Sperry Chalet

Sperry Chalet is a mountain lodge in Glacier National Park built at about 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) elevation, featuring a two-story residential building and a separate kitchen and dining structure made of cut stone. The site sits away from roads and is accessible only by foot, keeping it a true retreat in remote terrain.

The railway company built this lodge in 1913 to provide overnight shelter for climbers and visitors exploring the backcountry. Following a major fire in 2017, it was reconstructed using the original stone walls while meeting modern safety standards.

The stone walls and layout show how travelers once stayed in remote mountain locations with minimal comfort. The buildings reflect a practical building approach that valued simplicity and durability over luxury.

The trail to reach the lodge runs about 7 miles from Lake McDonald and climbs through mountain forest. Visitors should expect basic conditions: no electricity, no running water, and no heat in the guest rooms.

The lodge was completely rebuilt after a forest fire, preserving the original stone walls and reusing them as the foundation for new construction. This reconstruction represents a rare blend of historic restoration and new building with current safety requirements.

Location: Flathead County

Inception: 1913

Architects: Cutter & Malmgren

Architectural style: rustic architecture

Part of: Great Northern Railway Buildings

Website: http://sperrychalet.com

GPS coordinates: 48.60492,-113.78637

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:51