Ekstrom's L Diamond E Ranch

Ekstrom’s L Diamond E Ranch Clinton, MT 83 ± Acres

$750,000 | 76 ± Acres | Land Only $795,000 | 7 ± Acres | Homestead

708 N. Rouse Bozeman, MT (406) 589-4160 westernranchbrokers.com If you’ve heard the water over rocks, if you’ve seen the Salmon Fly hatch, if you’ve set eyes on the verdant John Long and Sapphire Mountains then you already know.

Homesteaded over 100 years ago by the Elliott family, the L Diamond E Ranch represents one of the last parcels of this size with this proximity to the Rock Creek area. The Blue Ribbon fishery of Rock Creek and the adjacent Clark Fork River both possess unparalleled beauty and unmatched fishing. Along with the elk, moose, and deer habitat this area represents a special place for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fishing on nearby Rock Creek Rock Creek

The famed “L Diamond E Ranch” is a 83± acre historic homestead located near the Clark Fork and legendary Rock Creek, just outside of Missoula, MT.

This renowned property comes complete with a spring creek, ponds, and irrigated hay fields. The historic barn, home as well as two cabins are well known for providing a comfortable base for travelers, guides, fishermen, and adventurers alike.

This strategic location creates an excellent opportunity for commercial use as base for your own outfitting and lodging operation, real estate development opportunit, and/or private retreat.

All water rights convey. Hunting and fishing outfitter permits also available.

© 2019 Western Ranch Brokers || [email protected] ~3~ © 2019 Western Ranch Brokers || [email protected] ~4~ Location Located less than 30 minutes east of Missoula the L Diamond E is located at the exit for Rock Creek Road off Interstate 90 near the confluence of Rock Creek and the Clark Fork River.

Missoula, MT Missoula, MT is a vibrant community that plays host to the arts, cultural activities, University of Montana, and Missoula International Airport. With it’s proximity to the confluence of the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot rivers, Missoula is a outdoor recreationist’s dream.

Rock Creek / Bonita

Gold brought prospectors to the Quiqley area on Rock Creek in the mid 1800’s. It was soon discovered though, that gold wasn’t as prevalent as once thought, the mines disappeared and Quiqley turned into a ghost town. Rock Creek was also used by area ranches as summer pasture cow camps.

Located down the road from the ranch, the small town of Bonita was served by the Milwaukee Road and Northern Pacific Rail lines. Up to the 1940’s there was a small community post office. Today all that remains is the Bonita Forest Service ranger station.

Today this is the creek that fly fishermen dream of. Rock Creek is known for it’s pure waters, world-class fishing, and breathe taking beauty. The Blue Ribbon designated fishery is amongst the best in the country for Rainbow, Cutthroat, Brook, Brown, and Bull Trout, know as the Montana Grand Slam. There are ample opportunities for recreation along Rock Creek with forest service campsites, private cabins and fishing accesses.

With it’s proximity to Rock Creek, the L Diamond E represents a very enticing base camp for those who are looking to fish it’s waters and explore it’s history.

Fishing on Rock Creek The Original Homestead in the 30’s

Family Businesses

Happy Outfitting Clients Dan Ekstrom Outfitting on Rock Creek - 1970’s

Doris Ekstrom Dan Ekstrom owner Ekstrom Stage Station & Campground past proprietor of and outfitter of Ekstrom’s Stage L Diamond E Ranch Station Restaurant and Campground

Irrigated Hay Ground

Guest Cabins

The main house on the L Diamond E is set in rustic charm, picture the quintessential Montana lodge and you’ll be seeing the house.

Hardwood floors, exposed beams of knotty pine, and an open format exhibit simple refinement & encourage relaxing after a long day of keeping tight lines and landing big fish.

The original cabin, built in 1890, has been incorporated in the new home retaining the old-world charm while adding updated features The 2 bed 2.5 bath house is approximately 2,200 sq. feet of outdoorsman paradise.

The L Diamond E has a rich history of outfitting hunters headed into the backcountry and that tradition can continue into the future with the conveyance of the hunting & fishing outfitting permit. Two existing cabins on the property are the ideal base camps for sportsmen and are setup with all the amenities, each including 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. The opportunity exists to build more cabins on site giving the new owner greater capacity for guiding and outfitting.

Nightly rentals throughout the summer & long term rentals through the winter provide for a steady lodging income. Hunting & fishing outfitting permit available for an additional $140,000.

The historic hay barn, heated machine shop, and saddle & tack cabins all sit next to the ponds that are fed by Geyser Spring Creek.

No conversation about land in western Montana would be complete without talking about water. Water plays an integral role in the West and in Montana in particular.

The ranch offers a private spring creek, ponds and irrigated hay fields. These aquatic assets go hand- in-hand with the enjoyment and production on the ranch.

Geyser Spring Creek, which originates on the ranch, has historically provided water for ponds, irrigation as well as excellent fishing. Today the spring still feeds 3 distinct ponds as modern irrigation is provided via dedicated irrigation well. These features can be further improved to provide outstanding private fishing on the ranch.

The ranch has a positive cash flow and offers several different revenue streams that you can utilize to offset property taxes, rejuvenate infrastructure, or to just enjoy the additional income.

The ranch has 2 cabins on site with 2 beds and 1 bathroom in each. These can easily attract renters who are interested in the areas limitless outdoor activities. Nightly renters throughout the summer months and long term renters during winter.

With 60 irrigated acres of prime hay ground, the L Diamond E offers the buyer another source of income on the property. There is outstanding demand for the L Diamond E horse quality small bale hay that is regularly produced.

The L Diamond E currently generates solid income from boarding horses. This offers a reliable stream of income and with the addition of the new tack shed means you can store & repair the essentials. Traditionally the ranch has boarded more than 20 horses year round.

With it’s proximity to I-90 the L Diamond E has income from additional signage that is located on property. Thoughtfully placed, the signage doesn’t interfere with the outstanding view shed. The ranch is well position for prime rural commercial development and offers a number of opportunities.

Estimated Current Income $50-70,000

Outfitting The L Diamond E sits in a premiere location for outfitting. With infrastructure in place and the opportunity to obtain the hunting & fishing outfitting permits, guiding in the backcountry and using the ranch as a base of operations would let the new owner develop guide/outfitter operations right on the property.

The hunting districts around the ranch are well-known for their strong populations of elk, deer, bear, mountain lion and others. The ranch sits astride the boundary of 2 hunting districts 292 & 210.

Special Events Center With the proximity to Missoula and Rock Creek the L Diamond E is perfectly positioned as an excellent gathering space for special events. The existing barn, saddle shop and other buildings can be transformed into elegant event spaces that would make for an outstanding venue.

Real Estate Previously other parts of the ranch have been sold off for real estate purposes. Directly adjacent to the northwest of the ranch is the Ridge Above Rock Creek subdivision, high quality homes have been built in the well thought out and private neighborhood.

The Ponds One of the distinct features on the ranch are the spring fed ponds. Initially, when the ranch was established, there were 3 individual trout ponds.

With a modest aquatic rehab effort the new owner can return the existing ponds back to their former glory. The ponds have historically been able to hold sizable trout and revitalizing them would give the new owner private fishing right on the property.

Land Only $750,000 | 76 ± Acres 76 acres of irrigated hay fields and pastures, historic barns, outbuildings, spring creek and 3 ponds.

Homestead $795,000 | 7 ± Acres 7 acres including the historic homestead which is located near the Clark Fork and Rock Creek. The rustic home, two 2 bed guest cabins and 4 acres of irrigated hay fields are well known for providing a comfortable base for travelers, hunters and fishermen alike.

Maps

76 acre parcel

7 acre parcel