The North Fork Hostel: quiet and rustic accommodations in Polebridge, Montana since 1979

Welcome in 2026!

Our mission is to provide the best possible experience and create a sanctuary for all people within our planetary boundaries and educate and inspire our guests with solutions to our environmental and social crisis.

“Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell“

~ Edward Abbey

“A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone.”

~ Henry David Thoreau

Overview Hostel Rules

Availability & Reservations

About Us

Located in the North Fork Valley just west of Glacier National Park, the North Fork Hostel offers guests a choice of accommodations in an old-fashioned, old world atmosphere. It’s a place to get away, relax, meet new friends and enjoy the beauty of Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest.

No cell service or wifi internet. Propane or solar lights brighten your nights (there’s no electricity in Polebridge). Although the area is off the power grid, the hostel has a small solar system to recharge your devices. A propane cooking range and propane refrigerators are available to make your food preparation easier after you have spent an exciting day exploring the area.

Visitors from all around the world enjoy our facilities. It is not uncommon to begin your day by having a fascinating conversation with travelers from other countries while enjoying your morning coffee.

All guests may use the amenities of the hostel. These include a living room, shower, and kitchen and refrigerator facilities. Bedding and Towels are normally not provided but can be rented for a fee.

Your friendly hostelmeister is Oliver. He has traveled the world extensively and understands hosteller’s needs. He is fluent in English, German. Reservations only, at least 3 day in advance. Questions? Give Oliver a call or send an email.

Where to stay

Square Peg Ranch

The log home rental is just north of the “Polebridge Intersection” on the left. Look for the sign “Square Peg Ranch”. From this rustic cabin, you can view the majestic Livingston Range in Glacier National Park, with Spring Creek just outside the cabin’s doors. The log home is one mile (1.6 km) from the Polebridge entrance to Glacier National Park.

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The Hostel

A large downstairs shared living room, a warm and pleasant, fully-equipped community kitchen and the spiffiest outhouses on the North Fork. (The interior art is interesting — look for John’s college diploma.) (more…)

Camping

You set up your own tent and still have access to all amenities.

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Oliver’s Blog

Find Us

LAND LINE
+1 406 888 5241
MOBILE PHONE
+1 406 253 4321
EMAIL
please use Contact Form
ADDRESS
80 Beaver Drive
Polebridge, MT 59928
2026 SEASON
Memorial through Labor Day
Check In between 5 and 7 pm
Check Out before 10 AM
Hostel closed 10 AM – 5 PM
DIRECTIONS
The North Fork Hostel & Square Peg Ranch is located on the western edge of Glacier National Park, 1/4 mile (1/2 kilometer) southeast of the Polebridge Mercantile at the end of Beaver Drive (follow the signs). Taking Camas Road through Glacier Park avoids a rough gravel section of the North Fork Road, you do not need a reservation to access the hostel this way.
The North Fork Road from Columbia Falls to Polebridge is route 486, a gravel road with sections of pavement.
Try to arrive during daytime to appreciate the views and to locate the North Fork Hostel & Square Peg Ranch easily.
The Square Peg Ranch is in a different location than the hostel, you find it about 500 yards north of the Polebridge intersections on the west side of the North Fork Road.

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3 days in advance advised

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Happy Customers

Quaint spot tucked away across from Glacier N.P.
My wife and I rode our mountain tandem bike over Whitefish Divide and camped at the North Fork Hostel. I emailed Oliver the day before that we were coming and he told us to make ourselves at home as he would be home from work after 5:30.
We showered (quickly), pitched our tent and took in the area before Oliver arrived.
The hostel is off the grid. Solar power. Propane gas. Outhouses.

If you look beyond the rough edges, Polebridge is a gem of a place to visit. At night, we were at the saloon in town as the sun and moon finally set. There are not many outside lights in Polebridge. It was a clear night and the stars came alive. My wife who is visually impaired could actually make out stars and the Milky Way. Of all of the nights on our cycling adventure, that was the most magical.

The North Fork Hostel is very very cyclist friendly.

John Baker TN Sept ’17 on TripAdviser

I stayed here for one night in August of 2023 after backpacking in the North Fork area of Glacier National Park. I slept in the bunk bed room. I was the only person there on a Friday night. Oliver is the best. I enjoyed my stay. It’s within walking distance of the mercantile and saloon. John (from Cincinnati)

John Couch Oct. ’24 on google