You didn’t travel to Montana and Glacier Park to be surrounded by people or so your kids could stare at their screens! Enter GREAT BEAR YURT! Offering the finest backcountry yurt rental for the Great Bear Wilderness and Southern Glacier National Park! Located near Essex, Montana, The Great Bear Yurt is situated for year round adventures. Tour world-class backcountry skiing, explore the 30 kilometers of groomed cross country ski trails, fish and float the Middle Fork of the flathead river, or simply find yourself surrounded by wilderness in an easy-access backcountry setting. Your next adventure awaits you at The Great Bear Yurt.
The Yurt:
Cozy up next to the wood burning stove after a day of cross country skiing or refuel with a wonderful meal from your fully stocked kitchen when your done hiking Glacier National Park. The yurt provides cozy and comfortable amenities in an "easy-access, backcountry setting."
Here is what you can expect from Great Bear Yurt
- Off-Grid Experience - the yurt uses a 12volt battery system charged by solar and/or a generator. There is NO Wi-Fi and NO Cell Service.
- Water Supplied - though the yurt does not have running water, there is a 100 gallon tank filled weekly with freshwater.
- Fully Stocked Kitchen - Pots, pans, utensils, dishes and basic cooking equipment are all provided and can be used on the propane stove and oven.
- Wood Burning Stove - An efficient KUMA stove with up to 8 hours of burn time. All fire starter, kindling and split firewood are provided. As well as detailed instruction on how to use a wood stove.
- The yurt uses a wonderful outhouse that is a 40 foot walk away. The outhouse is well-kept, rarely smells and is perfect for an off-grid setting!
- Comfortable Beds - The yurt is outfitted with 1 King mattress and 3 Queen mattresses.
- Dog Friendly - We love dogs! There is a large kennel provided and should be used when needed. Please clean up after your dog!
- A Communal Living Space - Yurts are meant to be used by groups and families! The living room, kitchen and bar area are all a part of the main living space. Play games, read books or make a meal together - but most importantly, connect with the people around you!
- New in 2025, a beautiful outdoor shower. Clean up after a long day of exploring in the cedar built, outdoor shower as you watch the sunset behind Rampage Mountain!
The Property:
The Yurt is situated on 5 acres bordering Flathead National Forest and BNSF railway near train community of Essex, Montana. To the north, you will see the peaks of Southern Glacier National Park. Rampage Mountain, Scalplock Mountain and Running Rabbit are all visible from the property. To the south, Flathead National Forest gives way to the Great Bear Wilderness and easy access to Essex Creek, Marion Lake, Dickey Creek and Paola Ridge.
**From Mid-April to November guests are able to DRIVE vehicles directly to the yurt. The driveway has plenty of space for large vehicles and trailers.
**From December to March, Great Bear Yurt transforms in to a SKI IN/OUT paradise. From the Dickey Creek Parking area, it is an easy 400 yard ski or snowshoe down a groomed trail to the yurt.
Summer Activities
- Easy access to GNP - West Glacier Entrance is a 25 minute drive and Two Medicine, St. Mary and Many Glacier are a 60-90 minute drive.
- Hiking Trails - Explore the many hiking trails around Essex and the Flathead National Forest
- Middle Fork Flathead River - One of the most beautiful rivers you can see! The Essex boat launch and river access is 1 mile south and the Paola boat launch and river access is 5 miles north.
- Bike the trails around the yurt. There are 30km of ski trails that make for excellent bike trails in the summer months!
- Check out the Izaak Walton Inn - Just a mile hike/bike or quick drive to the Historic Izaak Walton Inn.
- Train watching - Essex was built as a train stop for the Burlington Northern Railway. Check out the trains from the walking bridge near the Izaak Walton or view them from the property. You can expect about 1 or 2 trains per hour.
- Do nothing! Take a load off and grab a great book! Disconnect for a while!
Winter Activities
- Cross Country Ski - Over 18 miles of groomed xc ski trails border the yurt. The Essex creek trail runs through the property creating unmatched access.
- Backcountry Ski - Providing access to Marion Lake, Marion Ridge, Dickey Creek, South Fork of Dickey Creek and Paola Ridge. Please understand that all of these areas are located in heavy avalanche terrain. Always have the property knowledge, skills and equipment before entering avalanche terrain.
- Snowshoe or Snowbike to Essex - Head to the Izaak Walton for a bite or a beverage from the bar. Its a one mile ski, hike or bike to the walking bridge at the Izaak Walton.
- Play outside - Essex is like a snow globe! SO MUCH snow falls in the winter! Make a snowman, go sledding or build a snow castle!
- Warm up and Relax - Listen to the sound of the crackling fire with a cup of hot cocoa! Get the fire roasting and warm up inside the yurt.
