Lodge At Sun Ranch: Cameron, Montana

A guided canoe trip is perhaps the best way to experience the Madison Valley. Visit Quake Lake, a natural curiosity created by a landslide sparked by a 1959 earthquake that dammed a six mile stretch of the Madison River. Or, paddle across Cliff and Wade Lakes, a chain of azure-colored waters nestled in a steep mountain valley. The pleasure of canoeing allows you to observe wildlife in remote areas where moose, elk, coyote, bear and pronghorn antelope come to drink at water's edge. And keep a pair of binoculars handy to spot the dazzling birds of the area, like osprey, bald eagles, golden eagles, trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, many species of duck and a variety of raptors. The Lodge at Sun Ranch

Visit archaelogical sites and learn the history of the area. Native Americans have inhabited this land for centuries. By studying what they left behind we learn their culture and lifestyles -- which is part of what makes the country what it is. The Lodge at Sun Ranch

The Lodge's staff naturalist leads a day-long tour of Yellowstone National Park. See the Park's best attractions, such as the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Artist Point, and of course, Old Faithful. Or follow your guide off the beaten path to explore the Park's nooks and crannies where few people visit. Bring a camera to capture the spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Depending on the season, you may see bison, elk, mule deer, river otters, harlequin ducks, American white pelicans, and trumpeter swans. Keep an eye out for elusive moose, grizzly and black bears, and the endangered gray wolf. The Lodge at Sun Ranch

Partnering with a horse on a mountain trail is the quintessential Western experience. Horseback riding on Sun Ranch offers excursions across sage-covered foothills, through towering pine forests, and up winding mountain canyons. Our mounts are seasoned ranch and trail horses, each with a distinctive personality befitting a companion on the trail. Rides are led by wranglers experienced in the art of matching horse and rider, on a trail of best fit. Beginners enjoy horsemanship instruction that is put to use on leisurely rides around the ranch. For the intrepid, enjoy day-long explorations of the backcountry in the rugged Madison and Gravelly Mountain ranges. And for fishing enthusiasts, packing into remote backcountry lakes is a unique experience that few visitors to the area get to enjoy. The Lodge at Sun Ranch

For those who enjoy hiking, Sun Ranch offers an incredible diversity of terrain right out the backdoor. Our staff naturalists will lead you on quests for colorful wildflowers, breathtaking vistas, and bountiful wildlife. These hikes range in difficulty from easy to challenging, from gentle strolls to strenuous mountain treks. Both half- and full-day excursions are available, with longer outings enjoying a picnic sack lunch on the trail.

The migratory birds on Sun Ranch share something in common with our Lodge guests: they visit from thousands of miles away. The Madison Valley is home to 137 species of birds, many of which are unique to this area. The Lodge naturalist, a Master-level wildlife biologist, will lead you to some of the most exciting and elusive birds of the Northern Rockies, including: Ferruginous hawk, prairie falcon, Brewer's sparrow, McCown's longspur, sage thrasher, long-billed curlew and more. Guests can also participate in the Mountain Bluebird Trails (MBT) project, a national bluebird conservation organization based in Montana. Guests of The Lodge help MBT band bluebird nestlings and conduct point counts on Sun Ranch. Ask us for more details or to obtain a listing of species found on Sun Ranch.

Canvas wall-tents conjure the imagery of a scientific expedition, an African safari, or a backcountry packhorse trip. Spend the night a-field "EduCamping" at our luxury tent camp. The ranch's Predator Deterrent Specialist (a Masters-level wildlife biologist) joins you to speak about Sun Ranch's environmentally-sensitive ranching methods. You will learn about the predators that call Sun Ranch home, like grizzly bears and gray wolves. Well-appointed tent accommodations include queen-size beds, down pillows and comforters, and plush wool rugs. Each tent is mounted on a wooden deck, complete with a front porch for reclining to watch the Montana sunset. Fall asleep to the sound of lowing cattle, and wake to hot coffee and a spectacular sunrise. This unique experience was recently featured on the Travel Channel. Tent camp location change from year-to-year according to Sun Ranch Agriculture's livestock management plan. During the season, our ability to offer EduCamping is dependent on weather (rain) and environmental conditions (forest fire, drought). Please contact us to learn more.

When your Montana state of mind collides with the aches and pains from of a day spent on the river or in the saddle, let a masseuse take over. Enjoy a deep tissue or hot rock massage in the privacy of your own room. A licensed, local masseuse will restore you with the strength to hike, fish, or ride another day.