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Things to Do in the Yaak - Yaak River Lodge
Huckleberry Picking July and August are the prime months for huckleberry picking all throughout the Yaak River Valley. The going rate for freshly picked huckleberries in the area is approximately $30.00 per gallon. There are many local markets that will pay for freshly picked huckleberries.Bear Warning!!
Numerous black bears and some grizzlies inhabit the Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem. All bears are interested in huckleberries so it is wise to take precautions such as bear spray when harvesting huckleberries or hiking in the wild.
Morel mushrooms
Morel mushrooms are another delicacy that is greatly desired in the Yaak River Valley. Typically growing on old clear cut timber and burnt areas, Morel mushrooms can fetch a higher price than huckleberries!! Take great precautions in verifying that you have actually found Morel mushrooms as many mushrooms are poisonous and can be fatal.
Picking season for Morel mushrooms typically begins in mid April and continues through mid June. This may vary by a couple of weeks in either direction due to weather conditions. Next to old, dying trees may be another source of Morel mushrooms.
Please check with local forestry stations and local clubs for further information.
Bird Watching
If you are an avid bird watcher, the Yaak River Valley could be a dream come true to you. The following birds are just some of the commonly seen birds in the Yaak River Valley:
• Bald eagles • Golden eagles • Woodpeckers • Blue Jays • Osprey • Grouse of all types • Canadian geese
Fishing
Firstly, there are many different seasons and many different types of fish in the Yaak River Valley. Anyone interested in fishing would be wise to check the regulations and seasons at the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks homepage.
Lakes and reservoirs are typically open to fishing all year. Rivers and streams are typically open from the third Saturday in May through the end of November. Please check with the local ranger station or the state website aforementioned to verify.
The fishing in Yaak is fantastic!! Last year my son and his friend caught over 70 trout in one day!!
Just remember that there are limits to the amount of fish that you can catch and keep in a day.
Some of the fish you will find on the Yaak River and the gigantic and beautiful Kootenai River are as follows:
Know your fish!!! Many species are “catch and release” only due to their
being listed on the endangered or threatened list from the federal government. There are stiff fines for violating this rule. Please check with the local ranger station or download the guide from the website above.
Daily fishing license are available to the public at the Yaak Mercantile at 406-295-5159 or you can stop by the Three Rivers Ranger Station in Troy to purchase your fishing licenses.
Hiking
There are approximately a million acres of national forest in the Yaak River Valley. The hiking can be from easy/moderate to extreme depending on your desire.
It is important to note that weather can change drastically and violently in NW Montana. It is important to be prepared with extra gear for wet weather and even a freak snow storm (we have had snow in July).
The weather in summer typically ranges from 80-85 degrees during the day and gets down into the 40’s and 50’s at night. This can vary depending on elevation. The Yaak River Lodge is right at 3000 feet of elevation.
You can pick up a hiking trail map at the Three Rivers Ranger Station in the City of Troy.
Three Rivers Ranger Station is located on Hwy 2 just west of Troy. The cost is $2.00 and their phone number is 406-295-4693.
Please visit Backwoods Survival Adventures for some interesting Backwoods Adventures!
Canoeing - Kayaking
The Yaak River provides some fantastic canoeing and kayaking adventures for the outdoorsman. The Yaak River can go from slow and deep to shallow and fast very quickly.
The Yaak River level typically runs low from late June through the end of the year. However, in May and June the river is fast and furious but can also be dangerous. There are many calm spots which can be navigated during these times and it would be best to check with local ranger stations and outfitters for advice. The Yaak River Lodge has canoes for use by guests.
The Kootenai River is another story. Long desired by serious rafter, canoers and kayakers, the Kootenai River is wide, fast and smooth most of the year. Please note that the Kootenai River can be very dangerous in spots and quite a few fatalities have occurred from those pushing their luck by going into rough water. Please be careful or contact a local guide service who will be happy to provide safe rafting, canoeing and kayaking to you. If you have any questions regarding these activities, please call the Yaak River Lodge for directions to a “licensed” outfitter in the area.
Skeet and Trap ShootingThe Yaak Rod and Gun Club is open to the public for shooting with appointment. The fun shoots and turkey shoots are typically every Saturday during the summer and you are encouraged to attend. The cost is minimal and the activities are a lot of fun. Beginners, experts, women and all others are invited to attend. If interested in this fun activity, please contact the Yaak Rod and Gun Club by accessing their website at http://rodandgunclub.theyaak.com The contact information is there or you may call the Yaak River Lodge for more information on shooting at 406-295-5463.
Hunting
There are numerous wildlife in the Yaak River Valley that can be hunted year round even without a license. Check the Montana fish and wildlife website at http://fwp.mt.gov/default.html
Deer and elk season is typically the third week of October through the end of the Thanksgiving weekend. Bow hunting begins sometime in September.
Spring bear season is typically mid April through mid May and fall bear season is typically parallel to deer and elk season beginning mid-September through the end of the Thanksgiving weekend.
You are required to take a bear verification test to be licensed and it is highly recommended (especially for those securing a non-resident license) to start the process early.
Warning!! There are very stiff penalties including loss of license privileges, stiff fines and even jail time for accidentally or purposefully shooting a grizzly bear which are federally protected. Know your bears!!!! If in doubt, don’t shoot!!All hunters are highly advised to secure the Montana Hunting Guidelines prior to beginning a hunt. The Yaak River Lodge does not provide outfitting services. However, the Yaak River Lodge can refer you to licensed outfitters in the area that can assist with planning a hunt. Please contact us for further information.
CampingThere are numerous campsites available for those wishing to “rough it”. The Whitetail and Pete Creek campsites are just down the road from the lodge and can be accessed through the Three Rivers Ranger Station in Troy and some campsites have a pay on site box. Please check with the Ranger Station to ensure you are correctly sited.
Local Stores
Supplies are limited in the Yaak River Valley. However, the Yaak River Lodge does have a gift shop and tackle shop on site. Additionally, the Yaak Mercantile has a supply of basic foodstuffs and supplies. For further information, contact the Yaak Mercantile at 406-295-5159.
There is also a Laundromat located in Yaak, the Yaak-O-Mat Laundromat. It is located just outside of the Dirty Shame Saloon at mile marker 30.
Skiing, Snowboarding and SnowmobilingThe Yaak River Lodge is open all year round for snowmobilers and skiers. The skiing at Turner Mountain (fifteen minutes away) is awesome for advanced skiers. All black diamond and double black diamond runs, Turner Mountain creates a wonderful skiing adventure for the advanced skier. Turner Mountain is open sporadically depending upon conditions so please check their website at www.skiturner.com
Snowmobiling in the Yaak is excellent. With abundant snowfall in the winter, you can typically expect many feet of powdery snow to snowmobile on. Check with Yaak River Lodge regarding conditions.
Visit the Troy Snowmobile Club website for additional information.
February - WILD GAME FEED. The “event” of the winter is hosted by Keith and Suzanne at the Tavern. Suzanne spends two days cooking up a host of wild game favorites which can include mountain lion, grouse, antelope, bear, moose, deer, elk and even porcupine. This is an event not to miss if you can get to the Yaak in the winter.
April – ANNUAL CRAWDAD FESTIVAL The biggest event of the year in Yaak typically attracts hundreds of outsiders. Hosted by the Dirty Shame Saloon during the third week of April. Due to the change in ownership of the Dirty Shame, the event may be postponed until June. Please contact the Dirty Shame at 406-295-5439 for further information.
4th of July – FIREWORKS The best fireworks display in NW Montana is put on by Keith and Suzanne of the Yaak Tavern. The display typically starts at dark and goes for approximately one hour. Rated by the locals as better than any display in Troy or Libby. The fireworks display is typically done on the Saturday night prior to the 4th so check with the Tavern for dates of the display.
There are numerous other events that occur in the Yaak. For more information on these events, please call us at 406-295-5463.