Aug 172013
 

Storm Creek Outfitters and Glamping in the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho

Sometimes, things come along that are truly once in a lifetime experiences.

This trip of ours that we took deep into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness with Storm Creek Outfitters was just that.

An unforgettable, lifetime experience.

Continuing on from our first stop at Angler’s Roost in Hamilton, Montana we make our way to the Storm Creek Outfitters Ranch to drop off our Airstream where she will be plugged  in and safe for the next two nights (okay, and three days – I will miss her!).  The road up to camp is very gravely, steep, twisty and more concerning — narrow.  So this was our reasoning for not bringing her.

map from Seattle to the Bitterroots

After driving for about one hour through some very beautiful landscapes we arrive at the Storm Creek camp.  Lorrie and Steve who run Storm Creek Outfitters come out to greet us.  We immediately feel a sense of warmth and welcome.

“We are so happy to finally meet you,” Lorrie tells me smiling her beautiful smile.

“And I am so happy to meet you too!” I tell her.  Because, well, I was.  I have been waiting to meet Lorrie and Steve for four months!  It’s a long time especially when you are working hard in corporate America and dreaming of the day that this trip will be a reality.

And here we were ♥

Storm Creek Outfitters and Glamping in the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho

We are given a tour of the beautiful tents and ours in particular was located right along the rushing creek.  Lorrie tells us that if you listen closely at night while falling asleep — you can hear the creek speak.  So each night, as we tucked ourselves in we did just that.

We listened.  So carefully.

And all of a sudden, we heard words spill out of that creek into our sleepy minds . . .

Storm Creek Outfitters and Glamping in the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho

Each morning, Lorrie {who is a ★ fantastic ★ cook} serves up mouth watering, satisfying healthy breakfasts.  One thing was for sure, not once were we hungry on our trip!  All those granola bars and snacks I brought for B went untouched . . .

glamping in the mountains

Glamping in the Bitterroot Mountains would not be complete without exploring this most beautiful, breathtaking remote area.   Each of our days spent here were filled with activities that ranged from hiking, fishing and horseback riding as you will see below.

glamping in the mountains with Storm Creek Outfitters

Storm Creek Outfitters and Glamping in the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho

Corey {our knowledgeable guide}, took us via Jeep  deeper into the mountains where we ended up at Hell’s Half Acre mountain top.

Hells Half Acre Fire Lookout in the Bitterroot Mountains in Idaho

Hells Half Acre Fire Lookout Idaho Bitterroot Mountains

We met the lovely lady who, along with her husband have been volunteering at this fire lookout for the past 17 years.  Their daughter, as I was told, learned how to drive on the road that leads up this lookout.  I must say, she must be an excellent driver :)

Storm Creek Outfitters and Glamping in the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho

The flag is at half mast for the 19 firefighters that perished in the recent Arizona wildfire.

Hells Half Acre Fire Lookout Idaho in the Bitterroot Mountains with Storm Creek Outfitters

Hells Half Acre Fire Lookout in Idaho in the Bitterroot Mountains

Hiking trail down to the Selway River from atop the mountain

Corey our guide with Storm Creek Outfitters atop Hells Half Acre Mountain in Idaho

As we hiked along the top of the mountain I observed Corey with B.  He was so good with him.  He was teaching him about the rocks and the land and how things came to be up here.  B was really listening to him and taking in every single word he said.

Learning about nature and what surrounds us at any particular time is something B is always very interested in.

And to see him in this way with Corey, well — it really touched my heart.

Nature through the eyes of an innocent child

fly fishing on the selway river in the bitterroot mountains with storm creek outfitters

“The Lord has blessed us all today… It’s just that he has been particularly good to me.”   ~ from the movie “A River Runs Through It”

“Me,” being B of course.  He caught SO many fish!

fly fishing on the selway river in the bitterroot mountains with storm creek outfitters

Back in the gold rush days this road (back then, a trail) was used heavily back and forth from Lewiston, ID to Virginia City, MT.

We used this road to find many fishing holes in the Selway River.  Steve really knew where to look to find some great spots.

 

Magruder Corridor Road in the Bitterroot National Forest in Idaho

fly fishing on the selway river in the bitterroot mountains with storm creek outfitters

fly fishing on the selway river in the bitterroot mountains with storm creek outfitters

fly fishing on the selway river in the bitterroot mountains with storm creek outfitters

fly fishing on the selway river in the bitterroot mountains with storm creek outfitters

fly fishing on the selway river in the bitterroot mountains with storm creek outfitters

fly fishing on the selway river in the bitterroot mountains with storm creek outfitters

Indian Chief Rock in the Magruder Corridor Bitterroot Mountain Forest in Idaho

Our trip into the Bitterroots with Storm Creek Outfitters was turning out to be a trip that we would soon not forget.

Every night we went to bed, our bodies tired but a “good” tired from everything we experienced during our day and in the morning we awoke to the smell of breakfast in the air and hot coffee . . .

Glamping in the Bitterroot Mountains with Storm Creek Outfitters

Imaging starting your day this way . . .

Glamping in the mountains with Storm Creek Outfitters in Idaho

and then, after your tranquil bath — you arrive at the main house for breakfast . . .

Glamping in the mountains with Storm Creek Outfitters in Idaho

Those were how our days unfolded and when we thought nothing could top what we experienced prior? Well, we were in for a surprise . . . Day 3.

Horseback riding along the Idaho Montana Divide with Storm Creek Outfitters

Will and Corey, our guides today took us to view some of the most spectacular scenery ever.

How fortunate they are to be able to experience this type of lifestyle on an everyday basis.

Horseback riding along the Idaho Montana Divide with Storm Creek Outfitters

Horseback riding along the Idaho Montana Divide with Storm Creek Outfitters

Horseback riding along the Idaho Montana Divide with Storm Creek Outfitters

Horseback riding along the Idaho Montana Divide with Storm Creek Outfitters

Bear Grass Blooms Once Every Seven Years

“Look mommy, I’m in Idaho!”

“Now look, I’m in Montana!”

Back and forth, jumping from state to state — his laughter filled with squeals.  My sweet boy.  So funny!

He was so  intrigued with that Idaho | Montana divide marker.

“Let’s eat guys! Lunch!”  Corey and Will holler to us and we settle down for a picnic.

An alpine picnic!  With goodies that came from the hands of sweet Lorrie.  Delicious sandwiches, wraps, cookies and crispy potato chips.

Perfect.

Horseback riding along the Idaho Montana Divide with Storm Creek Outfitters

As we head back I realize our trip is soon over and I can’t help but think about how beautiful our precious land is.

To live here, in America — if only for our land, we are truly very fortunate.

As my horse slowly trots down the mountain, I try for one last time to close my eyes and breathe deep taking in everything.

I wanted this moment to last forever, in my mind.  An imprint.

And now, as I sit here typing this and looking at all of these pictures, I feel such a sense of happiness and fortune to be able to have experienced such beauty.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you Lorrie, Steve, Will and Corey xoxo

horseback riding along the Idaho Montana Divide with Storm Creek Outfitters

xoxo

Monica ♥

  6 Responses to “An Alpine Glamping Experience Like No Other ★”

  1. Please tell me you are making a book out of these photos and stories? What a treasure!

  2. What a great story! You really made me feel like I was there!

  3. What a beautiful trip!

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