When Alan and I look for romantic getaways, three criteria top the list: relaxing, luxurious and spectacular setting. Coyote Bluff Estate in Somers, Montana, more than meets these guidelines for romantic lodging at Flathead Lake.
Romantic Lodging at Flathead Lake
It’s not always easy fortravelers to find luxury lodging in Montana. Let’s face it, Montana is a rugged state where camping and outdoor adventures trump luxurious appointments.
But Alan and I’ve are on a mission to experience every luxury property in the state so that you’ll know where to find them. And the romantic lodging at Coyote Bluff Estate is definitely going on our list.
Welcome to Coyote Bluff Estate
Coyote Bluff Estate sits on 32 acres on a secluded mountaintop overlooking Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. The estate is about a two-hour drive from Missoula.
About that dramatic setting—as our car crests the winding mostly paved road to Coyote Bluff, we can see the Mission Mountains looming over Flathead Lake and the valley. That’s what I call stunning.
The custom log home offers 9,000 square feet of luxury, including 27 varieties of wood on the floor, walls and woodworking. Exquisitely furnished, inside and out, Coyote Bluff Estate definitely meets our requirement for romantic lodging at Flathead Lake or anywhere else in Montana for that matter.
Staying in the Honeymoon King Suite at Coyote Bluff
Alan surprised me by reserving the roomy Honeymoon King Suite, one of 3 luxury suites in the home, for our stay. Of course there are the usual touches one would expect: high end toiletry items, a flat screen TV, plush bathroom and slippers plus coffee waiting outside our door each morning.
But the en-suite entertainment and communications technology, heated king bed with down comforter and lavender scented sheets raise this experience to a higher level. And the view of the lake from the chaise lounges on our private deck provides the perfect spot for enjoying a morning cup of coffee or late afternoon glass of wine.
Other romantic options include strolling the grounds and an in-home theater. In the summer, guests enjoy breakfast with a view on a patio that overlooks the lake. Or warm up by the fire pit on a balmy evening as you look for wildlife.
Gourmet dining overlooking Flathead Lake
Food is another standout at Coyote Bluff. Co-Owner, Rita Bahme, serves up a gourmet hot breakfast that’s just what you need before exploring Glacier National Park—only 40 minutes away—or enjoying a day on the water at Flathead Lake.
Alan and I appreciate the hot appetizers, cheese and wine served in the late afternoon. In fact, the portions are plentiful enough that we skip dinners during our two-night stay in favor of relaxing evenings on the property. However excellent restaurants are just a short drive away in Somers, Kalispell and 25 minutes up the road in Whitefish.
For us, relaxing and exploring are at the top of this fall getaway to Coyote Bluff Estate. The adults-only setting provides plenty of peace and quiet after a busy few weeks of travel writing and photography editing.
Exploring the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway
Alan and I had also heard about a scenic drive along Lake Koocanusa. So after a leisurely breakfast at Coyote Bluff, we hit the road for some exploring.
By a fluke (and with the guidance from the Benchmark Montana Road and Recreational Atlas), we find a forest service road that accesses Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway. What a happy experiment—not a car in sight, a windy dirt road through mountainous terrain thick with evergreen trees that ends at a beautiful lake.
A right turn onto the paved Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway (Highway 37) takes us beside the Kootenai River and Lake Koocanusa. Although the trees aren’t in their prime color, we make a note to return next fall for a leaf-peeping drive along the 67 gorgeous miles between Libby and Eureka.
Stopping for lunch in Eureka
When we reach Eureka, the last Montana town before the Canadian border, Café Jax is about to close, but they take our lunch order anyway. I’m so glad the server talks us into sharing a chocolate milkshake. Delicious!
Add the milkshake to the huge turkey sandwich that we share and there’s no need for dinner. But that’s okay because returning to our romantic lodging at Flathead Lake for appetizers and wine will be a perfect ending to the day.
Alan and I have declared Coyote Bluff Estate one of our preferred “getaway” spots. We think everyone needs an escape when life becomes too busy. Next, we’d like to visit in the winter. I’m sure that the Flathead Lake area is even more romantic with a covering of snow.
Coyote Bluff Estate makes a luxurious headquarters for a winter trip to Glacier National Park.
And if hiking area trails, enjoying the slopes at Big Mountain or swimming in Flathead Lake isn’t active enough for you, Eric and Rita Bahme own a local hotel—Best Western Plus Flathead Lake Inn & Suites—where Coyote Bluff guests have access to the pool and fitness center.
