Middle Creek Ranch – Sold

Dubois,
Idaho
Clark

Status:

Sold
$2,999,000
Knipe Land Company

Property Description

Middle Creek Ranch is nestled in a remote mountain valley, near the town of Dubois, Idaho.

Acreage:

800± acres comprised of mixed terrain. The valley floor consists of irrigated pasture with clumps of aspen situated near the springs and creek, which provide cover for wildlife and livestock. Sage and other native plants and grasses line the hillsides, along with occasional rock outcroppings. The springs and drainages are surrounded by small stands of aspen trees and brush. Elevation on the ranch ranges from 6,300± ft. on the valley floor to 7,000± ft. on the upper ground. Middle Creek Road is maintained seasonally, and only accessible by snow machines during the winter months. 

Middle Creek, which is a tributary of Medicine Lodge Creek, meanders through the ranch. The creek flows year-round and is fed by numerous springs. A $200,000 restoration of the creek habitat was performed in 2011.

The ranch is currently being used for pasturing cattle and producing hay. Last year the seller ran 100± head from mid-May through mid-November, in addition to harvesting 200± tons of grass hay. 

Water & Irrigation: 

Water is plentiful here with Middle Creek flowing through, 11 springs, and 3 ponds on the property.

The sale includes several water rights allowing for domestic water use, irrigation, stock water, recreation, and water storage.

217± irrigated acres. Water rights allow for 3.24 CFS of irrigation from Middle Creek and Dry Creek, (a tributary of Middle Creek). These water rights are the only water rights from Middle Creek. Irrigation water is applied by flooding, and water is diverted from the creek and conveyed by a dirt ditch with cement headgates, and galvanized sliders. In addition to the flood irrigation, 235± acres along the creek naturally sub-irrigate. 

A spring used for domestic water only has been updated to DEQ specifications for bottling water. The water has been tested and is in the top 5% for purity.

Three ponds on the ranch provide water storage and recreation. Two of the ponds are stocked with fish, while the third supports a natural population.

Homes and Outbuildings

The ranch has two homes along with an old cabin.  Needless to say it would need work to make it livable.

The main home, built in the 1940s, is constructed of brick and cinder blocks, with a metal roof for easy maintenance. It has 1,800± SF of living space on 2 levels, with 5 bedrooms and 2 baths. The charming home has vaulted ceilings with rustic wood beams, a handmade wooden banister that is original to the home, and two fireplaces. The classic country kitchen is complete with a combination wood burning/electric stove, which is also original to the home and in good working condition. Heat is provided by propane forced air, and a pellet stove.

The second home has 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. It is also built of cinder block, with a metal roof.

Other improvements include a log horse barn with 2 stalls and a 100-year-old sheep shearing barn. Additionally, the property is partially fenced with older corrals for livestock.

Recreation:

There is plenty of recreation on the ranch, not to mention the Public land, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, bordering the ranch on three sides. Wildlife is frequently seen around the property including Mule deer, white-tail deer, elk, and antelope. Upland game birds are also regular visitors here. In the winter, large herds of elk are often seen on Middle Creek Butte when they come down from the higher country in winter.

Furthermore, the high elevation here brings abundant snow in winter. The ranch offers great opportunities for snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.

This peaceful, mountain ranch is roughly 12± miles from the Continental Divide and the Idaho/Montana border. This part of Idaho is home to some of the state’s highest peaks, and breathtaking scenery. Scott Peak lies to the west of the ranch at 11,378′.  Additionally,  Yellowstone National Park is approximately 2 hours northeast and Grand Teton National Park is about 2 1/2 hours southeast.

Terms:

Seller may carry with 1 million down, balance at 5% for 15 years OAC, or other terms acceptable to the seller.

Comments:

Properties like this are rarely on the market in this area. With an excellent source of clean water, this ranch may work well for bottling water, or other commercial use that requires clean, pure water.

John Knipe
, Broker

Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk!

Property Highlights:


  • Farming

  • Ranching

Video

Get exclusive updates

Subscribe to our weekly email for new properties, updates, and land related topics.

We value your privacy and will not sell your information to anyone.

Subscribe to The Range Writer Land Magazine

Premier ranches, farms & real estate, right to your door.

Please fill out to download brochure