Overview
The Rich Family Legacy
Beginning with their pioneer arrival by wagon train in 1864, six generations of the Rich Family have called Montana home. Their first 100 years were spent in the upper Yellowstone and Missouri River Country. In 1958 C.B. and Helen Rich found their way to the scenic Blackfoot/Clearwater Valley of western Montana – establishing an outfitting and guest ranch operation next to the renowned Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. Today their children and grandchildren carry on a 40+ year family tradition, graciously sharing their rural country lifestyle, Montana history and knowledge of the outdoors with friends and guests from near and far.
The ranch (elevation 4,400 feet) is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and overlooks Woodworth Meadows along the scenic Blackfoot River Valley of western Montana. Since its discovery by Lewis and Clark, this valley has been a destination for travelers seeking outdoor adventure and solitude. Adjacent to the spectacular Bob Marshall Wilderness Area – the ranch is surrounded by over one million acres of state and national forest (elevation up to 9,000 feet) for you to enjoy. Their convenient location between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park gives you the added opportunity to combine a ranch vacation with a visit to one or both of these natural wonders.
Year Round Adventures
As spring arrives in the mountains, so do the wildflowers. Over 200 varieties cover the meadows and hillsides with vibrant colors. May and June is the best time to enjoy the wildlife in the Blackfoot Valley. Herds of elk and deer are easy to spot in the meadows as they gather to take advantage of lush green grasses before migrating to the high mountains for summer. New fawns and calves appear daily, while bucks and bulls are adorned in velvet as they grow their new set of antlers.
Warm sunny days and cool starlit nights are the trademarks of a Rocky Mountain summer. Fourth of July parades, fireworks and rodeos help kick off the season. Fishing in clear mountain streams and alpine lakes is very popular as the mountain snows melt away. Flathead Lake cherries and Montana huckleberries make a special treat during harvest. August has an abundance of county fairs and rodeos to enjoy.
The change of season in September brings a quieter time to the ranch. As the rich fall colors begin to appear on the aspen, larch and various shrubs, horseback riding through the rolling hills or alpine basins is a special treat. Fishing can be excellent as the lakes and rivers begin to cool down from the summer sun.
Winter is a magical time in the Blackfoot Valley. The average snowfall ranges from 140” (that’s 10 feet!) at the ranch to over 500” in the surrounding mountains. The ranch specializes in guided snowmobile adventures. Leave from your cabin door to explore over 1,500 miles of groomed, secondary and mountaineering trails. Travel with experienced guides to discover untracked powder basins and spectacular mountain vistas. At day’s end you can count the stars at night with a relaxing soak in the outdoor hot tub. For those who prefer a slower pace, an old-fashioned horse drawn sleigh ride is a special treat!
Horseback Riding, Fishing and Other Activities
Horseback riding is the main activity on the ranch, and their trustworthy string of mountain-wise horses is the pride of the outfit. They will select a horse suited to your ability, which is “yours” to ride for the week. There are literally hundreds of miles of horseback trails out the back door and a postcard picture around every bend. Do you prefer a leisurely morning ride through the meadows and rolling hills, a high adventure trip to the top of the mountain, or maybe a faster-paced ride on trail or in the outdoor arena? The choice is yours.
Quality fishing, for all levels beginner to expert, is available in nearby lakes, streams and rivers. Some of those accessible by vehicle include Cottonwood Creek and the Big Blackfoot River. There are also several pristine alpine lakes accessible by horseback. Rise to the challenge of fishing clear mountain waters for native cutthroat, rainbow, brookies and brown trout. Guests also enjoy hiking, swimming, ghost town tours, nightly campfires, and just being part of ranch life. Scenic and whitewater rafting can be arranged with local area guides.
All this and more awaits you at the Rich Ranch.
Seasonal Rates & Information
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Weekly Rates |
Daily Rates |
 Summer |
$1,350.00 - $1,750.00 per person |
$275.00 - $300.00 per person |
| Winter |
See website for rates |
$125.00 - $160.00 per person |
* Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.
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Travel & Industry Awards |
- “Business Partners in Conservation” - Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
- “The Silver Trout Award” – Trout Unlimited
- 2006 "Outfitter of the Year" by Montana Wildlife Federation
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Affiliations |
- Montana Outfitters and Guides Assoc.
- America Outdoors
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
- Professional Wilderness Outfitters Association
- Trout Unlimited
- Montana Dude Ranchers’ Association
- Missoula/Seeley Lake Chamber of Commerce
- Nature Conservancy
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Payments Accepted |
| - Personal Checks
- Traveler's Checks
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