Welcome To Elk Lake Resort! We Are Happy To Meet You
Craig and Lerrina Collins took over the operation of Elk Lake Resort in May of 2004. Originally from Oregon, they were drawn to this Montana mountain resort by the unsurpassed beauty and 'retreat-like' seclusion of the Centennial Valley and the wild and pristine nature of their neighbor - the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Having the Centennial Valley out their back door, Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge next door, and the Continental Divide between Idaho and Montana for their backdrop was more than they could resist!
Drawing on their experience as former motel owners, Craig's background in construction and maintenance, Lerrina's skills and training in business management and bookkeeping, and their common love of the great outdoors, the Collinses felt a move to this off-the-beaten path Montana Lodge was a perfect fit.
They often hear the question, "How did you find Elk Lake Resort?" Their answer is usually greeted with grins and chuckles. Read More!
Elk Lake's Colorful History!
The Collins family knew they were just one in a long line of 'characters' who have owned and loved this off-the-beaten-path Montana mountain resort. Thus it seemed only fitting to trace Elk Lake's history. What they found proved not only educational, but interesting - and it reinforced their belief they had found a very special place. The story encompasses more than just their off-the-beaten-path mountain lodge - it involves the whole Centennial Valley and the development of the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Melded together it is what makes their
remote Montana Resort such a special place to retreat from the rest of the world. Elk Lake Resort's history makes for an interesting read!
~California Guests
Our Unique Off-The-Beaten-Path Location
The trip to Elk Lake Resort is one of extreme beauty and should be savored. In an area which abounds in natural beauty, Montana's wild and pristine Centennial Valley still makes its mark. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge which stands guard over its heart, has protected this 385,000 acre valley floor from development. Bordered by mountains on three sides, one can feel dwarfed by the majestic splendor the area exudes.
The rugged Centennial Mountains rise abruptly to over 9,000 feet on the valley's south side. Curving toward the north at the valley's east end, this section of the Continental Divide seems to embrace the valley in majestic mountain arms.
To the north one glimpses the mighty Madison Range in the distance. Closer at hand, rolling hills, like stepping stones, announce Montana's Gravelly Rangeat the valley's northest end while to the northwest one can view the Snowcrest Mountains.The valley floor is a mosaic of lowlands dominated by thousands of acres of open water and marshlands. This wetlands is the largest in the Greater Yellowstone Eco-system (and many would rightly claim her most beautiful). The surrounding hillsides consist of timbered draws, several ecologically rare environmental landscapes, sagebrush covered hillsides, lush grasslands, and willow dominate riparian areas.
Visitors to our off-the-beaten-path location find the drive a highlight of their trip. They understand why the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service says, "The Montana Natural Heritage Program has rated the Centennial Valley as one of the most significant natural landscapes in Montana, a tribute to its intact ecological systems, expansive wetlands, diverse native flora and fauna, and unqiue concentrations of rare species."