 Alla Ponomareva 7/15/24

Cabin Core Ideas for Your Bathroom

Check out our selection of Cabin Core Items for The Bathroom.

Our guests frequently compliment our interior design choices, such as our mountains, wildlife and nature-inspired wall decor, kitchen accessories, lamps, rugs, and many others. We decided to share with you our favorite cabin finds. Even if you don’t live in the cabin in the woods, decorating with Cabin Core in mind can help surround you with warm blankets, candlelit evenings, motivational wall decorations and inspirational items that remind you to get outside.

what exactly is cabin core?

Colors
Faded paint in olive, terracotta, and rusty tones, as well as hints of forest green
Materials
Thick, textured rugs, faux sheepskin pelts, and thick blankets
Decor
Ornate embroidery, lots of wood, candles, vases of flowers or dried grasses, and nature-inspired art
Motifs
Cabins, forests, hiking, pinecones, forest animals, muddy paths, vegetable patches, gloomy or cloudy days, autumnal seasons, streams, fishing, cold weather, and fireplaces

WHAT CABIN CORE ITEMS CAN I include in THE Bathroom?

Materials

Natural Wood: Use reclaimed or distressed wood for accents like shelving, vanities, or wall paneling.
Stone and Slate: Incorporate stone tiles or accents for a rugged feel.

Color Palette

Earthy Tones: Opt for warm, muted colors like browns, greens, and deep reds to create a natural atmosphere.
Neutral Hues: Soft whites and creams can balance the darker elements.

Textiles

Plaid or Flannel Patterns: Use towels and shower curtains featuring plaid or flannel designs for a cozy touch.
Natural Fibers: Choose rugs and bath mats made from jute, cotton, or wool.

Decor Elements

Wooden Accessories: Incorporate wooden shelves, baskets, or storage containers.
Nature-Inspired Decor: Add items like antler decor, pinecones, or botanical prints to enhance the cabin vibe.

Lighting

Rustic Fixtures: Use lantern-style or wrought-iron light fixtures to add character.
Warm Lighting: Soft, warm lighting creates a welcoming ambiance.

Accessories

Vintage Finds: Look for vintage or antique items to add charm, like old mirrors or rustic soap dispensers.
Plants: Incorporate greenery with potted plants or dried flowers for a natural touch.

check out cabin core for bathroom finds

Cabin Core for the Bathroom — Click the image to shop these Cabin Core-themed bathroom items.

This page contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support.

Alla Ponomareva 7/14/24 Alla Ponomareva 7/14/24

Cabin Core Ideas for your Kitchen

Check out our selection of Cabin Core Items for The Kitchen.

what exactly is cabin core?

Colors
Faded paint in olive, terracotta, and rusty tones, as well as hints of forest green
Materials
Thick, textured rugs, faux sheepskin pelts, and thick blankets
Decor
Ornate embroidery, lots of wood, candles, vases of flowers or dried grasses, and nature-inspired art
Motifs
Cabins, forests, hiking, pinecones, forest animals, muddy paths, vegetable patches, gloomy or cloudy days, autumnal seasons, streams, fishing, cold weather, and fireplaces

WHAT CABIN CORE ITEMS CAN I FIND

FOR THE KITCHEN?

Decorative Elements from Nature: Decorative items might include pine cones, antlers, dried flowers, or botanical prints. These elements bring the outdoors inside and contribute to the rustic ambiance.
Vintage Appliances: If there are appliances visible, they might be vintage-style or intentionally designed to fit the rustic aesthetic.
Cozy Textiles: Look for comfortable, soft textiles like plaid or checkered tablecloths, curtains, or cushions. These textiles add to the cozy feel of the space.
Warm Colors: Earthy tones dominate, such as browns, greens, and deep reds. These colors create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Personal Touches: Finally, personal touches like family photos in wooden frames, handmade ceramics, or heirloom kitchen tools can make the space feel even more inviting and unique.

check out our cabin core for kitchen selection

This page contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support.

Alla Ponomareva 7/8/24 Alla Ponomareva 7/8/24

How We Built A Button-Operated A-frame Cabin (Video)

Check out this post and video about how we built our latest remote-operated A-frame Cabin in just 1 month.

Video’s script:

Hello! We’re Alla and Garrett and welcome to the HohnStead Glamping Cabins Resort.

This is our newest cabin called the Stargazer.

Recently we decided to knock down our beloved Shanty Cabin, which was 12 years old and the first thing we built on this property. We did so because of our incredible mountain views and we thought we could do better with this section of our property.

So as you come around the corner, you're going to notice a lot of things if you compare to the Shanty Cabin that have stayed the same. For example, this garden rock wall, the deck, and even the gooseberry plant we tried our best to incorporate into the new build.

I didn't want to work too far backward so we made some modifications after the Shanty’s tear-down. We didn't have to totally backtrack which included building up the platform to match the old Shanty platform.

After we had taken off the composite deck so this portion here used to be part of that 270° walk-around deck, we brought the structure - the Stargazer - all the way back to the corner. We retained this deck, which also included the tree, we didn't want to knock down. So we kept the tree, built a deck around it, and then we came up with a Stargazer.

Initially, much like the A-frame Cabin, it had a wing but the A-frame uses 2x3 lumber and this has 2x4 and it proved to be a little bit too heavy for some people to lift. So I came up with the idea to use a winch from Harbor Freight It was $80.

Since I've already got the solar panel, the charge controller, the 12v battery, the winch made a really easy addition and it's super easy to use and super safe.

This would have been the west-facing part of the deck that took in the Shanty Cabin and if you look here you can see some of the Shanty joists and The Shanty platform actually stuck out here. The original Shanty platform was 8x12 and it went that way and it had a view out front and the door out front. But of course, in typical DIY fashion, we saved a lot of components and one of those components was the door.

So the door is a 180-degree different approach from The Shanty before, but there was a reason because we wanted it to be an approach where you just have a single step up onto it. This creates less of an opportunity for people to fall. We like this 15-in kind of stoop and using the hanging chads from 6 and 1/2 foot composite which makes your eight foot there so it's just tidy and it keeps some of the dirt out in here.

We opted for a queen-sized bed where the A-frame Cabin and the Blind Cabins both have singles that you enter down the center. We intentionally built a low profile bed so that way as you came up, it wouldn't eat up so much space so tall people can easily walk past it.

It is about 12 to 14 by 12 to 14, I can't remember which direction, but a HohnStead feature that we always use is the live edge because my dad's got a sawmill. We got plenty of standing dead timber on the property and it's just funky and cool it's a lot different than the store-bought lumber.

Coleman cook stove for your coffee and tea and two gallons of drinking water in the kitchenette.

An old window from The Shanty has some scratched screens where a bear actually tried to get into The Shanty. So it's kind of a fun story for new guests staying in the Stargazer.

A nice, tidy install of the solar components here. Xantrex charge controller which is actually approaching 20 years. So if this ever goes, I'll take that and I'll just replace it with another one cuz it's been fantastic design-wise.

It was important for us to differentiate the Stargazer from the A-frame and from the Blind Cabins, so we built a 100% wing wall, save for the top portion that has the solar panel on top and sheet metal. But on the other side, we put polycarbonate and that's why we call it the Stargazer so that you can see the stars at night.

Another one of the design components that we thought was kind of clever — with the orientation of the land is when you approach from the behind of the cabin coming in, we have the sheet metal that goes up 8 ft and it didn't require any cuts so it does provide privacy. The polycarbonate is cut in sections of four and polycarbonate comes in eights, so we just cut it in half, and in doing so, this eliminated any waste we might have from that part of the build.

On the back side of the door wall, there are towels, different books, and information about the area.

The door, as seen previously, is the goalie stick (from my hockey hobby) that's cut down. I thought it was kind of cool kind of a cool look.

But I guess the defining feature of the Stargazer that separates it from the A-frame and the Blind, again going back to that heavy door wall, we had to engineer something lighter, safer, and easier. They have winches that are remote-activated this is one of them.

In terms of color choices, I personally wanted the Stargazer Cabin to stand out in photos. I also did not want to use a color that none of our other cabins or the Commons Area has, so we decided to go with red. Red is bright and vibrant when it comes to standing out among the green forest.

So we actually went to Home Depot, looking for color, and they have this wonderful section called “Oops Paint.” It's paint that other people decided not to purchase. So on that fateful day, we had a red oops paint, and the other colors just kind of organically evolved.

We also had white we had gray from other projects, and looking on Pinterest (the way I always do), those colors always look great together. I also liked the idea that Stargazer would be clean and bright and that's where white and gray came in.

When it was all said and done, I didn't really like how everything looked very geometric and linear, so I just freehanded some curvy kind of vines and cute little flowers.

Most importantly, we wanted to have a color scheme that people coming on vacation, don't always have in their homes. When we travel, we want to see places that are unique and extraordinary so we wanted to give them a funky little getaway in the forest, where they would enjoy stargazing and unplugging from real life.

Through a lot of DIY projects, we have learned a lot of different skills and one of the other skills that I have incorporated in this build was making some homemade curtains. I had this really cute cherry material from South Korea, so I decided to create some DIY curtains for the Stargazer.

We wanted a low-profile bed, to allow for extra space to walk around the bed. So instead of buying, we just decided to make our own. We had some extra lumber from The Shanty: the studs, and the 2x6s in the walls while not 8 ft we couldn't use them in a lot of projects, but something like this was super simple. We used OSB on the top and OSB on the bottom and we classed It up by using some cabinet board all the way around. So we're really only out a single sheet of cabinet board which is the expensive part and then a couple of sheets of OSB. We added some supplemental mood light under the bed.

The item that took the most consideration when developing the Stargazer was the rigging system and how it would work with the wing wall. A couple of things we hit snags on was drilling holes with the augur on the tractor. We're in super rocky soil and we already had an existing garden bed around it. We couldn't go over the rock wall with dissecting it and pulling all that stuff out and then you also run the risk of actually hitting your deck with the augur.

Another thing we didn't want is the Aframe with the rope pulley system, which is great for the A-frame, the rigging is out of the way, and the poles are out of the way, but here we would have a pull on the side of the deck and then again back to that garden thing.

We're dealing with a longer cabin, which gets us into custom lumber territory, well past 12 ft so 14, 16 ft. So you have to have a pretty hefty header for that. We also thought about a center pull, which was kind of tough to get the rigging right with the lengths of the ropes and the pulley and just being heavy in general.

Then I thought, you know we're always pulling up logs with the winch and such and those are really powerful. We had the 12v all the infrastructure with the solar panel and the battery, so let's try a winch.

I really like the way that the supports kind of tie back into the building, giving it another kind of triangle look. I use the studs on the inside to brace it up here and here and then brace it up against the building again.

We put the header on top that provided a little bit extra length so we didn't get too blocked there. When the wall is up it gets us about 6'2 - 6'3 so most people can walk underneath of it and it’s still pointing down enough so if you were to leave it up, the rain would fall off the end.

I think what would be a little bit better, though you'd be sacrificing a little bit of safety, is shortening the beam and going in between the braces. I think it'd be a cleaner aesthetic, but we do gain some height by having the header on top and then having the iron and the lag bolts is also safer. So, a minor consideration but I think it looks pretty cool.

Thank you for watching our video we hope to host you right here in Bonner, Montana at The HohnStead Glamping Cabins Resort.

Building The Stargazer Cabin at The HohnStead Glamping Cabins Resort

Alla Ponomareva 7/1/24 Alla Ponomareva 7/1/24

The Ultimate Foodies Guide to Missoula, Montana

Explore all the yummy options Missoula, Montana has to offer, from Gourmet Dining to The Best Views, Best Burgers and more!

Awarded as one of the “Best Foodie Cities in America” by WalletHub (October 2022), it is no surprise that Missoula, Montana has so much going for it. It can be tough to choose between Missoula’s seemingly endless choices of restaurants, bars, cafes, eateries, and fast food places. That’s why we’re sharing a few of our favorite go-to spots for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for the Best Burgers and Fries, Dining with a View, or Vegan Grab-and-Go options, this list of Missoula-based restaurants will help you make your dining choices a bit easier.

family-friendly restaurants in missoula

Highlander Brewing Company
Front Street Pizza
The Montana Club
Biga Pizza
Cranky Sam’s
Conflux Brewing
Edelweiss Bistro
El Cazador
Mackenzie River
Ciao Mambo

plant-based restaurants in missoula

Michi Ramen
Zoo Thai Rice
Biga Pizza
Veera Donuts
Good Food Store
Five on Black
Green Source
Market on Front
Masala
Ragheef and Kamoon Restaurant
Koh Chang Thai

dining with a view in missoula, montana

The Keep
Cambie
Finn
Iron Griz American Bistro
The Den by Market on Front
The Patio Rattlesnake Market
Snowbowl
Conflux

sunday brunch places in missoula

The Catalyst
The Stone of Accord
Ruby’s Cafe
Finn
Burns St. Bistro
The Trough
Paul’s Pancake Parlor
Tres Bonne
Pangea
The Old Post
Cambie Taphouse + Coffee

happy hour locations in missoula, montana

Conflux Brewing
Bridge Pizza
The Old Post
James Bar
The Mustard Seed
The Camino
Stave and Hoop

sweet treats in missoula

406 Frozen Yogurt
Big Dipper
Ducrey Chocolate Maker
Sweet Peaks
Posh Chocolat
Bernice’s Bakery
Morning Birds Bakery
Tea and Crepe Missoula
Black Cat Bake Shop
Mary’s Mountain Cookies

locally roasted coffee

Big Creek Coffee Roasters
Black Coffee Roasting
Clyde Coffee
Drum Coffee Roasting
Hunter Bay Coffee
Liquid Planet

get your tea while in missoula, montana

Butterfly Herbs
Lake Missoula Tea Company
Missoula Tea and Crepe
Montana Tea and Spice Trading LLC
Pearl Boba Tea

breweries around missoula

Bayern Brewing
Big Sky Brewing Company
Conflux Brewing Company
Cranky Sam Public House
Cymatic Fermentation Project
Draught Works Brewery
Gild Brewing
Great Burn Brewing
Highlander Beer - Missoula Brewing Company
Imagine Nation Brewing Company
Kettlehouse Brewing Company
Oddpitch Brewing Company
Tamarack Brewing

cideries in missoula, montana

Western Cider

Distilleries in missoula, montana

Montgomery Distillery

Wineries in missoula, montana

Ten Spoon Winery

gourmet choices in missoula

Florabella
Boxcar Bistro
Scotty’s Table
Brasserie Porte Rouge

grab and go choices in missoula, montana

El Diablo
The Den - by Market on Front
Tagliare Delicatessen
Notorious P.I.G

bison choices around missoula

The Still Room
James Bar
The Depot

where to catch a game in missoula

Paradise Falls
Tamarack Brewing
Press Box
Thomas Meagher Bar

farm to table around missoula, montana

Basal
Biga Pizza
The Camino

best burgers and fries in missoula

Top Hat
Wally and Buck
Iron Horse

Did you see some of your favorites on our lists? If not, feel free to comment below and we’ll be sure to update this list of Missoula Restaurants and Eateries.

The Ultimate Food Guide to Missoula, Montana

Alla Ponomareva 6/27/24 Alla Ponomareva 6/27/24

Building a DIY Stargazing A-frame Cabin with a Remote-Operated Wall in Just 1 Month

We recently deconstructed an old cabin and re-built a new, stargazing cabin. Check out how fast we did it.

From a $400 Rustic Cabin to a Stargazing A-frame with a unique, remote-operated side=wall, our experience and practice building tiny structures has come a long way and we’re so proud to show off and rent out our newest cabin - The Stargazer.

Quick story first.

Back in 2010, we bought this bare land in Bonner, Montana. At that time, this property didn’t have roads, buildings, electricity, septic, or running water - it was just trees and lots of them.

Garrett, visiting for a few months from his teaching job in South Korea picked a remote section of the land and built a very basic, very rustic cabin, which we later called The Shanty. The Shanty was built for $400 and had a loft, where we slept and a downstairs area with a tiny table, chairs, sink, and countertop space.

In 2017, The Shanty went up on Airbnb as a “let’s see what happens,” but to our surprise guests came and they loved it here. We initially thought we were too far from Missoula, Montana for them to want to stay here, but they surprised us with incredibly complimentary reviews, and comments, and a small business was born.

Over the years, we have built other tiny structures on our property, now with the idea to host more people here and to create a vacation destination for couples traveling with pets.

A cabin, that was an inspiration for The Stargazer cabin, was our 2017 cabin - Transforming A-frame. We bought the plans from tiny house designer Derek Diedricksen for just $30 and in three weeks we were able to complete the 80 sq. ft. A-frame cabin. We ended up using a lot of recycled materials during that construction, so our total cost there was just $700 and after posting about it on Alla’s blog, The Transforming A-frame Cabin went VIRAL!

We couldn’t believe the success of the A-frame cabin, the love it got from our guests, the coverage it got from huge platforms like Zillow and Airbnb, famous vloggers like Kirsten Dirksen and Eva Zu Beck, and of course financially, our small business was growing rapidly, so much so, we were able to quit our jobs abroad and make The HohnStead Glamping Cabins our primary source of income.

Fast forward to January of 2024, when we decided to say goodbye to our least popular cabin The Shanty. We felt that it served our purposes well, by being our shelter during the first few years of owning our property, then acting as a brew shack for Garrett’s Homebrewing, and eventually a short-term rental cabin on Airbnb. Because we’re not interested in keep building more cabins, we wanted to take advantage of The Shanty’s remote and beautiful location, but with an improved cabin.

We understand the importance of stargazing for our guests and our secluded property has incredible stargazing opportunities. So, the importance of clear roofing or a skylight was a high priority for the new cabin.

Analyzing the popularity of our transforming A-frame cabin, we decided to build a similar structure, but larger, re-using The Shanty’s materials if we could and re-working the rigging system on the lift-able door wall.

But first, the deconstruction…

Deconstruction was tedious and dirty, but we ended up salvaging a lot of boards, panels, a window, a door, roofing, trim, and other items that we didn’t have to buy/make when building The Stargazer in its place.

Between deconstruction time and building time, a few months passed (winter in Montana is cold and snowy, so we used it as an opportunity to travel and plan The Stargazer build). We were so eager to return and get our hands dirty again.

Not liking to backtrack, it was important for us that we could reuse the existing deck and Shanty’s platform. The Shanty’s platform was full 3 inches above the old deck so the composite decking was pulled up and custom-cut joists were added atop the old joists in order to bring the low parts up to level. We also used this as an opportunity to firm up and reinforce some areas that needed attention.

Once the platform was up to speed, the As were put into place. We designed the Stargazer to make use of commonly available lumber sizes. The A’s are 2x6x12ft and the outside ones seen here we laid out using a shop floor to ensure accurate angled cuts.

Once the two outside As were placed in position and plumber, the rest of the 2x4s went into place rather quickly.

We decided to go with a vibrant color scheme, obtaining two gallons of reds from Home Depot’s “Oops Paint” Section.

Building The Stargazer Cabin at The HohnStead Glamping Cabins

Because of the existing deck and garden rock walls (i.e. we wouldn’t have the benefit of working out of a tractor’s bucket), careful consideration had to go into the order in which the polycarbonate, sheet metal, and ridge cap would be installed.

The interior colors and scheme were inspired by Pinterest color combinations, attempting to keep it bright, fun, and playful. We believe that vacation destinations must vary greatly from our home situations, so a plain or minimalist color scheme was out of the question. We also rely heavily on the existing colors in our DIY pantry and buying a brand new color would be wasteful when trying to do maintenance on five of our cabins and Commons Area Lounge.

“An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.” someone way smarter than me once said.

One of the sheets of old OSB had some sponge to it so we popped it right up and replaced it. Being a full sheet replacement not requiring any cuts, the entire job maybe took 30 minutes and helps us sleep much better at night.

The other A-frame on our property has two single beds, which push and click together. For this new A-frame design we wanted to vary it from the existing A-frame and also opted to re-use the Shanty Cabin’s mattress. We searched for a while for a bed frame, but due to the sloped walls of this cabin, we decided to build something low profile ourselves.

We were able to re-use the milled lumber from the inside The Shanty’s walls for the recessed bottom section of the bed frame. Solar LED lights create a nice ambiance in the evening/night (not pictured). The visible exterior sections of the bed frame were created by store-bough cabinet board. Interior/unseen sections of the bed frame were made from re-used OSB boards. A pretty simple bed frame without the headboard, which came together in just a few hours.

We contemplated to build storage into the bed frame, but decided against it keep the cleaning to a minimum and possibility of mice invasion low.

Year built: 2024

Size: 168 sq ft

Type: A-frame

Insulation: No

Bathroom: No (shared bathrooms are within 1 minute walk)

Kitchenette: yes

(full kitchen available 1 minute away in the Commons Area Lounge)

Stargazing: 2 translucent panels

Dog friendly: yes

Bed: Queen size

Special feature: Remote-operated translucent door-wall

Purpose: Short term rental unit / glamping cabin

Build duration: around 35 days

Materials Cost: around $1100 with a lot of re-used materials from the previous cabin

If you’re interested in staying at this stargazing tiny cabin in the woods, remember that you can bring your pet, then explore 100+ acres of our forested property. After the hike, soak your stresses away and gaze at the stars from a hot tub. Are you ready to unplug and stargaze?

Building a Stargazing A-frame Cabin in 1 Month

Build Your Tiny A-frame Cabin in Just 1 Month

Alla Ponomareva 4/22/24 Alla Ponomareva 4/22/24

Summer 2024 Concerts near Missoula, Montana

Check out what exciting Summer 2024 concerts are coming to Bonner, Missoula area.

We’ve recently watched “Almost Famous” and it got us super excited for the 2024 summer season of concerts near The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins. We’re so fortunate to have our nation’s Top 10 Outdoor Venue - Kettlehouse Amphitheater - just 15 minutes away!

With about 40 shows coming to this photogenic venue, we can’t wait to hear the bass reverberate from the surrounding mountains as the stars start to slowly show up in the evening sky.

Another great outdoor location in Missoula, Montana is The Big Sky Brewing Company, whose four summer shows are sure to bring in the crowds and the excitement to our small, mountain town.

If you’re into indoor concert experiences, there are Top Hat Lounge, The Adams Center, the historic Wilma Theater, and a restored church called The Longstaff House.

Finally, if you’re into concerts, where you can vibe with 25,000+ other people, check out Washington-Grizzly Stadium Concerts below (spoiler: P!NK is coming!!!)

Yes, you’ve counted correctly! There are 7 different and fantastic concert venues in Missoula/Bonner Area, so get to scrolling, picking and buying those tickets, because some of the shows are (gasp!) already sold out.

Kettlehouse Amphitheater in bonner, mt

(click for tickets and more info)

15 minutes away from The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins

05.15.24 Needtobreathe

06.04.24 Excision

06.14.24 Charley Crockett

06.15.24 Pinky & the Floyd

06.22.24 Vampire Weekend

06.23.24 Vampire Weekend (Afternoon Matinee Show!)

06.29.24 The String Cheese Incident (Night 1)

06.30.24 The String Cheese Incident (Night 2)

07.05.24 Slash - S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival

07.09.24 JJ Grey + Blues Traveler

07.11.24 Melissa Etheridge & Jewel

07.13.24 Ziggy Marley

07.14.24 Jason Isbell

07.16.24 Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

07.17.24 Portugal the Man

07.22.24 Primus + Coheed & Cambria

07.20.24 Cole Swindell

07.26.24 The Decemberists

07.28.24 Trombone Shorty + Big Boi

08.01.24 Jason Mraz

08.02.24 Ween

08.03.24 Ween

08.04.24 Dierks Bentley

08.05.24 The Dead South

08.08.24 Plant & Krauss

08.09.24 Plant & Krauss

8.12 24 Gary Clark Jr.

08.14.24 O.A.R. + Fitz & the Tantrums

08.21.24 Khruangbin

08.22.24 Khruangbin

08.30.24 Lindsey Stirling

09.04. 24 Ray Lamontagne and Gregory Alan Isakov

09.19.24 Goose (Night 1)

09.20.24 Goose (Night 2)

If you’re staying at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins and don’t want to risk drinking and driving to and from the Kettlehouse Concert, we can gladly provide a ride! Check out our Designated Driver to Kettlehouse Add On when staying at The Hohnstead.

Washington-Grizzly Stadium in missoula, mt

only 30 minuntes from the Hohnstead Glamping Cabins

08.22.24 Pearl Jam

08.24.24 Tyler Childers

08.28.24 P!NK, Sheryl Crow, The Script, and Kidcutup

Adams Center in missoula, mt

30 minutes away from the hohnstead glamping cabins

06.06.24 Rescheduled Jordan Davis

06.23.24 Jordan Davis

09.15.25 Lainey Wilson

the wilma theater in missoula, mt

30 minutes from the hohnstead glamping cabins

05.10.24 Shakewell X Desperate Electric

05.17.24 Terrapyn Flyer

05.19.24 Fruit Bats

06.08.24 Keller and The Keels

06.10.24 Skillet

06.21.24 Matt Kearney

07.09.24 Noah Cyrus

07.12.24 Blitzen Trapper

07.19.24 Shakey Graves

07.31.24 STRFKR

10.19.24 “Ziggy Stardust”

top hat lounge in missoula, mt

30 minutes from The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins

05.31.24 Blue Point

06.07.24 Kyle Hunter and the Mountain Standard

Longstaff House in Missoula, MT

30 minutes from The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins

05.16.24 Larry and Joe Show

05.22.24 The Wildwoods

05.28.24 Guitarist Richard Smith

05.30.24 Nick Dumas, Chris Luquette, and Andrew Knapp

06.08.24 Bruce Molsky show and Fiddle Workshop

06.14.24 Natalie Padilla and Quinn Bachand

06.30.24 Mike Compton and Joe Newberry

07.04.24 Sturtz Acoustic Quartet

Big Sky Brewing Company Summer 2024 Concert Series in Missoula, MT

35 minutes away from The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins

07.08.24 Nickel Creek and Andrew Bird

07.10.24 The Avett Brothers

07.18.24 Dwight Yoakam

08.07.24 Koe Wetzel

And there you have it, a full line up of fantastic shows and concerts coming to Missoula, Montana and nearby in the summer of 2024. Who will you see? Do you have the tickets yet? Did you reserve your accommodation? We hope that you come and stay with us at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins in Bonner, Montana and make it a weekend to remember for a lifetime!

Alla Ponomareva 4/7/24 Alla Ponomareva 4/7/24

Birding around Missoula, Montana

If you're a bird watcher, you'll love birding in Missoula. Missoula and the surrounding area offer a lot of fantastic birding-watching sites and opportunities.

Are you a birder? a bird-watcher? a twitcher?

Birder — The acceptable term used to describe the person who seriously pursues the hobby of birding. May be professional or amateur.
Birding — A hobby in which individuals enjoy the challenge of bird study, listing, or other general activities involving bird life.
Bird-watcher — A rather ambiguous term used to describe the person who watches birds for any reason at all, and should not be used to refer to the serious birder.
— Birding, Volume 1, No.2

Twitching is a British term used to mean "the pursuit of a previously located rare bird." In North America, it is more often called chasing. The term twitcher, sometimes misapplied as a synonym for birder, is reserved for those who travel long distances to see a rare bird that would then be ticked, or counted on a list.

Luckily, living in the lush forest at The Hohnstead, we don’t have to travel or walk very far in order to see some magnificent bird species. Over the years, I’ve definitely become that person who upon seeing a new photogenic bird has to run into the house to grab my long zoom lens and a camera in order to try to capture these otherwise hard to spot species in the wild. At times the images are very easy to come by, when a bird lands on our garden’s fence. Other times, I’m following them up and down the hills in order to get a better shot, better light, better angle but also trying very hard not to spook them.

I wish I could say that the chase is just as exciting as the final result, but as a photographer of 15+ years, I’m always hoping that the final image is not just ok, but in focus, has a great composition, and looks like something you might see in a magazine (yup, the standards are pretty high over here, but I call it The Happiness of Pursuit :P

locations to bird watch near missoula, montana

Kelly Island Fishing Access (146 observed species)

(click to see on eBird for up to date sightings and species recorded at this location.)

4854 Spurgin Rd, Missoula, MT 59804, USA

Some expected birds are Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Vaux’s Swift, Western Wood-Pewee, Yellow Warbler, and Black-headed Grosbeak.

Maclay Flat and Blue Mountain (196 observed species)

Forest Rd 19155, Missoula, MT 59804, USA

Watch for Dusky Flycatcher, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Clark’s Nutcracker, Townsend’s Solitaire, Western Tanager, kinglets, warblers, chickadees, and nuthatches.

““There are about 10,000 species of bird and only a small number of people have seen more than 7,000.””

— Wikipedia

Rattlesnake National Recreation Area (134 observed species)

Rattlesnake Dr, Missoula, MT 59802, United States

The first mile is a narrow, brushy riparian area that is good for many species of the conifer forest including Ruffed Grouse, Rufous Hummingbird, Western Tanager, and Townsend’s Warbler. Flammulated Owls occur on the ridge overlooking Marshall Canyon to the Southeast.

Mount Jumbo (110 observed species)

Drive to the east end of Cherry Street or Poplar Street just north of I-90.

Look for Calliope Hummingbird, Nashville Warbler, Spotted Towhee, and Lazuli Bunting. The summit ridge is a good place for migrating raptors in spring and fall. Access the saddle, which leads to varied habitats, by following Lincoln Hills Drive through the housing area to the trailhead. Look for Western and Mountain Bluebirds, Cassin’s Vireo, Western Tanager, Vesper Sparrow, and Cassin’s Finch.

Greenough Park (160 observed species)

1001 Monroe St, Missoula, MT 59802, USA

Resident species include Western Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, American Dipper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Lesser Goldfinch and Song Sparrow. Northern Pygmy-Owls, Bohemian Waxwings, and Varied Thrushes visit in winter. Summer residents include House Wren, Swainson’s Thrush, Cedar Waxwing, Red-eyed Vireo, warblers, Bullock’s Oriole, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, and Spotted Towhee.

““In 2016, Arjan Dwarshuis became the world-record holder for most species seen during the span of one year, logging 6,852 bird species in 40 countries””

— Wikipedia

Riverfront-Kim Williams Trail (157 observed species)

Campus Dr. Missoula, MT 59801

The habitat includes several islands, riparian trees and shrubs, and nearby Douglas-fir forest. Common birds in Spring and Summer include Osprey, Calliope Hummingbird, Vaux’s Swift, Willow Flycatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, swallows, warblers, Gray Catbird, Bullock’s Oriole, Western Tanager, and Lazuli Bunting. Winter birds include Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Bald Eagle, Bohemian Waxwing, and Song Sparrow. Look for American Dippers where Rattlesnake Creek enters the Clark Fork.

The Clark Fork River: Milltown State Park and I-90 East

Milltown State Park provides several areas for birding. The Confluence area offers access to the North shore of the Clark Fork. Milltown Pond, Rock Creek, Beavertail Hill State Park, Bearmouth Canyon are a few areas worth noting for birding around here.

The Overlook offers expansive views of the Clark Fork and ponds to the East, and hosts a large colony of Violet-green Swallows that will swirl around the overlook on warm Spring and Summer days.

Pattee Canyon

Take Higgins Avenue south past Dornblazer Field. Turn East on Pattee Canyon Drive and go 4.5 miles to the Pattee Canyon Trailhead.

This area is good habitat for Northern Goshawk, several owl species, Pileated Woodpecker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Swainson’s Thrush, Hermit Thrush, warblers, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, and Red Crossbill.

Other areas worth checking out for birding:

Mount Sentinel

Erksine Fishing Access

Tower Street

Council Grove

Information provided by: Five Valleys Audubon Society and Destination Missoula

Alla Ponomareva 3/15/24 Alla Ponomareva 3/15/24

30 Best Girls Weekend Getaway Ideas near Missoula, Montana

From dispensary hopping to visiting galleries, check out these 30 ideas for an unforgettable girls getaway near Missoula, Montana

Are you and your girlfriends craving an unforgettable weekend escape packed with adventure, relaxation, and endless opportunities to bond? Look no further! Picture this: a weekend immersed in nature, where the scent of pine fills the air, the stars sparkle overhead, and the only sounds are laughter and crackling campfires. From invigorating hikes to cozy campfire nights, this ultimate girls' getaway list has it all.

hiking

Embark on an adventure like no other as you explore the great outdoors with your best friends and your pets by your side. Imagine walking through lush forest, being guided by a map or an All Trails App and reveling in the breathtaking views from mountaintop vistas. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a novice explorer, surrounding Missoula is a huge variety of trails, check out our list of 13 pet-friendly hikes near Missoula to get you started.

chopping wood

How about adding a touch of rustic charm to your girls' getaway weekend with some wood chopping action? Imagine you and your pals rolling up your sleeves, axes in hand, ready to conquer some logs! It's all about strength, teamwork, and maybe a bit of friendly competition to see who can split the most wood. Whether you're beginners or seasoned choppers, it's sure to be a memorable experience filled with laughter and maybe a few splinters. Plus, it's a great way to connect with nature and unleash your inner lumber(jack)jill.

horseback riding

How about spicing up your girls' getaway weekend with a bit of horseback riding fun? Imagine you and your crew gearing up, all set to explore the great outdoors on horseback! It's all about enjoying the ride, soaking in the scenic views, and feeling the breeze as you trot along the trails. Whether you're pros or just giving it a go, it's bound to be a laid-back adventure filled changing terrain, crossing a river, and maybe a few "yeehaws!" Plus, it's a perfect way to connect with nature and let your inner cowgirl shine. We love recommending Cheff Ranch in Charlo, Montana (only 1 hr 25 mins from the HohnStead)

Archery

How about adding a bit of adventure to your girls' getaway weekend with some archery fun? Picture this: you and your crew standing in the woods, bows in hand, ready to unleash your inner Katniss! Whether you're hitting bullseyes or just enjoying the thrill of the sport, it's sure to be a blast. Like Chopping Wood, Archery is a part of The HohnStead’s Scavenger Hunt Hike and Challenge which is free for all the staying guests (or $45 for non-staying guests booked via Airbnb Experiences)

stargazing

As night falls, prepare to be mesmerized by the wonders of the universe during a stargazing session under the clear, Montana sky. With very little light pollution to obscure the view, you'll witness a celestial spectacle unlike any other, sparking awe and wonder in each of you. The HohnStead’s location is perfect for stargazing and star bathing, check out why.

dancing + live music

For those seeking a touch of culture and entertainment, why not indulge in a night out on the town? Dance the night away at a local concert, immersing yourselves in the vibrant music scene and creating memories that will last a lifetime. The closest live music venue near The HohnStead is Kettlehouse Amphitheater, which is a Top 10 outdoor venue in the country as well as a brewery. Yes, its a match made in heaven and only 15 minutes away!

Other Live Music venues near Missoula include:

The Wilma - #2 in Best of Missoula Concert Venues 2023.

Sunrise Saloon - voted 1st place in Dancing and 3rd place in Live Music in Best of Missoula 2023.

Other places to dance:

Union Club and The Badlander.

take turns cooking for each other

For a fantastic girls' weekend, especially if you're all passionate about food, consider dedicating some time to taking turns cooking for one another. All you need is a cabin rental or an Airbnb with a well-equipped kitchen to enjoy quality time together while preparing and savoring mouthwatering meals. Rotate roles and delight each other with your favorite dishes, creating unforgettable culinary experiences. The HohnStead’s full kitchen in the Commons Area is a perfect place to cook, connect, and enjoy each other!

Scavenger Hunt

Get ready for an epic girls' getaway activity: a Scavenger hunt through the woods! Picture this: a thrilling 2-mile hike with six action-packed stations along the way. You'll channel your inner lumberjack as you tackle the wood chopping station, try your luck at panning for gold, and test your aim with archery. But that's not all – get ready to put your thinking caps on as you solve riddles and hike to the breathtaking viewpoint known as The Point. It's an adventure-filled 3 hours that promise laughter, excitement, and memories to last a lifetime. Scavenger Hunt is FREE for all the staying guests, or $45 for non-guests booked via Airbnb Experiences.

campfire activities

After dinner, gather around the campfire for cozy nights filled with laughter, storytelling, and perhaps a few toasted marshmallows. Share stories, reminisce about old times, and strengthen your bonds as you bask in the warmth of the fire and the comfort of each other's company.

outdoor games

And let's not forget about the endless opportunities for outdoor fun and relaxation! Challenge each other to a game of Ladderball or Jenga or simply unwind with a good book as you soak up the tranquil atmosphere of your surroundings. With so much to see and do, there's never a dull moment on this girls' getaway.

Playing Jenga at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort

yoga

Imagine starting your girls' getaway weekend with a bit of zen – yoga style! Picture this: you and your besties rolling out your mats in a serene spot, surrounded by nature's beauty. It's all about stretching, breathing, and finding your inner peace together. Whether you're seasoned yogis or total beginners, it's a chance to unwind, recharge, and connect with each other in a whole new way. So, grab your mats (free mats are available at the Commons Area Lounge at The HohnStead), strike a pose, and let the relaxation begin!

Looking for Yoga Studios in Missoula, MT? Check out these voted Best in Missoula in 2023:

Hot House Yoga

VRTX Fitness

Pole Fiction

brewery / winery / cidery hopping

Indulge in a delightful girls' weekend excursion by visiting a local brewery, winery or cidery to savor their finest offerings. Beyond the chance to unwind with refreshing beverages, many establishments also provide educational courses, delectable dining options perfectly paired with their drinks, and a range of enjoyable activities to enhance your experience.

Draught Works Brewery - 6 time Missoula’s Top Brewery as voted by Missoulians in 2023

KettleHouse Brewing Co - #2 Best Brewery in Missoula in 2023

Highlander Beer - #3 Best Brewery in Missoula in 2023

Other choices available in Missoula, MT:

Ten Spoon Vineyard and Winery

Western Cider

Nourishing Cultures Kombucha

floating the river

Check this out: a girls' getaway weekend floating down the Blackfoot River among the mountains and features that made “The River Runs Through It” famous (ok, maybe it was shirtless Brad Pitt, but this is the place they filmed it!). Floating the river is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, with stunning scenery all around. You and your friends can kick back on tubes or rafts, soaking up the sun and dipping your toes and bums in the cool water. As you drift along, you'll have plenty of time to chat, laugh, and enjoy each other's company. And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip in the refreshing river or try your hand at jumping off the Rainbows Bend rock. It's an unforgettable experience that's sure to make memories that last a lifetime and literally take your breath away, because that water is cold.

Floating the river usually requires two cars (for drop off and pick up points), but we can solve that problem with our River Floating Tubes and Drop Off Service for all the Hohnstead guests.

Floating the Blackfoot River near The Hohnstead

reading retreat

A girls' getaway weekend where we escape into the world of books and reading? Yes! It's all about relaxation and getting lost in our favorite stories or discovering new ones. We can cozy up in comfy spots indoors or find a shady spot outdoors, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. And hey, let's not forget about those lively discussions we'll have about our latest reads! It's a chance to unwind, recharge, and bond over our love of literature in a laid-back setting.

Great places to get books near Missoula, MT:

The Book Exchange - #1 Bookstore in Best of Missoula 2023.

Barnes and Noble - #2 Bookstore in Best of Missoula 2023.

Fact and Fiction - #3 Bookstore in Best of Missoula 2023.

Dispensaries Tasting

Hey, ever thought about doing a girls' weekend checking out different marijuana dispensaries? It's a cool way to dive into a growing part of local culture and have some fun. With weed getting legalized in more places, these dispensaries are like hot spots for learning, trying out new stuff, and hanging with friends. Each spot has its own vibe and goodies to explore, from different strains to tasty edibles. Plus, it's a chill way to connect, relax, and learn more about the whole cannabis scene, whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious to see what it's all about.

With almost 60 dispensaries in Missoula, here are a few recommendations:

Flower Recreational and Medical Dispensary - Voted #1 in Best of Missoula 2023.

Greenhouse Farmacy - 2nd place in 2023.

Spark1 Missoula - 3rd place in 2023.

Journaling / Writing Retreat

Regardless of your writing background, a retreat offers a wonderful opportunity to boost creativity, capture your thoughts, and put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. While official retreats may come with a price tag, consider a more spontaneous option for your girls' weekend: booking a cabin or Airbnb with friends. Spend your time sharing literature, engaging in stimulating conversations, and carving out dedicated moments for personal writing endeavors.

Photography retreat

Adding a photography learning and session to a girls' getaway weekend can be a fantastic idea. Gathering your girlfriends to explore photography together can offer a unique bonding experience. Whether you're using professional cameras or just your smartphones, there's plenty to learn and experiment with. From capturing breathtaking landscapes to candid moments of laughter, you'll create lasting memories while honing your photography skills. It's a creative and enjoyable activity that will add an extra dimension to your weekend adventure.

Rocky Mountain School of Photography has a popular Summer Intensive that’s worth a try.

Take advantage of The HohnStead’s Specialty Photography Service while staying at our cabins.

Milky Way at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins

Museum Visit

Enhance your girls' weekend with a touch of culture by exploring museums and engaging in cultural activities together. Far more enjoyable than solitary visits, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourselves in captivating art or artifacts while sharing thoughts and appreciation as a group.

Here area few local recommendations near Missoula, MT:

Historic Fort Missoula - #1 place in Best Museum of Missoula in 2023.

Missoula Art Museum - #2 place in Best Museum of Missoula in 2023 (and #2 Best Gallery in 2023)

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation - #3 place in Best Museum of Missoula 2023.

Frame of Mind - #1 Best Art Gallery of Missoula 2023.

Zootown Art Community Center - #2 Best Art Gallery of Missoula 2023.

thrift flips

Thrift flips offer a budget-friendly and enjoyable activity for a day or weekend getaway. With just a thrift store, a few friends, and a dash of creativity, you're all set for a fun adventure. Start your day with a treasure hunt at the thrift store, then dedicate the remainder of your time to transforming or restoring your finds into something fresh and exciting. Whether it's refurbishing furniture or crafting quirky Christmas sweaters, this activity promises hours of entertainment and creativity.

A few thrifty recommendations around Missoula, MT:

Montana Antique Mall - #1 place in Best of Missoula 2023 (Best Antiques)

The Prairie Vintage Market - #2 place in Best of Missoula 2023 (Best Antiques)

Home ReSource - #3 place in Best of Missoula 2023 (Best Antiques)

YWCA Secret Seconds - #1 Best Thrift Store in Missoula in 2023.

ReStyle Clothing Exchange - #2 Best Thrift Store in Missoula in 2023.

Betty V Vintage - #3 Best Thrift Store in Missoula in 2023.

kayaking / canoeing

Spend an exhilarating weekend exploring a river or a lake, whether it's a fast-paced and rocky journey or a leisurely meandering experience, tailored to your preferences and appetite for adventure. Either way, you'll have the opportunity to bond with friends, admire breathtaking waterfront landscapes, and enjoy picnics or camping in stunning locations along the way.

Our favorite smaller lakes for kayaking near Missoula, MT:

Upsata Lake

Seeley Lake

Salmon Lake

Holland Lake

biking

Embark on a weekend cycling adventure along picturesque routes, an ideal blend of exercise and leisure amidst stunning landscapes. You'll cover significant ground while passing through diverse locales and charming small towns near Missoula. Take breaks to dine, explore, or even camp overnight along the way, immersing yourself fully in the journey.

Check out these Bike Shops in Missoula, Montana for bike rentals and tours:

Bicycle Hanger

Free Cycle Missoula

Big Sky Bikes

Spotted Dog Cycles

Explore The Great American Rail-Trail

A cross-country bikable and walkable trail, uniting millions of people from Washington to Washington D.C. (Montana included). Click here to see what the Montana section is all about.

staycation

Consider one of the most budget-friendly girls' getaway weekend ideas: a staycation. By staying local, you can cut out expensive travel costs while supporting nearby businesses and hotels. It's also an opportunity to rediscover your hometown through the lens of a tourist.

Explore parks or museums you've yet to visit, indulge in dining experiences at new restaurants, and immerse yourself in the local performing arts scene—all conveniently close to home.

farmers market

Farmers markets offer a wonderful opportunity to discover high-quality produce, support local farmers, and promote sustainability while uncovering fantastic deals beyond the typical supermarket offerings. Consider dedicating a day to shopping at the market with your girlfriends, followed by a weekend filled with cooking and sampling dishes crafted from your market finds.

During Summertime you can usually enjoy 3 different Farmer’s Markets in Missoula:

People’s Market

Clark Fork Market

Missoula Farmer’s Market

Pin these ideas to your Pinterest Boards!

board game tournament

Inject some excitement into your girls' weekend by embracing your competitive sides and immersing yourselves in a marathon of classic board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, or Clue. Amp up the fun by organizing playoff rounds complete with prizes to add an extra layer of excitement and friendly rivalry to your gathering.

dessert night

Indulge in a luxurious dessert extravaganza, whether you're venturing out or staying in! For this girls' night treat, satisfy your sweet cravings by visiting the local ice cream parlor, ordering those delectable desserts you've been eyeing at your favorite restaurant, or inviting everyone to whip up their own decadent creations to share. Remember, on this occasion, guilt is strictly off the menu!

Our Missoula favorites:

Bernice’s Bakery - #1 place in Best of Missoula 2023 (Best Desserts and Best Bakery).

Black Cat Bake Shop - #2 place in Best of Missoula 2023 (Best Desserts and Best Bakery).

Le Petit Outre - #3 place in Best of Missoula 2023 (Best Bakery)

Veera Donuts - #3 place in Best of Missoula 2023 (Best Desserts)

road trips

No matter where you're headed, the road trip itself can often be the highlight of the adventure. Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of vintage diners, quirky museums, and serene National Forests along the way that add an extra layer of excitement to your girls' weekend getaway. Consider a themed roadtrip like checking out campgrounds, waterfalls, museums, or ghost towns.

Haunted Road Trip in Montana

Small Towns Road Trip

Fall Foliage Road Trip

Bitterroot Valley Road Trip

swap night

Hey, remember back in college when sharing your roommate's closet felt like second nature? Let's bring back those vibes with a swap night! Imagine this: you and your friends gather for a fun evening of trading things you no longer need. Whether it's clothes, baby items, makeup, or even snacks, bring along whatever you're ready to part with. It's like a treasure hunt where everyone leaves with some cool new stuff. So, who's in for a girls' night full of swapping and chatting?

Coffee Shop Hopping

Kickstart your wild night or weekend ahead with a morning of coffee shop hopping! Coffee aficionados will relish the chance to taste various roasts, while everyone can soak in the distinctive atmosphere of each café or coffee shop along the way.

Missoula, Montana top favorites:

Florence Coffee Company - #1 place in Best of Missoula 2023.

Loose Caboose - #2 place in Best of Missoula 2023.

Copper Mountain Coffee - #3 place in Best of Missoula 2023.

Clyde Coffee

Break Espresso

Cafe Florabella

picnic

Looking for a laid-back yet Instagram-worthy weekend getaway idea? Look no further than a picturesque picnic celebration, complete with a gourmet cheese and cracker spread. Pop open the Champagne, revel in the festivities, and be sure to capture those unforgettable moments with plenty of pictures!

watch the sunset

When was the last time you or your girlfriends just sat down and soaked in the sunset or sunrise? Let's check the weather app, jot down the time, and make a plan to enjoy this magical moment with a drink in hand.Forget about your phones for a bit and let's appreciate the peaceful beauty of nature's daily show together. It's something really special that we often overlook in our busy lives.

Watching the sunset at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins

So, gather your girlfriends, pack your bags, and get ready for the ultimate adventure! Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or peaceful moments of relaxation, this girls' weekend getaway promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and closer than ever before.

Alla Ponomareva 3/2/24 Alla Ponomareva 3/2/24

Explore 13 Pet-friendly Hikes near Missoula, Montana

Calling all hiking enthusiasts, who want to bring along their furry friend while hiking near Missoula, Montana

Summertime in and near Missoula, Montana means endless blue skies, warm sunshine, and a beckoning call to the great outdoors. It's the perfect season to lace up your hiking boots or sneakers, pack some snacks, and head out for a day of adventure. And with an abundance of pet-friendly trails to choose from, you'll never run out of new paths to explore.

In this blog post, we're diving into the treasure trove of pet-friendly hikes near Missoula. From leisurely strolls to challenging treks, there's something for every hiker and their four-legged friend. So, grab your hiking boots, leash up your pup, and let's embark on a journey through the stunning landscapes of western Montana.

Kim Williams Nature Trail

( Click the title to explore this trail in AllTrails App)

Type: Easy

Length: 15.8 km (9.8 mi)

Elevation gain: 69 m ( 226 ft)

Dogs: on leash

Discover this 15.8-km out-and-back trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 3 h 0 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

deer creek loop

Type: Easy

Length: 4.5km (2.8 mi)

Elevation gain: 95m (311 ft)

Dogs: on leash

Get to know this 4.5-km loop trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 7 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through July. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

The “L” Trail

Type: Moderate

Length: 2.7 km (1.6 mi)

Elevation gain: 190 m (623 ft)

Dogs: yes!

Get to know this 2.7-km out-and-back trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 8 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Blue Mountain Lookout Deadman Ridge Trail

Type: Moderate

Length: 7.7 km (4.7 mi)

Elevation gain: 241 m (790 ft)

Dogs: yes!

Head out on this 7.7-km loop trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 12 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

the “M” Trail

Type: Moderate

Length: 1.9 km (1.1 mi)

Elevation Gain: 196 m (643 ft)

Dogs: on leash

Try this 1.9-km out-and-back trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 1 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through August. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

waterworks hill

Type: Easy

Length: 5.6 km (3.4 mi)

Elevation gain: 216 m (708 ft)

Dogs: yes

Explore this 5.6-km out-and-back trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 44 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

MOUNT JUMBO TRAIL

Type: Hard

Length: 10.3 km (6.4 mi)

Elevation gain: 709 m (2300 ft)

Dogs: yes

Check out this 10.3-km out-and-back trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 17 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

saddle trail

Type: Moderate

Length: 6.9 km (4.2 mi)

Elevation gain: 202 m (662 ft)

Dogs: yes!

Discover this 6.9-km out-and-back trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 55 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October.

Froehlich trail and ridge trail loop

Type: Moderate

Length: 6.8 km (4.2 mi)

Elevation gain: 234 m (767 ft)

Dogs: yes

Discover this 6.8-km loop trail near Missoula, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 0 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through June.

whitaker bridge trail

Type: Moderate

Length: 11.4 km (7.8 mi)

Elevation gain: 173 m (567 ft)

Dogs: yes

Explore this 11.4-km out-and-back trail near Bonner, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 37 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.

garnet ghost town and hike

Type: Easy

Length: 4.8 km ( 2.9 mi)

Elevation gain: 141 m (462 ft)

Dogs: yes

Enjoy this 4.8-km out-and-back trail near Garnet Ghosts Town (worth a visit!). Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 21 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through September.

morrell falls

Type: Moderate

Length: 8.9 km ( 5.5 mi )

Elevation gain: 139 m (456 ft)

Dogs: yes

Try this 8.9-km out-and-back trail near Seeley Lake, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 2 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

holland falls

Type: Easy

Length: 5.3 km ( 3.2 mi)

Elevation gain: 148 m ( 485 ft)

Dogs: on leash

Explore this 5.3-km out-and-back trail near Condon, Montana. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 27 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and fishing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Holland Lake Views from Holland Falls HIke

BONUS HIKE: Bluebird Trail

Type: Easy

Length: 1.6 km (0.9 mi)

Elevation gain: 121m (396 ft)

Dogs: yes!

A brand new trail in Missoula, the latest additional to our Conservation lands system. Bluebird Preserve Trail is a 124-acre parcel which due to it’s newness should be crowd-free and should add a bigger variety to seasoned hikers and locals looking to explore more with their furry best friends.

So, whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor to the Big Sky Country State, Missoula's pet-friendly hiking scene promises endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. From leisurely strolls to adrenaline-pumping ascents, there's a trail waiting for you and your furry friend to discover.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, leash up your pup, and embark on the ultimate summertime adventure in Missoula, Montana. Trust me – the trails are calling, and they're ready to be explored!

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Why Guests Should Book Direct vs Book via Airbnb?

The benefits of booking direct for guests and for hosts.

When Garrett and I first started opening up our cabins for short term rental stays, we never planned on turning our small side-hustle into a full time (seasonal) business. We were able to keep our expenses low in the beginning with the help of OTA’s (Online Travel Agencies) like Airbnb, Hipcamp, Glamping Hub, VRBO and others. But over the years, we’ve heard and read horror stories from fellow hosts about how their listings got taken down, they were blocked from hosting or all their bookings were cancelled. Reasons behind such actions are not always obvious, but what it motivated us to do — build our own website and eventually our brand.

Yes, we’re still new to marketing our small Glamping Cabins Resort and still rely on the eye balls and the bookings from OTA’s. Over the years, being on Airbnb has helped us get featured by dozens of online news sources, blogs and articles about Cozy A-frame Stays in Montana or Tiny Pet-friendly Cabins on Airbnb.

Airbnb has even featured us on their Twitter (now X) account with a short ASMR-style video!

Another time Airbnb photographer came out to photograph our A-frame Cabin (giving us the professional photos free of charge), but we also don’t know exactly where/how they featured those 🤷

Exposure of our tiny, self-built cabins in the woods has been wonderful and we will continue to keep our listings on various OTA platforms, but we’re in the business of hospitality and OUR GUESTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO US!

Here are a few reasons, why we choose to use a Direct Booking site:

GUESTS Save on fees

Airbnb particularly has a tendency to increase their fees for both guests and hosts. And if you ever traveled abroad where tipping is not customary, you realize how much money you saved by unlocking that option. By booking directly, you avoid the extra fees and charges.

Hosts control their listing and their business

By having a direct booking website, hosts can authentically showcase their business and their personality, instead of looking like and competing with the other 5 million hosts and their 7.5 million active listings (Airbnb).

Hosts can easily offer offers, updates and discounts

While some OTA’s have different functions, not all are created equal when it comes to offering discounts or offers for guests. Direct Booking sites and direct communication with the guest bipasses the middleman who won’t let you share links or phone numbers or other private information.

Hosts get to build their brand

My favorite part about building The Hohnstead website and brand is the creativity I get to awaken inside of me. As hosts, we can be in charge of the colors, fonts, images, graphics, language and other details that dictate how our guests view our space. We are in charge of the online experience they have with my Glamping Cabins Resort before they choose to book and arrive here. For some hosts, this part seems intimidating, but for a passionate, photography-loving, let’s learn web design to save money person, re-doing and perfecting The Hohnstead Brand over the years has been frustrating (at times) but SO MUCH FUN!

Hosts get to control their cancellation policy

Cancellation policies on Airbnb are very rigid and may not always represent the situations that hosts have. For example, some hosts are full time hosts, they may choose to have a different cancellation policy vs someone who hosts part time or on seasonal bases.

Hosts get to screen their guests better

When Booking Directly, hosts are not limited with communication restrictions that OTA’s have. Primarily, we’d like to have other forms of communications other than the middleman platform like Airbnb. Some hosts prefer Whats Up, others - email. A missed message or unseen text can be quite frustrating when the host hasn’t checked their Airbnb messages or doesn’t have their notifications enabled. Screening who stays on our property is important for everyone’s safety - ours, our guests and other guests who are staying in a nearby cabin.

Guest-centric approach

When dealing with problems on Airbnb, it feels very biased that hosts don’t always get the benefit of the doubt. We’ve personally experienced that when a guest who accidentally booked one of our cabins, left early, then proceeded to leave us a 3 star review. We were unable to convince the Airbnb to take the review down based on a simple fact that this guest DID NOT STAY THE NIGHT and didn’t get to experience our place properly in order to leave any review. Unfortunately, they didn’t side with us.

Bad guest review policy

Guests can lie in their reviews and Airbnb will sadly not moderate that. Instead they give a hosts an opportunity to respond (which is a more recent update to their platform).

Hosts at a mercy of the algorithm changes

Oh the algorithm! You may have heard this word on Instagram or other Social Media platforms and how often its changes put everyone in a frenzy!

Airbnb’s algorithm is also an enigma. Should you change your Cover picture (the 1st) daily? Should you change your title regularly? How about emojis in titles, does it help? How many photos is too much?

Direct Booking sites, luckily, don’t have to worry about the Marketplace of Listings that OTA’s like Airbnb create. Instead, we blog and post with specific keywords to hopefully help SEO gods direct the right people towards our websites. Maybe its a similar dilemma, but at least if feels like putting multiple fishing rods out there - via Blog’s image re-pinned on Pinterest, or IG Reel re-shared on Tik Tok, Youtube Long Form videos turned into Blog Posts all the while talking about my small Glamping Cabins Resort in the woods.

One day a little fishy will bite!

Ditch the city, stay with us, in the woods (and book direct!)

The HohnStead Glamping Cabins in Bonner, Montana

〰️

ACTION ITEM

〰️ ACTION ITEM

“Research if your dream accommodation on Airbnb has a direct booking site and SAVE!”

photographing winter’s Textures

Polarizing filter

Neutral Density Filter

photographing winter’s details

Photographing winter’s landscapes

PHOTOGRAPHING WINTER’S PLAYFULNESS

PHOTOGRAPHING THE BEGINNING OR THE END OF THE WINTER SEASON

PHOTOGRAPHING WINTER’S MAGIC THROUGH BOKEH

PHOTOGRAPHING ANIMALS AND PETS IN WINTER TIME

PHOTOGRAPH ITEMS NOT COVERED IN SNOW

WHEN THERE IS NO SNOW, OR NO INSPIRATION - LOOK UP!

where is Jerry johnson hot springs?

how long of a hike is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?

Are dogs allowed at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?

Is Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Clothing Optional?

Are there fees at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs?

Camping at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs

whats the ‘glitter’ in the water at jerry johnson hot springs?

WHAT IS UNSEEN MISSOULA?

SCREAMS AND SPIRITS TOUR

WHAT’S A GHOST SIGN?

WHAT ELSE DID we LEARN ON THE TOUR?

what exactly is WWE?

What trips have you done so far?

How did this event begin?

The trail

I’m a Woman Who Explores!

Who is Gus?

Came across these beauties on a hike recently, thinking that if my childhood memories serve me right, these are edible.

Indeed, these Rosehips are!

What does it taste like?

what are other uses of rosehips?

Foraging is so fun!

What is Merlin Bird Id App?

Why should you download Merlin Bird ID?

birds I identified with merlin bird id app at The Hohnstead this summer?

What Is Glamping?

clothing

shoes

accessories / other

layers

pet companions

what exactly is cabin core?

WHAT CABIN CORE ITEMS CAN I include in THE Bedroom?

what exactly is cabin core?

WHAT CABIN CORE ITEMS CAN I include in THE Bathroom?

Materials

Color Palette

Textiles

Decor Elements

Lighting

Accessories

what exactly is cabin core?

WHAT CABIN CORE ITEMS CAN I FIND

FOR THE KITCHEN?

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(click for tickets and more info)

15 minutes away from The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins

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30 minutes from The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins

30 minutes from The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins