Elk Track Ranch Darby, Montana

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Elk Track Ranch Darby, Montana

On the West Fork of the Bitterroot River

The Ranch Brokers | (307) 690-5425 | 610 S Hwy 93 | Hamilton, MT 59840 | www.TheRanchBrokers.com | [email protected] Page 1 of 12

Location This mountain cabin is located approximately 83 miles south of Missoula, Montana and approximately 19 miles south of Darby, Montana on the West Fork of the Bitterroot River. The West Fork of the Bitterroot is a prime private fishery and is a main tributary of the famous Bitterroot River, which flows into the Clark Fork River in Missoula. To get to the ranch you drive south out of Missoula 64 miles on US highway 93 to Darby, turn right on West Fork Road then 19 miles to the ranch. Missoula International Airport has several major airlines to get you to the ranch: Allegiant, Big Sky, Horizon Air, Northwest, Sky West and United

Locale Darby is a small town located south of Hamilton in Southwestern Montana. With a population in 2004 of only 814 people, the town is a quiet one with spectacular scenery and fabulous fishing opportunities. The Painted Rock State Park and reservoir, as well as other streams, rivers and lakes make Darby prime territory for the fishing enthusiast. With Brook Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, and West slope Cutthroat Trout prevalent, Darby and its surrounding areas is the perfect fishing destination. Hamilton, Montana is located south of Missoula in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley. This is a wide open valley traversed by US Highway 93 and the Bitterroot River. Hamilton is both a very popular traveler's destination and great place to live. This is a paradise for people who love the outdoors, nature, gardening and community. Hamilton has both the small-town feel of rural Montana, and quick access to city services in nearby Missoula. The Hamilton area is a great recreation area for fishing, hunting, boating and hiking. Vast areas of wilderness abound just to the west of the Bitterroot valley with miles of pristine forest, wildlife and views. The Bitterroot River runs through the valley, close to town, creating favorite hiking trails and picnic areas for residents. The town of Hamilton boasts numerous hunting, fishing and outfitting businesses who can show travelers the best local spots. Missoula is dubbed the Garden City for its mild winters relative to the rest of Montana. It's no wonder we're suffering some growing pains: Missoula is a pretty good place to live. Depending on the season, we hike, ski, fish, run rivers and ride mountain bikes. We talk politics and shoot pool. We're also a literate town; it's commonplace to chat with a local author about his or her latest book. (John Updike dubbed Missoula the "Paris of the 90's," a flattering but somewhat gross exaggeration.) The Ranch Brokers | (307) 690-5425 | 610 S Hwy 93 | Hamilton, MT 59840 | www.TheRanchBrokers.com | [email protected] Page 2 of 12

Missoula is located in an old, glacial lakebed, which is now cut by Clark Fork River. The Bitterroot River feeds into the Clark Fork on the Southwest edge of town; the famed Big Blackfoot River meets the Clark Fork just east of town. The University of Montana is here, as is the Northern Region headquarters for the U.S. Forest Service. Retail trade is way up and extractive industries like logging are waning. Just as the University students leave each year, the tourists arrive. Missoula is 3 hours south of Glacier National Park and 3.5 hours west of Yellowstone National Park. National forests and numerous wilderness areas surround it. Frank Church Wilderness area and Bitterroot Selway wilderness areas are all right next to the property comprising over 2.5 million acres of public lands.

General Description of the Property Diversity is evident throughout the 69.47 acres bordering Forest Service, river frontage, an approximately one-acre pond, springs, open meadows lined with aspen, agricultural pastures, and a conifer laced hillside studded with “painted rocks”. A 6,800 square foot home, guest house, corrals, pastures, a four-stall barn with shop and mud room/half bath and an equipment/hay storage shed. A Mecca for wildlife, herds of elk, massive moose, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and flocks of wild turkey call this area home and freely roam the grounds.

Acreage Fronting the upper West Fork of the Bitterroot River only a few miles from Painted Rocks Reservoir and backing to Bitterroot National Forest lands, the setting of Elk Track Ranch is both dramatic and dynamic. Nature has provided a pristine and private setting with accessibility to fly-fishing and floating the river from over 400 feet of bank along the west border and a barrier created by a rugged hillside to the east. The property lies in the heart of recreational country with trailheads in all directions just minutes away.

The Ranch Brokers | (307) 690-5425 | 610 S Hwy 93 | Hamilton, MT 59840 | www.TheRanchBrokers.com | [email protected] Page 3 of 12

Improvements The improvements are grand with the main feature being a luxuriously spacious primary residence constructed of wood frame with log accents containing about 6,800 square feet and surrounded by a landscaped yard and cobblestone walkways within a log rail fence. Attached to the home is an oversized two-car garage with carriage-style slider doors with two separate rooms outside the garage - a garden room and a storage room. There is also a guest house which is currently being utilized for rental income. Set up to run stock, an area of the property has been designated to corrals, pastures, a four-stall barn with shop and mud room/half bath and an equipment/hay storage shed. Follow the cobblestone walkway to a cobblestone deck and through the entry foyer into the luxurious home that was lovingly enhanced from its original size and design to become the 6,800+/- square foot mountain lodge that exists today. Step into the massive great room covered in oak hardwoods and opening up to expansive windows taking in stunning views. A soaring ceiling with skylights, upward of about 32 feet, creates a feeling of vastness while maintaining a cozy ambiance with masonry rock custom wood burning stove, warm colors and rich log beams & accents. A large dining area is central to the great room as well as the kitchen and features cherry china & display hutches and a huge solid cherry table that remains with the home. The kitchen features butternut wood cabinets and a handcrafted copper hood over a 48” Viking gas range with double ovens, a Subzero refrigerator and Bosch dishwasher. A wet bar, island and tile flooring complete the kitchen which is large enough to allow for a two-top dining table within. A powder room, wine room, laundry room, spacious pantry, mud/work room with island and sink (ideal for canning your garden harvest), storage closets & cabinets are all located off the kitchen for ease of access. All told, the present owners have hosted sit-down dinners for 50 guests in the great room, dining room and kitchen areas combined. This is a wonderful venue for entertaining!

The Ranch Brokers | (307) 690-5425 | 610 S Hwy 93 | Hamilton, MT 59840 | www.TheRanchBrokers.com | [email protected] Page 4 of 12

Located also on the main level is a sun room with cobblestone flooring and a parlor stove with ample natural light streaming through big windows and skylights. This relaxing room is accessible from the great room as is wraps around the back side of the main fireplace. Additionally, there is a carpet covered game room set up for playing pool and lined with bookshelves that has outside deck access - yet another room from which to entertain or unwind. Between this room and the large carpeted workout room/home gym is a full bathroom with steam shower, perfect for loosening worked muscles. Last but not least, the main level accommodates a very sizeable office, space for two, which currently doubles as a hobby room and has dual closets with shelves and a multitude of built-in storage areas and countertops.

of the home off the master suite.

Moving to the upper level, the landing is substantial in size - large enough to accommodate a reading/family room with library bookcases. Upstairs finds a total of five bedrooms and three bathrooms including the master suite. This oversized master contains the bed area with wardrobe and TV cabinet, a full living room, a generous walk-in closet and a beautiful bathroom done in tile with soaking tub, tile shower, two sink/vanities and linen closet. There is a private deck to the exterior

Two mechanical rooms are well-lit and easily accessible for maintenance and upkeep on the two propane forced air furnaces, the central air system and the water system that service the home. A 1,000 gallon propane tank is owned and stays with the property. Upon the exterior of the home is a deck wrapping around the home from the dining room, providing a great spot for hosting barbecues. The lawn is maintained with underground sprinklers and beautifully landscaped with both native and planted vegetation. Perimeter log rail fencing outlines the yard. Just off the yard is a garden plot fenced in high panels to discourage wildlife intrusion. Much success has been met in producing a good annual crop. Mature aspens and evergreens are abundant over the ranch. A deep one-acre pond is spring fed and a draw for wildlife & waterfowl. It is permitted for trout should a future owner wish to bring them in. The Ranch Brokers | (307) 690-5425 | 610 S Hwy 93 | Hamilton, MT 59840 | www.TheRanchBrokers.com | [email protected] Page 5 of 12

The barn has a heated shop with electricity, concrete floors and a high garage door for ease of transporting hay or equipment. It has a lighting system on timers in place and enclosed within the interior is a utility room with a half bath. There are four stalls, each opening outdoors into individual paddocks. These paddocks can be opened into a large wood rail corral off the north side of the barn. Other features of the ranch include a sizable hay barn and/or wood shed attached to a two stall implement shed. There are four pastures on the north end of the grounds for stock rotation, each supplied with spring-fed irrigation water and a loafing shed. An 800 square foot cabin has a newly stained exterior and deck. It contains a propane fueled heating stove in the living room, a full kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom. Uses could range from a guest cottage to an income generating rental, the latter being the present use. A conservation easement has been placed on this property which is perfectly suited for such due to the lay of the land nestled between (and across) the West Fork of the Bitterroot River on the west, to Bitterroot National Forest northward and private land on the east and south which is inaccessible by way of the steep terrain. Provisions were accounted for in the easement to expand the size of the existing guest cabin from 800 square feet up to 2,300 square feet should that be of interest in the future.

The Ranch Brokers | (307) 690-5425 | 610 S Hwy 93 | Hamilton, MT 59840 | www.TheRanchBrokers.com | [email protected] Page 6 of 12

Climate Monthly averages for Darby, Montana Month

Avg. High

Avg. Low

Mean

Avg. Precip

Record High

Record Low

Jan

36°F

18°F

27°F

1.46 in.

61°F (1994) -36°F (1963)

Feb

42°F

22°F

32°F

1.08 in.

70°F (1995) -28°F (1989)

Mar

51°F

27°F

39°F

0.97 in.

78°F (1978) -13°F (1955)

Apr

59°F

33°F

46°F

1.16 in.

84°F (1992) 8°F (1977)

May

67°F

40°F

54°F

2.03 in.

95°F (2003) 17°F (1954)

Jun

75°F

46°F

61°F

1.99 in.

98°F (2003) 25°F (1952)

Jul

84°F

49°F

66°F

1.08 in.

105°F (2002) 31°F (1971)

Aug

84°F

48°F

66°F

1.23 in.

102°F (2003) 6°F (1948)

Sep

73°F

41°F

57°F

1.13 in.

98°F (1967) 19°F (1985)

Oct

62°F

33°F

48°F

1.07 in.

88°F (1996) -5°F (2002)

Nov

45°F

25°F

35°F

1.49 in.

74°F (1988) -25°F (1959)

Dec

36°F

19°F

28°F

1.51 in.

61°F (1976) -34°F (1983)

Darby, MT Weather Facts



The average warmest month is July.



The highest recorded temperature was 105°F in 2002.



On average, the coolest month is January.



The lowest recorded temperature was -36°F in 1963.



May is the average wettest month.

The Ranch Brokers | (307) 690-5425 | 610 S Hwy 93 | Hamilton, MT 59840 | www.TheRanchBrokers.com | [email protected] Page 7 of 12

Wildlife & Fishery The south valley location of this property puts it in close proximity to literally hundreds of Bitterroot National Forest trailheads and access points. Just three miles from the property is a favorite hiking trail leading to Boulder Falls within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The recreational options are limitless and include horseback riding, snowmobiling, archery and rifle hunting, photography, cross-country skiing, and all-terrain vehicle exploration. Avid anglers will relish the private access granted them by way of ownership along approximately 400 feet of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River. Step out the door and you’re stepping into one of the most excellent habitats for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and bull trout. The Boulder canyon gorge, located two miles downstream from the property, is famous for early summer whitewater adventures. Within 30 minutes of the property, superior snow conditions make downhill skiing at Lost Trail Powder Mountain a viable option for skiers. Painted Rocks reservoir is just 10 minutes from the property and provides fun in the sun for water sports and boating. Located in Southwestern Montana, The Bitterroot is an excellent river consisting of diverse water and quality hatches. Cutthroat, brown, rainbow, and brook trout can all be found in its waters. The Bitterroot is approximately 75 miles long from the junction of the East and West Fork just below Conner to where it meets the Clark Fork near Missoula. Throughout this long stretch you will find riffles, deep pools, fallen trees, and other characteristics of a great trout fishery. There are a few Special Regulations area's along its path. The Bitterroot is well known as one of the finest dry fly fishing rivers in the state. The dry fly fishing season begins sometime in March, depending on the weather, and ends in late November. Spring is always blessed with high water that lasts for two to three weeks in late May and early June. This time of year is always good for the trout because of the abundance of food available when rocks are washed along and nymphs uprooted. Once this is over the river returns to its meandering nature and settles in for the summer fun. The first major hatch is the Skwala (stonefly) in March. If the conditions are right the fish will key on the imitation pattern for a full 6 weeks. One pattern to use for the Skwala is a bullet head fly tied with a black egg sack and dark body. The underwirng is dark brown or black and the overwing is tied in bullet head style with dark brown premo-deer hair. The fish seem to look for this hatch to begin their yearly The Ranch Brokers | (307) 690-5425 | 610 S Hwy 93 | Hamilton, MT 59840 | www.TheRanchBrokers.com | [email protected] Page 8 of 12

feeding habits and with the size of this stonefly they can build bulk fast. The late fishing which continues into November includes patterns such as the October Caddis and Midges. The October Caddis are large and can be fished with an imitator that is size #8 or #10. The Midges on the other hand are from #20 - #24. In between the major hatches include Pale Morning Dun, Blue Winged Olive, Green Drake, Salmon Fly, Golden Stone and several varieties of Caddis. The mayflies are typically sizes 14 - 18 with the exception of the Green Drake which is size 10. The Salmon Flies should be fished with a size 6 or 8 and the Golden Stones are sizes 8 - 10. The wild life is incredible at the ranch. There is a large population of elk and moose on and off the property along with bear, deer, and most all of the North American animals. Hunting is perhaps the best there is in the Rocky Mountains in the Selway-Bitterroot National forest.

The Ranch Brokers | (307) 690-5425 | 610 S Hwy 93 | Hamilton, MT 59840 | www.TheRanchBrokers.com | [email protected] Page 9 of 12

2010 Taxes $3,174.47

Water & Well Rights

The Ranch Brokers | (307) 690-5425 | 610 S Hwy 93 | Hamilton, MT 59840 | www.TheRanchBrokers.com | [email protected] Page 10 of 12

Map

The Ranch Brokers | (307) 690-5425 | 610 S Hwy 93 | Hamilton, MT 59840 | www.TheRanchBrokers.com | [email protected] Page 11 of 12

Broker’s Comments What more can you ask for? -River, National Forest, exquisite home, barn/corrals/pastures and guest home. The Elk Track Ranch is the essence of Montana living. Fabulous home with breathtaking views, chef's kitchen, seating alcoves, sunroom, gym, office, 5 bedrooms & baths and completely ready for all of your domestic animals located in a wild life and outdoor recreational mecca.

Price Offered at $2,300,000 For More information contact:

Cy Richard at 406-531-5064 or email at [email protected]

The Ranch Brokers | (307) 690-5425 | 610 S Hwy 93 | Hamilton, MT 59840 | www.TheRanchBrokers.com | [email protected] Page 12 of 12