Rocky Point Ranch Bed and Breakfast

The Rocky Point Ranch Bed and Breakfast is located on the far western side of Montana, about 40 miles from the Idaho state border. The lodge is 15 minutes from Thompson Falls, Montana, and the Clark Fork River runs adjacent to the property. The bed and breakfast sits on 50 acres of land near various outdoor attractions. Guests can hunt, fish, hike, kayak, bird watch, and engage in several other recreational activities within the national forest of the Cabinet Mountains. The ranch has six bedrooms, all individually themed and decorated. A gazebo and dance floor are available for weddings, and a large covered barbeque area that can seat up to 40 people occupies a portion of the location's acreage. It should also be noted that a hot breakfast is served every morning in the Dining Room from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. by reservation. 

About

Rocky Point Ranch Bed and Breakfast is 7000 square feet lodge with six rooms, all themed and decorated in a "rustic and unique style," explains the owner. Each room has varying bed sizes and amenities. The owner mentions that a popular room is the David Thompson room, which was named after the Canadian explorer. The David Thompson room has a private entrance and is the only room that is handicap accessible. The Paradise Room is also popular because of the king-size bed and the large jetted tub, as observed by the owner. The owner mentions that the Paradise Room is most commonly reserved by couples who are typically celebrating anniversaries. 

Visitors at Rocky Point Ranch can spend their time in the Great Room, a large family room with a fireplace, seating, and a large-screen TV. The lodge also has a 2000-square-foot wrap-around porch that provides guests with outdoor seating and views of the mountains. Breakfast is served in the dining room every morning at a large log table that seats 14, which includes a full-size taxidermy black bear at the table. There is no formal menu, and the meal varies daily depending on the preference of those staying at the ranch. The owner asks that those who stay at the ranch inform the staff about any dietary restrictions during the reservation process so that the chef can make the necessary accommodations. 

The property sits on 50 acres of land, characterized by a firepit with seating for around 12 people and a 12-foot high rock water fountain that can be used for receptions and weddings. The ranch itself is near various outdoor activities in the encompassing area. Volleyball, pottery classes, skeet shooting, birdwatching, and horseshoes are all common pastimes found within the vicinity of the bed and breakfast. The Clark Fork River allows guests to kayak, raft, and swim, among other water recreation. Additionally, a beach area can be found alongside the river that guests can enjoy. Furthermore, a private boat ramp protrudes into the Clark Fork River, which people who stay at the ranch can use to launch kayaks, boats, paddle boards, and rafts. Guests staying at Rocky Point Ranch can also access various hiking trails in the Cabinet Mountains. Visitors should know that hunting and fishing excursions can be booked through Rocky Point Ranch.

In the nearby town of Thompson Falls, there are several restaurants and stores. The owner mentions that they specifically suggest Minnie's, a local café found in Thompson Falls; Big Eddy's, a bar and grill with outdoor seating and a river view; and Rimrock Lodge, a local restaurant and lounge that has an unobstructed view of the river and a collection of mining artifacts. 

Culture

The owners say they want their visitors to "relax and enjoy nature" at Rocky Point Ranch. They mention they try to treat the people who stay at the ranch "as family members." The owner says that they are in the mountains, secluded from the town, which can create an opportunity to "mentally get away from busy lives and schedules." The owners, Sam and Patti, say their goal is to create a "friendly and casual atmosphere." One former guest appreciated the hospitality of Sam and his wife, Patti, as this former patron commented in a review, saying, "The accommodations were very up-to-date, yet quaint and comfortable. The hospitality was great, and the grounds were beautiful and well thought out. Great place for weddings, family reunions, or a quiet retreat." Sam says that he and his wife enjoy interacting with their guests and hearing about their stories while also telling their own.

Several events can occur at Rocky Point Ranch, the most common being weddings, reunions, and memorials. On-site is a large parking lot available to visitors throughout the course of their stay. The owner mentions that the 50 acres of land offer space sufficient for RVs and trailers. 

The owners have a couple of policies that they ask those who are staying at the ranch to follow. Pets are allowed, but they must remain on a leash inside the house. Visitors are to refrain from smoking inside the house; however, smoking is permitted outside the home as long as it does not interfere with other guests' enjoyment. There is a quiet time after 10:00 p.m., and people staying at the ranch are expected to keep noise to a minimum after this designated time.

The demographic of people staying at the Rocky Point Ranch can vary. Sam comments that they primarily receive travelers that use their bed and breakfast as a quick stay before going to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone Park. Another attraction is the Bison Range, which is an animal sanctuary and home to about 200 head of Native American Buffalo.

History

The current owners, Sam Bernhardt and Patti Jones-Bernhardt, met in San Jose, California, in July 2000. Sam worked for a pharmaceutical company for 35 years, while Patti worked at Ames Research Center for NASA. That same year, Sam and Patti bought the 50-acre land ten miles outside of Thompson Falls, Montana. After retiring, Sam and Patti were still looking for something to keep them active. They eventually decided to build a house that would be big enough for their two families. After some time, they decided to develop the home into a bed and breakfast. In the year 2006, Rocky Point Ranch was officially opened for business. 

Every year the owners have tried to add upgrades and improvements to the property. This last year they started building a short driving range for golf to "work on chipping or short iron accuracy," explains the owner. They started this project because of their interest in golf. Some of their other interest includes old classic cars and old farm rust collection. 

Initially, the property saw more hunters and fishermen, but now they encounter a wide variety of visitors at their bed and breakfast. Sam mentions that he and his wife love interacting with their guests and getting to know the people who stay with them at Rocky Point Ranch as they try to help them "enjoy the Montana experience."