Alta Ranch Guest Comments

 "We had a great time.  We snowmobiled 180 miles in 3 days and only saw a small portion of this beautiful state.  It was fabulous!  We saw elk, moose, white tail deer and mule deer. I listened to the coyotes one night.  It’s been our best vacation so far.  We hope to come back next year."  Glen and Gina-- Texas 

  "This is our first trip to Montana and we are very impressed with everything.  The river view and sound of it flowing down makes you very relaxed.  Lolo Springs is worth the drive.  You come from there very relaxed.  The beds are very comfortable, we felt like at home but with a great view of the mountains here in the Ponderosa."  Dina and John-- Michigan

 "We are so happy we found you.  This is a slice of heaven."  Julie and John-- Michigan

 "What an awesome ranch you have!  We had a great time here and we hate to leave.  But, hopefully we will see you again soon."  Mike, Darci, Tanner, Ashley and Shayla

 "This place is beautiful.  So quiet and peaceful.  We all caught lots of fish in the West Fork and a couple in the pond.  The paddleboat on the pond is fun! Hopefully, we’ll be able to come back next summer for more great fishing!"  Marlys, Phill, Sean, Cristin, and Chris

 "We have been here 2 times and this 3^rd time was just as enjoyable and relaxing.  We had a family reunion at this wonderful place. …Everyone had a fun time enjoying the river and the pond.  It was very relaxing for all.  Cabins were comfortable and clean.  We’ll spread the word about this special place. "

 "Words fail to express the beauty of this place… We saw a cow moose and her calf, elk, eagles, white-tail and mule deer--and we thoroughly enjoyed the constant drama at the hummingbird feeder.  I caught my first fish--a true miracle.  We have already made reservations for next year and are anticipating another wonderful experience."  Margaret and Milt--California

 "The heavens proclaim the glory of God and the firmament shows forth the work of His hands.  Day after day certainly takes up the story at Alta Ranch.  A very blessed and restful vacation.  Plentiful reading, exquisite evenings on the porch, invigorating hiking, successful fishing and His countenance gracing all.  Thank you! "  3 priests—North Carolina

 "Great place!  Thanks for the memories and great service.  This was the first and best cabin I’v ever stayed in.  What a view.  Thank you for making our honeymoon so spectacular…"  Brannon and Marissa--Kentucky

 "I believe it was Steinbeck who said, “With other states I have admiration, respect, but it is Montana I love.”  How true a statement.  What is it about this state?  Is it the Bitterroot Mountain Range and its thick Ponderosa forests covering the landscape, brown and red and green like the Rainbows and Cutthroats that reside within the cold waters of the Bitterroot River and creeks that pour down from the canyons?  Is it the brief rising and setting of the moon over a narrow canyon of sky, when in the almost mystical moments just after the sun has set and the moon is pale and yellow, that the fish rise to the surface and make the best fishing, even if it is brief.  Is it the mama moose and her baby that hide among the thick grasses of the meadow?  …We have enjoyed our stay at the Alta Ranch and like so many visitors, we have talked about making Montana our home. " Nicole, Scott, Gracie and Molly, Utah

 "We had such a wonderful, relaxing, and enjoyable time at the Alta Ranch.  We loved staying at the Cottonwood cabin- it was so comfortable and nice to have so many things provided for us.  What a wonderful area to hike, explore and fish.  It was so memorable and we needed to connect as a family after a hectic school and work year.  Thank you so much to our hosts, the Spinettas, for making us feel so at home.  We look forward to coming back again next year! P.S. We especially enjoyed watching the baby fawn—so cute! " Oregon

 "What a wonderful time we have had at the Cottonwood cabin!  Yesterday when we headed out to go fishing, we saw a bald eagle with a 10 inch fish in its talons—what a sight!  That says it all! Fishing was great—lost a few flies in the willows, but we were rewarded greatly by just the smell and sounds of the great outdoors!  The afternoon thunder storms and the smell of the rain--it just doesn’t get any better than this!  Thank you so much for giving our family wonderful memories! " Jamie, Ian, Nathan and Alec, Texas

 "Thank you for the fun family vacation; it allowed us to reconnect with our dad in a very new way.  We aren’t usually ones for the outdoors, but the Alta Ranch changed that.  We especially enjoyed watching the hummingbirds, both the dominant and docile ones.  It was incredibly interesting and funny.  The cabin was very clean and the beds nice and comfy.  The river was cool and fun, even when we fell in with our clothes on." Casey and Caren, Utah

 "We had such a good time at the Alta Ranch.  We enjoyed watching the mama moose and her calf as well as deer and elk.  If you want to see tons of wildlife you can go to Hughes Creek as well—no gold, but bear and moose galore.  Thank you for letting us stay at this wonderful place. " Jeff and Terri 

"This is our 5th year coming to this area and Alta Ranch is still our favorite for rest, relaxation and lots of reading.   We had perfect weather this year and as usual enjoyed  spotting the various wildlife in the immediate vicinity, especially  the recently born fawn who we saw bounding through the meadow last night, running to his mother to eagerly nurse..."Leanne & David, Texas

"This is our second year at the Cottonwood cabin at the Alta Ranch.  We stayed for two weeks.  The best part of our visit were days where we stayed on the property, fished, watched the kids play in the river and played the Washer game next to a bonfire.  This truly is a perfect family vacation..." Scott & Kathleen D., New Jersey

"The Alta Ranch is so comfortable we'd like to stay a month!  The fish in the pond are huge - but tough to catch.  Thanks for everything!"  Pat C., California

"From Virginia to Montana we flew.

The journey was long, this is true.

But once we saw Peter,

and Val, we did meet her,

'twas worth all the trouble, we knew.

Into our cabin we stumbled,

to a king bed awaiting we tumbled.

Awoke with a yawning,

a new day was dawning,

mountains rising afore us, did humble.

Day One and Day Two we went hiking.

Castle Rock, Baker Lake to our liking.

Climbing high, it was tough,

on our muscles 'twas rough,

so Day Three was porch sitting and writing!

The rest of our time, an explore,

jeep riding and rafting and more.

We soaked in the stream

Did we holler and scream!

Learned Lewis & Clark history galore.

Thirty-eight wedded years do we toast

We thank the Spinettas, our  hosts

for renting their ranch

to enrich and enhance

our journey 'cross US the most."  David & Ruth H., Virginia

"Our stay was wonderful.  Just being out in nature is a joy all to itself.  The cabin was great, so homey!  The Spinettas were great hosts.  They gave us good info about the area!  I just fell in love with all the mountains, rivers and lakes in this area.  There is no place on earth as beautiful and endearing as Montana!  Some day, if my dreams come true, I will have a place here with my wonderful husband that we can share with all our family!" --Alison & John C., Kentucky

"We enjoyed this delightful get-away for our first two nights of Hanukkah.  The children found pine cones and small branches for decorations as a beautiful center piece for our table.  We enjoyed cross-country skiing and sledding.  It will be a while until our bodies forget the jump at the bottom of the sledding hill! : )  The cabin was perfectly accommodated.  We didn't lack or wish we had a thing!  We so appreciate how clean it is!  Thank you so much!" --Nate & Sara A., Montana

"We've had the best time.  Since we can't take the Aspen with us, we'll be back to visit it again.  Next time, we stay longer...3 days was just getting started." --James & Marty L., Texas

"After all the "guy" trips my husband has made here, I finally got to experience it first hand...as beautiful and serene as I had expected.  My favorite was sneaking up on the young moose in the pond.  Thanks for the hospitality and for a very neat and well cared for ranch.  We'll be back!" --Dave & Judy B., Kansas

"We had a wonderful time at the Aspen.  The weather was great , the surroundings beautiful and the cabin was excellent!  We've seen several moose, elk, mountain sheep and hundreds of birds.  Our 1.5 year old daughter enjoyed the river and all the toys in the Homestead.  Thanks for everything especially the warm welcome and great service!!!" --Marco & Sarah S., Massachusetts

"The Alta Ranch has met and exceeded our expectations.  Relaxing, beautiful, quiet and friendly.  The highlight of the trip was catching two "Monster" rainbows.  We hope to come back and enjoy the clean cabin and groomed surroundings." --Kent & Nancy A., Michigan

"I am 11 years old and we have had a great 5 days here.  It was so fun!  I caught my first trout on my Dad's fly-rod.  My Mom saw a moose on her run.  I loved going on the paddleboats in the pond.  My brother and I could explore the land.  It was neat.  I live all the way down in Hot Springs, AR.  The travel up here was worth it." --Julia L., Arkansas

"Full of wonder - Bicycles, walking, fishing out beyond Deer Creek.  Ospreys, amusing hummingbirds, floating on the pond, sitting on the porch..." --Nancy and Ted S., New York

"We'll miss our little log home away from home, and the beautiful West Fork.  Never knew there were so many cutthroat trout streams in Montana - 'if it has water init, it probably has a cutthroat in it'.  Aspen was home to us - we had a great time here and hope to come back."--Bob & Cheryl R., New York

"We had a great three days and were very impressed with your ranch and most of all with your hospitality.  The fishing was great and we hope to return soon."--Tom & Linda P., Montana

"I'm 11 years old and today was the last, but special day because I caught my first fish on a fly-rod!  I love this place so much I'm going to put all the pictures we took here and put them in a special album!  I'll look forward to visiting here again soon!" --Hannah P., Montana

"Thank you so much for the stay.  The kids really enjoyed feeding the fish from the row boat!  They will be talking about that for some time to come.  This is definitely a place to come back to!  --Solar & Kelly L., Idaho

"We had an absolute blast on your beautiful and peaceful ranch last week.  The cabin was perfect and the views and mountain air were more than we could have expected...We simply love Montana and adore your property.  You live in a piece of heaven there.  Thank you so much for your hospitality and for allowing us to spend a few days with you." --Greg & Anneta B., Industry, Texas

"This was by far the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation our family has ever had.  The cabin, property, and your hospitality was outstanding.  My kids wanted me to tell you that their favorite part of this vacation was your dog Wishbone.  Thanks for making this an excellent vacation.  Next year we are staying for two weeks!"--Kathleen & Scott, Bridgewater, New Jersey

"It was a wonderful vacation!  The cabin and ranch were more rather than less than what usually appears on the internet.  Thank you for all your kindness and help.  The kids had a blast."--Becky & Rich, Idaho Falls, Idaho

"The (Aspen) loft was a great hit with the kids.  They enjoyed the creek and playing out in the open area.  Overall the stay was enjoyable and the surrounding areas were absolutely gorgeous."--Zurina C., Pocatello, Idaho

“Excellent in all regards.  The ranch and surrounding area are beautiful.  Cottonwood is a great cabin.  Just what we were looking for.  Thanks! --John W., Maryville, Tennessee

“The cabin is equipped very well.  We appreciate all of the conveniences being handy…Ziploc bags, paper plates, etc.  We also like the books on birds, plants, etc. and the complete notebook.  We also like the game of washers and well-stocked fire pit.  This is a great place for a vacation.  Thanks for keeping it going! ==Barb & Dennis A., Monticello, Minnesota

“We loved our time here!  The cabin was comfy and clean.  We had a great time fishing – especially on the ranch.  Thanks for making our vacation wonderful! --Radene & Steve O., Laurel, Montana 

“Do you recall, as children perhaps, the ‘let down’ you experienced just after the anticipation, excitement, and joy of Christmas Day?  Well, now that I’ve returned from Montana and the stay with you at Alta Ranch, I’m stuck with that let down…” --Donn S. and Diane R., Lee, New Hampshire

“We had a great time.  We enjoyed the cabin & the ranch & had a lot of fun playing in the river.  We’d be happy to come again!”  --Jennifer A., Bainbridge Island, Washington

“Thanks for all the info on fishing, it’s great for people unfamiliar with the area.  We also liked the games on hand.  Maybe we’ll make it back someday and we’ll be sure to tell our friends about Alta Ranch.”  --Benjamin & Katherine A., Barrington, Rhode Island

"Very clean, wonderful. You thought of everything. The site on the Internet showed a lot of the activities/facilities but not till we arrived did the full beauty become apparent ... We fully enjoyed the ranch. The wildlife, quiet, and tranquility was great ... walks, campfires, bar-B-Q's were all great. The kids really enjoyed feeding the fish and the elk in the meadow. We enjoyed the games and other wonderful things in the Homestead [clubhouse] ... You are very hospitable and went above and beyond to make our stay truly enjoyable and make us feel at home." --Ken and Cheryl H., Kirkland, Washington

"In all our travels out west, yours is the nicest place by far ... Most beautiful hiking trails of all the places we visited. Remote, yet we found everything we needed or wanted."--Andy and Joyce N., Summerville, South Carolina

"Just a note to thank you for the manner in which you hosted our recent vacation in the Bitterroots. All of our expectations were met or exceeded. You were there to answer our questions or meet our requests yet you were not intrusive. The area information guide and the reading materials that we found on the coffee table in the cabin were extremely helpful as we planned our daily activities. The ranch and cabin were well laid out and included many unexpected amenities. The Homestead building with its complete laundry and satellite TV were an example. The natural beauty of the area, the historical sites (especially the Big Hole National Battlefield) and the excellent fishing all suited us perfectly. All things considered, it was the peaceful, unhurried getaway that we needed."--Ken and Joanne B., Redding, California

"It was more like a "home" than a cabin. Very peaceful and beautiful views. "Trained" moose and everything ... We'll be back!!"--Mickie and Bill B., Ft. Myers, Florida

"I just wanted to let you know how very much I enjoyed my stay at your lovely ranch. This has been a wonderful week for me. The peaceful beauty, the full array of activities you offer, and your incredible hospitality made for a memorable vacation! If not for family at home, I might very well give you a deposit on another week." --Nancy A., Warwick, Rhode Island

"Cabin was very clean and comfortable ... The kids loved the river. We enjoyed the quiet and wildlife ... We wish we could have stayed longer.  --Jim and Denise J., Amherst, Ohio