What Lives in Montana’s Forests?
Dive into the world of local wildlife and encounter fascinating species in Montana’s Glamping Cabins Resort - The Hohnstead.
If you’ve ever wondered what creatures call Montana (and The Hohnstead’s) wild forests home, you’re in for a treat. At our glamping cabins nestled deep in the woods, we’ve had front-row seats to some pretty incredible wildlife encounters—and we caught many of them on video! Whether it’s a majestic elk jumping around all drunk-like, or a deer hanging out in the company of elk, or animals trying to eat our wildcam — Montana’s forests are teeming with life and all we have to do is pay attention (or set up a hunting cam and go back to bed).
Meet the Locals: Animals of the Montana Woods
Elk
These massive creatures are among the largest land mammals in North America and are known for their haunting bugle calls during rutting season. Fun fact: A bull elk’s antlers can grow up to an inch a day in summer!
Black Bear
Yes, they’re here, but unlike Grizzly bears, Black Bears are usually more scared of you than you are of them. So wave your hands, yell, throw rocks at them, and they’ll sprint into the woods. Black bears are the largest land mammals we've seen on our property, and despite their name, their fur can be brown, cinnamon, or even blonde. They’re typically shy, solitary, and prefer to avoid people. In spring and early summer, you might spot one turning over logs or wandering the edges of meadows in search of berries or insects. They’re incredibly agile—able to run up to 30 mph and climb trees with ease!
Mule Deer & White-Tailed Deer
You’ll likely see deer if you spend even a little time hiking our trails. Mule deer, with their oversized ears, tend to stick to open forest edges, while white-tailed deer are a bit more elusive, darting off with their iconic tail flash. Keep your eyes peeled near dusk—they’re most active then. Recently, we’ve seen them hanging out in groups of 5-6.
Montana Red Fox
Graceful, quiet, and stunning in its red coat, the Montana red fox is one of our more photogenic residents. They’re clever hunters too—sometimes using the earth’s magnetic field to pounce on prey hidden below. We don’t spot them very often, but there is a good one captured in our Youtube Video here.
Coyote
Though often mistaken for wolves, coyotes are smaller and more vocal. We’ve captured a few on camera with their signature yipping and howling in the background. They’re highly adaptable, often hunting in pairs or solo, and are key players in keeping the rodent population in check (thank you coyotes for that!)
Sandhill Crane
These elegant, prehistoric-looking birds are a seasonal treat. Standing nearly four feet tall, with a distinct red cap and echoing calls, sandhill cranes migrate through our area in spring and fall. Seeing them glide across the sky in formation is nothing short of magical. Once you hear and identify one, you’ll never be able to forget that specialty call and moment.
Gophers & Squirrels
It wouldn’t be a proper Montana forest without some mischievous little ground dwellers. Gophers are expert tunnelers, aerating our soil like tiny, unseen farmers. As for squirrels, we have a few species, including the red squirrel and the northern flying squirrel. Who needs an alarm clock when you live in the forest full of squirrels :)
Recently, we spent a few months capturing wild critters that pass our property at one particular seasonal pond. Having a Wildcam do most of the shooting, when set on a movement setting, is one of the greatest joys. Going back to the camera a few times a week, feeling like a kid in a candy store, not knowing what you were going to get. Some footage was useless because an elk decided to move the camera, and it got nothing but a branch, moving in the wind. Some footage was at night, which was hard to see unless the animal was directly in front of the camera. And some footage was just right, making me feel like modern-day Snow White haha.
A Symphony in the Trees:
Birds of Montana
Grab your binoculars (or your longest camera lens)—the skies and branches above are full of colorful, charismatic birds. Here are a few of our favorites that we’ve photographed around the Hohnstead cabins over the years:
Hummingbirds – Tiny marvels of the forest, hummingbirds are like living jewels zipping through the air. Their wings beat so fast they create a soft hum, hence the name! In Montana, you might spot the Calliope or Rufous hummingbird, both boasting dazzling iridescent feathers in greens, reds, and purples. These little acrobats hover effortlessly while sipping nectar from flowers or feeders, and their high-pitched chirps add a magical soundtrack to warm summer days.
Steller’s Jay – With its bold blue feathers and punk-rock crest, this noisy bird is the forest’s gossip. It mimics other birds and sometimes even human sounds.
Evening Grosbeak – This stocky yellow-and-black bird travels in flocks and loves sunflower seeds. Their short, thick beaks are perfect for cracking tough shells.
Canada Jay – Also called the “whiskey jack,” these smart and friendly birds are known to follow hikers and scavenge snacks. They’re incredibly curious and a joy to observe.
American Robin – One of the first signs of spring, robins are excellent earthworm hunters and have a beautiful melodic song that’s hard to miss.
Western Tanager – A true forest gem, this bird flaunts bright yellow with a red-orange head. They may be shy, but their color makes them pop against the green trees.
Lazuli Bunting – Like a tiny piece of sky with wings, the male Lazuli Bunting is a dazzling blue beauty with a warm orange chest and white belly. These songbirds bring a splash of color and melody to the forest edge in spring and early summer. They favor shrubs and thickets and often sing from exposed perches.
Pileated Woodpecker – The forest’s drummer-in-chief, the Pileated Woodpecker, is impossible to miss. With its bold red crest, black-and-white stripes, and nearly crow-sized body, it looks like something straight out of a cartoon. You’ll often hear them before you see them—either their deep, resonant drumming echoing through the trees or their loud, laughing call. They carve out huge rectangular holes in dead trees looking for carpenter ants, and their excavations provide homes for other species long after they've moved on. A true symbol of wild forest life.
Great Horned Owl – The silent guardian of the night, the Great Horned Owl commands the forest after dark with its deep, booming hoots. Recognizable by its distinctive ear tufts—often called “horns”—and piercing yellow eyes, this powerful predator can take down prey much larger than itself, from rabbits to even other raptors. They’re masters of stealth and patience, blending into the shadows as they perch silently, watching over Montana’s woods.
Downy Woodpecker – Small but mighty, the Downy Woodpecker is the tiniest in Montana’s forests, but it makes up for size with its energetic drumming and sharp beak. With its black-and-white spotted wings and a bright red patch on the back of the males’ heads, it’s a lively and charming visitor at feeders and forest edges. You might catch it probing bark for insects or fluttering quickly between branches with a curious, busy energy.
Wild Turkeys – Though not originally native to Montana, wild turkeys have made themselves quite at home in our forests. You might spot either Merriam’s turkey, with its striking white-tipped tail feathers, or the Eastern turkey, which tends to have darker plumage. They forage for acorns, berries, and insects, skillfully blending into the underbrush while staying alert for danger. Strutting confidently across the forest floor, these social birds often travel in flocks and put on a dramatic display during mating season, with males fanning their iridescent tails and puffing out their chests (check out our recent encounter with two fighting stags we also caught on camera).
American Crow – Highly intelligent, social, and resourceful. Crows recognize faces and can even hold grudges. Trust us—they know who’s watching.
Bald Eagle – There’s nothing like the sight of this iconic raptor soaring overhead. They build enormous nests (some over a thousand pounds!) and return to them year after year.
Osprey – Often seen fishing along nearby rivers, ospreys dive talons-first into the water for trout. Watching them hunt is like witnessing a nature documentary in real-time.
Northern Goshawk – This fierce and elusive raptor is a true apex predator of the forest canopy. With blazing red eyes and lightning speed, goshawks are known for their agility, chasing down prey through dense trees with acrobatic skill. Spotting one is rare—and unforgettable.
Cooper’s Hawk – Sleek, stealthy, and built like a fighter jet, the Cooper’s Hawk is a skilled woodland predator. With its sharp talons and quick, darting flight, it’s often seen zipping through the trees in pursuit of smaller birds. They have a striking look: red eyes, a long, banded tail, and a steely blue-gray back.
If you’re looking for great Birding locations near Missoula, Montana (other than The Hohnstead, of course), check out this helpful post “Birding Around Missoula, Montana.”
If you’re a photography lover like me, check out these helpful 10 tips on “How To Photograph Nature.”
Come see for yourself why the Montana woods are so special—and maybe even catch a glimpse of some of these wild neighbors on your next visit to The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins.
10 Tips for Capturing Stunning Springtime Nature Photography
Capture stunning springtime nature photography with engaging tips for showcasing landscapes, colorful blooms, details, golden hour shots, movement, duality & more!
Let’s be honest, in Montana, spring takes its sweet time. Sometimes, we get a feel for it in March for a few hours. Some years, spring comes in April for a few days, and we hope so strongly that it just stays. We power through till May, when spring-like days make a regular appearance, but so does the white stuff. Yes, we may be OVER the white stuff come April or May or even in June, but to a photographer IT’S ALL DREAMY!
If you’re a unique type of person who enjoys the winter season (like me, in moderation), then you’ll love this Winter Photography Tips post with even more great photography tips to try out.
So go, dust off your old DSLR camera or a phone, place them in your pocket, go through these springtime photography tips, then get out there and photograph!
Springtime Photography Tip #1
Showcase the big picture
Hold your camera or phone in a landscape mode, use a higher aperture number (f8-f16), and showcase the vista! Don’t forget to include a subject in your photo and keep it away from the center. Extra points if your subject has a striking color/shape/details that help to separate it from the background.
Post processing tip: Blur around your subject to help eliminate distractions or help it stand out even further. It also has a miniature effect.
I love how just for a moment the sun came out in the middle of this forest. A vignette in post-processing helped to emphasize the light/darks contrast.
Springtime Photography Tip #2
Capture the Colors of Spring
Spring can be very colorful in a lot of parts of the world. We used to live in South Korea for 14 years, and each spring brought the ephemeral beauty of Cherry Blossoms. They lasted for maybe 7 to 10 days, so enjoying and capturing them was a frenzy at the end of March and the beginning of April. Montana, on the other hand, is colorful in its own ways. Think Arrowleaf Balsamroot blooms, Yellow Avalanche Lilly, Fireweed, and other wildflowers are always a pleasant surprise to discover here on the mountain or while on a hike. Then, grab your family members, request they wear complementary colors to your scene, set up your tripod, timer, and strike a pose!
Visit The Hohnstead and allow me to photograph your family with cabin vibes, forest-core concept.
Springtime Photography Tip #3
Focus on details
Try to place your viewer in your shoes. Is it muddy? Photograph your filthy hiking boots! Is it raining? Grab a photo of rain against the window, creating abstract designs of the reflections. Capture your wet dog doing the shake, or his muddy paws in the puddle/mud. Do you find yourself in the garden getting your hands dirty for the first time this year? Photograph those filthy fingernails or an action shot of your hands holding the soil with a tiny seedling. Discover and capture unearthed details of the forest as the snow has a tendency to reveal new rocks, pine cones, squirrel holes, new plants, or new buds on trees. Moss on logs and on trees can also look extra vibrant during this time of the year.
Springtime Photography Tip #4
Photograph during The Golden Hour
Use an app like PhotoPills to know when the sun’s glow is golden or more blue (Blue Hour). There are actually two times during the day when you can capture both hours - in early morning or in the evening. I prefer the evening since I like sleeping in :)
Why shoot during these times? Because the sun’s quality is pretty harsh otherwise, and the contrast between the lights and the shadows is greater. I know a local photographer who shoots exclusively during the Golden Hour, so her entire feed is one warm, glowy dreamscape. Look up Aleks @fotographed_
A rare sight here in the forest, but when you came across a view like this, you just have to run for your camera to preserve this perfect moment in time.
Springtime Photography Tip #5
Capture the movement of spring
If you’re near wildlife, spring is a great time to photograph animals in motion, whether they’re migrating birds or baby animals frolicking in fields. Capture flowers swaying in the wind for a sense of movement. A slightly longer exposure (1/60 or 1/30) will blur the flowers a bit, giving them a soft, dynamic feel. If you’ve got willing participants, you can also photograph people doing something active:
Morning Coffee: A guest relaxing with coffee on the deck, with spring greenery in the background.
Exploration: People walking down a trail or through a field, engaging with the natural beauty around them.
Activities: A picnic, outdoor cooking, or stargazing — these moments feel very “spring” and can evoke the joy of the season.
Last week’s email newsletter from The Hohnstead featured a fun story of how I was lucky enough to capture two stags fighting in the woods.
Springtime Photography Tip #6
Photograph the duality
Springtime is the time of contrasts, and if you’ve done your homework in winter, you should have an image or two that you can create in order to showcase the before (wintertime) and after (springtime). For us, here in Montana, winter returned on April 17 with about three inches of snow, so photographing (and being very nervous about losing them to frost) spring flowers in my garden became my duality shot. Then I walked over to our cabins (aka our girls) and loved how cozy they looked, enveloped in the layer of snow, almost like in a hug.
Love the idea of glamping in a cute A-frame in the woods? Check out our self-built, pet-friendly cabins in Bonner, Montana, where you can stargaze, unplug, soak in a hot tub, and complete a guest-favorite Scavenger Hunt.
“Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment.”
Springtime Photography Tip #7
Start a passion project
I love photography passion projects! Seven years ago, I did “33 Selfies Before my 33rd Birthday.” It was so much fun to plan, research, and create the different looks, which later became a photo book. A few years later, I did another photography passion project, featuring a crystal ball as the main subject. Taking it with me practically everywhere I went, I’m still in awe of the various creative photographs I was able to come up with.
A new photo project COULD BE in the works, haha, because without much planning, I’ve been capturing various critters and birds on THE SAME decorative rock in my garden. This rock is a total vibe!
Springtime Photography Tip #8
Photograph your daily chores/life
A photography passion project can be time-consuming, and even coming up with one can be quite a commitment to a single idea. Let’s not create any more stress in our lives and remember to treat photography as a fun and playful hobby. It can be quite unusual for you to start documenting your typical chores with a camera, but that’s where the magic of thinking creatively and outside the box starts. You want to start looking at the world from a camera perspective, think of angles you’d assume while photographing, the camera’s or phone’s settings can also play a role in how you capture your day-to-day.
Recently, Garrett and I needed to burn some piles of brush and trees, which normally get chopped down in the fall. Springtime is the perfect, wet and rainy time to burn these piles. Normally a very physical job with continuing to move branches and stumps onto piles, but bringing a camera along made it more fun (and more physically demanding, actually haha). My back had a lot to say that day, but for me, creating visually striking images, letting my brain play and use its creative muscles, is why I’ve been loving photography for the past 15+ years.
Springtime Photography Tip #9
Combine the tips
You can really unlock some creativity and thinking outside of the box if you combine the tips. Don’t go out to photograph, searching for the ONE THING like action or detailed shots of flowers, but be open to a lot of scenarios. In the above impromptu shoot, I wanted to document Garrett actively working on the burning piles. Once the fire started to grow and the coals became more obvious, I ran back into the house to grab my 300mm zoom lens, which allowed me to photograph the details without getting too close to the fire itself. You can probably feel the heat coming off these photos and I was being very careful avoiding squirrel holes in the ground and other obstacles.
As the fires subsided, I was able to see the smoke rise against the dark trees in the background and was able to create and abstract image like the one below.
Abstract combination of fire, smoke, and fire embers.
Springtime Photography Tip #10
Post-Processing
I love using Snapseed after I import my images from my Fuji camera to my phone via the Fuji App and Bluetooth (so convenient). The photos get automatically resized during the import, which saves me space. After editing, all the edited images end up in their own Snapseed folder, and I know exactly where the edited ones sit, so I can delete the other import folder to save on space.
Enhance Colors: Boost the vibrancy of greens and florals in post-processing, but avoid overdoing it — you want the images to feel natural. In Snapseed, go to Tools, Tune Image, then Saturation or Ambiance.
Play with Warmth: Adjust the white balance to add a bit of warmth to your images, especially if you want to enhance the golden-hour glow. In Snapseed, go to Tools, Tune Image, then Warmth.
Dig out the Details: Using the Details tab, then increase Structure a bit and Sharpening a bit, and watch the details pop.
Spring is the perfect time to get outside and capture the beauty around you. With golden light, vibrant flowers, and fresh green landscapes (even the occasional snow), there’s no shortage of photo opportunities. Whether you're photographing a cozy glamping cabin, the little details in nature, or candid moments of your family enjoying the season, the possibilities are endless.
So grab your camera, embrace the season's charm, and let your creativity bloom🌸📸
Mindfulness Activities for a Peaceful Retreat in Montana
Looking to deepen your connection with nature and find peace during your next retreat? In our latest blog post, we share 7 mindfulness activities that will enhance your experience, whether you’re hiking through the woods, stargazing under the night sky, or simply relaxing by the fire.
If you’re craving a break from the chaos of everyday life, a peaceful retreat in Montana might just be what the doctor ordered. Nestled in the heart of nature, with cozy cabins, towering trees, and skies so full of stars you’ll think you’re dreaming, Montana offers the perfect place to hit “pause” and practice some mindfulness. Whether you’re hiking, stargazing, or just hanging out by the fire, adding a little mindfulness to the mix can turn your getaway into a truly transformative experience. Here are a few fun and easy ways to bring mindfulness into your retreat in Montana!
Mindful Hiking
Who says hiking has to be a race? When you’re in Montana’s stunning forests, the journey is the reward. As you walk along the trails, slow down and pay attention to the little things—the crunch of leaves underfoot, the rustle of the trees, or the fresh mountain air filling your lungs. Just focus on each step, letting go of all the noise in your head. It’s not about getting to the end of the trail; it’s about soaking in the beauty and serenity along the way.
A great mindful walking exercise to practice in nature is called "Sensory Walk."
Here’s how to do it:
Find a quiet, peaceful trail or area in nature where you can walk without distractions.
As you start walking, focus on your senses—really tune into what you’re experiencing at each moment.
Sight: Notice the details around you—the color of the leaves, the way the sunlight filters through the trees, or the movement of clouds in the sky.
Sound: Listen closely to the sounds—birds chirping, wind rustling through the trees, or the crunch of leaves underfoot.
Touch: Feel the earth beneath your feet, the cool breeze on your skin, or the texture of the bark if you touch a tree.
Smell: Breathe in the fresh air—take a moment to notice any scents like pine, wildflowers, or damp earth.
Walk slowly and deliberately, paying attention to each step you take. With each step, feel the connection between your body and the earth.
If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your attention back to your senses and your surroundings. Let go of any distractions or thoughts that come up.
Walk for 10-20 minutes, staying focused on the present moment and the sensory experiences of the nature around you.
This mindful walking exercise helps ground you in the present moment, bringing you closer to the natural world and offering a peaceful, calming experience.
Check out our popular post about Missoula’s pet-friendly hikes.
Stargazing Meditation
There’s something magical about Montana’s night skies. Without the bright city lights, you’ll be treated to a show of stars like you’ve never seen before. Take advantage of this by making stargazing part of your mindfulness routine. Find a comfy spot, lie back, and just look up. Focus on the twinkling stars and let your thoughts float away like they’re little cosmic dust particles. It’s the perfect way to calm your mind and soak up the vastness of the universe.
A simple meditation you can do while stargazing is "Cosmic Breathing Meditation." It’s designed to help you connect with the vastness of the universe and foster a sense of calm and wonder.
Here’s how to do it:
Find a comfortable spot where you can lie back and fully take in the night sky.
Take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind. Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth, allowing any tension to melt away.
Gently bring your focus to the stars. Notice their vastness and the way they seem to shimmer and stretch across the sky. Feel the expansive energy of the universe around you.
Inhale deeply and imagine drawing in the energy of the stars, the vastness of the cosmos filling your lungs and body. Visualize this light and energy filling you with peace and calm.
Exhale slowly, releasing any stress or negative thoughts, letting them float away into the night sky. Imagine your breath connecting with the stars as they gently carry your worries away.
Continue this slow, rhythmic breathing for 5-10 minutes, focusing on the expansive sky above. Let your mind settle into the infinite space and feel connected to the universe.
This meditation helps to bring a sense of peace, perspective, and awe by grounding you in the present moment while embracing the beauty and vastness of the cosmos.
Do you know the difference between stargazing and star bathing? Learn more about it here.
Breathing by the Fire
After a day of exploring, what could be better than kicking back by a cozy campfire? But this time, let’s make it a little more mindful. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and listen to the crackling fire. Focus on the warmth of the flames, the smell of the wood burning, and the way the firelight dances in the night. With each breath, let go of any tension or stress. It’s like hitting the reset button for your mind.
Try this simple “4-7-8 Breathing Exercise”
Here’s how to do it:
Find a comfortable spot in nature, sit or stand tall, and close your eyes if you feel comfortable doing so.
Inhale through your nose for a count of 4 seconds, focusing on the air filling your lungs.
Hold your breath for a count of 7 seconds, allowing your body to relax.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 8 seconds, releasing any tension or stress.
Repeat this cycle for 3-5 rounds, and with each exhale, imagine releasing any tension, just like the breeze blowing through the trees. This simple technique can help calm your mind and bring a sense of peace.
Gratitude Journaling
One of the simplest yet most powerful mindfulness practices is gratitude journaling. Each day during your retreat, take a moment to jot down three things you’re grateful for. Maybe it’s the crisp morning air, the sound of a distant creek, or the peace you feel in the woods. Writing down these little moments helps you stay present and appreciative of the beauty around you. Plus, it’s a great way to remember all the good vibes when you’re back home.
Try these journaling prompts for when you’re in nature or forest bathing in the woods:
What do I notice when I pause and take a deep breath?
How does this landscape make me feel?
What can I learn from the plants and animals around me?
How does being in nature shift my mindset?
What am I grateful for in this moment?
Mindful Eating
Let’s be real—when you’re in the middle of a beautiful retreat, eating doesn’t have to be rushed. Mindful eating is all about slowing down and savoring every bite. Whether you’re munching on a trail mix snack or enjoying a hearty meal, really focus on the flavors, textures, and smells. It’s about being present with the food in front of you, and it’s amazing how much more you’ll enjoy it when you do.
Check out these recommendations for eating out in Missoula, Montana.
Forest Bathing
Have you ever heard of “forest bathing”? It’s not about taking a bath in the woods (though that would be fun!), it’s a Japanese practice of simply soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. Walk slowly through the trees, listen to the birds, feel the breeze on your face, and just be in the moment. Forest bathing helps reduce stress, boosts your mood, and makes you feel connected to the earth in a totally peaceful way.
Mindful Photography
If you love taking pictures, why not make it a mindful activity? Instead of snapping photos mindlessly, slow down and really observe your surroundings. Focus on the details—the way light filters through the trees, the texture of a moss-covered rock, or the vibrant colors of a wildflower. Mindful photography isn’t just about getting the perfect shot; it’s about truly appreciating the beauty of the moment.
Check out this post about capturing winter’s beauty through the camera lens.
Mindful Photography Exercise: "Capture the Moment"
Find a Peaceful Spot in Nature: Find a location that catches your attention—whether it's a wildflower patch, a quiet forest path, or a scenic view. Make sure you're comfortable and ready to focus.
Pause and Observe: Before even picking up your camera or phone, take a few moments to simply observe your surroundings. Look closely at the textures, colors, and patterns that stand out. Listen to the sounds around you, feel the air, and tune into what draws your eye.
Set an Intention: Choose one thing you want to focus on. It might be the light filtering through the trees, the way a flower petals move in the breeze, or the shapes in the clouds. Take a few deep breaths and set the intention to capture this one moment with full awareness.
Slow Down and Frame Your Shot: Instead of snapping a quick picture, take your time. Adjust your camera or phone settings, find the best angle, and really pay attention to how everything fits together in the frame. How does the light affect the mood? How do the elements interact with each other?
Focus on the Details: Mindful photography isn't about getting the "perfect" shot—it's about paying attention to the little things. Notice the texture of a leaf, the play of light on water, or the symmetry of a tree branch. Pay attention to how these details make you feel.
Capture the Moment: Once you've found your focus, take the photo. But instead of immediately looking at the screen to check the shot, take a second to fully appreciate the image you’ve just captured. Feel the gratitude for being present in that moment.
Reflect: After you take the photo, reflect on the experience. How did it feel to really slow down and pay attention to the world around you? Write down a few thoughts or emotions you experienced during your mindful photography session.
Montana is the perfect place to unwind, slow down, and practice mindfulness. Whether you’re hiking through the woods, gazing at the stars, or just sitting by the fire, mindfulness activities can help you make the most of your retreat and leave you feeling completely refreshed. By staying present and appreciating the small moments, you’ll leave with a sense of peace and relaxation that’s hard to beat.
So, are you ready to unplug, breathe deeply, and experience the calm of Montana? Book your cabin stay today and start your journey to a more mindful, peaceful you!
