Nestled at the gateway to the Swan Valley, Grey Wolf Guest Ranch offers a unique opportunity to own 229± acres nearly surrounded by Lolo National Forest. Ideal for group events and gatherings, the focal point of the property is the 7,800± square foot fully appointed lodge with two commercial kitchens, bar, and guest rooms. Set on a wide bench overlooking the grassy meadow and Finley Creek to the southwest, the improvement cluster offers several additional residences, shops, and outbuildings making this remote and private, inholding nearly self-sufficient. Situated in a recreational paradise, the Swan Valley and surrounding locales offer limitless recreational amenities from fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers to recreating in the adjacent public lands. Despite its remote and private experience, the lodge is a mere 25 minutes from the resort community of Seeley Lake and 1 hour and 30 minutes to Missoula, Montana’s second largest city. Grey Wolf Lodge is a unique and private offering catering to a multitude of use profiles in a setting that is nearly impossible to find in today’s market.
Grey Wolf Guest Ranch is conveniently accessed via county-maintained North Placid Lake Road. After crossing Placid Creek and entering the property, one gently rises and is greeted to a view of the main lodge with the Finley Creek meadow beyond. Generally level, the property is punctuated by a subtle, bench where the improvements are located which offers elevated views of the forest and Mission Mountain Range in the distance. The property provides the perfect blend of lush coniferous forests, open meadows, and riparian corridors.
Grey Wolf Guest Ranch is tied to grid power, Blackfoot Internet, and Dish Network for television.
Set near the southern boundary of the Swan Valley, the guest lodge is easily accessed from Highway 83, a popular north/south route to Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and the communities of Seeley Lake, Bigfork, Kalispell, and Whitefish. Seeley Lake, roughly 25 minutes from the property, is a town of approximately 1,500 residents. It is ideal for necessities and provides some services including groceries, lodging, hardware, and dining. For amenities associated with larger cities Missoula, Montana’s second largest city, offers a full suite of services including two regional hospitals, an airport with commercial service and FBO, and the University of Montana - all roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes away.
The Seeley-Swan as it is affectionately known locally is a lesser-known locale nestled between the Mission Range and eponymous Grey Wolf Peak to the west and the Swan Range to the east. The valley generally runs north to south with upwards of 90 percent being in public ownership as part of Lolo National Forest and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The valley is sparsely populated with only two communities, Seeley Lake and Condon in its 80-mile traverse through some of Montana’s most scenic country. The Swan Valley forms the western boundary of one of the lower 48’s most notable recreation areas, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex totaling over 1.5 million acres of roadless terrain. Hemmed by the Mission Mountain Wilderness to the west the region is surrounded by an unprecedented amount of public ground one could never completely experience in ten lifetimes.
Situated in the west central part of the state, the area experiences a diverse climate that showcases the charm of each of the four seasons. Summers at the lodge are generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to high 80s. The lodge’s elevation at 4,200 feet helps moderate the heat, making it an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities in comfortable weather.
As temperatures cool gradually, fall brings a breathtaking display of fall foliage as the Western Tamaracks ubiquitous in the area begin their transition to a golden hue. September sees highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. Fall is a seasonal favorite for many in Western Montana as it provides a welcome respite from the heat of the summer.
Winters in the region can be cold, with an average snowfall of around 80 inches. From December to February, temperatures range from the mid-teens to mid-30s turning the landscape into a winter wonderland perfect for winter sports including snow machining, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding.
As spring arrives, temperatures gradually rise, reaching the 40s to 60s from March to May. The melting snow feeds the surrounding rivers and streams, rejuvenating the area’s lakes and streams in anticipation of summer’s most coveted recreational pursuits.
Grey Wolf Guest Ranch is tied to grid power, Blackfoot Internet, and Dish Network for television.
Grey Wolf Guest Ranch is heavily improved and ideal for events, corporate retreats, and group gatherings.
Lodge: The focal point of the main improvement cluster is the main lodge, a massive 7,800± square foot skip-peeled log structure with two commercial kitchens, full bar, cooler/freezer, three-bedrooms, and two-and-a-half baths. The lodge is the hub of guest operations offering laundry facilities, library, office space, and food storage. The main level includes an impeccably appointed commercial kitchen with top-shelf appliances, open great room with a bar, and a guest wing serving as the bridal or honeymoon suite. The two lofts provide flexible spaces which could be used as library, office, or sitting spaces. Off the main level is an east-facing deck area, perfect for enjoying western Montana sunrises. Below grade is an additional commercial kitchen, coolers, two bedrooms, and one-and-a-half bathrooms.
Ancillary Residences: There are four additional homes within the main improvement cluster.
Owner’s Residence - Built in 1929 offers three-bedrooms and three-bathrooms, sauna, wood stove, private deck, and three-car garage.
Meadow View House - Built in 1975, offers three-bedrooms and two-bathrooms, deck, and spa with unobstructed western views.
Cub House - Built in 1994 offers four-bedrooms and four-bathrooms, great room, and wrap around porch with full basement.
A-Frame Studio - Built in 1976. Small but quaint and fully appointed. Shares six-person spa with Cub House.
Manager’s Home: Set to the southeast of the main compound is a log studio home, perfect accommodation for a ranch manager.
Other Improvements:
The property has two creeks, both of which hold some small trout. Placid Creek meanders on and off the deeded acreage to the northeast. Finley Creek from which the owners maintain irrigation rights runs through the meadow and would be a good candidate for stream restoration to improve the health and productivity of the fishery. Additionally, there is a small spring-fed pond to the northwest of the lodge providing ambiance for events. This water feature also contains small trout.
Annual taxes of $23,550 based on previous years property taxes.
Annual taxes of $23,550 based on previous years property taxes.
Grey Wolf Guest Ranch is surrounded by some of the most pristine wildlife habitat in the state of Montana. Elk, deer, bear, and a variety of other game and none-game species call the property home. With literally thousands of square miles of public land surrounding the ranch, the opportunity to view wildlife is guaranteed. For the sporting set, the lodge sits in HD 285.
Grey Wolf Guest Ranch has operated primarily as a family retreat for the current owners. However, they do rent out the space a few times a year for group events such as weddings and family reunions. In addition to the many lodging options available for guests, the owners maintain a field for additional visitors to park campers and set up tents. The lodge has a full liquor license available subject to approval of the new owner by the relevant regulatory agencies.
