Ranch close to Glacier; open views/ mtns/meadows/creek/trails; wildlife; barns

Martin City, Montana
$387 avg/night Minimum Stay 7 Nights
Bed 4

Bed

Bath 2

Bath

Home Private Vacation Home

Property Type

Sleep 8

Max Sleeps

Night 7 nights

Min Stay

The South Fork Ranch is absolutely unique and attractive given its location. We are only two miles from the main highway...and not far from restaurants, groceries, pharmacies, banks, Glacier Park and all the other 'things' we need. However, the South Fork Ranch itself is surrounded by open space, nestled in between the owners family homestead, national forest and wilderness. There is NO crowd noise! only the sounds of South Abbott Creek and birds nesting along its banks. This same babbling creek can be heard through open windows, helping lull one into deep sleep. It can also entertain your kids without the worry of deep water. This creek is fed by large beaver ponds and springs throughout the riparian area south of the Ranch. We choose the name South Fork for our ranch because of our location on the South Fork River area of the Flathead River System. Most of Glacier Park's boundaries are on the North Fork and Middle Fork Rivers of the same waterway.
The South Fork Ranch house has three floors with large windows overlooking South Abbott Creek, beautiful open meadows and mountains to the East. The sun arrives early in the morning, filling the house with light and sets behind a ridge in the late day, providing the comfort of shade. Guests have private use of two of these floors: (one) the main floor with a large kitchen, dinning area, different sitting areas, fire place, a music/library room, bathroom, and a large wrap around deck; and (two) the upstairs with 4 separate bedrooms, full bath, living room and small kitchen area and air conditioning. Please Note: (three) the owner lives on the bottom floor which is completely separated from guest quarters (for their privacy and hers) with its own entrance, etc.
The outside of the house is as appealing as inside. Off the kitchen area is a large deck that wraps the house on the south, east and north with a gas BBQ, beautiful flowers and many comfort chairs and table for outside living and lounging. There is always a place with shade for those who want to read or visit sans sun. To the South of the house are gardens and a path to our wonderful gazebo, complete with sky lights where groups can gather any time of the day or night and listen to the creek, and/ or watch wildlife in the beaver ponds next to it. This area is incredibly peaceful and a paradise in itself. There is a chimera stove in the center of the gazebo for open fires with wood provided. Catch and release fishing is available with owners consent.
Close to the Ranch house on the north is a shaded water garden. This has become a passion of the owner and she invites you to enjoy the shade and sound of this area complete with its fountains, lovely ferns, hosta, fish ponds and flowers. Also, along the side of this walkway is an outdoor studio featuring our Glacier Stone Vases. We began creating these vases the last few years and our guests have been avid supporters. These vases are available for sale, or if you find a favorite stone we can turn it into a vase.
Farther north of the Ranch house are garages, storage areas and a barn, complete with a chicken coop, tack room, pens, corrals. One couple remarked: Wow, our kids can be free range here just like the animals...we don't have to worry about where they are running, playing or roaming.
To the West of the Ranch house is forest and wilderness. We have many trails in these woods and will gladly take you on the trails or provide you with a map. In no time you are among giant cottonwood trees, grand firs, larch, alder, brush and game trails. You may catch a glimpse of an elk, deer, moose or even a bear. We do provide bear spray and our dog for those who want. His name is Togo: he is part Karelian Bear Dog, Australian Shepard and full on joy. He has three buddies: Thor (Norwegian Elk Hound), Nova (corgi), and Oso (large mutt). All of them are very friendly, neutered and know the turf. They like to go with guests on the trails and will often show you the way.

As stated above, the owner resides on the bottom floor of this beautiful 3 story home. This area is totally separated from the guest quarters and has separate entrances. Our laundry facilities are on this floor and the owner does your laundry with a smile while you are out hiking! Just leave the laundry at the door and text me.
Marion and family can provide you with all the detail information you will need to make your vacation meaningful and manageable. There is a lot to do in Glacier country and she can help you negotiate the many choices. We realize the enormity of the area and its many attractions can be overwhelming for people visiting for the first time and will be glad to help out. We have extensive knowledge of the region having lived here for over 60 years. During these years we have hiked most of the trails, traveled most of the roads, fished most of the lakes, rode horses into the mountains of the park and nearby wilderness areas, and have extensive history ourselves as settlers.
During the summer my family assists me with the many demands of running the ranch, guest facilities, gardens and maintenance. They have their own living facility on the ranch and can answer questions or help out in any capacity needed. We may be haying, moving cows and horses, or maintaining trails...regardless, all of us are in the area to assist you.

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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Rates & Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    No Pets Allowed
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Not Reported (host Has Not Indicated Whether There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property; Consider Bringing A Portable Detector) Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    4 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Double-glazed Windows Eco-friendly Cleaning Products Provided Humane Treatment Of Captive Wild Animals Local Culture & Ecosystem Education Unit Size: 2500 Sq Ft (232 Sq M) Uses Some LED Lighting
  • KITCHEN

    Blender Dishwasher Kitchen Island Microwave Oven Paper Towels Refrigerator Spices Stovetop
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Near Laundromat Washing Machine And Dryer
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Balcony Barbecue Grill Firepit Garden Outdoor Furniture
  • BATHROOMS

    2 Bathrooms Eco-friendly Toiletries Hair Dryer Shampoo Shower Towels Provided
  • WORKSPACES

    Computer Monitor Desk Desk Chair Printer
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Bicycle On Site Casino Nearby Ecotours Nearby Fishing Nearby Fitness Facilities Nearby Golf Privileges Horse Riding Nearby Kayaking Nearby Rafting Nearby Sailing Nearby Water Park Nearby Winery Tours Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Books DVD Player Games Music Library Video Library Smart TV With Cable/satellite Service
  • LIVING SPACES

    Dining Room Fireplace Living Room Wood Stove
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Air Conditioning Heating
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Playground Travel Crib
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In A Rural Location Near A Health Or Beauty Spa Near A Hospital
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Change Of Bedsheets (on Request) Change Of Towels (on Request) Concierge Services Housekeeping (on Request) Iron/ironing Board Phone Safe
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    3 Stairs To Reach Property Area Rugs In Public Areas Handrails In Hallways Handrails In Stairways Hardwood Flooring In Public Areas If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. Note From Host: Outside Smoke-free Property Smooth Flooring In Public Areas Tile Flooring In Public Areas Well-lit Path To Entrance Wheelchair-accessible Path Of Travel

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 10:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 8

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • Gwen A.

    Submitted Sep 25, 2025

    Stayed Sep 16, 2025

    The house was immaculate, filled with plants, fresh flowers, interesting and thoughtful touches every where. The kitchen is very well equipped and roomy. The deck has wonderful views and is user friendly. The hostess was very, very responsive. For a trip to Glacier NP, this place is perfect.

  • Lisa Z.

    Submitted Sep 16, 2025

    Stayed Sep 6, 2025

    Beautiful place to stay! Felt right at home! Very scenic and serene. The family pets were a bonus to us - not intrusive but available for attention and walks with us anytime!! Close proximity to stores and hiking - the main reason for our trip was Glacier National Park, but there are so many other places around as well. Would definitely recommend staying here. We will go back for more stays!!

  • Submitted Sep 6, 2025

    Stayed Aug 23, 2025

    The trip felt like home away from home. The house was spacious and really had everything we needed. The extra details like kitchen items and spices were so appreciated. The bedrooms were very comfortable after long days and adventures.The deck, property, horses and dogs were so serene. Marion and family were so responsive and had great suggestions planning activities. It was a vacation to remember.

  • Robin C.

    Submitted Aug 24, 2025

    Stayed Aug 16, 2025

    Could not complain about anything! Within minutes of Glacier Park, White fish And beautiful scenery Everywhere!! Lots to do! Could not say enough nice things about Marion and her wonderful daughter Erin. Always available and very accommodating! Will definitely recommend and be back!

  • Scott S.

    Submitted Aug 22, 2025

    Stayed Aug 9, 2025

    We really enjoyed our stay. It was quiet and peaceful with beautiful views from the porch. Marion is a great host.

  • Victoria A.

    Submitted Aug 7, 2025

    Stayed Jul 26, 2025

    We had a great time at Marion’s ranch! Her family was great and very communicative. The VRBO itself is very quaint, rustic and full of character. It had an everything we needed and was in a great location! My only advice would be to bring a blackout curtain if you are sensitive to light as it gets bright very early.

  • Elizabeth E.

    Submitted Jul 28, 2025

    Stayed Jul 5, 2025

    Very nice spacious home with all amenities needed. Close to West Glacier entrance.Host Marion and family were very kind.

  • Virginia F.

    Submitted Jul 27, 2025

    Stayed Jul 19, 2025

    A perfect spot to rest after a long day of hiking . Marion’s place is clean, comfortable, and has a beautiful view and a great porch! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

  • Vivian R.

    Submitted Jul 19, 2025

    Stayed Jul 12, 2025

    Marion and her family were absolutely lovely people and they were so accommodating. 10/10 recommend if you want to bear witness to the ranch life and get some peacefulness from the busy summers of Glacier National Park. The west park entrance was only about a 25 minute drive from the ranch and there is a small grocery store less than 10 minutes down the road. The house has everything you need to make your meals there. And it was cool to see the horses everyday when looking out the windows into the pasture. Our favorite part was the greeting party of sweet doggies everyday!

  • Barbara B.

    Submitted Jul 12, 2025

    Stayed Jun 20, 2025

    We loved our stay in Martin City. Marion and her family were very warm, welcoming, and kind. The house was clean, peaceful, and spacious! There are beautiful views, many amenities, plus it is only 8 miles from West Glacier entrance.

  • Joel P.

    Submitted Jul 6, 2025

    Stayed Jun 27, 2025

    We had a great stay at Marion's house. We got up early most days to visit the park and spent more time in the late afternoons and evenings at the house. Everything was as advertised. Marion was very friendly as were her pets. Her kitchen was well stocked. Bathrooms and bedrooms were clean. Plenty of room for 6 of us in the 4 bedrooms and the 2 bathrooms. Only about 20 minutes from the West Entrance to Glacier National Park, and only about 25 minutes from the FCA airport. Was very peaceful!

  • Clair M.

    Submitted Sep 19, 2024

    Stayed Sep 11, 2024

    Excellent location very accommodating host

  • JOHN P.

    Submitted Aug 24, 2024

    Stayed Aug 17, 2024

    The accommodations, location, and hosts were outstanding. If you’re going to Glacier, this the place to be.

  • Laura S.

    Submitted Aug 5, 2024

    Stayed Jul 27, 2024

    Our family of 7 (parents and 5 grown children) just finished our week stay at Marion's ranch. We could not have asked for a better place to stay while exploring Glacier. Marion and family were amazing and immediately made us feel right at home. (A special shout out to Erin for being a perfect host for us while Marion was away.) The ranch and property are absolutely beautiful and we had plenty of space. We truly felt like we were authentically experiencing Montana. Hungry Horse was a super cute town and we became regulars at the deli/hot food section of the Canyon Foods Grocery Store. The dogs on the property were an added bonus. Being greeted each day by them warmed our hearts! We would definitely stay here again if we ever return to the area.

  • Mike B.

    Submitted Jul 27, 2024

    Stayed Jul 19, 2024

    Marion was an awesome host. The ranch had everything we needed for a week stay, to explore Glacier NP with our family of 8.

  • Gary D.

    Submitted Jul 18, 2024

    Stayed Jul 11, 2024

    We had an amazing time at the ranch. The owners are fantastic and very helpful. Lots of sweet horses, cats and dogs. The place is secluded and so relaxing. They have short trails on the property and very close to Glacier national Park. will defiantly stay again

  • Angela S.

    Submitted Jul 5, 2024

    Stayed Jun 29, 2024

    Our family of 7 stayed at South Fork Ranch because it is close to the west entrance of Glacier. We hiked everyday and then came back to the ranch for supper, games and sleep. The kitchen was the most stocked of any VRBO I have stayed. We literally didn’t have to do anything for checkout. Marion was gracious, helpful and quick to reply to communication.

  • Lisa C.

    Submitted Jun 29, 2024

    Stayed Jun 21, 2024

    Marion is a wonderful host and we so enjoyed our week at her ranch! Super attentive to every need. House just as described. Very private but close drive to Glacier Park and neighboring towns. We loved being greeted by the dogs upon our return every evening. Saw deer on the property daily and Marion’s flowers are beautiful! House is super clean and the most furnished Vrbo I’ve ever rented. Kitchen is completely stocked! Goat is close by as described but never invades privacy of her guests. Thanks Marion and family for a great stay at your amazing home!

  • Katrina P.

    Submitted Jun 26, 2024

    Stayed Jun 14, 2024

    Our stay at this charming homestead ranch was truly unforgettable. The property offered a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, nestled among rolling hills with spectacular views. We were delighted by the array of friendly farm animals, including horses, cows, dogs, and cats, which added a magical touch to our experience. The host, Marion and her family, went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and at home. Their warmth and hospitality were evident in every interaction, from sharing local insights to ensuring our comfort throughout the stay. The spacious accommodations provided ample room for us to relax and unwind after days filled with outdoor adventures. We particularly enjoyed the peaceful mornings, waking up to the gentle sounds of nature and watching the animals graze in the nearby pastures. The property’s location was ideal, offering easy access to nearby attractions while maintaining a sense of tranquil seclusion. This VRBO exceeded our expectations in every way, providing a perfect retreat for those seeking a genuine ranch experience combined with comfort and exceptional hospitality. We left with hearts full of wonderful memories and a strong desire to return soon.

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$387+
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