The Kootenai Experience
Nestled between two mountains, on the lush and rolling banks of Swan Lake, the private community of Kootenai is poised to become one of the most exclusive residential enclaves in the west. Just forty-two luxurious cabin homes—some historically significant, others brand new, all of them exquisite—will ultimately rise to stand beside the majestic Kootenai Lodge and stately barn that have been here for nearly a century. And it is here, along this half-mile ribbon of pristine shoreline where lake, creek and river meet, that the state's thousands of pleasures have been capture, concentrated, doubled, then poured out as the perfect example of what we call the Kootenai Experience.
The story of Kootenai begins in 1906 when a pair of Anaconda Copper Company executives—Lewis Orvis Evans and Cornelius "Con" Kelley—acquired 2700 acres of ideal wilderness in northwestern Montana. Intended as a summer hideaway for relaxing and fishing with friends, the property was laden with lakes, streams and rivers full of fish. Its forests were thick with game: bear, moose, elk, deer, bobcat, lynx, otter, fox, beaver, wolf. The land also held a large number of excellent parcels upon which the pair of Anaconda Copper men could build their summer homes. Yet there was never a question about which location held the most allure, charm and power, the most wondrous beauty...Kootenai.
Today’s Kootenai remains largely unchanged from the days when the Copper Kings roamed its grounds. It still billows with grassy knolls and scores of elderly cedar, lodgepole, cottonwood and ponderosa pine. Johnson Creek weaves through the wild grass and trees for a thousand feet before tumbling into the Swan. A waterfront beach stretches 2400 feet along Kootenai’s border. But moreover, the land’s clear capacity to refresh spirits remains thoroughly intact.
To glide along the emerald waters of Swan Lake and Swan River by canoe, kayak, pedal-boat or inner tube is a pleasure and privilege beyond measure.
To explore the invisible paths first traveled by Blackfeet and Kootenai Indians with your children or grandchildren is to etch memories upon the heart. To hike the surrounding mountains, fish these bountiful waters or simply relax on the inviting deck of Kootenai Lodge while taking in the grandeur of the Swan provides a soul-quenching joy like no other.
Whether residents want to mountain bike, powerboat, fish, cross-country ski or golf, every homeowner has the comfort of knowing that Kootenai’s comprehensive service team can facilitate any adventure. From the Recreation Director to the Concierge to the crew at the Evans Nature Center, Kootenai’s staff of professionals is here to make life in this idyllic lakeside haven even easier.
A visit to the charming village of Bigfork can only enhance the Kootenai Experience. With sidewalk cafes, homespun crafts, fine restaurants, art galleries, a repertory theater, cigar store Indian and an astounding 4th of July celebration, Bigfork is just ten minutes away. Farther out, the thrills of Blacktail Mountain, Glacier Park and the rest of the state’s many wonders await. As the jumping-off place from which to enjoy all the magic of Montana, there is no doorway to the Treasure State that is more beautiful or enchanting as the Kootenai.
