Snowed All Night!

Awoke to these sights! And it's so so quiet here. Had a good snowshoe around the property and up the lake a ways.

360 View of Winter

Had to share these with all of you! If I could figure out photoshop, I'd be able to make it all one great picture. Better yet, I should probably invest in a Pan CAM Video.

And anyone wanna throw the ball for that sweet mutt below?

Blessings at Christmastime

Happy holidays from all of us at Holland Lake Lodge to you and yours. Thelma is still guarding the tree and Silas is tired from chasing Rudolph and his brothers through the woods. More impressive skies at the lake. We wish you glad tidings and peace for the year to come.

Nature's Dusting

Tough to believe we were without snow on the ground at the beginning of this week. That's right, rain melted most of it. Awoke this morning to these sights and it sure makes everything feel nice and clean again!

Lake Fully Frozen

The lake froze over completely the night of December 8th, due to the severe sub zero temps of last week. Ice depths vary due to currents and natural springs. These photos were taken yesterday. Montana winter weather varies hugely and there has been rain the last couple of days creating eery pools of water atop the ice out towards the middle of the lake. Already have seen skaters and ice fisherman on Holland but thus far, no animal crossings. The third shot shows the view looking west past the point area and lodge towards the Missions. During the first half of the 1900s, ice from the lake was cut and collected in blocks for the whole Swan Valley to be used throughout the year.

Big Flippin Moo Moo

This fancy landmark sits at Clearwater Junction, where Highways 200 and 83 meet. Known throughout the state as the "Big Cow" he is listed on our directions page on the lodge website. He sits 35 miles south of Holland Lake in front of Stoney's Kwik Stop & Wildlife Gallery. There's fuel, a rest stop, and in the distance the Blackfoot River meanders a bit.

Missoula View from High Up

Took the pups on a hike up Mount Sentinel on Missoula's eastern flank. Beautiful cold day here in town. It was 20 degrees with a chill breeze on the upper half of the mountain. Dogs had a great time.
Missoula is 75 miles southwest of the lodge. When we're headed to "town", it is usually our destination. Flights arrive here daily on airlines such as United, Delta, Northwest, Alaska Air & Allegiant Air.

6 Degrees, Dates of Operation

Awoke this morning to crystal clear sky and cold cold temps. Took these pictures of the Mission Mountain Range at about 11:30 a.m. This view, looking straight west from the lodge, is always spectacular. The tallest peak is on the far right: Mount McDonald at just over 10,000 feet.

Though it says it in the "About Us" section on the website, I'd like to get the word out here that the lodge is not operational this time of year. We're open Mid-May through the end of October. With that said, you may always reach us by phone or email, 365 days a year. If you would like a tour of the property, just call ahead and we are more than happy to show you around.

Nature's Largest Waterbowl!

The pups definitely prefer a sip from the lake versus one from their dog dish. Here's Silas having an early afternoon drink. Still no sign of ice!