$9,500,895

The John Day Ranch is a great opportunity to own a large ranch located in the breaks of the highly desired Salmon River canyon near the town of Lucile, Idaho. This picturesque landscape offers fantastic views of the Salmon River Canyon with elk and cattle dotting the landscape. Explore the rolling hills, shaded timbered slopes, lush grassy meadows, then cool off by dipping your toes in the cold waters of John Day Creek. It doesn’t take long to understand why the Sellers have owned this property since 1987. Welcome to the John Day Ranch! 

The John Day Ranch is located in Idaho County near the community of Lucile. Idaho County is famed for its lack of zoning restrictions giving landowners endless opportunities. For a property of this size to become available for purchase is a rare opportunity in itself. The surrounding area offers many fun filled activities ranging from hunting, fishing, hiking, and more. The nearby Salmon River is famed for its world class whitewater with rafters and jetboats often seen navigating between its banks. The popular town of Riggins lies just to the South where the annual Riggins Rodeo is known state-wide. There is no shortage of things to do in the area. 

The John Day Ranch consists of 4,222.62+- deeded acres, 2,820 +- acres of BLM grazing rights, and 840+- acres of Idaho State Lands grazing rights totaling 7,883+- acres. The owners currently lease the grazing to a local cattleman who manages the John Day Ranch in a manner that promotes the health of livestock and wildlife together. Other neighboring landowners work together by leasing their adjoining lands to the same cattleman allowing for the space needed to achieve this desired outcome. 

The hunting and fishing opportunities are abundant on the John Day Ranch. The elk hunting has been especially fruitful for the owners producing upwards of ten branch antler bulls in a single year. According to the sellers, elk are constantly being pushed from adjoining public land and seeking opportunities to depredate irrigated farmland below. It would be tough to find another ranch that can give you as much action for a famous Central Idaho elk hunt. For the bird hunters, you will find an abundance of turkeys, chukar, grouse, and qual. Miles and miles of quality constructed roads traverse the ranch allowing for hunters to locate and retrieve wild game very effectively with minimal effort. John Day Creek is small stream that divides the property where you will find bull trout, steelhead, chinook salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout. The nearby Salmon River multiplies these opportunities where you can do a famous “cast and blast” where you hunt and fish in the same day from a jet boat.  

A tastefully designed log cabin has been constructed along John Day Creek in a private location. The cabin is 1,404 sq/ft built in 2001 with one bedroom, one bathroom downstairs, and 572 sq/ft sleeping loft upstairs. Many great memories have been made here celebrating successful hunts and spending time with loved ones. Open the windows at night and enjoy the sounds of John Day Creek running by. Located near the log cabin is a 936 sq/ft detached garage with a built-in game cooler. The maintenance has been meticulously carried out by the local caretaker. The buildings are connected to the power grid which is a huge added bonus for the property. 

The John Day Ranch is more than a ranch. It’s a legacy property to keep in your family for generation after generation. It’s a quality ranch that all of the locals know of and dream of owning. To get the chance to purchase a ranch like the John Day is an opportunity that many won’t get in their entire lifetime. Don’t let this opportunity pass by. Contact the listing agent today! 

*All prospective buyers must show proof of funds prior to entry.