Best Mindfulness Retreats: Feathered Pipe Ranch in Montana

By VI Staff on May 14, 2020 - Updated

Courtesy of Mariusz Blach - Fotolia.com

Nestled in the heart of the Montana Rockies, Feathered Pipe Ranch is one of the oldest centers for yoga retreats in the country and offers an array of workshop experiences and yoga retreats in a picturesque setting. Feathered Pipe Ranch offers comfortable, rustic accommodations, ranging from tents and tipis to chalet-style rooms, a variety of meditation, bodywork and yoga programs and myriad activities, including swimming, canoeing, bird watching and hiking. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.

1.Accommodations

Feathered Pipe Ranch features a selection of private or shared accommodations ranging from tipis, tents and yurts nestled in the forest to chalet-style rooms with modern conveniences. All accommodations include meals and the use of the Ranch’s amenities, including the bathhouse, hot tub, sauna and the beautiful grounds.

Exuding the rich character of a bygone Western era, the Main Lodge features four spacious bedrooms with private bathrooms and a spacious, wood-beamed main hall and library for guests to use.

The Lake Cabin is a beautiful two-bedroom cabin with double beds, two en-suite bathrooms with showers and baths, and a spacious living room with large bay windows boasting stunning views of the Peace Garden. A second lounge off the master bedroom looks has an outside deck for sunset viewing or socializing with friends, and a fully equipped kitchen has all the appliances and utensils necessary for comfortable vacation living.

The Teachers Cabin is nestled in the trees next to a small brook and features two one bedroom mini-apartments with comfy queen-size beds with deluxe linens, private bathrooms with showers and baths, and cozy living spaces and a shared kitchenette. Ceiling fans and central heating add extra comforts.

2.More Accommodations

Boasting spectacular views of the Ranch, the Lake, and the northern Rocky Mountains, the Ranch Chalet features rooms with handcrafted wood flooring and walls, soft lighting, and central heating. Bedrooms have comfortable queen-size beds with crisp linens and private and shared bathrooms with showers and baths. A common verandah on the upper floor and a wide deck on the ground floor offer peaceful places to relax.

The Honeymoon Cabin is tucked away in the forest near the Teachers’ Cabin and offers a rustic, romantic ambiance with front porch and bedroom for two and a private bathroom with shower and bathtub. The close proximity to the bathhouse offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the hot tub and the sauna.

The Sai Condo is set deep in the forest and offers extra levels of privacy with large floor-to-ceiling windows and gorgeous views. A comfortable bedroom and an extra bed cater for up to three guests, and restroom and shower facilities are a short walk away.

Glass domed yurts with canvas ceilings, raised wood flooring, comfortable furnishings, and lovely views of the surrounding landscapes cater for up to two guests, while tipis offer a real escape into nature with elevated cots and ‘eye-in-the-sky’ canvas ceilings for asleep under the stars.

Feathered Pipe Ranch also offers tent accommodations for those guests who prefer to ‘rough it’ with access to the nearby bathhouse, sauna, and hot tub.

3.Things to Do

The Feathered Pipe Ranch is surrounded by a million acres of mountainous wilderness - the Helena National Forest – which is home a plethora of wildlife and bird species and offers a vast range of outdoor and recreational activities to enjoy.

Activities include hiking one of the many trails in and around the Ranch that meander past gurgling mountain brooks, abandoned homesteads, highland wildflower meadows, and stunning lake views. Some of the trails to be enjoyed include the Lower Loop Trail, the Sky Farm Peak Trail, the Boulder Creek Falls Trail, and the Bear Meadow Trail. Water-based activities range from swimming, canoeing and paddling on the lake to wandering along the lake’s shoreline and bird-watching for species such as wood ducks, sparrows, and meadowlarks.

Feathered Pipe Ranch has on-site massage and bodywork specialists that offer a broad range of massage and bodywork to suit every guest need for deep states of relaxation, stress relief, and healing.

Cultural excursions include exploring the beautiful 19th-century architecture of Montana’s capital city, the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, and delicious local food can be enjoyed at the Real Food Market & Deli.

4.Weddings

Set amidst wildflowers and natural gardens with beautiful vistas over the shimmering lake, the Feathered Pipe Ranch offers the perfect setting for weddings receptions and other special occasions. The Ranch provides a range of venues to cater for every need from the lawn at the lakeside for outdoor gatherings to the spacious Lodge, with its high rafters, spacious balcony and great crackling fireplace for cozy indoor functions. The Ranch’s main room can accommodate up to 80 guests for dinner, and two large white tents can be used for outdoor dining in summer. The Feathered Pipe Ranch kitchen serves freshly prepared gourmet cuisine in a variety of menus from buffet-style feasts to set table menus. Custom made wedding cakes can be made to order.

2409 Bear Creek Road, Helena MT 59624, Phone: 406-442-8196, website

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