In the "Wild" and "Pristine" Centennial Valley

Elk Lake Resort's Owners

Meet Elk Lake Resort's Owners - Learn The History of Our Western Montana Mountain Resort - Find Your Way to Our Montana Lodge - The Perfect Place for Your Next Family Vacation

Craig and Lerrina Collins took over the operation of Elk Lake Resort in May of 2004. Originally from Oregon, Craig and Lerrina were drawn to this western Montana mountain resort by the unsurpassed beauty and 'retreat-like' seclusion of the Centennial Valley and the thought of having the 45,000 acre Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge for their nearest neighbor. Having the Centennial Valley out their back door, Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge just up the road, and the Continental Divide between Idaho and Montana for their backdrop was more than they could resist!

Drawing on their experience as the former owners of a small motel in another unique and beautiful valley, Craig's experience and background in construction and maintenance, Lerrina's skills and training in business management and bookkeeping, and their common love of the great outdoors, the Collins felt a move to this western Montana Lodge fit the bill perfectly.

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!

Since they knew they were just one family in a long line of 'characters' who have owned and loved this western Montana mountain resort, it seemed only fitting for Lerrina to trace Elk Lake's history. What she found was not only educational, but interesting - and it reinforced their belief they had found a very special place when they made the move to their western Montana Lodge. The story encompasses more than just their little mountain resort - it involves the whole Centennial Valley and the development of the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, too. And, melded together it is what makes their western Montana Resort such a special place to retreat from the rest of the world. Read more about Elk Lake Resort's History!

Getting To Elk Lake Resort

From Interstate 15 take Exit 0 at Monida, Montana (Sign marks turnoff for Red Rock Lakes Wildlife Refuge). Follow signs through Monida (a nearly abandoned town) toward the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and Lakeview. Travel approximately 37 miles east through the Centennial Valley on an improved (partially graveled) dirt road to Elk Lake Road. Take a left (there is a sign at the junction marking the turnoff to Elk Lake Resort) and follow the road another 6 miles to Elk Lake Resort. Total drive time = about 1 1/4 hours.

From West Yellowstone, follow US 20 for about 14 miles west to just before milepost 398. Turn right onto Red Rock Road (signs mark the turnoff to Lakeview, Red Rock RV Park, and Elk Lake Resort). Follow Red Rock Road about 5 miles to a "T". Take a left (sign identifies this as the direction to Elk Lake Resort). Follow the gravel road up over Red Rock Pass and into the Centennial Valley - you will travel about 11 miles from the "T". Take a right at Elk Lake Road (our sign clearly identifies this turnoff) and follow the road another 6 miles to Elk Lake Resort. Total drive time = about 1 hour.

From Reynolds Pass, Montana follow Hwy 87 into Montana and continue about 5 miles past the Idaho / Montana State Line. Turn south (right) at the Sawtell historical marker (sign also identifies this as the turnoff for Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge). Follow the paved road around the west shore of Henry's Lake for approximately 5 miles onto Red Rock Pass Road (gravel road). Stay on this road up over Red Rock Pass and into the Centennial Valley - you will travel about 13 miles from the end of the pavement. Take a right at Elk Lake Road (our sign clearly identifies this turnoff) and follow the road another 6 miles to Elk Lake Resort. Total drive time = about 45 minutes.

Click the image links below to get a map:

Elk Lake News

Would you like to learn more about day-to-day life in the Centennial Valley? Check out our blog.

Contact Us

• Call us: (406) 276-3282
• Fax us: (406) 276-3399
• Make A Reservation: reservations@elklakeresortmontana.com
• Email your question: questions@elklakeresortmontana.com

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