The Robinson Ranch Cabin is located on Willow Creek, seven miles east of Corvallis, Montana, in the foothills of the Sapphire Mountain
Willow Creek flows west out of one of the few canyons on the east side of the Bitterroot Valley, and the cabin sits a few yards from its rushing waters near the western boundary of the 800-acre Robinson Ranch. The 800 square-foot cabin, built in 2002, is a story a
nd a half, including a loft. Enter through either the front or back door is onto a combined living room, dining area and fully equipped kitchen with a cozy gas fireplace in the front corner. Large windows across the west side of this room allow a view of the creek bottom, pasture and the rugged mountains of the Bitterroot Range on the west side of the valley. Wild turkeys and deer are often spotted in the pasture. The rest of the ground floor is occupied by a master and guest bedroom, both equipped with queen beds, and a bathroom. The loft has two twin beds as well as a large sofa and can comfortably sleep two. There are a variety of activities available on the ranch to cabin guests. Guests can fish the mile and a half of Willow Creek that runs through the ranch as well as the portion of the creek that runs through the Bitterroot National Forest about two miles east of the ranch. The creek is easily accessible on either foot or vehicle from Willow Creek Road, which winds along the creek back into the national forest. There are a wide variety of hiking opportunities. From the cabin itself, guests can traipse the ranch on old logging roads and trails, availing themselves of the spectacular views of the Sapphire Mountains to the east and the Bitterroot Range that forms the west side of the valley. For those more adventurous, the mountain lakes in the Sapphire Mountains east of the ranch that feed Willow Creek -- Gleason Lake, Willow Lake and Burnt Fork Lake -- are doable day hikes. Bring along your fishing rod to catch the plump Rainbow and Cutthroat that inhabit the lakes and bring your camera to capture the spectacular mountain views, including the craggy Palisade Mountain. The Bitterroot Range on the west side of the valley has hiking trails up every canyon with easy access on good roads to each trailhead. Deer, elk, wild turkeys and mountain goats are some of the wildlife in the area. For those interested in what's available in town, Corvallis is seven miles to the west down Willow Creek Road, and Hamilton, the county seat of Ravalli County, is a 15-minute drive away. Both have gas, groceries and homey, local restaurants. In addition, Hamilton has two microbreweries, several coffee houses and a thriving downtown area with many shops. Missoula, home to the University of Montana, is an hour's drive to the north. If you are interested in a quiet setting in the foothills of the mountains, a place where 'do it yourself' can be as relaxing or demanding as you make it, in the comfort of a lovely cabin with great views, then this is the place for you.