{"id":167,"date":"2018-07-01T04:19:53","date_gmt":"2018-07-01T04:19:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/altameadow.com\/altameadow\/?page_id=167"},"modified":"2021-05-27T20:22:52","modified_gmt":"2021-05-28T02:22:52","slug":"recreation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/altameadow.com\/altameadow\/recreation\/","title":{"rendered":"RECREATION"},"content":{"rendered":"
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RECREATION<\/span><\/p>\n

A<\/span>lta Meadow Ranch is located high in the Bitterroot Mountains in a remote, yet accessible alpine valley surrounded by hundreds of miles of wilderness.\u00a0 Trails and backcountry roads emanate from the ranch in every direction, offering unlimited opportunities to explore this wild and beautiful land. \u00a0Alta Meadow is a winter wonderland -- ideal for cross-country skiing and snow shoeing; downhill skiing and a dedicated cross-country ski area are nearby.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alta Meadow Ranch is remote in the best sense, offering the privacy of a secluded and still untamed land, while simultaneously residing in the epicenter of a great recreational area - the northern Rocky Mountain wilderness. \u00a0The ranch is only a scenic day's drive from several exceptional ski areas, as well as Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. \u00a0The Bitterroot River and the nearby Salmon River offer superb stream fishing and white water rafting. \u00a0Alta Meadow Ranch is located in the salient of Montana extending into the central Idaho wilderness -- the least populated region in the lower 48 states.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Alta Meadow Ranch is the last private land along the <\/span>West Fork of the Bitterroot River and is surrounded by USFS wilderness.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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THE WEST FORK OF THE BITTERROOT RIVER<\/span><\/p>\n

In 1997, as part of a major improvement project on West Fork Road, the southern portion of the West Fork running through Alta Meadow was re-engineered to enhance flood protection and fish habitat. It has been a resounding success on both counts. This was done by creating meanders and weirs, and securing the banks with natural materials -- boulders, logs and tree roots. Over time the river returned to its native state, the fish thrived, and we now have a superb trout stream winding through the ranch.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Additionally, there are two fish ponds designated as common areas that are available for owners and their guests. The ponds are stocked with trout by the association. This pond is called Moose 1; Moose 2 is a bit smaller just around the bend.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Apparently moose like their greens moist.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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THE CRITTERS<\/span><\/p>\n

Alta Meadow Ranch is comprised of several hundred acres of meadowland, willows, ponds, and forests. \u00a0It is surrounded by hundreds of miles of Montana and Idaho wilderness, and is prime habitat for many of the wild creatures in the area. \u00a0Elk herds graze and give birth here along with the moose and deer.\u00a0 During the fall rut their '\u2018\u2019bugling\u201d brings a distinctly wild ambience to the ranch.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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WINTER AT ALTA MEADOW RANCH<\/span><\/p>\n

Alta Meadow is a winter wonderland; cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures begin at our doorstep.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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TRAILS<\/span><\/p>\n

Within Alta Meadow is a trail network with rest stops to include an observation deck in a secluded forest glade. \u00a0Ranch trails link with wilderness trails and backcountry roads radiating in virtually every direction, offering easy access for hiking and riding - whether on horses or mountain bikes.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Near its headwaters, the West Fork of the Bitterroot River winds through Alta Meadow Ranch for about a mile, with several tributaries conjoining at or near the ranch. Along these streams are trails and backcountry roads offering ready access to this pristine land.<\/span><\/p>\n

Below is a map displaying all the wilderness trails and roads available from the ranch. Alongside is a photo of the Upper West Fork Valley from Blue Nose Mountain, which is situated atop the Bitterroot Crest between Montana and Idaho.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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The trails along Chicken Creek and Deer Creek, which flow into the West Fork at the ranch, form a loop with its highest point being Razorback Mountain, (also known as Razorback Ridge). \u00a0The Ridge is visible on the western horizon from Alta Meadow, and as it turns out, one can also see the ranch from Razorback Ridge -- just barely.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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On Razorback Ridge at sunset with the Salmon River country to the south in the background.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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A little later that evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Deer Creek Meadow on the way home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Day trips.<\/span><\/p>\n

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PAINTED ROCKS LAKE<\/span><\/p>\n

A few miles downstream from the ranch is Painted Rocks Lake, offering great boating and fishing opportunities within the setting of its picturesque cliff formations. \u00a0Wildlife abounds in the area around Painted Rocks; elk, deer, black bear and moose can be found here. \u00a0In the 1980s bighorn mountain sheep as well as peregrine falcons were reintroduced to the area. \u00a0The reservoir is used as a stop-over for waterfowl during spring and autumn migrations. \u00a0You may see Osprey, Great Blue Herons, Spotted Sandpiper and Bald Eagles.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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