Blue Canoe Lodge on Missouri River Cascade Montana Listing Type: Lodge City: Cascade Montana Region: Central Montana 406-442-6244 http://www.bluecanoelodge.net/

More Images

Two hundred years later, the river runs untethered here, churning out of the mountains, carving perfect habitat for wildlife, and-most importantly for fly fishers attracted to this stretch of one of Montana's famous Blue Ribbon fisheries-large wild rainbow and brown trout.

The Blue Canoe Lodge is a perfect place for floaters to stop and reflect on the rich history of this place, or to wet a line along our private river frontage. There are great places for wade fishing upstream and downstream from the lodge, and there's a wild island directly across the river.

In the spring, Canadian geese nest in the backwaters. If you walk out the front door and fish in Josh's Cove, don't be unnerved by the beavers who will slap their tails in warning when you wade too close to their lodge.

The lodge features a creative, spacious interior. There's plenty of room to display a beautifully restored 1946 Old Town rowboat in the kitchen area and an 18-foot Canadian cedar canoe in the dining area, as well as old Montana advertising and artwork.

The great room stretches from a set of beautiful 19th century oak entry doors to window that look out to the river bottom where whitetail deer rest in willow beds and rooster pheasants crow and strut.

Large bay windows to the West and East capture the moody Charlie Russell colored morning and evening skies which must have influenced the western artist when he lived in Cascade as a young man and worked the nearby cattle ranches. The hearth for the warming stove was built from native stones etched with yellow and orange lichen that have clung stubbornly to the sandstone surfaces for thousands of years. A collection of interesting antiques and comfortable furnishings create the atmosphere of an old fishing camp. But a complete kitchen, including microwave, dishwasher, large fridge and a new range will allow a large or small group to enjoy easy meal preparation.

As you settle into the Blue Canoe Lodge, you'll find nooks for private conversations or larger areas for group gatherings. It features four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Each bedroom reflects the color of a season. The second story summer room features an antique, full bed and views of the nearby eagle's nest and mountains. On the main floor, a spring green room is furnished with three single beds, and a cozy winter blue room sleeps two singles. An autumn room with kitschy western accents and a queen bed has a river view. With two queen size sofa beds in the great room, the lodge can sleep a family group of up to a dozen people comfortable.

The 11+ peaceful acres are ideal for: weddings, business retreats, workshops, reunions and gatherings, peaceful time-outs from stress, wildlife and bird watching, excellent wade fishing.

The lodge is located about 5 miles south of Cascade with a market, local shops and services. It's a short drive from Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery events, the Charles M. Russell Art Museum and the Ulm Pishkin. It's a pleasant 40-mile scenic drive through the amazing river canyon to the Gates of the Mountains recreation area and another 20 miles to the state capital.

Opportunities for indoor and outdoor activities are only restricted by the limits of one's imagination. Escape the asphalt, avoid the crowd, reserve your time at the Blue Canoe Lodge, your beautiful, private place on the Missouri River.

Rental rates are $285 a day with a two-day minimum. Seven-day weekly rate is $1,600. A one-day business or family gathering rate of $285 is available. A $500 damage deposit, refundable upon check-out, is required. Payment is by personal check or cash.

We also have connections with several of the area's top outfitters and guides who can arrange special fishing floats for your group.

Directions: Blue Canoe Lodge is located 20 miles south of Great Falls International Airport on I-15. Taking the Cascade exit, cross the river bridge and follow the paved road two miles south to Sheep Creek Road. Take the Sheep Creek gravel road two miles to the first gravel road west (right); Chestnut Valley Road. Follow Chestnut Valley Road two miles, just beyond where the road sweeps south, to a private road, Antelope Lane. Turn right and continue for about a mile to 92 Antelope Lane, through a gate and hayfield to the lodge on the riverbank.

Blue Canoe Lodge on Missouri River
735 Breckenridge, Helena, MT 59601

Activities Barbecue Bird Watching Fishing Fly Fishing Movie/Film Music Nature Photography River Fishing Walking Weddings Wildlife Viewing Business Retreats Family Reunions Services Books Corporate Rate Kitchen Meeting Room Non-smoking

A source for Montana Travel & Tourism Information