Overview
- Updated On:
- November 8, 2024
Description
Ranches in Idaho’s Shotgun Valley rarely see the open market, let alone a ranch that is protected on 3 sides by federal and state owned lands and rich in wildlife, live water and big mountain views.
Ice House Creek Ranch is pristine and beautiful, characterized by picturesque vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges, the casual meandering banks of Ice House Creek, the meadows of Shotgun Valley, and clear expansive skies. The stunning natural surroundings create an awe-inspiring backdrop for both ranching and recreational pursuits, ensuring a visually captivating experience.
The ranch is currently used for summer cattle grazing and recreation, the ranch supports 425 cow-calf pairs for the months of June-October. Spanning a total of 2,012 acres which includes 1,412 deeded acres, including 2 lakefront lots on Ice House Creek Reservoir, and an additional 600 acres of State of Idaho lease, which are all under fence.
Ice House Creek winds the length of the ranch for over 1.5 miles and is the source of water rights dating back to 1899 for irrigation and stock water on the ranch. Ice House Creek also has fishery potential, specifically on its southern end where the creek benefits from numerous springs. The creek currently holds fish, with fish density being the highest during the Spring and Fall when fish run up out of Island Park Reservoir to spawn in Ice House Creek.
The northern end of the ranch borders Ice House Creek Reservoir, which is approximately 80 acres in size. This is a private reservoir which is shared by the surrounding landowners adding another recreational element to the ranch.
The ranch is steeped in history, with each acre bearing witness to the stories and events that have shaped the land over generations. Several regional Indian tribes, George Rea (the third settler and first cattle rancher in Shotgun Valley), and Theodore Roosevelt, followed by A.S. Trude, E.H Harriman and others since its discovery in the 1800s who graced, valued, and protected these acres. From its origins to its development as a working ranch, every corner of Ice House Creek Ranch holds a piece of the past, contributing to its timeless charm and significance.
Steeped in history and offering unparalleled natural amenities, Ice House Creek Ranch possesses the potential to become a legacy property. Its enduring qualities make it an ideal setting for creating lasting memories, forging traditions, and passing down a heritage of stewardship and appreciation for the land.