PINE CREEK RANCH
Huson, Missoula County, Montana
$3,636,000
606± Acres
INTRODUCTION
Pine Creek Ranch is a beautiful mountain ranch set in a stunning and picturesque valley in a pristine location surrounded by national forest land and other ranch properties protected by conservation easements, preserving the landscape into the future. With minimal improvements, this beautiful ranch offers rustic charm and an idyllic setting. This ranch is an ideal Western Montana retreat with various timber throughout the ranch, including pines and firs and lovely aspens and willows along the creek bottomlands.
Pine Creek flows through the heart of the ranch for just under a half mile, supporting lush creek bottom with a variety of foliage and brush to provide ideal habitat and shelter for various wildlife species that call the ranch and region home. Forested areas open up to reveal lush mountain grassy parks, and the flood-irrigated hay meadow provides an opportunity to raise hay for feed for horses or other species of livestock during the winter months.
Just over a half hour from Missoula, the ranch feels remote but is close to various services and amenities, providing an added convenience while enjoying the rural setting. Within minutes, anglers will enjoy fly fishing on Ninemile Creek, which slices through the valley adjacent to the ranch. The Clark Fork River, another favorite for fly and float fishing, is also a short drive. In addition, the region is known for world-class big-game hunting on the ranch and in the nearby national forest for popular big-game species, including elk and deer.
Pine Creek, a classic mountain stream, is a tributary to the Clark Fork River and flows through the ranch for approximately a half mile, providing cool, clean waters year-round to wildlife that call the ranch and region home. Pine Creek Ranch is the perfect opportunity for a discerning buyer seeking a peaceful retreat in a pristine environment, with the potential to replace the existing home with a custom cabin or full-time residence; this ranch offers a canvas for a buyer in search of an ideal legacy property to enjoy for years to come.
Surrounded by other ranches protected by conservation easements, the Pine Creek Ranch is sure to remain a location valued for its unchanged scenery and surroundings while providing valued outdoor recreation, making this a rare find for outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, and hunters alike.
Note: Additional acreage is available in a listing adjacent to this property. For more details, contact the listing agent.
Pine Creek Ranch | Huson, Montana
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QUICK FACTS
• Serene mountain ranch located in a picturesque valley
• Easy access from a well-maintained gravel county road
• Pine Creek flows through the heart of the ranch for just under a half-mile
• Adjacent to the Lolo National Forest
• Approximately 18± acres of flood-irrigated hay meadow
• Excellent big game hunting on the ranch and in adjacent public land, including the Lolo National Forest, accessible easily from the ranch
• Nearby trails for endless hiking, horseback riding, four wheeling and snowmobiling adventures
• Abundant Recreation nearby, including Snowbowl Ski Area, Lookout Pass Ski Area, Flathead Lake, National Forest, Wilderness Lands, and more!
• A short summertime drive to the famed Quinn Hot Springs Resort
• Close to the Clark Fork River for float and fly fishing opportunities within minutes of the ranch
• Approximately 40 minutes to Missoula for dining, shopping, and major services, including medical and commercial air
• Abundant wildlife call ranch and region home, including elk, deer, moose, bobcat, mountain lion, and more
Pine Creek Ranch | Huson, Montana
ACREAGE
606± deeded acres
The ranch is a contiguous parcel and a nice mix of irrigated hay ground, timbered forest, and mountain meadows providing forage for livestock and wildlife. Pine Creek flows year-round through the heart of the ranch for approximately 0.5± miles, providing cool, clear mountain water.
Approximately 450+ acres are protected by a conservation easement with the Montana Land Reliance protecting it from major subdivision and development heading into the future.
Approximately 130± acres in the northeast corner of the ranch are unencumbered by an easement and could be developed if desired by a new owner.
TIMBERLAND
This mountain ranch features beautiful topography with well-maintained forest land, including a mix of pines and firs interspersed with parklike meadows for wildlife and livestock grazing amidst the shelter and shade of the timber.
5 Pine Creek Ranch | Huson, Montana
SCENIC VISTAS
Pine Creek Ranch is in the picturesque Ninemile Valley in western Montana. It is in the heart of the Lolo National Forest and adjacent to neighboring ranches that are protected under conservation easements, preserving the landscape for the future.
7 Pine Creek Ranch | Huson, Montana
IMPROVEMENTS
The ranch features minimal improvements, including an older ranch home, a small historic barn and corral, and various outbuildings that served as support structures for historic ranch operations. A new owner may choose to update the existing home or replace it with a custom home or cabin to enjoy as a seasonal getaway or full-time residence.
Pine Creek Ranch | Huson, Montana
RECREATION
The Lolo National Forest, located just west of Huson and extending up the Ninemile Valley, is a vast and scenic wilderness area that offers an incredible variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Spanning over 2 million acres, the forest is known for its rugged landscapes, dense forests, and pristine waterways, including the Ninemile Creek that meanders through the valley. With its diverse terrain, the Lolo National Forest is a haven for hikers, bikers, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The forest’s abundance of trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains provide an ideal backdrop for both adventurous exploration and peaceful retreats.
HUNTING | WILDLIFE
The region surrounding the Ninemile Valley supports abundant wildlife populations and big game species including elk, whitetail and mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep and a variety of birds of prey that enjoy abundant water sources both on and around the ranch.
Pine Creek Ranch | Huson, Montana
FISHING
Fishing on Ninemile Creek across from the ranch is fun for anglers of all levels of experience. The nearby Clark Fork River offers anglers an exceptional experience amidst breathtaking natural scenery. Known for its pristine waters and diverse fish populations, the Clark Fork River is a premier destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. The river is home to an array of species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and westslope cutthroat trout, making it a popular spot for novice and seasoned anglers. The river’s flowing currents and deep pools and riffles provide ideal conditions for fishing throughout the year. Whether casting from the banks or floating downstream, anglers can enjoy a peaceful day on the water, surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Lolo National Forest and the rugged mountains that frame the valley. With easy access from Huson, the Clark Fork River offers a tranquil and rewarding fishing experience, making it one of Montana’s hidden gems for outdoor recreation.
SKIING
Snowbowl is a hidden gem. The summit is 7,580± feet above sea level and sports a 1,990-foot vertical drop. Skiers enjoy dry powder, amazing views, and short lift lines.
Trail map courtesy of montanasnowbowl.com
Pine Creek Ranch | Huson, Montana
AREA HISTORY
Missoula, Montana, has a rich and diverse history and was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille. The city was established in the mid-1800s as a trading post. Strategically located along the Mullan Road, it was the first wagon route connecting western territories with the Pacific Northwest. The railroad’s arrival in the 1880s helped solidify Missoula as a key transportation and economic hub, and the city quickly grew with the establishment of timber mills, agriculture, and other industries. The region still maintains its deep roots, though it has become a gateway to outdoor adventure for visitors and locals alike. Missoula has long been a center for exploration, with its surrounding mountains and rivers attracting adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts to the region. The University of Montana, founded in 1893, became a cornerstone of the community, enriching the area with academic, cultural, and athletic endeavors. Over time, Missoula has evolved from a small frontier town into a vibrant, progressive city known for its unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and academic excellence while maintaining its historic charm and Western roots.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
The University of Montana (UM), founded in 1893 and located in Missoula, is a prominent public research university offering diverse academic programs and a vibrant campus life. With a population of approximately 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UM is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to student success. The university offers a wide range of programs, including strong offerings in the liberal arts, business, health sciences, environmental studies, and law, along with renowned research opportunities in areas such as wildlife biology, forestry, and sustainable development. In addition to its academic excellence, UM is also known for its robust athletic programs, particularly through the Montana Grizzlies, whose teams compete at the NCAA Division I level in football, basketball, and other sports. The Grizzlies are a central part of campus culture, and their games draw passionate fans from across the region. UM’s beautiful campus, nestled along the Clark Fork River and surrounded by mountains, offers students a unique setting for academic pursuits and outdoor activities. With top-tier education, competitive athletics, and access to world-class recreational opportunities, the University of Montana stands out as a premier institution for students seeking an enriching college experience.
INCOME OPPORTUNITY
The Pine Creek Ranch features 18± acres of irrigated grassland, which can be used to put up hay for wintertime feed and forage or to provide grazing on the irrigated meadow. Additional acreage is fenced and cross-fenced for grazing horses or other livestock species.
Pine Creek Ranch | Huson, Montana
CLIMATE
The area around Missoula is often called the state’s “banana belt” due to its milder weather patterns. Missoula receives an average of 16” of rain per year. July and August are the warmest months, with an average high of 85 degrees and an average low of around 50 degrees. Meanwhile, January and February are the coldest months, with average highs near 35 degrees and lows around 20 degrees. Residents can expect up to 42” of average snowfall during the winter.
Climate charts courtesy of https://www.city-data.com/city/Missoula-Montana.html
Pine Creek Ranch | Huson, Montana
LOCATION
Montana offers diverse communities with distinct appeal within a few hours of the ranch. Huson, a small town between the Bitterroot Mountains and the Clark Fork River, provides a peaceful rural setting with ample outdoor access and a taste of Western heritage, while nearby Missoula—just 40 minutes away and home to about 77,000 residents— serves as the region’s cultural, educational, healthcare, and recreational hub, featuring a scenic setting and the acclaimed University of Montana. Two hours south, Butte— known as “Butte, America”—blends a rich mining history with modern amenities, hosting Montana Technological University, a vibrant uptown district, commercial air service, and comprehensive healthcare. In northwest Montana, Kalispell, minutes from Flathead Lake, offers a charming downtown, essential services, and a gateway to Glacier National Park with year-round recreational opportunities.
GETTING THERE
The ranch is a short drive along I-90 West from Missoula to the Huson Exit. The ranch is an approximately 18-mile drive from the Interstate along well-maintained county roads. From I-90, follow Nine Mile Road, AKA Old US Highway 10, to turn right on W. Nine Mile Road. Follow as it bears to the left onto Nine Mile Road and follow to the ranch entrance on the right-hand side.
AIRPORT SERVICES
Missoula International Airport is a key gateway for commercial and general aviation in western Montana. Its modern facilities and streamlined operations support efficient travel and provide dependable access for regional visitors and businesses. The airport’s commitment to service and continuous improvement underscores its role in enhancing regional connectivity.
Bert Mooney Airport, located in Butte, Montana, offers essential services catering to local and regional aviation needs. Complementing these services is the Minuteman Jet Center, a dedicated fixedbase operator that delivers comprehensive support to business and private jet travelers. The center focuses on operational excellence and provides quality fueling, maintenance, and passenger amenities that contribute to a seamless aviation experience.
21 Pine Creek Ranch | Huson, Montana
Pine Creek Ranch | Huson, Montana
MINERAL RIGHTS
All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP
A portion of the Pine Creek Ranch is currently protected by a conservation easement held by Montana Land Reliance. A copy of this easement is available upon request. However, approximately 130± acres in the northeastern corner of the ranch adjacent to National Forest Land are not under the easement.
Fay Ranches, Inc. has extensive experience working with conservation easements, recognizing them as valuable tools for preserving family farms and ranches while preventing subdivision development that can diminish the beauty of rivers and the value of surrounding land. The purpose of a conservation easement varies for each landowner. For some, it may serve to pass down a farm or ranch to future generations. For others, it may help protect the watershed of a beloved trout stream or provide winter habitat for elk. Every conservation easement has its own unique story, but the common thread is the landowner’s commitment to preserving a cherished piece of land for future generations.
Each of us at Fay loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.
WATER RIGHTS
Montana waters, in all their varied forms and locations, belong to the State for the benefit of its people. A water right is the right to use the water within state-established guidelines, and not any ownership of the water itself. Since water rights in Montana are guided by the prior appropriation doctrine, a person’s right to use a specific quantity of water depends on when the use of water began, establishing the relative priority date of use on the water source. The first person to use water from a source established the first right, the second person could establish a right to the water that was left, and so on. Additionally, water users are limited to the amount of water that can be beneficially used. Beneficial use includes, but is not limited to, agricultural, recreational, fish, wildlife and domestic purposes.
Montana is currently conducting a statewide adjudication of all water rights with priority dates prior to July 1, 1973. The statewide adjudication is a court process that prioritizes and quantifies all existing water rights in each Montana drainage basin. With 85 basins in Montana, and over 219,000 water right claims, the statewide adjudication is a massive undertaking that is expected to stretch well into the future. Until the adjudication process is complete, the status of any particular water right claim cannot be guaranteed. Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons do not warrant or make any representation concerning the quantity or quality of any water rights, nor any legal entitlement to use of water rights, permits to appropriate water, exempt existing rights, determination of existing water rights, nor any ditches, ditch rights, or ditch easements appurtenant to or constituting a burden on the property. Water rights claims appurtenant to the property may or may not have been fully or finally adjudicated, and any Buyer is advised to make any offer to purchase contingent upon and subject to such independent inspections, evaluations, and advice concerning the water rights and adjudication process as a Buyer might deem prudent. All Buyers should be aware that Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons involved in this offering have not conducted an expert inspection or analysis of the water rights for this property.
Pine Creek Ranch | Huson, Montana
Pine Creek Ranch borders the Lolo National Forest and is safeguarded by conservation easements, ensuring a pristine setting. The property boasts forested foothills, expansive meadows, and a vibrant riparian corridor nourished by a live water stream that supports abundant wildlife. Positioned at the upper end of Ninemile Valley, it offers privacy and tranquility with convenient urban access. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the world-class coldwater fishing, as well as ample opportunities for golfing, skiing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Pine Creek Ranch | Huson, Montana
TERMS
$3,636,000 Cash
Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange
Please contact Kimberly Lowry at (406) 490-4323 | klowry@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches, Inc. must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties we have listed, please visit our web page at www. fayranches.com.
NOTE
Additional acreage is available in a listing adjacent to this property. For more details, contact the listing agent.
CONTACT NOTICE
Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.
RELATIONSHIPS IN REAL ESTATE
As required by Montana law, a broker or salesperson shall disclose the existence and nature of relevant agency or other relationships to the parties to a real estate transaction. The various relationships and description of duties are as follows:
1. SELLER AGENT
A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:
Act solely in the best interests of the seller; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the seller; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the seller agent and not known or discoverable by the seller unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the seller agent; Safeguard the seller’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the seller’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the seller for any funds or property of the seller that comes into the seller agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a seller and obtaining a seller’s written consent, to represent multiple sellers of property and to list properties for sale that may compete with the seller’s property, without breaching any obligation to the seller.
A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to:
Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the seller agent, except that the seller agent is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent when the seller agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a buyer and a buyer agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
2. BUYER AGENT (cont)
A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:
Disclose any adverse material facts that are known to the buyer agent and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Disclose to the seller or the seller agent when the buyer agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a seller and a seller agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
3. DUAL AGENCY If a seller agent is also representing a buyer, or a buyer agent is also representing a seller with regard to a property, then a dual agency relationship may be established. In a dual agency relationship, the dual agent is equally obligated to both the seller and the buyer. These obligations may prohibit the dual agent from advocating exclusively on behalf of the seller or buyer and may limit the depth and degree of representation that you receive. A broker or a salesperson may not act as a dual agent without the signed, written consent of both the seller and the buyer.
A “Dual Agent” is obligated to a Seller in the same manner as a seller agent and is obligated to a Buyer in the same manner as a buyer agent, except a dual agent:
Has a duty to disclose to a buyer or seller any adverse material facts that are known to the dual agent regardless of any confidentiality considerations; and May not disclose the following information without the written consent of the person to whom the information is confidential; The fact that the buyer is willing to pay more than the offered purchase price; The fact that the seller is willing to accept less than the purchase price that the seller is asking for the property; Factors motivating either party to buy or sell; and Any information that a party indicates in writing to the dual agent is to be kept confidential.
4. STATUTORY BROKER
A “Statutory Broker” is not the agent of the Buyer or Seller but nevertheless is obligated to them to:
Disclose to: i. a buyer or buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the statutory broker, except that the statutory broker is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; and ii. a seller or a seller agent any adverse material facts that are known to the statutory broker and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in putting together a real estate transaction, and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
5. IN-HOUSE SELLER AGENT DESIGNATE Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house seller agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a seller for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the seller with respect to the designated transaction.
6. IN-HOUSE BUYER AGENT DESIGNATE
Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house buyer agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a buyer for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the buyer with respect to the designated transaction.
BUYER AGENT
A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to: Act solely in the best interests of the buyer; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the buyer; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the buyer agent and not known or discoverable by the buyer, unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the buyer agent; Safeguard the buyer’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the buyer’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the buyer for any funds or property of the buyer that comes into the buyer agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a buyer and obtaining a buyer’s written consent, to represent multiple buyers interested in buying the same property or similar properties to properties in which a buyer is interested and to show properties in which a buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, without breaching any obligation to the buyer.
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