Darby, MT 59829(Ravalli County)

The acreage is situated about 65 miles south of Missoula, the largest city in western Montana, featuring an international airport with commercial flights daily, a full gamut of professional and health-care services, eclectic shopping experiences and sporting events affiliated with the University of Montana. Missoula is also the home of the international headquarters of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Hamilton, the Ravalli County seat, offers a variety of shopping and services, galleries and has an aviation company supporting private aircraft.

The views afforded this ranch have been equated to that of the mystic and alpine charm of the Italian Alps. Outstanding beauty, breathtaking views and functionality give this elite property incredible diversity. Although nearby peaks rise to nearly 10,000 feet, the elevation gradients on the property range from about 3,900 4,600. Pristine meadows, rolling hillsides, ponds, glorious panoramic mountain and valley views, and timbered draws grace this incredible holding of over 847 acres backing up to the Bitterroot National Forest. Roughly half of the property is wooded sanctuary...

the other half is productive hay ground utilizing excellent water rights. A fabulous layout for raising stock, a series of agricultural lands and cross-fenced pastures are extremely well irrigated and laced with ponds and seasonal streams. Existing ponds can easily be expanded or new sites developed to further enhance the water properties of this ranch.

Views of the valley floor stretch from either side of Hamilton as looking northward from certain locales on the ranch. Facing south Shook Mountain dominates, while to the west are national forest lands. Across the valley to the east within the Sapphire range is the largest private land holding in the Bitterroot Valley, part of which is under a conservation easement, offering security that the pastoral viewshed now seen will remain unchanged.

Wherever the eye travels, the many looks of the ranch are prevalent. Wherever the body travels within the fence lines, all that is seen is on the west bench horizon is Running Elk Ranch.

An incredible blend of conifer and deciduous personalitiesaspen clones, apple trees from the old Bitterroot orchard days, ponderosa pine and firare naturally interspersed with open grasslands to create numerous private meadows about the expansive acreage.

You need never leave the ranch to enjoy all the forest has to offer, but the option exists to travel further beyond if desired; the west boundary line is flush with the Bitterroot National Forest, allowing the landowner an exclusive and easily accessible entrance into forest lands. Saddle up and ride into prime hunting territory consisting of alpine mountain lakes and dense ponderosa pine. Lake Como is an easy ride from the property and in fact, can be seen from above near the west line of the property. In another Italian comparison, the naming of Lake Como by Father Anthony Ravalli, 19th century Jesuit missionary instrumental in Ravalli County history, was inspired by the spectacular beauty of Lake Como in his native Italy.

With a log lodge, foremans home and guest cabin already in place, the ranch is ready to operate and recreate from. The residences vary in agefrom a 2,800+/- square foot circa 1900 Victorian with five bedrooms; to a 25-year old log lodge reminiscent of old Montana featuring around more than 3,000 square feet over two levels with massive rock fireplace and five bedrooms; and to a one bedroom/one bathroom log guest cottage. There are also two apartments with kitchenettes associated with two of the garages. It is apparent from their excellent state that these improvements have been well-maintained and cared for over the years. The combination of these existing homes creates a vast amount of housing and/or entertaining alternatives.

The outbuildings are plentiful and practical for the ranch environment of this property. A total of nine structures include a horse barn, standard hay barns, numerous equipment and storage facilities, and garages. The drive through horse barn is exceptional with paver stone flooring, 12 spacious lighted stalls, tack room and skylights to let the natural light in attached to an extensive corral system. Roadways about the premises are lined with miles of meticulous post and rail fencing. In field lean-to sheds provide shelter for stock. All and all, rarely is a ranch of this magnitude found to be maintained to this condition.

Between the varied terrain of the property itself and the neighboring national forest, the land offers a plethora of recreational choices. A haven for wildlife, the Running Elk Ranch is loaded with herds of elk, large populations of whitetail and mule deer, moose and black bear. Migratory waterfowl, including Canadian geese and mallard duck, grace the ponds by dropping in seasonally.

Incredible hiking can be enjoyed on premise and into the forest lands. Year round the property is paradise for the horseback rider and photographer. Enthusiasts of winter sports can enjoy endless miles of snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Autumn brings with it the thrill of big game hunting during both archery and rifle seasons.

In the immediate area are two reservoirs, including Lake Como at a stones throw away, providing water skiing and boating activities. The Bitterroot River is within five miles for fly-fishing opportunities, to include a public access rafting site. Excellent downhill skiing at Lost Trail Powder Mountain on the Montana/Idaho border is just 30 minutes away.

The dream of large working/recreational ranch ownership in Montanas Bitterroot Valley is realized in this very unique offering. Seldom does the market get to see a property as diversified and special as this come available. The ability to run stock, yield agricultural product, and attain some the best region-wide wildlife habitat culminate on the Running Elk Ranch. Combine these attributes with phenomenal views of the timbered Bitterroot Mountain Range, containing the rugged Como Peaks and the open beauty of the Sapphire Mountainscertainly one of the best kept secrets in Montana is now out!