The 4,743± acre Little Lost River Valley Ranch is located in east central Idaho’s upper Little Lost River Valley surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Lemhi and Lost River ranges. With wide open views and no residential structures visible, the majesty of this “Old West” landscape is breathtaking. Summit Creek, a year-round spring creek that originates on adjoining federal lands, meanders through stands of alder and willow for more than three miles through the ranch and is home to robust populations of spirited rainbow and brook trout.
Bordered by lands managed by the Salmon/Challis National Forest, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and State of Idaho, the ranch’s views and natural setting are almost entirely protected from the intrusion of development. A conservation easement covering 1,950± acres of the property enhances this effect by protecting habitat for elk, deer, pronghorn, sage grouse, raptors, wading birds, and waterfowl.
A custom-designed 600± square foot log cabin constructed in 2008 is perched above Summit Creek overlooking the creek and nearby wetlands. Every window of the cabin frames an extraordinary view, and the porch is the perfect spot to relax and watch the day begin and end. The cabin and its remarkable setting were featured on the cover of Mountain Living magazine in August 2012 and in Country Living in the fall of 2013.
The ranch is accessible all year and situated midway between Sun Valley, Idaho and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, within easy reach from either community. Idaho Falls, Idaho and its commercial airport lie approximately two hours southeast of the property, while Salt Lake City, Utah is located just over four hours to the south.
The ranch comprises a large, nearly contiguous block of land approximately six miles in length from north to south and four miles in width east to west. Elevation of the property ranges from approximately 6,300 feet along Summit Creek to 7,200 feet at the ranch’s upper end along the southern flank of Bear Mountain. The property features diverse topography and habitat, including rolling native rangelands, meadows, perennial wetlands, springs, and riparian areas. In addition, four streams traverse the ranch –Summit Creek, Cub Creek, Mud Creek, and Moffett Creek.
Summit Creek, the largest watercourse on the property, is a spring-fed stream originating northwest of the ranch and flowing year-round through lush stands of willow and alder for over three miles. At its midway point through the property, Summit Creek slows and widens as it enters the remnants of a reservoir that once impounded the creek. This section of the stream is especially popular with waterfowl and shorebirds because of the saturated meadows on either side of the stream.
At the lower end of the old reservoir site, the owner has installed a vehicular bridge that links both sides of Summit Creek and provides access to the cabin that overlooks the stream. As Summit Creek exits the reservoir site, it narrows and begins to meander once again on its way toward the property’s southern boundary. Brook and rainbow trout in the 8 to 13 inch size are prolific, with the possibility of larger fish inhabiting the deeper pools.
Mud Creek rises from springs on the north end of the ranch and flows south for over a mile before joining Summit Creek. In spite of its name, Mud Creek runs crystal clear through its length and is a haven for small wild trout. Cub Creek is a seasonal stream originating on national forest lands north of Mud Creek and flowing through the northern end of the ranch for almost a mile through willows and aspen stands. Matching Mud Creek in size, Moffett Creek is the third spring creek on the ranch. The creek originates on BLM lands just west of the ranch and flows for approximately a mile through the property south of Summit Creek providing additional wetland habitat along its reach.
Little Lost River Valley Ranch is bordered almost entirely by lands managed by the Salmon/Challis National Forest, BLM, and State of Idaho. The ranch encompasses 120 acres of BLM land, which are virtually inaccessible to the public and add to the overall size of the ranch. The only non-contiguous portion of the ranch is a 320-acre parcel located at the south end of the ranch and separated by a half-mile of BLM land. Access to the ranch is direct from the Little Lost Road where a private, graveled ranch road leads to the interior of the property and the cabin on Summit Creek. Additional access to the property is provided by various ranch roads crossing BLM land and linking to county roads.
Little Lost River Valley Ranch represents an exceptional opportunity to own a large deeded property bordering federal lands in a classic “big sky” setting just two hours from the resort community of Ketchum/Sun Valley and the regional commercial center of Idaho Falls. Extensive natural water features, including over three miles of a trout-filled spring creek, support diverse wildlife. A beautifully designed cabin overlooks the valley and is an ideal base of operation from which to experience the ranch and the surrounding landscape.