Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Stickney Creek Located?
We are located 20 miles outside of Cascade, Montana in Cascade County, known as Charlie Russell territory and Lewis and Clark country. We are off the beaten path in the central region of the state and approximately 240 miles from Yellowstone and 160 miles from Glacier National Park. The Ranch is near the cities of Helena and Great Falls. The property elevations range from 3500-5000 feet above sea level.
What offerings do you have for 2021?
From June 14-19th, Stickney Creek is partnering with Primal U to bring a unique, six-day intensive workshop focusing on survival, mindfulness, and leadership training. Taught by instructors from one of the top survival schools in the world, Primal U offers certification in wilderness first aid, and includes DiSC assessments, survival instruction, mindfulness seminars, and more. Email primaluniversity@gmail.com for our brochure or to book now.
What is the environment like?
The property is comprised of mountains, soft hills, meadows, forest, a creek and tough gravel roads. It is in the Adel Mountains, which is part of the Big Belt Mountain Range, which are foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
The Adel Mountains are part of the Adel Mountain Volcanic Field, which consists of a rare type of intrusive igneous rock known as shonkinite. The area was noteworthy to the Lewis and Clark expedition, which called them “nearly perpendicular rocks”. (Montana Department of Transportation)
Though not on Stickney Creek property, the Missouri River is worth a stop on your way up or on your way back down. It winds its way through Cascade County and provides premiere, Blue-Ribbon trout fishing. Visit local guides Trout Montana for more on fishing near Cascade. For fishing in Craig or Holter Dam, visit Headhunters Fly Shop.
What are your policies around COVID-19?
We are committed to guest service and safety. We have therefore limited the number of people who can take part in our workshops and stay on the premises to account for social distancing. Since a number of our workshops are focused on what to do in the case of a pandemic, we feel uniquely equipped to handle this situation.
How do I get to Stickney Creek?
The most convenient airport, if you’re arriving from out of state, is the Great Falls International Airport, which is 30 minutes from the town of Cascade.
Other commercial airports include:
Missoula: 2.5 hour drive (159 miles)
Bozeman: 2.5 hour drive (159 miles)
Billings: 4 hour drive (244 miles)
During the summer season, you’ll find affordable direct flights from some major metropolitan areas to Montana through Allegiant and Alaska Air. A private Stickney Creek vehicle and driver are available to provide roundtrip guest ground transportation to and from the Great Falls airports, if requested. Bottled water and snacks are available for the drive.
Guests who drive to Stickney Creek on their own will need to do so with a four-wheel drive vehicle since the roads are quite rough. Guests will be provided with a map, or we can coordinate a caravan so guests who have their own vehicles can follow a Stickney Creek vehicle up to the lodge.
Are you open year round?
At the present time, “The Cabin” is open only for rifle hunting season via Parsons Outfitting and our summer sessions, which occur on select dates in April through September. Visit our Reservations page for available dates and rates.
What is the average length of stay at Stickney Creek?
For hunting season, the usual stay is 6 nights. For our current summer programming, due to the unanticipated global changes that have happened this year, we have modified our programming to span 1-2 days only. For our one day workshops, you can look forward to a full slate of interesting workshops, as well as three creatively prepared meals, made together by guests and staff.
What weather should I expect at Stickney Creek?
The temperatures in Montana vary widely and can change at a moment’s notice. On average, the Stickney Creek temperatures will be slightly cooler than the average Cascade ranges:
June: 75 high | 47 low
July: 85 high | 51 low
August: 84 high | 49 low
The area is protected from winds that often blow through the plains of Cascade County. You may see sunshine, rain, thunderstorms, or the occasional hail storm during the summer months. To check the weather for Cascade and Cascade County, visit the National Weather Service.
What should I pack?
We recommend dressing in layers, and bringing comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers. Attire is relaxed and comfortable. We recommend bringing sunscreen, a camera, sunglasses, and a backpack.
Will I have Wifi and Cellular service?
You will find various spots on the property where minimal cell service can be obtained, but “The Cabin” experience has always been largely off-the-grid. We do not offer WiFi at this time.
In What time zone is Stickney Creek located?
Mountain Standard Time
Will I need a fishing license?
Our one day classes do not include guided fishing programming, but we recommend that you get a license in case you’d like to try stream fishing with any downtime you have. You can purchase fishing licences ahead of time at Trout Montana in Cascade. Additionally, fishing the nearby Missouri River is an incredible experience, which we recommend if you have the time before or after our class offerings. You can find out more about Montana fishing licences here.
What is the difference between Stickney Creek and a dude ranch vacation?
Dude ranch vacations typically focus on experiencing an authentic cowboy life in the great American West. While Parsons Outfitting, which runs out of the property in the fall, focuses on some of these tenets, our summer programming is focused more on self-sufficiency in and sustainability of nature and the wilderness outdoors.
That said, future offerings may include more of a focus on the cowboy way of life. After all, that is our heritage.
How is “The Cabin” different from other Montana guest ranches?
We provide small and intimate experiences, run by a close-knit family. We are almost entirely off-the-grid, which is rare for many dude ranch or guest ranch experiences. We are not focused on five-star accommodations, but rather the authentic, rustic experience of the great Montana outdoors. We’re also run by an artist and university professor, which lends itself to thoughtful, creative experiences.
How big is the Stickney Creek lodge?
There are 8 bunk-style beds in the oldest part of the homestead, which is the communal area of the cabin. There are two semi-private rooms attached to this communal area as well.
In the newer addition, there is a private room with a queen bed. There are two separate cabins, affectionately called “The Empty Arms” which can sleep up to 6.
Does Stickney Creek allow pets?
We have, in the past, on a case-by-case basis. We love animals, but since we have some accommodations that are communal, we need to ensure that everyone has a safe and good time. We also often have sheep dogs on the property and would therefore need to be sure that any other pets that come to stay are properly socialized. Don’t hesitate to contact us regarding this matter, because each circumstance is different.
Does Stickney Creek welcome children and families?
We do, though our one day workshops in particular are currently geared towards adults. We are in the process of creating children's workshops for the 2021 season.
What activities are available for kids?
Our programming in 2021 will include arts and crafts, guided hikes, and more.
What baby amenities do you offer?
Since our programming is focused on adults, we encourage guests to contact us ahead of time for any infant and toddler needs to ensure the appropriate equipment is ready upon your arrival.
What type of dining experiences do you offer?
For our summer one-day programs, we’ll get you coffee and a quick bite for breakfast, and provide a lunch in the field and dinner back at “The Cabin.” The dinner, in particular, will be memorable: We will be preparing our last meal of the day together, using mostly non-perishables, fermented cuisine, and foraged plants. You’ll learn how to be creative with “prepper” cuisine!
What kinds of wildlife do you have on property?
Stickney Creek is home to mule deer, elk, big horn sheep, black and brown bear, mountain lions, bobcats, and the occasional wolf. You may also see native birds like bald and golden eagles, owls, jays, grouse, and camp robbers.
Do you have an onsite gift shop?
We don’t have a gift shop, but we offer some handmade and artisanal gifts that you can purchase using Square. Look for our online store soon.
How do I learn about employment at Stickney Creek?
We are happy to announce that we are a growing operation and will be looking for full time and seasonal positions. A link to our application form and information about our open positions can be found at our Careers page.
What are other fun facts about the area?
A portion of the 1987 movie The Untouchables was shot at the Hardy Bridge in the Adel Mountains Volcanic Field, which was portrayed as the US-Canada border.
Motion picture star Gary Cooper was raised on the Seven Bar Nine Ranch, which was located in the Adel Mountains.
Indie movie The Slaughter Rule, starring Ryan Gosling and David Morse, was filmed nearby in 2002.
The area is famous for being featured prominently in the journals of Meriweather Lewis and William Clark.