EXPLORE

Lincoln County, Montana & Beyond

New on the lake: Our neighbors just launched Make A Splash!, a local watercraft rental company right here on Bull Lake. Kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, and towables — an easy way to get out on the water during your stay.

Lincoln County, Montana

NORTHWEST MONTANA WILDERNESS

Located in Montana’s far northwest corner, Lincoln County is untouched wilderness, crystal lakes, and small-town charm. Home to Bull Lake and the Kootenai River, with easy access to ancient forests, dramatic waterfalls, and endless adventure.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a season, the pace of life here invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with what matters.

2:15

From Kalispell Airport

15 Miles to Troy

365 Days of Adventure

∞

Montana Memories

WHAT TO DO

What To Do - Shangrilog

Fishing

Bull Lake, Lake Koocanusa, and Bull River offer world-class fishing. Trout, bass, kokanee salmon. Cast from shore or take your boat out.

Paddling

Kayak or canoe Bull Lake's calm waters. Explore Lake Koocanusa's vast expanse. Surrounded by mountains and wilderness. Our neighbors at Make A Splash! rent kayaks, paddle boards, and more right on the lake.

Hiking

Cabinet Mountains. Ross Creek Cedars ancient grove. Bull River trails. Kootenai Falls. Every level of hiker finds their trail.

Wildlife

Deer, elk, black bears, bald eagles, moose. Early morning and dusk are prime viewing. Montana's creatures in their element.

Winter Sports

Snowshoe pristine forests. Cross-country ski groomed trails. Downhill at Turner Mountain. Ice fish the frozen lake.

Stargazing

Dark Montana skies. Zero light pollution. Milky Way. Meteor showers. The universe unfolds above you.

ROSS CREEK CEDARS

Step into a prehistoric wonderland where ancient western red cedars tower overhead—some more than 1,000 years old. A scenic boardwalk trail winds through the grove, offering a peaceful, humbling experience among giants.

This old-growth forest is one of Montana’s most unique ecosystems. The massive trees, cool forest air, and filtered sunlight create an almost sacred atmosphere.

SWINGING BRIDGE

This historic Swinging Bridge crosses the Kootenai River and offers an exciting way to take in stunning river views. The gentle sway as you walk across adds to the adventure, making it a fun stop on any trip.

KOOTENAI FALLS

Walk the historic swinging bridge over the roaring Kootenai River. The suspension bridge sways gently as you cross, offering stunning river views and mountain panoramas.

Below, Kootenai Falls thunders—one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the Northwest. Trails lead to viewpoints and the falls themselves. A Montana must-see.

YAAK

A remote and untamed area, Yaak is known for its lush forests, winding rivers, and secluded beauty. Take a scenic drive, visit the local taverns, and experience the true wilderness of Montana.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

No Montana trip is complete without Glacier. Breathtaking alpine landscapes, glacier-carved valleys, and some of America’s best hiking trails.

Drive the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road—where Shangrilog’s owners’ great-grandfather worked during construction. This 50-mile engineering marvel winds through the park’s heart, offering jaw-dropping views at every turn.

Boat tours on Lake McDonald. Hike through wildflower meadows. Spot mountain goats and grizzlies. Glacier is Montana at its most magnificent.

Getting Here

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Shangrilog sits toward the south end of Bull Lake, near Troy in Montana’s far northwest corner. Whichever direction you come from, you will finish on Montana Highway 56 — the two-lane road locals still call Bull Lake Road. Cell service is spotty on the final approach, so download offline maps before you leave the highway.

For turn-by-turn directions, the highway junctions, and what the last few miles ask of you, see our full guide to getting to Bull Lake.

Glacier Park International (FCA) · Kalispell

2 hours 24 minutes · 134 miles

The closest of the three. West on US-2, following the Kootenai River through Libby and on toward Troy.

Spokane International (GEG) · Washington

2 hours 38 minutes · 142 miles

Usually the widest choice of flights. The quicker way in runs south through Sandpoint, then east on MT-200 to the bottom of Highway 56. Note the clock: Spokane is on Pacific time, the cabin on Mountain.

Missoula Montana Airport (MSO)

2 hours 51 minutes · 156 miles

North and west on MT-200 through Plains, Thompson Falls and Trout Creek to Bull River Junction.

All three need a rental car. There is no public transit to Bull Lake and no shuttle to the cabin.

Nearest towns

Troy — 24.6 miles · about 31 minutes. The nearest town, north up Highway 56 and out to US-2.

Libby — 36.7 miles · about 42 minutes. The fuller range of services, and the practical place for a full grocery run on the way in.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Download offline maps before you leave Libby or Sandpoint — cell service thins out on the last stretch.
• Fuel up in Libby, Sandpoint, or Trout Creek before you turn onto Highway 56.
• Expect winding mountain roads, especially in winter. Check MDT 511 before you set out.
• Wildlife is common on these roads. Drive cautiously at dawn and dusk.