Lanes Creek Ranch

Listing Price: $3,995,000

Nestled in the foothills of the Caribou National Forest near Wayan, Idaho, the Lanes Creek Ranch offers tranquility within close proximity to everyday necessities, resort services and incredible recreational opportunities. The delightful western town of Alpine, Wyoming, is a short twenty-minute drive and offers everyday modern conveniences, while the vacation favorite, Jackson Hole, is an hour-drive north through the scenic Snake River Canyon.  The area’s recreational opportunities are abundant and include world-class trout waters and the Caribou Targhee National Forest.  Private air service is offered 30 minutes south of the property via Afton's 7,200 foot airstrip, while commercial air service is available in Jackson Hole.

The Ranch is comprised of approximately 1,536 deeded acres and a 600-acre BLM lease that are conveniently fenced along parameters to allow for cattle grazing.   Lanes Creek meanders through the southern portion of the property for approximately 2 miles providing both stock water and lush green pastures.  A well-maintained country road serves as both the western boundary of the ranch and access to the ranch year round.  Public lands including BLM and Caribou National Forest lie adjacent to the ranch on the eastern boundary providing treed hillsides and elevated views of the valley floor below with access to excellent elk and Mule deer hunting.  This alpine ranch is defined by its rolling topography, large open pastures and treed hillsides.  There are incredible mountain views in all directions.

Most of the fishing opportunities within close proximity of this ranch can be found in nearby Star Valley, a 10-minute drive from the ranch. To the angler’s delight, the Palisades Reservoir is a 25-minute drive north of the ranch.  This 16,000-acre high alpine reservoir is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and serves as a resting place for the Greys, Salt and Snake Rivers before exiting at the Palisades Dam in Swan Valley, which forms the South Fork of the Snake River. 

The more famed and written about Snake River often overshadows the lesser-known tributaries that define Star Valley.  The Salt River is one of these area trout waters that should not be overlooked by the avid angler.  It meanders north through the soil-rich ranchlands of Star Valley for 30 miles, gaining momentum from the numerous spring creeks before reaching the Palisades Reservoir.  Well-marked public access points throughout the valley offer accessibility for both float and wade fishing on the Salt.  Cutthroat, rainbow, brook and brown trout averaging 12”-16” are commonly found in these waters with an occasional rumor of a 10-pound brown.

Improvements on the Ranch are numerous and include a newer 4,400 sqft main home built in 2000 on the northern end of the property near the National Forest Boundary.  This stick-built home contains four bedrooms and three full baths, a finished basement with wet bar and a loft area above the kitchen.  This home also has an accompanying 1,144 sqft garage, which is currently being used as storage, however could easily be converted to a horse barn with room for numerous stalls.

An older 2,000 sqft manager’s house serves as the headquarters for the equestrian and cattle ranch operations near the southern portion of the ranch.  This home is a modest 2,000 sqft with two bedrooms and two baths and a covered porch overlooking a small spring fed pond.  Also included in this area are a number of outbuildings including a large barn and equipment shed with tack room and vet area and a large outdoor riding arena, approximately 11,000 sqft in size.

Other improvements consist of the original homestead near the entrance road and the guest house, which is an older 800 sqft one bedroom one bath cabin with kitchen.  This cabin is in need of renovation but would make a great quest quarters or retreat. 

According to the Caribou County Planning and Zoning Department, this property can be subdivided into twelve 120 + acre parcels without going through a subdivision approval procedure.  Knowing this, the current owners installed five junction boxes with category-five fiber optic cable, anticipating the potential for a subdivision on the property. 

The Lanes Creek Ranch represents a solid balance between of recreational attributes and the operational cattle component.  The location is in a gorgeous alpine valley setting that includes open pasture, treed hillsides and incredible natural resources. With natural and aesthetic attractions surrounding Wayan, Idaho, this is a wonderful opportunity for the outdoor enthusiast to call home.