The North Fork Hostel

Front view of a rustic hostel in Glacier National Park, surrounded by golden fall aspen trees and a metal roof.

Mission start. Glacier’s off-grid charm awaits—dorms, private rooms, cabins, and a tipi scene. Shared kitchen, outhouses, and solar power keep you connected without sacrificing the vibe. It's a budget-forward move: dorms from $40 per person, camping from $30, cabin options near $100, with a 30% deposit and a $200 cabin cleaning deposit.

Rustic, no-frills spot featuring dorms & private rooms, a shared kitchen & outhouses plus 2 cabins.

Quick facts

Lodging Type: Cabin
Price Low Season: 30
Price High Season: 140

Stay details

Lodging Type: Cabin
Price Low Season: 30
Price High Season: 140
Peak Season Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Minimum Stay: 4
Cancellation Policy: 30% non-refundable deposit; cancellations can be made at any time but the deposit will be forfeited. No-shows forfeit their entire reservation.

Rooms & amenities

Room Types Available: Mixed Dorm
Camping
Tipi
Goat Chalet/Green Zucchini
Klondike Kate's Koffeehouse
Private Room
Square Peg Ranch Cabin
Max Occupancy: 8
Bed Configurations: 4-bunk dorm
6-bed dorm
Alcove with five twin beds
Private Room (2-4 occupants)
Goat Chalet/Green Zucchini (1-2 occupants)
Square Peg Ranch Cabin (up to 6)
In Room Amenities: Propane refrigerators in kitchen area
No in-room WiFi or TV
Heating via potbelly stoves or propane heaters
No private bathrooms in most accommodations
No air conditioning
Property Amenities: Shared living room
Shower facilities
Kitchen and refrigerator facilities
Outhouses
Solar power system for device charging
Pool Details: No pool.
Restaurant Details: No on-site restaurant.

Location & access

Park Area: Glacier National Park
Distance To Park: Approximately 28 miles from West Glacier Entrance Station via Camas Road
Distance To Town: Polebridge is immediately adjacent to the hostel
Distance To Visitor Center: Polebridge Ranger Station near entrance (about 1 mile).
Parking Details: Parking is available. Specific details on RV parking or covered parking are not provided.
Shuttle Service: No official park shuttle stop on-site is mentioned
Walkable Amenities: Polebridge Mercantile
Northern Lights Saloon
Other small Polebridge businesses
Accessibility: No ADA rooms; rustic, off-grid property with limited accessibility.

Policies & fit

Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed on hostel premises; they may be allowed at the Square Peg Ranch cabin with an additional fee and by special request only.
Seasonal Operation: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Winter Access: Not specified; operates seasonally.
Best For: Solo travelers, hikers, budget-conscious travelers seeking rustic, off-grid Glacier vibe
Who Should Skip This: Skip if you demand private baths, guaranteed hot water, modern amenities, or a whisper-quiet environment.

Planning advice

Review Summary: 4.9 stars from 31 reviews. Guests praise rustic charm, value, and proximity to Glacier; some note shared facilities and off-grid quirks.
The Honest Truth: Look, it’s not a resort. It’s rustic, off-grid Glacier base with dorms, private rooms, and cabins. Solar power, propane heat, no guaranteed hot water, and shared facilities mean you’ll hear nature and other guests. For the price, it’s a steal if you want hikers’ vibe and real distance from the corporate hotel scene.
Room Insider Tips: For best privacy and views, consider the Square Peg Ranch Cabin (4-night min).
Dorms: the 4-bunk dorm fits groups well; the alcove sleeps five twins.
Ask about back-building locations to minimize noise when possible.
Pro Tip Booking: Direct booking at nfhostel.com; phone reservations at (406) 888-5241. Reservations requested at least 3 days in advance; plan for peak season. Bedding/towels extras: $7 per person. Square Peg Ranch Cabin has a $200 cleaning deposit.
Your Morning Game Plan: Grab a coffee at the Polebridge Mercantile early. Drive to the park entrance in about 60-90 minutes depending on road conditions. Leave by 6:00-6:30 AM to beat the crowds and secure a smooth start.
Best Time To Visit: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Pro Tips: Reservations requested at least 3 days in advance; peak season calls for longer lead time.
Bedding and towels available for $7 each per person.
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required; plan accordingly.
Square Peg Ranch Cabin carries a $200 cleaning deposit.

More details

Lodging Category: lodge
Is Valid Lodging: 1
Hours: Monday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 AM
Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 AM
Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 AM
Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 AM
Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 AM
Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 AM
Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 AM
Not Recommended For: Those craving luxury, polished facilities, or quiet hotel vibes
Cell Service Wi-Fi: No in-room WiFi; solar charging available for devices
Local Hazards: Saloon noise and shared spaces; rustic, off-grid environment with natural sounds from river and wildlife.
Year Built: 1979
Year Renovated: 0
Notable Views: Livingston Range views from Square Peg Ranch
Architecture Style: Rustic, off-grid, historic
Family Friendly Notes: North Fork Hostel runs Memorial Day through Labor Day and has dorms, private rooms, cabins, and tent camping in a rustic, off-grid setting. For families, plan ahead: there is no standard electricity or on-site Wi-Fi in Polebridge; some cabins rely on propane stoves or heaters, and propane refrigerators are available for guest use. Bedding and towels aren’t provided, and a cleaning fee may apply if spaces aren’t left as found. Check-in is 5–7 PM; check-out is before 10 AM; late arrivals can be arranged in advance. Dogs aren’t allowed on hostel premises, but pets are allowed at the Square Peg Ranch cabins with prior approval and an extra fee. Sleeping options include mixed dormitory rooms (four bunks, six beds, and five twin beds), a private room upstairs with two full-size beds, Goat Chalet with a queen bed and a potbelly stove, Klondike Kate’s Koffeehouse with a queen bed and a full futon couch, Green Zucchini (Pickle) – a small homemade trailer with a bed for two, drafty windows, and no heat, Square Peg Cabin with a full kitchen, a downstairs queen bed, and two full-size beds in the loft, and tent camping (guests provide their own tents). Rate notes: Square Peg Cabin is $140+ tax per night with a four-night minimum; Private Room, Goat Chalet, Klondike Kate’s Koffeehouse, and Green Zucchini are $100+ tax per night; tent camping is $30+ tax per person per night. This setup suits families who want outdoor-oriented stays, but it isn’t designed for travelers who need Wi-Fi, heating in all spaces, or a quiet hotel environment.
Babysitting Available: 0
Nearby Facilities: Polebridge Mercantile, Northern Lights Saloon, Polebridge area businesses
Book If: ✅ BOOK IF: You’re a dawn-to-dusk hiker on a budget who wants an authentic Glacier basecamp. ❌ SKIP IF: You require private baths, hot water guarantees, or a polished resort feel.