Raised between Alabama and the Cayman Islands, Bill joined Hall and Hall as a ranch partner in the fall of 1996. He came to Montana to work as a fly-fishing guide and ranch hand during a summer break from law school. Bill returned to Montana after graduation and became the Tribal Prosecutor for the Crow Tribe. In addition to his law degree, Bill holds an undergraduate degree in music from the University of Miami and remains passionate about his music. He is also a skilled photographer specializing in underwater imagery with images having been published by National Geographic, the BBC and elsewhere. He is an FAA licensed UAS (drone) Pilot which he uses for real estate photography and cinematography. He is also a hospice volunteer and dedicated practitioner of hot yoga. It was inevitable that he found his way into a real estate career as the profession stretches back four generations in his family. His love of the northern Rocky Mountain region compelled him to move to Missoula where he handles transactions in the “backyard” as well as those stretching from Florida to California. Bill is currently licensed as a real estate broker in Montana (RRE-BRO-LIC-8609), Idaho (#AB00021997), Florida (#BK3229636), Georgia (#347418), Tennessee (#317360), and California (#01455038).
Green Valley Ranch, situated on the doorstep of Glacier National Park, this 477±acre ranch has served as a private family retreat and commercial wedding/event venue under current ownership. With a sleeping capacity of 24 guests in a rustic yet elegant compound including a lodge, a guest home, and a caretaker’s residence, a new owner may wish to continue operations or reserve the use exclusively for family and friends. The ranch has an attractive mix of meadows and vast forests in a diverse topography. Clean water and crisp, invigorating air are abundant here in the “Crown of the Continent,” a region considered one of the most diverse, intact ecosystems on our planet. A full array of services, including an international airport, are within 30 minutes of the property’s front gate.
The property is entered from the north about a quarter mile south of Highway 2 on Desert Lodge Road. The perimeter of the ranch measures a little over five and a half miles and all but three quarter miles of that boundary is directly adjacent to the Flathead National Forest, providing an uninterrupted chain of public ownership leading directly into Glacier National Park. The centerpiece of the ranch is a picturesque 10± acre meadow with a historic barn along the edge of it. Overlooking the meadow (the lowest elevation on the property) and across the half acre private pond is the compound of improvements, including a lodge, guest cabin, and caretaker’s residence. Also located at the edge of the meadow is an outdoor covered event space capable of handling large groups. The topography is varied surrounding the meadow mostly consisting of timbered slopes gradually rising to the south and the east.
Few properties of this magnitude sit on the welcome mat to Glacier National Park. However, even putting its location in the “Crown of the Continent” aside, the ranch itself stands alone as a private enclave capable of hosting up to 24 guests with spacious luxury in the midst of Rocky Mountain splendor.
Green Valley Ranch is located on the south side of US Highway 2, almost three miles northeast of Coram, Montana and five and a half miles southwest of West Glacier, Montana. Glacier Park International Airport near Kalispell is less than 30 miles away, allowing for convenient access. Numerous airlines service the airport, including Alaska, Allegiant, United, Delta, Sun Country, American, and Avelo Airlines. These airlines provide direct daily and seasonal service to and from Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Oakland, Denver, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, New York (LGA), and Burbank. Amtrak also has a train stop in West Glacier, less than ten minutes from the ranch entrance.
Green Valley Ranch is in the middle of a region known as the “Crown of the Continent,” a pristine and ecologically diverse area at the headwaters of North America’s major river systems. Known for its rugged peaks, expansive wilderness, and over seven hundred miles of trails, the Crown of the Continent is home to stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and glacially carved terrain. It’s considered one of the most beautiful and untouched natural areas in the United States. The ranch is located less than ten minutes from the west entrance to Glacier National Park.
This locale offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural wonders of Northwest Montana. Each day offers a unique adventure, from sailing on the pristine waters of Flathead Lake to kayaking the Hungry Horse Reservoir and exploring the scenic trails of Flathead National Forest. The quaint nearby towns of Whitefish, Kalispell, and Bigfork offer an array of restaurants, shops, and other services.
Green Valley Ranch experiences a four-season climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summers are typically mild, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low 80s, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Winters are cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from the teens to mid-30s, providing excellent conditions for skiing and snowshoeing. Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and stunning natural transitions, from blooming wildflowers to vibrant autumn foliage.
Green Valley Ranch traces its roots to the early 1900s when it was homesteaded by the George Green family, shortly after the creation of Glacier National Park. The family of ten children and several “tie hack” hands logged the property and operated a sawmill that sustained their livelihood. In 1947, the land was sold and operated as the Desert Mountain Lodge, a dude ranch, for fifty years. In 1999, the ranch returned to its roots when the current owners, descendants of George and Gussie Green, purchased and restored the property.
Looking back over a century, one can imagine the young Green family building their future amidst forests of cedar, tamarack, and spruce. They built log cabins by hand, attended a one-room schoolhouse, and worked with two-person crosscut saws and draft horses to skid logs over snowy terrain. Life was undoubtedly tough in the mountains, but it was also filled with simplicity, games, and the joyful mischief of ten children.
Today, the descendants of George and Gussie Green continue to honor this legacy. They ride and ski the historic logging trails, manage the forest through thinning and replanting, and ensure the land’s beauty and abundance endure for future generations. Green Valley Ranch remains a treasured family legacy. For a deeper look into the history, read Reclaiming the Homestead in the Big Sky Journal.
Personal Property: The ranch has an inventory of personal property and furnishings, some of which will be made available for purchase separately
Conservation Easements: The ranch is very well suited to the donation of a conservation easement.
THE LODGE: The Lodge at Green Valley Ranch is the architectural poster child of rustic luxury. Designed by critically acclaimed architect Larry Pearson in the Glacier Park lodge tradition, the Lodge was constructed in 2001 by neighboring craftsmen from reclaimed logs and native stone. The open floor plan offers over 5,300 square feet with multiple large common rooms and privacy in six well-appointed bedrooms and six bathrooms, accommodating up to 14 guests at full occupancy. A large gourmet kitchen with a commercial range, two sinks, two dishwashers, and two refrigerators allows for large-group meal preparation. The centerpiece of the main floor living room is the two-story stone fireplace flanked by comfortable furniture and lit by antique wagon wheel chandeliers. The loft has a library, with a cozy pot-bellied stove to read by. Views can be savored from every window and porch; the porch off the living room even has its own outdoor fireplace to sit by as the sun goes down. A covered outdoor hot tub with breathtaking mountain views offers a serene retreat to unwind and rejuvenate.
THE CABIN: The 864± square feet cabin was designed in the same style as the lodge, with rustic Montana materials and an open floor plan with a river rock fireplace. There are two full baths and two main floor bedrooms offering one king and one queen bed, while a dorm-style bedroom sleeps five guests. A large covered sitting porch with outstanding views is the perfect spot for unwinding and basking in the natural beauty.
THE CARETAKER’S RESIDENCE: The caretaker’s residence, built in 2004, is a wood frame structure consisting of over 1,400 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The ranch’s domestic water needs are serviced by wells. There are three wells located on property but one of those wells is particularly productive (180 foot depth with 35 gallons per minute) and supplies all the buildings with ample water for domestic use. In addition to the wells, there are surface rights to the water in Lake West for irrigation. Documentation is available upon request.
All mineral rights owned by Seller will convey.
The annual estimated taxes are $31,203.53 based upon past years.
Wildlife is varied and abundant at Green Valley Ranch, where virtually every animal that lives in the Northern Rockies can be seen. Elk and Deer are the most prevalent species but wolves and bears will occasionally pass through the property. Also seen regularly in the greater region are bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and moose.
With 477± acres to explore and Glacier National Park just minutes away, Green Valley Ranch is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities for every interest and season.
Spring at Green Valley Ranch brings the vibrant renewal of nature, with wildflowers and wildlife livening up the landscape. In fall, the air turns crisp, and the ranch is adorned with golden aspen groves against a stunning backdrop. These serene seasons are perfect for hiking, biking, photography, or simply unwinding indoors by the warmth of the fire.
In summer and fall, Glacier National Park and the surrounding area provide endless opportunities for adventure. Hike breathtaking trails, drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, or explore historic lodges. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, fly fishing in Montana’s renowned rivers, and whitewater rafting on the Flathead River. Cycling, mountain biking, zip lining at Whitefish Mountain Resort, and kayaking the tranquil Flathead River round out the list of unforgettable activities.
In winter, the ranch becomes a serene retreat with groomed cross-country skiing trails, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and opportunities to track wildlife in the snow. Two major ski resorts are within an hour’s drive: Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area.
Green Valley Ranch is the perfect place to experience Montana’s natural beauty in every season.
The current owners have managed the ranch as their own cherished family retreat as well as an event venue for weddings, corporate retreats, and other functions. While it has been recognized as one of the "Top 15 Most Unique Wedding Venues Out There" by Brides.com, a new owner has no obligation to continue this business venture beyond the 2025 event season. If a new owner wishes to defray the costs of ownership, the ranch has an established reputation that can be capitalized upon going forward.
His (Bill's) expertise in the market and marketing of the property was excellent.
Bill McDavid was an outstanding and very patient partner in this sale. His expertise in the market and marketing of the property was excellent. I would use him again in a heartbeat to either buy or sell a ranch property. David...
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