Charming Lakeside Montana Airbnb is Straight Out of a Postcard

The Airbnb and VRBO vacation rental craze has cooled somewhat, with many travelers returning to hotels. As short-term rental fees climbed, and cleaning chore lists grew, the perceived value wasn't there anymore for many vacationers.

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Vacation rentals still get the win for one attractive reason. Location.

There aren't many hotels in Montana located directly on the bank of a gorgeous mountain lake. And while wildlife is common in the Treasure State, you probably won't see many elk, deer, moose, or wolves in the Hampton Inn parking lot. At the Kalispell area Airbnb featured in this story, you're much more likely to encounter wildlife, possibly just steps from the door.

Let's take a closer look at this quaint, picture-perfect Montana lakeside cabin rental on Ashley Lake near Kalispell.

Ashley Lake is about 50 minutes from Kalispell.

The unpretentious cabin evokes feelings of summer childhood getaways at the lake.

The water is a brilliant hue of sparkling blue.

Thanks largely to the mostly clay bottom of the lake, the water reflects an almost tropical color in the mountains of Montana.

Bring your fishing pole.

According to the vacation rental listing, Ashely Lake's deep, cold depths are home to "huge trout and salmon" (likely Kokanee, a landlocked type of sockeye salmon found in Montana).

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Room for six at your lakeside retreat.

The cabin rents for a reasonable rate per night. Most of July and August are already reserved, but we found a four-day weekend in early June available for $284 per night/four-night minimum. Our total with cleaning and service fees for the four-night stay came to $1495 + tax.

The views!

The view from the deck at this charming cabin getaway makes the experience special. Few hotels can offer this on-the-water view, and most Montanans can never afford to buy a place like this on a lake in the Flathead area. But we can get a taste for $300 per night, right?

Wake up and enjoy the serenity.

The Airbnb listing is noted as "off-grid", mainly because wifi is very slow and spotty on the property. It's not truly off-grid, as there is water, electricity, plumbing, and all the creature comforts of home. It sounds like a great place to unplug for a few days.

Did we mention the view?

Steaks on the grill, a bottle of wine or a cooler full of beer, and maybe a good book would all go great on this patio after a relaxing day of exploring the lake.

Look at that sparkling water.

Mountain lakes can be quite chilly, but we wouldn't care. On a hot August afternoon, we'd definitely be jumping into this water. See more pictures and complete listing details on this Kalispell area cabin HERE.