A few things to know about The North Fork Hostel & Inn

…that are good to know:

Check in between 5:30 PM and 9 PM

Make prior arrangements if you need a late check-in!

Check out before 10 AM

Please, leave room or cabin as you found it. Return pillowcases, etc. to hamper.

Electricity: We get our power from the sun but our system is fairly small. We encourage you to use the electric lights (especially until you get used to the  propane lights) and prefer it in the wash and shower room. Please, always turn all lights OFF after use. Charging power for your devices only works during the power hour. (check with Oliver, usually between 7 & 8 PM)

Shower hours: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 10 PM (Hot water not always available)  The shower has electric light, you find the switch to the left of the light fixtures above the sink.  Please conserve water: We are in a fragile environment: Low groundwater table & flood plains. So, limit your time and water use, be respectful to those after you and use squeegee after each use; Please keep shower door propped open so air can circulate. Shower for hostel guests only.

Kitchen hours: 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 10 PM (Please, respect quiet times) Always clean up after yourself and be respectful to others; There is a guest refrigerator for your use. Please mark and date all your food. If you leave foodstuff behind date and mark “free” so it can be safely shared with other guests. Wash all your dishes, wipe counter and stove top immediately after use! Use blue tubs. Wash, Rinse, Sanitize. Help conserve water and energy!

Please recycle: Aluminum cans in blue recycle bin. Glass bottles in card board box, there is no glass recycling but it makes life easier as we have to haul all garbage to Columbia Falls; Egg shells (they compost better if burned) and paper in paper bag. Because this is bear country please no cooked or processed FOOD scraps in compost pail – only coffee, tea and raw, uncooked matters (in doubt throw in trash or ask Oliver).

How to light propane lamps: Please familiarize yourself with them first and ask for assistance if in doubt: First light match (make sure you have a solid and big flame) hold it to the mantle (make sure only the flame, not the match, is touching the mantle) and turn gas on (lever/ knob on side of lamp) For your safety, do not turn gas on first and do not blow out! Oliver loves to show you how to light the lamps safely!

Sheets and Towels are normally not provided but are available (Ask for help) for a fee! Always use bedding or sleeping bags! Pillow cases (No charge) are next to the kitchen in the Hallway; Please return pillow cases and sheets to hamper after use. Hang towels to dry.

Toilets are Outhouses! You find them in backyard, there is also a urinal! Only toilet paper and human waste goes down the hole! Absolutely no plastic or hygiene products in pit please, they belong in the trash! Keep lid closed to keep smell down and remember: Changing toilet paper rolls does not cause brain damage!

quiet, inexpensive accommodation since 1979

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.

Propane 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 and allows recharging of  your devices during the power hour. A propane cooking range and 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. You can make reservations online, by email or give Oliver a call at the hostel.

All guests may use the amenities of the hostel. These include a living room, shower, and kitchen and refrigerator facilities.

Your friendly hostelmeister is Oliver. He has traveled the world extensively and understands hosteller’s needs. He is fluent in English, German and sometimes Italian and Spanish. you can make reservations online, by email or give Oliver a call at the hostel.

the Goat Chalet

It is called the goat chalet because, as the story goes, John used to house a couple of goats in there at one point, but today it is my most favored rental cabin at the hostel.

inside the goat

It has a queen size bed, a potbelly stove for heat and a small table with two chairs.

Tipis

For a little more plush camping we have a tipi available that sports a double bed but still has a dirt floor and lets you experience all the night sounds. A small fire is possible if we’re not in the middle of a forest fire season. Only available in July and August.

Klondike Kate’s Koffee House

Then, there is Klondike Kate’s Koffe House, not named for the building but for a business that John used to have up in Alaska in the old days. We used to call it the “mod” for modern since it is a frame structure that used to be towed around logging sites.

Klondike Kate’s has a queen bed and a full size futon couch that functions as a second bed to make you comfortable and a table with two chairs.

activities

No matter what your activity, bring your camera and binoculars. Wildlife is plentiful here. You might see deer, moose, elk, mountain lions, wolves, eagles or bears from the hostel windows. Only wolverines have not been seen from the hostel windows yet.
Hike or backpack along Glacier’s Continental Divide or the forested trails of the Whitefish Range.
Ski Logan Pass in late June when Going-To-The-Sun Road opens. (Cross-country skis and boots may be rented at the hostel.
Bicycle up from West Glacier on the inside park road to the hostel, then explore Polebridge and the surrounding area.
Fish or swim the federally designated wild and scenic North Fork of the Flathead River or beautiful Kintla and Bowman Lakes.
Help with trail maintenance, go on a hike or attend one of the other activities sponsored by the North Fork Preservation Association.

private rooms upstairs

Upstairs we have a private room, formerly known as the family room. It combines the convenience of being inside the main lodge and having your private space. The only challenge you have to face are the very steep stairs, especially on a nightly trip to the outhouse.

This room has two full size beds, which means plenty of room for a couple or a two individuals!
$80 + tax a weeknight for two, occupancy 2-4 people (add $30 for each additional person). Add $10 a night for Friday and Saturday nights.

The outhouses

¡Outhouses!:
No plastic or hygiene products in pit please, they belong in trash. Human waste only
Keep lid closed!
And: It is OK to pee in the woods! Birds do it, bears do it, moose do it, why not you?
Also: Remember: Changing toilet paper rolls does not cause brain damage!

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Bedding and towels

Sheets and Towels are normally not provided but can are available (Ask for help) for a small charge;

Always use bedding or sleeping bags!

Pillow cases (No charge) are next to the kitchen in the Hallway;

Please return pillow cases and sheets to hamper after use. Hang towels to dry!

 

The shower

Shower hours: 7 AM  to 5 AM and 5 PM to 10 PM

(Please, respect quiet times; hot water may not be available after hours)

The shower has an electric light, you find the switch to the left of the light fixture above the sink.

Conserve water: We are in a fragile environment: Low groundwater table & flood plain, so please limit your time and water use, be respectful to those after you and use squeegee after each use.

Please prop door open with little stool so the room can air out.

 

The Green Zucchini

Another small little gem for the financially challenged is the “Green Zucchini” also called pickle by some. A homemade trailer from the ’50s that barely survived the ’95 flood. Because it has drafty windows and no heat it is only available during July and August. The bed just barely big enough for two has been my home for many summers during my early time but it still enamors special visitors.

bed in the green zucchini

inside the green zucchini