Secluded Riverfront Paradise-the Tailwater House: not the average rental...

Darby, Montana
$436 avg/night Minimum Stay 2 Nights
Bed 3

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Home Private Vacation Home

Property Type

Sleep 5

Max Sleeps

Night 2 nights

Min Stay

The Tailwater House: A Magical Place! 5 Guests Maximum. No exceptions.

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Unlike many rentals, the Tailwater is not a low quality spec home of plywood and formica. It is not on the busy I-93 corridor. It is not located in parched, wind-blown country. It is a quiet, shaded, secluded custom home built of high quality, natural materials. The Tailwater is for those who desire a relaxing experience in a tasteful home, as opposed to a generic mass produced “cabin”. Our price reflects this experience. Please Note: there is no WiFi, and no cable tv. Never will be. This is meant to be an escape from the internet and the airwaves. Wifi is available close by at Darby Library.

Some recent reviews have lamented the small TV screen—if you want to watch a big TV this isn’t the place. Note also, one of the three bedrooms has a separate entrance on the Boulder Creek side of the house. This is the bedroom with the queen size bed. Again— McMansion dwelling wide-screen tv watching travelers: this isn’t your place. The Las Vegas holiday inn with speakers set to “river sounds” may be more suitable.

The Tailwater House offers first class accommodations in an unmatched natural setting. No dwellings are visible from the Tailwater; it is extremely private. The Tailwater offers all modern comforts and displays the hand-chosen accoutrements of a well-planned retreat. The Tailwater sits at the confluence of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River and Boulder Creek outside of Darby, Montana. Both watercourses flow out of the largest contiguous block of federally protected Wilderness in the lower 48 states, and meet one another at this very magical place. The Boulder Creek Trailhead into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is a short walk away.

From the Tailwater’s decks, patios, and picture windows, native westslope cutthroat trout, as well as rainbows, brookies, and browns may be seen plying the blue ribbon waters of the West Fork or returning to the cool waters of Boulder Creek to spawn. Kingfishers, mallards, hummingbirds, owls, ospreys, eagles, and many more avian species inhabit the forest in which the Tailwater House resides. Some of these birds may be fishing along side you! In the forests, meadows, and surrounding peaks, elk, moose, black bear, bighorn sheep, and intact ecological systems flourish in the Bitterroot and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests. Instream flows have been preserved on the West Fork for perpetuity. Deep pools abound in the waters surrounding the property. For flatwater enthusiasts, Painted Rocks Reservoir is a few miles away.

The Tailwater House offers pristine trout waters a few steps from the door (literally). It is a fly fishing Mecca, but moreover, it is a magical escape in which Boulder Creek’s gurgling rhythms and the West Fork’s deep songs will serenade your worries away--all day and all night. Writers and artists take note; inspiration is a year-round occupant at the Tailwater.

The Tailwater House is 20-30 minutes by car from Darby, MT; 40-45 minutes from Hamilton, MT; and 1.5 hours from Missoula International Airport and the University of Montana, Missoula. The Tailwater is approximately a one half-day drive to both Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, as well as to Idaho's world-famous Salmon River.

There are several lodges within minutes of the tailwater that offer informal as well as fine dining options. These include the Triple Creek Ranch and the West Fork Lodge--both 5-10 minutes from the Tailwater House. Please google for the websites of these businesses as VRBO limits the websites we can list here.

Tailwater House Amenities

The Tailwater sleeps 5 guests. (5 maximum, no exceptions.) It has 1 bathroom, 1 king size bed, 1 queen bed and 1 twin bunk bed, and 1 sleeper sofa (full). Appliances include telephone, flat screen HD tv/vcr, microwave and conventional ovens, washer/dryer, dishwasher, stereo, gas BBQ grill on porch, and other kitchen appliances. 100% cotton linens provided for use. No smoking. No pets. We don't make exceptions to these rules, as many (including our children) are in need of a smoke-free, or pet-hair free lodging environment due to allergies and other challenges. Please keep these restrictions in mind PRIOR to making any plans. House features large book, guidebook, and DVD/VHS library.

The Tailwater Tale

The Tailwater is a magical place. It will be love at first sight, cast, or swim for you--as it was for us.

We purchased The Tailwater in 2006, and manage it as a family business. Our philosophy is one of sharing this special place for a reasonable price, rather than maximizing occupancy and income. We try hard to be conscientious stewards of The Tailwater and the ecosystem in which it exists. We ask that our guests do the same. It is our pleasure to share this special place and its inimitable moods and sylvan magic with you. We send our warmest thanks for your patronage,

-The Tailwater House

*Minimum Stay is five nights during summer months (June- August). Two night minimum stay otherwise. Additional days will be pro-rated.

Payment is by certified check, personal check (with one month lead time prior to rental), electronic transfer, or credit card. No cash transactions. Payment via paypal may be possible (please call to inquire). Rental rates exclude a refundable $400 Security Deposit, to be returned after stay if property sustains no damage. There is an 8% bed taxed charged by Ravalli County that is due with payment.

The Tailwater House

West Fork Road
Darby, Montana

For more information, call or e-mail.

Keywords: Riverfront House

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

Feature Features

  • SKI

    Cross-country Skiing And Snowboarding Nearby
  • 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) Deadbolt Lock Fire Extinguisher First Aid Kit Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    3 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided
  • KITCHEN

    Coffee Grinder Coffee/tea Maker Dishwasher Microwave Oven Refrigerator Spices Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Near Laundromat Washing Machine And Dryer
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking
  • OUTDOORS

    Balcony Barbecue Grill Firepit Garden Outdoor Furniture
  • BATHROOMS

    1 Bathroom Hair Dryer Shampoo Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • THINGS TO DO

    Fishing Nearby Fitness Facilities Nearby Hunting Nearby Power Boating Nearby Rock Climbing Nearby Sledding Nearby Snowmobiling Nearby Swimming Nearby Water Skiing Nearby Wildlife And Game Walks Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Books DVD Player Games Music Library Stereo Video Library TV
  • LIVING SPACES

    Living Room
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Heating
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Children's Books Children's Games Playground
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

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

    Iron/ironing Board Phone
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Smoke-free Property

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 10:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 5

Map Map

School District Availability

Review Review

  • Nancy d.

    Submitted Oct 10, 2025

    Stayed Aug 31, 2025

    Driveway for the first time is extremely dangerous. Should forewarn folks. Also maybe mention all the steps involved to get to the home without any railings. Numerous porches at different levels with no warning and once again no railings. Absolutely no available space for guests to put their belongings or food that they bring with them.Actual property is stunning! Not a home for Srs,

  • Submitted Aug 26, 2025

    Stayed Aug 17, 2025

    Pictures do not do justice for the actual beauty of the Tailwater House and the location. The home was clean and well appointed. It was a little scary at first not having cell service, but we quickly adjusted. We were here to fly fish and the scenery was breathtaking. I do t know if we will make it out again, we are from North Carolina, but we would definitely stay at this rental again!

  • Michele G.

    Submitted Aug 10, 2025

    Stayed Jul 27, 2025

    Property was beautful with great fishing within walking disrance. Cabin was clean, adorable, and had anything you would need. The rivers made the best natural sound machines! Close to Darby (less than 15 minutes). Great time!

  • Anne G.

    Submitted Jul 28, 2025

    Stayed Jul 24, 2025

    This was our fourth year in a row now. It is such a piece of heaven that it is hard to even put into words. Every time we drive up, we feel like we are home. As long as it’s available, we will never stop coming. It’s our favorite place on earth.

  • Nancy M.

    Submitted Jul 22, 2025

    Stayed Jul 12, 2025

    It was absolutely wonderful!! It was so peaceful and restful.. totally unplugged from things..

  • Lisa F.

    Submitted Jun 28, 2025

    Stayed Jun 23, 2025

    Absolutely beautiful location and cabin. We definitely will return!

  • Ken B.

    Submitted Sep 21, 2024

    Stayed Sep 17, 2024

    My wife and I are in Montana looking at property and found this great gem of a property to relax as we do our due diligence looking at properties. Doug has been great in the communication. Ken and Maureen

  • Barry B.

    Submitted Sep 8, 2024

    Stayed Sep 3, 2024

    Great place for a fishing getaway. Perfect location. Cabin had everything we needed. Comfortable and great outdoor spaces

  • Cador P.

    Submitted Aug 23, 2024

    Stayed Aug 16, 2024

    The Tailwater house is absolutely beautiful - everything lives up to the descriptions. We had a small issue but Holly and Alex took care of it and made everything right. The caretaker Steve across the street was extra helpful. Thanks for everything!

  • Charlotte A.

    Submitted Aug 13, 2024

    Stayed Jul 21, 2024

    Everything you could want. Mountains and river right outside your door. A few steps to fishing and relaxing at the river. Kitchen, living and dining areas just the right size. Enjoyed cooking out on the grill, relaxing on the deck and watching Ospreys, Kingfishers and Baldeagles fly by.

  • Michael M.

    Submitted Jul 6, 2024

    Stayed Jun 29, 2024

    My daughter and I had a great stay at the house. Very clean and comfortable. We would definitely return and bring the whole family!

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$436+
View details