History

Abbott Valley is named after a trapper named Abbott who had a homestead claim in this area during the late 1890’s. In 1910 a Russian immigrant with the anglo nickname of Mickey Wagner came west to fight the 1910 forest fire. He took out a homestead in Abbott Valley, cleared the meadows with horse teams and built the present day historical cabins and barn. In the 1950’s the Foley family purchased this homestead along with timberland to the north. Together these lands make up the 270 acre Abbott Valley Homestead.

The valley is crossed by North and South Abbott Creeks. North Abbott is a fast, cold mountain stream that flows within earshot of the Millhouse, Jaybird’s and Quintonken. South Abbott is slow moving and meanders through the meadows surrounding Mickey and Baptiste. It is fed by underground springs and flows from a network of beaver ponds in the woods near the cabins. It is fun to marvel that right here at Mickey’s, the Blackfeet Indians pitched tee-pees, stayed for days and traded with early settlers.

Our family is fortunate to have our roots in such a special place and we enjoy sharing this slice of heaven with people who appreciate a different approach to lodging. Our family continues to farm the homestead and we have children, horses and cattle that roam the creeks and meadows. The cabins are in the proximity of our farm, but not close to our homes. Our activities may occasionally parallel yours with children and adults frequently mixing. We willingly extend our local knowledge to our guests and trust that the cabin you select will be your home during your visit.

A conservation easement to protect riparian areas, wildlife habitat and the heritage of the homestead was completed in 2009. The Foley family appreciates the privilege of living in such a beautiful area and wants to protect it for successive generations.