“Edge” Activities
Wilderness Edge guests have a number of on-site outdoor recreational options that will enhance their visit. Those options include:
- Scenic Cliff Lake
Cliff Lake is a short drive or walk from Wilderness Edge. This natural glacier lake is part of what is termed the “chain of lakes” beginning with the highest, Hidden Lake, then continuing down to Goose, Otter, Cliff and Wade lakes. Boating, canoeing and kayaking are favorite activities of our guests and Cliff Lake’s proximity to Wilderness Edge lends easy access to pursuing those endeavors.
- Boat/Canoe/Kayak/Paddle Board Rentals
Wilderness Edge maintains a dock and rents small boats, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards on Cliff Lake. Our boat launch facilities are operated under a special use permit with the Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest. Please access our Guest Resource Guide for current rental rates.
- Fishing
You have to go no further than Cliff Lake to enjoy fishing pristine rainbow trout habitat. Fly fishing, especially in the mornings and evenings, usually proves successful. Spin casting from shore or trolling also yields good catches during the season. Our staff can assist you with purchasing non-resident fishing licenses on-line, or guests can purchase them in advance by accessing the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website.
The Three Dollar Bridge fishing access site on the famous Madison River is only 6 miles from Wilderness Edge. Other stretches of the Madison River, the Henry’s Fork in Idaho, and waters in and around Yellowstone Park are within easy driving range. We will share our local knowledge on lakes and streams and help you decide where to go. In addition, we can help you make arrangements with a reputable fishing guide should that be your desire.
- Bird Watching
Opportunities to view dozens of bird species abound in and around Wilderness Edge. Please take the time to review this link (PDF) entitled “Bird Watching at Wilderness Edge”.
- Hiking
Wilderness Edge is surrounded by any number of access points to National Forest areas and trail networks. One such trailhead is located right on our property. This trail leads to Hidden Lake after a 6 mile hike that takes you through sub-alpine forests past the southern tip of Cliff Lake and passing by Otter and Goose Lakes. The road to the Cliff Lake is also a pleasant walk of just under a mile. Many species of birds inhabit the area right around Cliff Lake, along with moose, elk, deer, bear and otter. While bear sightings are rare, we strongly recommend that hikers carry bear spray while hiking trails in the general vicinity of Cliff Lake.
- Other Activites
Just relaxing and enjoying the solitude of Wilderness Edge has great appeal to many of our guests. However, we do have available some resources on the property that enhance daily activities. Guests may use our volleyball and half-court basketball facilities, horseshoe pits and a large campfire area for evening fellowship. Also, a “library” of various board games and puzzles are available for free check out at the Main Office. Horn Creek, a small spring-fed stream runs through the property and is very popular with children.