Willow Creek Ranch -Livingston, Montana

The 19,419 acre (18,139 deeded) Willow Creek Ranch is located minutes from Livingston and is accessed by a county road which traverses along the east and north boundaries of the ranch and dead ends on the Gallatin National Forest, just above, but away from the ranch. Willow Creek is distinguished by the fact that it offers a massive block of private land that adjoins the national forest, offering some of the finest big game hunting in the region on private lands as well as excellent upland bird shooting. The ranch has historically supported a 600 animal unit livestock operation, although the current owners have been more interested in its wildlife and recreational amenities, which are considerable. The modern livestock support facilities include multiple homes, corrals, barns and sheds, as well as good fencing and cross fencing, and over 1,550 acres of cropland (hay and wheat) of which 267 acres are currently irrigated. The diverse landscape includes irrigated meadows, lush valleys and open rangelands that transition into dramatic bluffs before ascending west into the aspen groves and timbered slopes of the Bangtail Mountains. The extensive improvements are highlighted by an historic, fully remodeled six bedroom farmhouse, circa 1906. Water resources are extensive. They include a stocked 12-acre reservoir, 24± miles of double frontage along Willow and Ferry Creeks, three ponds and 40 improved springs. While it is tucked up against the more intimate Bangtail Mountains, the ranch enjoys extraordinary views of the nearby jagged peaks of both the Absaroka Mountains and Crazy Mountains.