Mill Creek is one of the largest tributaries to the Yellowstone River in the Paradise Valley. An ideal size wading stream, Mill Creek offers excellent fishing for brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Because of its proximity to the Yellowstone River, there are seasonal migrations of fish from the Yellowstone in addition to the resident trout populations. The creek is a classic freestone fishery, ideal for dry fly fishing.
The mighty Yellowstone is the longest, free-flowing river in the lower 48 states, flowing over 500 miles from its source in Yellowstone National Park to its confluence with the Missouri River in North Dakota. Over 100 miles of the Yellowstone, including that portion through the Paradise Valley, is considered blue ribbon trout fishing. Brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout are found throughout, with the portion closest to Yellowstone National Park containing the highest densities of the native Yellowstone cutthroat.
The Paradise Valley serves as a year-round home for a wide variety of wildlife and a wintering ground for large populations of big game animals migrating out of Yellowstone National Park. The wooded terrain and abundant water resources found at Timeless Retreat on Mill Creek provide ideal habitat for these animals.
As one climbs into the mountains, just a few miles east of the property, it is common to see elk, moose, and even mountain goats on the craggy peaks. This wilderness supports grizzly bears, wolves, and the elusive wolverine, all evidence of the vast area of the unspoiled natural landscape in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area and adjoining Yellowstone ecosystem. Of these larger game animals, whitetail deer and mule deer are most likely to be seen on the property, but it would not be unusual to see any of the area's wildlife enjoying the habitat.
Because of its size, the Yellowstone is considered an ideal float fishing river. Public access points along the river's course provide a tremendous variety of floating options. The nearest drift boat "put in" is at the Mill Creek Bridge, only about three miles from the property entrance.
Many of the finest trout streams in the West originate in Yellowstone National Park. Fishing in the park provides an unparalleled wilderness experience as well as some of the finest trout fishing anywhere. The upper Yellowstone River, Gardner River, Slough Creek, and Soda Butte Creek are all accessed from the park’s main entrance at Gardiner, approximately 40± miles from the property. All these streams are strongholds for the Yellowstone cutthroat, which grow to sizes more than 20 inches in length and is known for its eagerness to take dry flies.
The park's west side contains the Firehole, Gibbon, and Lamar Rivers, all headwater streams of the Madison River. There are also hundreds of lakes and smaller streams throughout Yellowstone and the neighboring wilderness, making this one of the world's most prolific trout fishery resources. An avid angler will find a lifetime of fishing opportunities in the Yellowstone area.
Another unique fishing resource in the Paradise Valley is the world-famous spring creeks, known as Nelson’s, Depuy’s, and Armstrong’s (O’Hair’s). All three creeks are privately owned fee fisheries that provide year-round fishing opportunities. These spring resources are nutrient-rich treasures, a haven for trout of all species, as well as vital spawning tributaries to the Yellowstone River. The "Spring Creeks" and their crystal-clear waters offer a light line, small fly experience that is challenging and memorable.
The national forest boundary is only about four miles from the property, with trails originating from the Mill Creek drainage. The Paradise Valley has a wealth of trailheads accessing the national forest and the Absaroka Wilderness. These trails are ideal for exploring the forest during all seasons of the year. Whether on a morning walk or exploring the backcountry, the opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, or cross-country skiing are boundless.