The Green O: Unforgettable Food, Activities and Relaxation in Montana

Location:

Nestled discreetly within the vast Paws Up Ranch in western Montana, The Green O is a hidden gem. Despite its remote feel, it's surprisingly accessible, just a 35-minute drive from Missoula, Montana Airport.

Arrival:

If you are coming from the East coast of the US, be prepared for a full day of travel and extend your stay accordingly. Upon arrival at the Missoula airport, you will be greeted by the resort's transfer service. The resort is about a 30-45 minute scenic drive east through the mountains. You will be taken to the Lewis and Clark Reception Barn on the Paws Up side of the resort to check in. Make sure you ask for water after your travel journey because it the weather is usually dry, and you will need to stay hydrated. They brought us sustainable, reusable water bottles that we could refill as needed with the pure mountain water from the tap throughout our stay. After check-in, you have the option to go directly to the Social Haus to get some snacks and drinks and have your luggage delivered to your haus. I recommend this so you can take some time to enjoy their wonderful menu of cocktails/mocktails and delightful, nostalgic bites of elevated comfort snacks to hold you over until dinner.

Room Types:

The Green O embodies a rustic-contemporary-modern vibe, channeling springtime freshness and earthy tranquility. The Green O offers four unique room types, each designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty of Montana. They range from the whimsical Tree Haus, perched in the air with a spiral staircase, to the contemporary Light Haus featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for unobstructed views. Other options include the Green Haus, perfect for nature enthusiasts, and the Round Haus, known for its stylish, curved design and panoramic vistas. The Green O's houses don't have full-length mirrors, so plan accordingly. While the Tree Haus is undeniably charming with its three-story design, it's important to note that it requires climbing stairs. The Light Haus is one-of-a-kind and should be reserved well in advance. There are currently a total of twelve rooms at The Green O, with plans to add more in the future. Nestled within the woods, The Green O's houses offer a balance of seclusion and connection. While you might catch glimpses of neighboring houses or people enjoying the grounds, the Social Haus remains a pleasant 5-10 minute walk away for those seeking a more vibrant atmosphere.

The Green Haus, where I stayed at The Green O, wasn't your typical glamping experience. Sure, it offered expansive windows and a large deck showcasing Montana's beauty, but with solid walls and a roof, it provided a touch more luxury. This light-filled, open-plan space is perfect for a romantic getaway or babymoon. A plush king bed with a skylight view of the stars, comfy couch, WiFi, washer/dryer and well-equipped kitchenette with a mini-fridge made it easy to relax. Luxurious touches like a fireplace, private hot tub, double-headed shower, soaking tub, heated toilet seat and cozy robes and slippers elevated the experience further. The Paws Up app offered on-demand concierge service for anything you might need, including food and transportation, ensuring a truly seamless stay. You could also opt to use the Lexus provided at each haus.

The Paws Up side offers canvas tents for a rustic touch, but still has all the plush comforts of a luxury resort. It has a wide variety of options including glamping, cabins, homes, estates, lodges and a river house. Some of the homes have the option for an outdoor canvas tent addition if you like the idea of both. The luxury tent glamping option has six groups of six tents in different locations throughout the property for a variety of luxurious glamping settings, catering to a range of desires. Some camp sites offer seclusion and romance, while others put you in the heart of the action. Each features spacious accommodations with plush furnishings and en-suite bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable stay. Plus, all glamping guests enjoy the same luxurious amenities — housekeeping, butler, chef-prepared meals and access to the resort's extensive activities and spa. No matter your preference for views or proximity to activities, there is an accommodation for you.

Activities:

Most of the activities take place on the Paws Up side of the resort. Guests can embark on horseback riding adventures through scenic trails, ATV tours, fly-fish the legendary Blackfoot River teeming with trout or try their hand at exhilarating activities like whitewater rafting, rappelling, clay shooting, hot air ballooning or cattle driving. There are a variety of activities offered all-year-round. In the winter, you might experience activities such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dogsledding and curling. The large equestrian facility can be used for private rodeos, lessons, cow croquet and even horse whispering. For a slower pace, explore the vast ranch on a guided hike or bike ride, soaking in the breathtaking mountain scenery. And don't forget about relaxation — unwind with a rejuvenating treatment at the spa or simply curl up with a good book by a crackling fireplace. They even have a dedicated Kids Adventure Club: The Kids Corps of Discovery program with supervised, age-appropriate activities like geocaching, go-karting, archery and nature exploration, ensuring a memorable and enriching Montana adventure for younger guests. There are also a variety of special events throughout the year, along with plenty of opportunities for live music, games, fireside s'mores, specialty entertainment and workshops. Plan to get dirty on some of the activities, such as the ATV tours. The necessary equipment is provided, such as a helmet, gloves, goggles and gaiter to protect you from the dust. The houses all have washers and dryers, which make packing to head home much easier.

While your all-inclusive stay covers base lodging and meals, most activities come at an additional cost (although a few are included). During our stay, a one-hour horseback adventure led us through towering Ponderosa Pines on rescued horses known for their gentle and responsive nature. We took an ATV tour up the mountain, where we paused at Lookout Rock for breathtaking panoramic views — mountains, river and endless trees sprawled beneath us. The descent offered a whole new perspective, taking us down to the very river we'd admired from above. We participated in clay shooting, where patient and expert instructors helped us hone our skills and have a blast. Springtime proved perfect for fly-fishing on the Blackfoot River. Our boat trip yielded a bounty of beautiful fish, including a stunning 18-inch Rainbow trout and a respectable 16-inch Cutthroat trout. Their skilled staff ensured every activity, even unfamiliar ones, were accessible and allowed for a positive learning experience.

Dining:

Fine dining takes on a whole new meaning at The Green O and Paws Up. The Green O's Social Haus serves as the culinary heart of the resort, offering an intimate and unforgettable dining experience available only to those staying at The Green O. Each course is a surprise, showcasing innovative cuisine prepared by talented chefs with James Beard recognitions. You will need to make reservations for your dinners in advance, and they will be added to your personalized itinerary.

The Social Haus regularly serves an eight-course tasting menu by chef Brandon Cunningham alongside paired specialty drinks. The first course is typically something playful to make guests smile and relax. Even though this is a gourmet treat, the chef likes to make people feel comfortable and at home during the experience. He often comes to the table to humbly present several of these extraordinary dishes. A dish might come presented in a Chinese food container or look like plants growing from a pot. We even received an interactive dish, which entailed cooking our own Wagyu on a 700-degree rock sourced from the property. One of the desserts surprised and delighted our palettes with homemade pop rocks. The delicious food ensured we were never left wanting. The experience wasn't just about taste. They even provided a selection of beautifully crafted juniper knives — their scent adding another delightful dimension. The plating itself was a work of art, further elevating the entire dining experience. During your stay, enjoy a variety of multi-course tasting menus showcasing local flavors and expertly paired drinks at The Social Haus. With no repeat dishes, each night offers a unique culinary experience.

On the Paws Up side, choose from various restaurants offering casual fine dining or Montana-inspired fare. Pomp Restaurant offers refined, rustic ranch cuisine with innovative dishes featuring the freshest local ingredients from Montana and the surrounding West. Tank & Trough is a casual option for a variety of food and drinks. During your stay, you may have the opportunity to experience one of the special event spaces within the Village at Paws Up, such as the Bull Barn or The Yard. During the warmer months, The Shed makes it easy to grab a quick, satisfying bite before your next adventure. During our trip, we had the opportunity to experience The Wonder Women of Food and Wine event. We enjoyed a special meal made by some of these guest chefs at the Bull Barn on the Paws Up side of the resort. The evening took a magical turn when the harpist's birthday melody signaled the arrival of a stunning cake, delivered straight to our table. The staff, aware of my birthday, had orchestrated a delightful surprise that felt like something out of a dream. The resort provides the perfect setting for unforgettable celebrations.

No matter your preference, The Green O and Paws Up ensure a delicious and memorable culinary journey that is included with your stay alongside your Montana adventure.

Concierge and Butler Service:

The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and brimming with captivating stories about the property and Montana life, such as how to capture the scent of a Ponderosa Pine. While you are visiting, be sure to ask about the local legend, Tyrone the Beefalo! This fascinating creature, a cross between a cow and a buffalo, is a favorite among staff and guests. The Green O offers front-door delivery of your choice of coffee or specialty teas from the Lake Missoula Tea Company, alongside fresh-baked pastries. The freezer in the room is supplied with amazing ice cream sandwiches made by the acclaimed pastry chef Krystle Swenson at The Resort at Paws Up for a late-night treat to enjoy by the fire or in the hot tub. The Green O offers convenient in-room dining with advance notice and a request on their app. Enjoy meals, homemade pizza and snacks delivered straight to your door.

The Green O, a luxurious adults-only retreat in Montana, offers seclusion and gourmet dining in a rustic-modern setting. Guests can choose to add on adventurous activities like horseback riding and ATV tours or relax at the spa. The Social Haus restaurant features an unforgettable eight-course tasting menu by a James Beard-recognized chef. For families, The Resort at Paws Up offers similar activities and amenities in a more casual setting. The name Paws Up was originally inspired by over-friendly, wriggling dogs that greet visitors by putting their paws up in the air while their tails thump the floor. This is how I felt during my entire stay. With each new view, taste or adventure, I was an excited little puppy dog. My only regret was that I could not stay forever. It was an unforgettable Montana experience, blending adventure, luxury and relaxation into the perfect vacation escape.

I hope this trip report is helpful in giving you a glimpse into The Green O and The Resort at Paws Up. Reach out to me with any other questions!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Montana. In need of further inspiration? Check out Cesar Monell & Alex Tufel’s guide, 5-Day Adventure Itinerary in Glacier National Park, Montana.