Paradise Valley, Montana - where to stay, eat, and explore
“Paradise” truly describes this river valley in Southern Montana. Driving through the breathtaking scenery alongside the Yellowstone River gave my sister Colleen and I all the heart eyes. The sunlight made the fields glow the prettiest golden color, which made the blue sky and snow capped mountains in the background even more breathtaking.
WHERE TO STAY
Sage Lodge - This luxury resort just felt magical while we were there! I think my sister and I had permanent smiles on our faces, and did not want to leave. Colleen loved it so much she has even decided she needs to get married there one day.
Fishing enthusiasts will especially love Sage Lodge, which features an on site stocked casting pond to practice fly fishing right out your door. (or if you are like us, it’s a beautiful pond to view the reflection of the mountains while sipping mimosas) But the adventurous experiences available at Sage extend beyond just fishing to hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, private tours of Yellowstone, landscape painting class, llama day hikes, helicopter rides and so much more! The restaurant is DELICIOUS, and if you are sore from all the activity there is a great spa at the lodge.
Click HERE to watch a 30 second reel of this beautiful place!
The Centennial Inn - Want a more private stay with a unique experience? Stay in a Northern Pacific Railway Parlor Car!
My friend Ryan recently purchased this property, and I absolutely cannot wait to stay here this coming Spring! It features all the amenities you would need, as well as a hot tub (perfect for snowy days), on 13 acres of land. It has a queen bed and two twins, perfect for a group of four. Check it out! (pics from the AirBnB - check out the location in the top photo - swoon!)
KOA Campground - Tent sites, RV sites, and cabins on this really nice campground! This is a seasonal spot (closes in October) about an hour from Yellowstone, and twenty minutes from Livingston.
WHat to do
Visit Yellowstone National Park - One of the main reasons people visit the area is to see the incredible nature in YNP. (Which was the first national park!) Yellowstone is home to thousands of geothermal hot springs and geysers, as well as incredible wildlife such as the grizzly bear, wolf, bison, moose, elk, and more. I only wish we had more time to see all the things!
Go for a trail ride! MAERA, or the Montana Awareness, Education and Equine Rehab Association offers horseback riding and keeps it to your group, which makes it an extra special experience with your friends, family, or significant other not having to join a ride with lots of other people. Rockin HK Outfitters is another trail ride company in the area, and they even have 3-12 day pack trips in Yellowstone National Park which sounds like an absolute dream.
Fish - The Yellowstone River is known around the world for its trout fishing, and while Colleen and I did not partake in fishing, we saw many fisherman along the river! Sweetwater Fly Shop is a spot my friend Ryan recommends (there are many to choose from in the valley!) You can get your fishing permits purchased there, as well as go on a guided fly fishing trip.
Go for a drive! - We took some backroads instead of staying on highway 89, and I can’t recommend enough just driving without a location in mind in this valley.
Where to Eat & Drink
Most of your bars and restaurants are going to be in Livingston on the north side of the valley, which has a cute old Main Street. The south side also has restaurants right before the entrance to Yellowstone.
We honestly could eat every meal at the Sage Lodge Fireside Room.
The Old Saloon is a fun casual spot to eat, drink, and listen to live music.
For fine dining head to Yellowstone Valley Grill.
Matt’s Old Fashioned Butcher Shop and Deli for their sandwiches
If you haven’t been to Montana yet, you are missing out on one of my favorite states! Have I convinced you to head to Paradise Valley? It’s truly an incredible spot. Take a week or more and do a full loop from Bozeman, down through Paradise Valley, through Yellowstone, up to Big Sky, and back to Bozeman to fly home. It was such an amazing trip, and I loved so much about each spot that instead of one giant blog I broke it up into the three main areas.