The Way Less Traveled Bed & Breakfast — Hotel in Eureka

I actually found this place by clicking on this tiny dot in the middle of nowhere on Google Maps. And so glad I did! The Way Less Travelled is a cozy off-the-grid home and bed and breakfast run by hard-working, wonderful hosts. The views are spectacular, only matched by the delicious breakfasts every morning. I can't say enough about the comfort/cleanliness of the house, the hospitality, and the endless things to do for the adventurous type.

We enjoyed spending a day in the busier area of the park (Going To the Sun Road) but were we happy we decided to explore more of GNP from this vantage point; we visited Bowman Lake, the Canadian border 3 miles north (good photo op and endless supply of skipping rocks on the river provided hours of entertainment for my boys), and McDonald lake. We made frequent stops at Polebridge Mercantile (The Merc) for treats, pizza, staple items, and a little fun out in the play area - they have kayak/canoe rentals, too.

We didn't see any bears but, at encouragement from our hosts, carried bear spray everywhere we went - including the yard around the house. Paul and Nancy had extra canisters for guests that don't bring their own.

I read some reviews that had mention of potholes and poor road conditions. We had no problems driving the posted speed limit with our all-wheel-drive rental - although we did have to slow down in areas. I suspect they've regraded the roads since those reviews were written; a little bumpy but not many potholes. We travelled in from Lake McDonald via Camas road, then N Fork road up to the house, then we left via the N Fork/Columbia Falls route. Note that there were some delays on the Camas road as they are building a kiosk and repairing the road there (July 2021).

There is no A/C in the house but that wasn't a problem - even in the middle of this hot summer, it never felt hot. At night the temp dropped in the 50s and we opened the screened-in windows. There were wildfires in the area - we could smell the smoke a little and on some days the views were hazy - but it didn't cause any health issues (one of our sons has asthma and was not affected) or detract from our enjoyment.

We not only want to return someday to spend more time here, but we are also inspired by ability of Paul and Nancy to live in such a beautiful, rugged area without piped-in utilities. A conservation mindset is second nature to them as the house runs off of solar energy (and generator when needed), well water, and septic tank - a reminder if we could all live a little more like that, we might be able take better care...

This is as good as it gets.||||North Fork Montana is a special place. I say this having traveled overland to many regions of the world we share. Your spirit will be at peace during your days in this region. Swimming in nearby Bowman Lake after a quiet hike amongst woodpeckers I'm fairly certain will absolve you of all your sins, this life and the next. ||||The Polebridge entrance was our favorite to use during our time in Glacier, which is more than reason can chart to visit this part of the world. It's around 45 minutes south of The Way, which you find along an enchanting, if a little bumpy, winding road skirting a rushing river and tall pines.||||Before you set off on the road to The Way, do stop in at one of the two saloons on the way to bathe in the warm air and local color. Do try one of the pastries at The Merc. Remove your watch and set your phone on do not disturb.||||Just as Nancy and Paul's website promises, this experience is that of a true Bed and Breakfast. No detail is overlooked. The longer you stay there, the more you become aware of the exquisite attention to décor and the care they've put into arranging your stay with them. The art. The quality of the toiletries. The way Nancy subtly replaces your towels and glasses while you are looking out at the mountains framing Canada's provinces beyond the pines. ||||Breakfast on the first morning is amazing, but it gets even better each day you let go of the reins and surrender to the quiet of North Fork. Coax Paul into donning his cowboy apron and firing up espressos as you look out onto deer playing outside the bright glass windows on the lawn. He knows his coffee beans and he can thin-slice you at a glance upon arising as to the dosage you'll need before heading out for the day. Nancy's glazed huckleberry pancakes were acclaimed as "world class" by my foodie girlfriend sharing the Lewis & Clark with me. There's nothing quite like lingering over a breakfast made with love while mountains invite.||||If you are a younger traveler, do find the time to listen to Nancy and Paul's way to this land and way in this land. They are wise and kind people.||||I hope to travel to North Fork and stay with Nancy and Paul every year for the rest of...

My wife and I stayed at the Way Less Traveled Bed and Breakfast for two nights. Make sure you have good tires going up the North Fork Road (mostly dirt/gravel) because believe me, it’s a bit of a rough road in places. Take your time and when speed racer flies up behind you, just give them room to pass. It’s beautiful scenery going up. When you do get there, you will meet Paul and Nancy who are the most wonderful hosts and such interesting people to talk to. The house is on a very secluded property and it is very beautiful, inside and out. Make sure you splurge and get the Lewis and Clark Room; the only reason I say this is because the view from the deck is amazing! I really didn’t want to leave there and do anything else; I could’ve sat on that deck all day. We did go hike Kintla Lake though, something else I would recommend. If you’re a stargazer, you are only 3 miles from the Canadian border and there is VERY little light pollution at The Way Less Traveled. If it’s clear, you can see many, many stars. We saw deer both days we were there, as well as other wildlife right on the property. Breakfast was delicious; those blueberry pancakes were amazing!

Some things to keep in mind:

This is a shoe-free house. This is understandable due to the conditions up there. If you like wearing shoes in the house, bring your house slippers with you.

They are totally off-grid there. They generate their own electricity or gather it from the sun. Please be considerate and unplug or turn off unused items.

There are grizzly bears there, no question about it. Even if you’re walking around on the property, you’ll want to carry some form of bear deterrent with you.

When we were there in Sept. of 2021 they were beta testing Starlink and had speedy internet with tons of bandwidth!

We will most definitely be back...