Tags
Big Hole Basin, Buffalo Gal Hats, Bunkhouse Hotel, Hay Country, Mike Less, Montana, Nez Perce, Skijoring
As of the 2020 census, Jackson, Montana is home to 36 residents. But the little town expands and contracts with the seasons. Tourism brings people to the Big Hole Basin for hunting, fishing, and to play in the snow. The town is named for its first postmaster, Anton H. Jackson. The post office opened in 1896. Before fur trappers and soldiers invaded the region, indigenous peoples came for the healing qualities of abundant hot springs that pepper the valley. Beef and hay have historically sustained The Big Hole Valley, aka the Land of 10,000 haystacks. Across the valley is The Big Hole National Battlefield which marks the bloody site of an early morning ambush on the sleeping camp of Nez Perce Indians in 1877.
Unwittingly, my friends and I planned our trip without realizing that it coincided with the International Skijor Race in nearby Wisdom, Montana. The only lodging available for a 50-mile radius was at the Bunkhouse Hotel in Jackson. Built in 1908, this building has been beautifully refurbished with modern plumbing and an upgraded electrical system that bristles with outlets. The tiny community post office (the original one disappeared years ago) resides in the hotel lobby, along with a small fridge and microwave. Three small, private rooms plus a communal–but very clean–bathroom and laundry facilities take up the rest of the main floor. The second floor is rented out per bed, hostel-fashion, in the summer. It can also be rented exclusively for special events, for which it is well suited, complete with a bar and a buck! The only thing lacking was enough clothing hooks, but we improvised. Behind that clever shower curtain in the bathroom is a super clean shower/tub combo. We were very comfy here in our Goldilocks Suite with five beds for three people. And right across the street was the famous Jackson Hot Springs, bar and restaurant!
Perhaps the saddest thing was that a few days before we arrived, the Skijoring races were cancelled due to lack of snow. But it’s a fun town to meander anyway. While there, you can even order a custom-made hat at Buffalo Gal Hat Company and Gift Shop.
If you’re interested in the classic historic beaver slide haystack process, Farmhand Mike’s beautiful video is perfect. I recommend watching it full screen. Many ranchers still put up their one crop of hay per season in this way. However, I believe that the winch that controls the slide here, used to run off real horse power.
Rangewriter 
Only in America! Wonderful to come across this kind of place more or less by accident, and great photos. I want to play with that hay stacking combo!
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Haha. Yes. Only in America. And I think you keyed in on the coolest part of this post, the historic hay stacking that still occurs in this region.
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Very cool, Linda. Thanks for sharing. Keith
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My pleasure, Keith.
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Six people. Fascinating place, reminds me of Wayne, Alberta and the Rosedale hotel and last Chance Saloon. You can google it.The bedding is lovely, took a bit to adjust to the bright yellow, but it works. Did you meet any locals? Like the photos.
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Yes! So similar in genre. I think the bright yellow was useful, otherwise that room would have looked rather dark. It was fun and we chuckled every time we came ‘home.”
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what were the prices like?
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Well, during the summer, if you’re up to sharing your quarters with strangers, it’s just $39 per bed. We, however, did not have such a fine deal. The whole upper floor was automatically rented to us, so $39 x5. But we made liberal use of all the extra beds to string our stuff out. One thing that was lacking was hooks or hangers on which to hang clothes.
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Interesting area. I imagine the lack of snow (or too much in some places) will become the norm with our changing climate. I love your black and white photos!
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Yes! I believe skiing will become an anachronism in the near future. Thanks for the comment about B&W. Snow seems to sort of channel B&W imagery, don’t you think?
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What an amazing video re the haying method… Never seen anything like it.
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You know, I’ve lived in the western United States all my life and yet I’ve never witnessed that procedure either. By the time I was old enough to pay attention most ranchers used rectangular hay bales, each weighing 60-85 pounds. The tradition of loose hay stacks was long gone. That this has survived in Montana is a bit of a mark of pride for the state. But also, the climate and soil conditions in Montana are complimentary to this method of haying. I found it a fascinating video too, and found a few other videos to verify what this one shows.
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Rangewriter, you truly do roam the range in search of things to write about. I’m still stuck on communal bathroom. Communal: shared by all members of a community; for common use. Not a place for extended periods of meditation with a good book. 🤣 All unseriousness aside, I enjoyed this.
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No reading of War and Peace in the communal bathroom! And yes, I’m a bit of a gad about, aren’t I? Glad you enjoyed.
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Skijoring is popular here with a handful of competitions each year. They sometimes bring in snow if there isn’t enough. Sounds like a good trip and I’m sure it was nice to get away with friends.
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It was pleasant to be out n about.
A bet there were some Colorado competitors who were planning on attending this competition. I don’t think Montana has ever had to consider a lack of snow until now. They may have to plan differently in the future.
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