In the "Wild" and "Pristine" Centennial Valley

Plan your Montana Family Adventure Vacation or Family Reunion - Learn the Local Folklore - Meet our Wildlife

(Check back! Additional articles are added from time to time.)

Event Planning

The news is out. Family adventure vacations are the growing trend. Why not use the same ideas to think outside of the box this year and enjoy the best 'retreat' or 'reunion' you've ever experienced. This article by Sunset magazine will get you on the right track for planning a 'back-country' get together.

Want some tips to help you find the right place and plan the perfect event?

Want some input on how to make your next family reunion a success? The editor of Reunions Magazine gives a few simple suggestions.

Family Reunions are all about FUN! Here are some ideas how to make that a reality.

Include the kids as you plan your next family reunion. Planning ahead can make a lot of difference.

Think you have all your bases covered for your next family reunion? Here are some tips on putting together a Family Reunion Survival Kit.

Wildlife

Lesser Scaup: With a population decrease of nearly one and one half million in the last 10 years, Lesser Scaup numbers could be cut nearly in half by the end of the decade. Such a drastic reduction has scientists and researchers nationwide working overtime to determine the cause!

Shiras Moose: Prior to that afternoon they had gotten along. They had an agreement. The dog ignored him; he ignored the dog. Then everything changed. Alerted by the surprised gasp from my guests, I turned in time to see him doing his best to pummel my dog, Pete, into the ground.

Tree Swallow: By the time the snow has receded, and the grass is beginning to color under the sun's gentle caress, the birds which herald the new season have arrived. Like leaves caught in a whirlwind, they twirl toward the sky flashing light and dark, then swoop toward the ground, aerial daredevils again.

Voles: Few, if any, would believe this small rodent may be playing a key role in the study of monogamous relationships between adults, is charged with causing a fire which destroyed over 16,000 acres and 60 homes, and could be providing critical information regarding global warming.

Wolverines: Although an extremely private animal more adept at alluding observers than most, the wolverine looks to find itself in the middle of a controversial debate. Brewing for the last twenty years, this controversy appears about to erupt here in the great northwest.

Birds: Our feathered friends are everywhere. Sometimes to our dismay, but usually to our delight. This article reminds us just a bit of how much birds impact our lives. Here is more specific information about our local birding opportunities.

Local History and Folklore

Elk Lake History: Our Montana Lodge's history really begins long before any man, white or red, stepped foot into the magnificent Centennial Valley. Of course, it wasn't known by any name when the Hand of God began its work, forming a chain of lakes. Elk Lake, Hidden Lake, Goose Lake, Otter Lake, Cliff Lake, and Wade Lake were all connected in a natural drainage. Geologists believe all these lakes used to flow to the north providing a natural outlet for the Red Rock Lakes into the Madison River. However, at some point in time, an upheaval occurred which changed things. Elk Lake, on whose banks our Montana vacation lodge now sits, now drains to the south and enters the Red Rock River via the Red Rock Lakes while the others continue to drain north into the Madison River.

Outdoor Adventure Ideas & Activities

Outdoor Adventures can breathe life back into failing relationships - draw children and parents together - and give everyone space to get a fresh perspective on life. It truly is an 'old' favorite which will never really grow old. Outdoor Adventures are a great way to rejuvenate. In addition, more and more studies are showing the incredible benefits derived from family adventure vacations.

Horseback Riding is a wonderful way to explore the vast countryside surrounding Elk Lake Resort. If you're planning on bringing your own horse, our Traveling with Horses article will help you get ready. Of course, all horse owners (and horse lovers) are concerned for their mount's health and safety. We have an article addressing this too. Bugs can really 'bug' you and your horse - especially at certain times of the year. Our article has some pointers on handling these pests.

Hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors this vacation. Want to put a few miles behind you - on foot? Learn more about caring for your most important 'hiking appendage', your feet! Ever wonder if a walking stick makes any difference? This article shares one man's opinion. And, don't forget the shoes you put on your feet. Here is a helpful article on choosing and caring for your hiking footgear.

Hiking is really more fun if you can share it with someone else. Usually, when we think of someone else, we think of an adult hiking partner. However, we overlook our little ones to our shame and detriment. After all, their enthusiasm often gives us a fresh new perspective. Should you decide to take your young children on your next hike, here are a few tips to make if more fun for everyone.

Fishing in the Centennial Valley is one of our guests favorite passtimes. After all, we not only have some great fishing, relatively few people even know our waters exist. Furthermore, fishing and family vacations do not have to be mutually exclusive. You can teach your children to fly fish!Have you ever thought about where the sport of fly-fishing began? Would you believe a woman is credited with 'the' major contribution? Well, she is!

Hiking With Children is not as hard as most people envision it to be. Do you remember how your heart raced as you gazed on your first moose? Can you recollect the first time the haunting call of a Sandhill crane resonated on the chords of your emotions? Is the picture of the graceful Trumpeter swan still imprinted on your mind? Many of us who have lived surrounded by the wild and beautiful have relished such encounters. For most of us, it is not hard to think of trips we'd still like to take, and places we'd still like to see. However, how often do we think to include our children in our explorations?

However, in our neck of the woods, snow means winter FUN! While snowmobiles are popular, our area also offers some wonderful cross country ski options. In fact, here at Elk Lake, we think winter and skiing go together nicely. In fact, cross country skiing is a great family winter sport! Of course, we think the back country skiing is a grand a way to experience Montana's winter. We invite you to come stay with us and experience it for yourself. However, we are not the only cross country ski option in the area.

Yellowstone National Park is, of course, our most famous neighbor. Interested in learning more about Yellowstone National Park? Here's a brief overview. Interested in Yellowstone's geothermal features? Here are some interesting tidbits. Want to learn more of Yellowstone's interesting past and read a few 'fast facts'? Click here!

While one would like to think living surrounded by this much pure nature would be idelic. No stress. No worries. No reason to think about the rest of the world. Unfortunately, this is not real life. One controversy which leaves many locals scratching their heads or pulling their hair is the continued battle over motorized winter access in Yellowstone.

Island Park is a little known gem with much to offer the outdoor lover. A unique little town famous for having the 'longest Main Street in America' is just over the state line.

Virginia City - Nevada City Montana are semi-populated ghost towns harking back to Montana's gold rush days. They are another interesting place to visit not far from Elk Lake Resort, is Virginia City and Nevada City, Montana.

Bighole Valley & Bannock Montana have interesting histories all their own. Another unique valley just across Interstate 15 to the west of the Centennial Valley is the Big Hole Valley. Although a bit more developed than the Centennial, with a few small towns and some paved roads running down the valley floor, the Big Hole is none-the-less a beautiful place to visit. In addition, it has a rich historical heritage and offers a nice visitors' center on the site overlooking one of the last clashes between the US Government and the Nez Perce Indians. Bannock, Montana's first Territorial Capital, is now a ghost town. It wasn't always that way.

Miscellaneous bits of information which might interest you. Ever heard of global warming? Who hasn't? However, are we being told the 'real' truth? I wonder?

Elk Lake News

Elk Lake Resort and the Centennial Valley have made the 'news' several times in the last 60 years. Take a look at our Press Release page to learn more.

Interested in more recent news about the area, including Yellowstone National Park? Researching the issues which effect your National Parks? Check out our News Clips.

Would you like to know more about 'day-to-day' life at our Western Montana Lodge? Why not visit our blog?

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