Located at the upstream end of the Stillwater River Canyon, the Flying C Ranch operates on just over 10,700+/- acres, of which 8,880+/- is deeded, and the balance is encompassed in two BLM permits and a state lease. The ranch benefits from a 100-head grazing permit on the adjacent national forest. The ranch headquarters and the owner's compound are situated along one-and-a-half miles of the Stillwater River. This "river unit" consists of around 300 acres, including 59+/- acres of flood-irrigated hay meadows, the aforementioned owner's home, the manager's home, a classic horse barn, guest houses, and other outbuildings.
The ranch rises steeply from there to include dramatic foothills that open into rolling grasslands running to the national forest boundary. Tucked away amongst these scenic foothills are significant portions of two other lush valleys through which flow Bad Canyon Creek and Trout Creek. The latter offers an appealing small trout fishery that complements the ranch’s frontage on the Stillwater River, the area's dominant, highly regarded big stream fishery. As one would expect, wildlife is prolific as there is a desirable and very private habitat for everything from species of deer to elk, antelope, black bear, and mountain lion. Also, the canyons and grassy hillsides are ideal for upland birds and raptors. The lower valley offers an intimate experience with views of dramatic cliffs, and as one gains altitude, the entire Beartooth Front comes into view and is truly awe-inspiring from these vantage points.
The ranch supports 225 cows and carries over the calves with supplemental hay purchases. From imposing cliffs, rivers, and streams to dramatic canyons, secret coulees and private valleys, and timbered and aspen-covered slopes, the Flying C Ranch operates in an amazingly diverse and wildlife-rich landscape. Many have said it is like owning a national park.
The Facts:
~ Location: 20 miles west of Absarokee and six miles north of Nye
~ Acreage: 10,717+/- (8,880+/- deeded plus BLM and State leases) with a 100-head USFS permit
~ Terrain: Riparian, cliffs, canyons, rock formations, open foothill grasslands, meadows
~ Improvements: Modest owner’s home, guest cabins, managers house, and outbuildings
~ Water: About one-and-a-half miles of Stillwater River, small trout stream, irrigated meadows, 17 filed spring rights, and stock water pipelines
~ Operation: 225 mother cows year-round and carry calf crop over to fall of 2nd year with some hay purchased depending on winter conditions
~ Access: Just off the paved highway on a good, graveled county road
~ Views: Dramatic! Of the Beartooth Front - Montana’s highest mountains
~ Wildlife: Deer, elk, antelope, black bear, and mountain lion with canyons and grassy hillsides ideal for upland birds and all manner of raptors
~ Summary: The complete package - scenic, excellent trout fishing, incredibly diverse country adjoining the national forest, a fantastic cross-section of most wildlife species, and a viable cattle operation