Eagle Port Lodge Offers Open Door to Montana’s Backcountry

“It was a run-down resort when we purchased it, but it had amazing potential with 2,000 feet of waterfront with a view that was just spectacular,” Bertsch said. “It needed a lot of work, infrastructure wise, and we started working right away to improve the property.”

The energy put into rehabbing the property has been noticed by guests, and the 18-cabin resort is now one of the most popular accommodations in the Missoula metropolitan area. Guests can enjoy the lake through the use of complimentary kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards,, as well as bicycles to explore what lies beyond the resort.

Knowing they could share their hospitality with more travelers, the husband-and-wife duo sought to replicate their success with a greenfield property a few miles away from the crystal blue waters of Seeley Lake.

“Brian is a private pilot and brought his plane over from Seattle when we moved, so we needed to find a hangar to keep it in. When we visited Seeley Lake Airport (23S), we had never seen such a beautiful airstrip anywhere,” Bertsch said, noting that the runway runs parallel to the Swan Mountain Range—a picturesque view for those who visit.

“And after looking for around three years, we found a lot right in the middle of the airstrip where you can taxi right onto the runway directly. Originally, we were just going to build a hangar but because we are in the resort business, and it was such a beautiful setting, we decided to incorporate units above the hangar space and added a tower in the building as well.”

The purpose-built fly-in lodging the Bertsches built with local timber is called Eagle Port Lodge. The facility boasts five separate lodging units, including the three-story control tower that is outfitted with a partial kitchen, fireplace, and wraparound balcony that offers 360-degree views of the airstrip and nearby mountain peaks. 

Guests are able to book any of the five private units separately, or together as a package. In total, the on-airport resort sleeps up to 14 guests comfortably. Additionally, guests have the ability to utilize the 40-foot-by-80-foot hangar, which is adjacent to a large common area with restroom and outdoor barbecue that’s popular with those looking to entertain. 

“This is such a unique place for people to visit and our original plan was to service pilots that wanted to fly in and have a place to recreate,” she said. “There is just an unspoiled area of Montana that doesn’t have the population that the state’s parks (Glacier National Park to the north and west Yellowstone to the east) get.”

Seeley Lake Airport boasts a 4,575-foot-long-by-75-foot-wide turf runway and is 31 nm northeast of Missoula Montana Airport (KMSO). The airport is a perfect point of origin for those looking to explore the vast Montana backcountry by plane. 

“Also, what is attractive about Eagle Port Lodge to pilots is that you can fly over the biggest wilderness area in our country, the Bob Marshall [Wilderness Complex], which is a short flight from the airstrip,” she said. “And in recent years we have been seeing a rising number of pilots that are wanting to stay here, which allows them a place to put their plane with easy access to recreation.” 

Outside of flying, there are a number of things to do in the area. There is a courtesy car available for guests to use for local trips, so they can visit nearby bodies of water and hiking spots in the Mission and Swan mountain ranges. 

“We are in a chain of lakes that runs north and south between these two mountain ranges and there are some lakes around that are just incredible for fishing, and others that are more suited for water recreation,” Bertsch said. “Seeley Lake is the biggest, and it is a great spot for water skiing and fishing as well. There are some more remote lakes that are nice to visit as well and the Blackfoot River is just 15 minutes away, which a lot of guests visit and either float or fish on—with opportunities for guided trips.” 

There are also several watering holes and restaurants in the area, which are perfect spots to relax after an enjoyable day enjoying the outdoors. 

“Seeley is an old timber town, so there’s some historic taverns and a wonderful steakhouse, Lindey’s, that is actually a seaplane base,” she said. “There is so much for outdoor enthusiasts around here, and mountain biking is a big thing in the summertime. Then there is a ranch just 15 minutes away where people like to horseback ride. The winter hosts an incredible cross-country ski trail system, and ice fishing is a big thing too. The state owns the airstrip and plows it when it snows, so it’s accessible throughout the winter as well.”