Grand Award Winner: The Ranch at Rock Creek

Taking its name from a blue-ribbon trout stream that flows out of the wilderness along the Continental Divide, The Ranch at Rock Creek is surrounded by a magnificent 6,600-acre property. Nine conventional rooms are housed within Granite Lodge, a log-and-stone structure that contains the dining room, a rustic lounge, a spa and a sod-roofed “saloon.”

A quarter-mile away is a barn (with two lodgings), a romantic log cabin and eight wood-and-canvas cabins bordering the creek. These look like tents, but are warmed by gas fireplaces and contain plush beds that let you fall asleep listening to the water flow by. Luxurious private bathhouses are just steps away. Finally, two log homes offer three and five bedrooms, respectively.

Bluebird Cabin is the most romantic spot on the ranch, positioned for privacy at the edge of the rushing creek. And we envied the guests who had reserved the Trapper cabin, located a quarter-mile upstream from the other creekside lodgings, with a large etched-glass window facing the creek and a private streamside veranda, where a deep hot tub invites open-air soaks.

We were consistently pleased with the meals from the ranch kitchen. One evening we had George’s Bank sea scallops with white bean purée, cashew romesco sauce and braised leeks, and a perfectly done Montana rib eye with white cheddar gratin and grilled asparagus.

Overall, this is a fine new property, and it joins a select list of Montana retreats where you can experience the thrill of the great outdoors, but still eat exceptionally well and sleep soundly in sophisticated comfort.