Papoose Creek prides itself on having some of the best guides in the west. They know the waters and the fishing, and they take great pride and pleasure in teaching you the skills to master it.

Hiking
For those who prefer self-powered forays into the Montana backcountry, Papoose Creek Lodge offers an incredible diversity of terrain right out our back door. Our staff of naturalist guides will lead guests to colorful wildflowers, breathtaking vistas and bountiful wildlife in the Madison and Gravelly Ranges. Hikes at Papoose Creek Lodge are designed for every ability level, from gentle strolls to strenuous mountain treks. These hikes range in difficulty from easy to difficult, and in duration based on the wishes of the guests. Adjustment to the elevations ranging from 6000 feet (lodge base) to 9500 feet can be gradually accomplished. Guests often take unaccompanied morning hikes up the well-marked trail, which begins directly behind the lodge. Our staff will lead an auto tour of Yellowstone National Park's front-country, unless guests wish to go solo (not included in the Papoose Creek Package). A picnic packed by the chef is a great way to fuel up at midday.

Canoeing
Paddling streams, rivers and lakes is a wonderful way to experience the riparian habitats that are so critical to our region's wildlife. Papoose Creek Lodge is ideally situated to provide access to some of the area's finest canoeing. The Madison River is right out our front gate, and nearby Hebgen, Quake, Cliff and Wade lakes all provide outstanding scenery, wildlife viewing and satisfying paddling. Our accomplished guides provide paddling instruction, offer informative and entertaining interpretation, and ensure guests' complete enjoyment and appreciation of these remarkable waters.

One of the pleasures of canoeing on the lakes is to observe the variety of wildlife that is so special to the Madison Valley - moose, elk, coyote, bear and pronghorn antelope can often be spotted. Keep your binoculars handy for the dazzling birds in this area - osprey, bald eagles, golden eagles, trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, many species of duck and a variety of raptors.
Knowledgeable staff guides lead the canoe trips on the nearby lakes. These excursions can last from two hours to all day and can include a picnic beside the water.

Wildlife Viewing
Papoose Creek Lodge is located in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which includes Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding area. Approximately 14 million acres in size, this is the largest intact temperate ecosystem in the world. Bordered by the Beartooth Mountains in the north, it spreads across several other mountain ranges south through the Tetons. In this ecosystem, you'll find a diverse range of wildlife that call Montana home.

Bird Watching
Papoose Creek Lodge now offers guided birding tours in Southwest Montana . The Madison Valley boasts over 137 breeding species of bird, many of which are unique to our area. Our staff naturalist, a trained ornithologist, will lead you to some of the most exciting and elusive birds of the Northern Rockies . These include boreal owls, rosy-finches, dippers, and more. Our tours can be tailored to advanced birders looking for lifers or to beginning birders who are looking to develop skills as much as see unique birds.
Papoose Creek Lodge also has USGS banding permits so that we can band bluebird nestlings on behalf of Mountain Bluebird Trails Inc., a national bluebird conservation organization based in Montana. Additionally, our staff naturalist has a Breeding Bird Survey Route on which he conducts point counts on behalf of the USGS in SW Montana .
Our Birding package includes 3 nights in elegant accommodations, 2 days of excellent birding in the Northern Rockies, gourmet meals, a special gift, and a complimentary happy hour.  Please see our rates, or feel free to contact us for more information.