|
Spotted Bear Ranch is in the Spotted Bear District of the Flathead National Forest just outside the Bob Marshall Wilderness. We may be located deep in the heart of the forest, but we are easily accessible from Glacier International Airport and Glacier National Park. To get to Spotted Bear Ranch you will need to follow the breathtaking Hungry Horse Reservoir to its source. We are located at the confluence of the Spotted Bear River and the South Fork of the Flathead River about eight miles south of the reservoir inlet.
You will want to bring your camera along on this drive and take advantage of the numerous scenic pullouts along the way. Please drive with a great deal of caution. Watch out for oncoming vehicles and wildlife commuter traffic, especially at dawn and dusk. Keep your eyes open for elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, moose, and black bears. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a grizzly bear, grey wolf, golden or bald eagle!
 | | Click To Enlarge |
From Glacier International Airport, turn left onto US Hwy 2. Be careful exiting the airport. Continue on Hwy 2 to the traffic light at the intersection of Highway 40 (landmark is the Blue Moon Saloon). Turn right at the intersection to continue on Hwy 2 East toward Columbia Falls and Glacier National Park. Columbia Falls is a nice, clean town with full services and would be a good place to stop for any last minute supplies. Continue on Hwy 2 East, following the signs to Glacier National Park/West Glacier. There will be no services once you leave Highway 2. There are two routes to Spotted Bear Ranch. We strongly recommend using the East Route.
East Reservoir Road (FS 38)
The turnoff to the East road is on your right approximately ½ mile northeast of Hungry Horse and cuts through Martin City. After turning right, stay to the right at the Deer Lick Saloon. You will pass the South Fork Bar on your left and continue straight through town. Follow signs for the South Fork Road and the Spotted Bear RS (Ranger Station). When the road becomes gravel and looks a bit like a fork stay to the right. Do not take Emery Creek Road. Continue for about 55 miles and look for the Spotted Bear Ranch sign on the right side of the road. Our lodge is not visible from the road, but we are right before you reach the Spotted Bear Ranger Station.
West Reservoir Road (FS 895)
This road generally takes 10-15 minutes longer, is narrow in places, has more sharp curves and is usually in rougher condition. We suggest you take this road only if you are a frequent guest looking for a change of scenery or would like to see the Hungry Horse Dam. The turnoff to the west road is on the right, just past the USFS Ranger Station in Hungry Horse. After crossing the dam, you will continue on pavement for a few more miles. Stay on the main road until you pass the Spotted Bear Airstrip on your left. You will come to a T in the road with a stop sign. Turn right. Spotted Bear Ranch is located on the right side of the road, just before the Spotted Bear Ranger Station.
If you plan on driving yourself, please be sure to call us a few days prior to heading out to get the latest update on road conditions and possible closures. The East Reservoir Road is closed to traffic until May 15th. The West Reservoir Road is typically not passable due to snow melt until June.
Our Office Location
The roads to Spotted Bear Ranch are closed during
the winter months. Our year around office is
located in Whitefish, Montana.
| 
)
