View of the entry into Stoner Creek Cabins with front sign

Vacations and staycations are best served in Northwest Montana. Luckily, I don’t have to travel far anymore to enjoy the great outdoors, and, in this case, the great indoors. Last weekend I was hosted at Stoner Creek Cabins in Lakeside, Montana. Nestled along the northwest side of Flathead Lake, this cozy retreat offers a small-town escape with endless opportunities for adventure. I didn’t get to it all, but I certainly made a list of what I’ll be coming back to explore.

Stoner Creek Cabins blends nature with tiny-home luxury: modern design, mountain warmth, and thoughtful details that make you feel right at home.

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Location & Setting

Lakeside, Montana, sits on the west short of the Flathead Lake, just 15 minutes south of Kalispell and an hour from Glacier National Park. With a population under 3,000, you might not expect much, but it’s the kind of place that sneaks up on you. There’s a surprising number of local restaurants, coffee shops, and water-access points that easily fill a weekend itineray.

The cabins themselves are tucked into a wooded setting along Stoner Creek, with peaceful frontage, mountain access, and easy walking distance to downtown Lakeside (20 minutes one-way). It’s the ideal base for both relaxation and adventure. A space quiet enough to unwind, but close enough to grab dinner, attend a wine tasing event last minute, or head out for a lakeside walk.

The Cabin Experience

The cabins pair modern architecture with simple cozy elements: think clean lines, wood ceilings, and soft lighting that creates an instant sense of calm.

Inside, the living room features a cozy fireplace, large sliding glass doors, a full kitchen, and additional sleeping room upstairs (great for small groups or families). The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking, or reheating takeout (no judgement here). The main bedroom was a mini retreat allowing us to wake up with treeline views while maintaining privacy from nearby units. The bathrooms modern finishes gave off boutique-hotel vibes complete with a full size washer and drier.

One of the best features, especially during the summer summer or shoulder season, is the private fire pit just through the sliding glass doors. It’s perfect for morning coffee lounging or late-night stargazing under Montana’s endless sky.

What to Do Locally

Morning: Start your day with a Nespresso coffee at the cabin before walking to Glacier Perks for breakfast wraps and sandwiches that will have you craving them again once you’re home. From there, make your way down to Lakeside Waterfront Park.

Midday: Head up Blacktail Mountain to look for snow. If you’re in the mood to take it slow, stop by the local grocery store to stock up on snacks and spend the afternoon reading by the indoor fireplace. I shared a few books on my TBR list in Reading My Way Into the West, perfect for staying on theme and getting to know this pocket of the world a little deeper. As another midday option, grab some fresh salads and fill up the growler provided by the cabin at Tamarack Brewing Company.

Evening: The Lakeside food and drink scene surprised us in the best way. We had a delicious meal at Mother Chorizo’s followed by margaritas next door at Lakeside Cantina Bar & Casino (in the same building). As another option, make your way to the Spinnaker Bar & Grill. When we visited, karaoke night turned out to be a a highlight, serious talent and a seriously good time, even if you’re just watching.

Keep your eyes peeled for other local seasonal events. we signed up last-minute for a wine tasting event at Harbor Grille in their newly expanded space. It was the perfect surprise ending to the trip and we even got a sneak peek of their event venue for weddings with an even better view onto the lake. We were also introduced to Far West Boat Tours, which is already on our list for next summer.

Also on our list for next time, is the Alpine Coaster and the nordic ski area at Blacktail Mountain.

If you’re taking a day trip into Glacier National Park, but looking for continued rest and relaxation, check out these Three Short Hikes in Glacier National Park especially if visiting when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open.

Visiting in November: The valley in between seasons

November in the Flathead Valley is an in-between season. It’s the time when the mountains are waiting for snow, the trees have dropped their red & yellow leaves, and the air feels heavier with rain and anticipation. Most tourists are gone, and even some local businesses take a short break before ski season kicks off.

But there’s something special about visiting during this quiet window. The roads are empty, the trails are peaceful, and the lake takes on a moody beauty that’s worth photographing when the clouds intermittently open up. It’s the perfect time to slow down, cozy up in your cabin, and experience Northwest Montana without the summer crowds or the winter rush.

Shoulder season is my favorite time to check the status of Going-to-the-Sun Road. If it’s closed to cars, but open to hikers and bikers, be sure to plan a longer day trip to explore this iconic road by bike. It’s my favorite way to see Glacier National Park and seasonally available.

If you plan a November stay, bring rain layers, embrace the gray skies, and enjoy the slower pace that makes this season uniquely restorative.

Why It’s Perfect for a Staycation

Sometimes the best escapes don’t require a plan ticket. Thankfully, this one was only a 45 minute drive away. Stoner Creek Cabins combines nature, comfort, and design in a way that makes slowing down effortless.

Quick and easy to reach from anywhere in the Flathead Valley
A balance of quiet seclusion with privacy fences in between units and thoughtfully placed windows with nearby amenities
Pet-friendly (Zoë dog approved)
Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and anyone craving a creative reset

My Creative Process & What I Captured

This stay was the perfect blend of work and rest. I brought my cameras to capture the ambiance, evening glow of the stars, and some moments in between.

I briefly planned a shot list the night before heading down to Lakeside, but ended up scrapping it once I arrived. I wanted to document the experience authentically to show hat it actually feels like to stay here, not stage it. Sometimes the best storytelling happens when you leave room for spontaneity.

Closing thoughts

After a weekend at Stoner Creek Cabins, I left feeling refreshed, inspired, and more connected to the Flathead Valley community than before. From conversations with locals to the spontaneous wine tasing and karaoke night, this trip reminded me that the best adventures often meet you right where you are.

Whether your local to the Flathead Valley or planning a trip to Northwest Montana, this is the kind of place that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and breathe in crisp mountain air.

And if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to pair rest with a challenge, here’s what packing looks like for a two-night, three-day backpacking trip. This is ideal for extending your Montana adventure beyond the lakeside.

Ready to plan your own escape? Book your stay at Stone Creek Cabins here.

Keep exploring

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