Summer Recreation

Season
Our summer season runs from whenever we can clear the cabin road of snow (usually the latter half of May) through August 15.

Activities
Want to get away from it ALL, with no TV or outside interruptions?  If so, the Rhynard Ranch is for you.The ranch and surrounding area offer solitude, breathtaking natural beauty, history, excellent fishing, wildlife viewing and photography, hiking, rock climbing, and starry nights. Abundant wildlife inhabits the Castle Mountains and can be viewed from the cabin and in the surrounding area.

Species include elk, deer, moose, antelope, mountain lions, black and cinnamon bears, bobcats, badgers, gophers, marmots, beaver, grouse, weasels, coyotes, hawks, eagles, owls, and more. Other satisfying pastimes include daydreaming on the front porch or beside a rushing creek, writing or reading a book, and painting. The appropriate maps are USGS / USDA FS, 7.5 Minute Series, “Castle Town” Quadrangle (Township 8N 8E, Sections (various portions of) 26, 27, 34, 35, & 36) and “Hamen” Quadrangle (Township 7N 8E, Sections 15 & 16.)

Located in the Castle Mountains, the cabin is convenient hiking distance from a glacial lake teeming with cutthroat trout and a mountain creek full of spunky brook trout. Several excellent fishing lakes, ranging in size from the large Canyon Ferry Reservoir, on the Missouri River, to several smaller local lakes, are 45 minutes to an hour’s drive from the cabin. Remember to purchase a fishing license before departing your arrival city for the ranch.

Sites
If you’re in the mood for local color, visit the Crazy Mountain Inn and the Mint Bar, in Martinsdale (15 miles); or the Castle Museum, several cafes and bars, and the old-style mercantile in White Sulphur Springs (35 miles). In addition, Billings, Helena, Bozeman, and Great Falls offer museums, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment on a grander scale.

Montana Historical Society, Billings Chamber of Commerce, Bozeman Chamber of Commerce, Great Falls Chamber of Commerce, Helena Chamber of Commerce.

Traveling times from the ranch:

• 1 hour from the Yellowstone River
• 1.5 hours from Helena and Bozeman
• 1.5 to 2 hours from the upper Missouri River, including its headwaters, the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers
• 2 hours from Yellowstone Park
• 2.5 hours from Great Falls
• 2.5 to 3 hours from Billings
• 4 hours from Glacier Park.

Weather & Safety
Summers in Montana are generally dry and comfortable, with occasional thunderstorms, daytime temperatures in the mid-high 80’s, and cool nights. Thunderstorms can develop quickly and sometimes bring rapidly falling temperatures and hail. Accordingly, hikers should be prepared for sudden changes when they venture farther than a quick dash from the cabin. In addition to extra clothing, they should pack, at least, a map, compass, whistle, water, food, jacket or sweatshirt, sunglasses, matches and paper, and a first aid kit. In addition, because of the altitude and terrain, hikers should be in top physical condition.

Logistics
No matter what your recreational pleasure, you’ll love the relaxing ambiance of a soak in the tub, wildlife-watching and star-gazing from the front porch, and a comfortable bed after the day’s activities. Our luxury cabin has all the modern amenities needed to make your stay the most comfortable of your recreation career. While guests provide their own personal gear, transportation, and food; everything else is provided, including all eating/cookware and both cooking and eating utensils.

The closest commercial airports are in Helena, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Billings. Various Airlines service these cities (see below), each of which has rental car facilities.

Bozeman – 1.5 hours – Delta, United, Alaska, American, Alaska, Allegiant, Southwest
Helena – 1.5 hours – Delta, Alaska, United, American, Alaska, Allegiant, Southwest
Great Falls – 2.5 hours – Delta, United, Alaska, American, Alaska, Allegiant, Southwest
Billings – 2.5-3 hours – Delta, United, Alaska, American, Alaska, Allegiant, Southwest

Delta | United | American | Alaska | Allegiant | Southwest

Rates
The cabin sleeps a maximum of seven people. Weeklong bookings receive scheduling priority. Half of the lease fee and a signed lease agreement are due at time of reservation. The remaining half of the fee, along with a refundable $100 security deposit, is due 30 days before arrival. Payment must be by personal check or bank check. Check-in time is after 12 noon, and checkout time is before 12 noon. Check-in and checkout times may vary slightly due to scheduling constraints, but will always be specified and accepted by guests before arrival. The summer season ends at the end of the third week in August. Rates are:

• $500 per day for stays of 1-2 days
• $450 per day for stays of 3 or 4 days
• $400 per day for stays of more than 4 days
• Longer periods available upon request

The state of Montana charges a daily $6.40 bed tax for this property lease.  These taxes will be withheld from the security deposit refund, unless paid separately.

More photos (click to enlarge):