Moss Mountain Inn

06/02/2026

The Pretty shooting star (Dodecatheon/Primula pulchellum) shoots through the grass in late May and early July. These cute little bright pink flowers pop off the green grass in wet areas and if you don’t look closely for them they are easy to miss, because they are so small. They are part of the primrose family and can vary from magenta to white. There are multiple flowers that sprout from one stem with no leaves coming off. They pollinate in a slightly different way than most florals requiring specific vibrations to release its pollen. This makes the bees have to buzz a certain way in order to get their hard earned prize and bring it back to their hive. It’s fun to see these Pretty Shooting Stars on walks and appreciating the big punch they pack in such a tiny package. (Britannica)

❤️

06/01/2026

Spring is the time bears are moving around hungry with possibly new cubs so take corners slow and loud.

06/01/2026

Though Going to the Sun road is closed past Avalanche it is open to bikers and hikers. It is an amazing ride but be bear aware.

Logan Pass parking lot is almost entirely clear of snow! Be sure to get outside and enjoy these last few weeks of biking a vehicle - free road. Weekend weather will include thunderstorms and rain, so please review weather forecasts, prepare, and adjust accordingly for your recreation plans. Whether on rivers roads or trails, plan ahead and know before you go!

06/01/2026

WMR is open for business. Worth a Trip while you're visiting MMI.

05/29/2026

Echoes in the Barn
In the fields where the wildflowers sway,
Stands a barn with stories tucked away.
Rusty hinges creak, and the windows sigh,
Whispers of the farm where the old seeds lie.
Once it held laughter, and hay bales high,
Now just the sparrows and soft breezes fly.
With every shudder, memories play,
Of days long gone, in the sun's warm ray.
So come take a listen, lean in close, dear,
To the rustling barn where past feels near.
Each gentle rustle, each fading sound,
Speaks of a harvest, a love profound.

❤️

05/28/2026

The Grizzly Bear! Just saying the name sets people on edge and feel like there should be dramatic background music. Even the Latin name instills fear for the more studious: Ursus arctos horribilis and it is said that ancient northerners were so scared to speak the true name of the animal that they referred to it as the “brown one” or Bero (in proto-germanic) leading to our modern term “bear”. Yet there are few people and bear interactions currently, and of those interactions many result in the bear running away. Grizzly bears are much larger than black bears, have a large hump above their front shoulders, a dished nose, and small rounded ears. Their coats are often lighter, though not always, and they are more prevalent in rural and mountainous regions. We caution bear safety and awareness when visiting Montana, as we are both rural and mountainous, with the added protection of noise and bear spray you’ll likely not have an interaction with these intimidating animals.

The grizzly bear along with most every other usable animal was hunted to near extinction during the westward expansion in the 1900s. In hopes of restoring this magnificent animal the Fish and Wildlife department created a re-introduction process in six different rural locations to help bring the species back to stable population numbers. There are currently a little under 2,000 recorded grizzlies compared to the 700 after westward expansion. Though these animals may be scary, they are part of the ecosystem and play a role like all things. Bears promote biodiversity in an environment with keeping populations in control, spreading seed, digging up the soil, and overturning rocks. A healthy bear population indicates a healthy and balanced ecosystem. We respect these large beautiful animals here in Montana and feel special whenever we are allowed a glimpse of them from a safe distance. (fws.gov)

(photo - Britannica)

💡 ❤️

05/27/2026

“You’ll never catch the sunset sittin’ in the shade.”
-unknown

❤️ ❤️

05/26/2026

We have two kinds on native clematis here in Montana. The Blue Virgin’s Bower (Clematis occidentalis) and the White Virgin’s Bower (Clematis ligusticifolia). The blue virgin's bower is fun to spot in open forested and rocky areas around Montana. Its soft purple-blue flowers dot the forest understory as the vines weave their way up trees and shrubs. They can be tricky to spot but once you see one they tend to suddenly multiply all around you from the ground to up over your head.

Though pretty to look at and great for ornamental garden use these plants have irritating qualities and are poisonous to dogs, cats, and horses. However, it does offer some medicinal properties when properly prepared. Many Indigenous peoples used the plant for kidney issues, skin conditions, cold and fever aid, and treating wounds. The strong vine was used for cordage and basketry with due caution to avoid the skin irritation compound, and the fluffy seed heads were great fire-starters.

Due to the irritable properties of blue virgin's bower its use shifted away from the medicinal properties to a native garden highlight and restoration use. The strong vines and root system aids in preventing erosion and provides micro-habitats for small animals and other plants. The flowers offer long-term pollen access during the summer to pollinators while small birds find protection for their nests in the vine system. A big shout out to this intertwining plant for all it offers to us and the environment. (plantnative.org)

❤️
(photo by whispering peaks photography)

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day!

Instituted in 1868 after the civil war to honor the fallen soldiers it now encompasses all of the U.S. Military members, especially those fallen in service.

We want to commemorate all the soldiers and military brothers, sisters, moms, dads, sons, and daughters. We thank all those that gave service to our great nation, those that are still in service, and those that never came back. Our heartfelt support and remembrance goes out to you and yours from Moss Mountain Inn.

❤️ ❤️

05/25/2026

We have the privilege of hosting "Coffee with the Chamber" on June 2nd at 8:30 am. We welcome anyone who wants to pop by for some coffee, tea, sweets, and a look at Moss Mountain Inn.

Coffee with the Chamber helps local businesses network with others in the community and helps spread awareness of what is out there and who is behind the scenes. We would love to get our name out there and help others do the same. Plus we love to show off our beautiful property and Chalet!

❤️