Top 10 Largest Ranches in Idaho

Top 10 Largest Ranches in Idaho


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Idaho, with its diverse landscapes ranging from rugged mountains to vast plains, is home to some of the largest and most iconic ranches in the United States.  The state’s ranching tradition is deeply rooted in its history, and its vast, open spaces provide the perfect environment for large-scale agricultural operations.  The following list highlights the top 10 largest ranches in Idaho, each contributing to the state’s rich agricultural legacy and showcasing the beauty and serenity of rural life in the American West.

#1: The Bar B Ranch – 1,000,000 acres

The Bar B Ranch, located in the southeastern corner of Idaho, is the largest ranch in the state, covering an immense 1,000,000 acres.  Known for its vast, rugged terrain and picturesque landscapes, the Bar B Ranch has been in operation for over a century.  The ranch is home to thousands of cattle and is one of the largest cattle operations in Idaho.  Its sprawling grasslands and mountain foothills make it a prime location for grazing and wildlife.

The Bar B Ranch is also known for its conservation efforts, focusing on preserving the natural ecosystems and wildlife that inhabit the land.  In addition to cattle, the ranch supports a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and antelope.  The Bar B Ranch has become a model of sustainable ranching, balancing the demands of agriculture with environmental stewardship.

Bar B Ranch

#2: The Silver Creek Ranch – 800,000 acres

The Silver Creek Ranch, located in central Idaho, covers 800,000 acres of pristine wilderness and agricultural land.  The ranch is situated near the famous Silver Creek, known for its excellent trout fishing and beautiful natural surroundings.  The ranch has a rich history, dating back to the late 1800s, and has been a key player in Idaho’s cattle industry.

In addition to its cattle operations, the Silver Creek Ranch is renowned for its commitment to land conservation.  The ranch has implemented several innovative practices to ensure that the land remains productive and sustainable for future generations.  It is also a popular destination for outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching, with abundant wildlife and scenic beauty.

Silver Creek Ranch

#3: The Teton Ranch – 750,000 acres

Located in the breathtaking Teton Valley, the Teton Ranch spans 750,000 acres of prime agricultural land.  This historic ranch is known for its stunning views of the Teton Mountain Range and its rich agricultural history.  The Teton Ranch has been in operation for several generations, producing high-quality cattle and focusing on responsible land management.

The ranch’s diverse terrain includes grasslands, forests, and rivers, providing an ideal environment for livestock and wildlife.  In addition to cattle, the ranch is home to various species of birds, deer, and elk.  The Teton Ranch’s combination of natural beauty and agricultural success has made it one of Idaho’s most renowned ranches.

#4: The Shoshone Ranch – 600,000 acres

The Shoshone Ranch, located in southern Idaho, covers 600,000 acres of diverse terrain, including expansive grasslands, rolling hills, and rugged canyons.  This large ranch is known for its cattle operations and its scenic beauty.  The Shoshone Ranch is nestled in the foothills of the Sawtooth Mountains, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The ranch has a rich history and has been in operation for several generations.  In addition to its cattle operation, the Shoshone Ranch is home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, elk, and wild horses.  The ranch’s commitment to sustainable practices has ensured its continued success, making it one of the largest and most successful ranches in Idaho.

#5: The Snake River Ranch – 550,000 acres

The Snake River Ranch, located in southwestern Idaho, spans 550,000 acres and is one of the largest ranches in the state.  The ranch is named after the Snake River, which runs through the property, providing a vital water source for both livestock and wildlife.  The Snake River Ranch is known for its large cattle herd and its diverse landscape, which includes grasslands, forests, and wetlands.

The ranch has been in operation for over a century and has become a key player in Idaho’s cattle industry.  The Snake River Ranch is also known for its wildlife habitat restoration efforts, working to improve the land’s biodiversity and support native species.  The ranch is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and waterfowl, making it a prime destination for outdoor activities like hunting and birdwatching.

#6: The Rock Creek Ranch – 500,000 acres

The Rock Creek Ranch, located in northern Idaho, covers 500,000 acres of rugged terrain, including dense forests, steep hills, and clear mountain streams.  The ranch is known for its high-quality beef and its emphasis on sustainable ranching practices.  The property’s diverse landscape provides ideal grazing land for cattle, as well as a habitat for various species of wildlife.

The Rock Creek Ranch is a family-owned operation that has been in business for several generations.  Over the years, the ranch has implemented several innovative practices to improve land management and ensure the long-term viability of the property.  The ranch is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching.

#7: The Clearwater Ranch – 450,000 acres

The Clearwater Ranch, located in central Idaho, covers 450,000 acres of expansive grasslands and forested hills.  This ranch is known for its commitment to sustainable ranching and its efforts to preserve the natural beauty of the land.  The Clearwater Ranch is situated along the Clearwater River, which provides a vital water source for both livestock and wildlife.

The ranch has a long history and has been an integral part of Idaho’s agricultural economy for many years.  In addition to its cattle operations, the Clearwater Ranch is home to various species of wildlife, including elk, deer, and wild turkeys.  The ranch’s dedication to land conservation has made it a model of responsible ranching in the region.

#8: The Lost River Ranch – 400,000 acres

The Lost River Ranch, located in eastern Idaho, spans 400,000 acres of remote, pristine land.  This rugged and remote ranch is known for its isolation and natural beauty, with expansive grasslands, dense forests, and dramatic mountain views.  The Lost River Ranch is one of Idaho’s most scenic and secluded properties, making it an ideal location for cattle grazing and wildlife conservation.

The ranch is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and wild bison, and it has become a popular destination for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.  The Lost River Ranch is also recognized for its efforts to preserve the land’s natural ecosystems, ensuring its continued success and environmental sustainability.

#9: The Camas Prairie Ranch – 375,000 acres

The Camas Prairie Ranch, located in north-central Idaho, spans 375,000 acres of fertile grasslands and rolling hills.  The ranch is known for its large cattle herd and its emphasis on sustainable land management practices.  The Camas Prairie Ranch has been in operation for over 100 years and has become a staple of Idaho’s agricultural economy.

In addition to its cattle operation, the ranch is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, pronghorn antelope, and wild turkeys.  The ranch is known for its scenic beauty, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.  The Camas Prairie Ranch is also dedicated to conservation, working to protect the region’s natural resources for future generations.

#10: The Bear Creek Ranch – 350,000 acres

The Bear Creek Ranch, located in southeastern Idaho, covers 350,000 acres of expansive terrain, including forests, grasslands, and rugged mountain landscapes.  The ranch is known for its high-quality cattle and its commitment to sustainable ranching practices.  The Bear Creek Ranch has been in operation for over a century and has played a significant role in the development of Idaho’s cattle industry.

The ranch is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, and mountain lions.  The Bear Creek Ranch is a prime example of responsible ranching, with its focus on land conservation and habitat restoration.  Its combination of natural beauty, agricultural success, and wildlife preservation make it one of Idaho’s most significant ranching properties.

Idaho’s top 10 largest ranches represent not only the vastness and beauty of the state’s landscapes but also the enduring spirit of ranching that has shaped its history.  From the sprawling Bar B Ranch to the scenic Bear Creek Ranch, these properties showcase the diverse terrains, wildlife, and agricultural practices that make Idaho a vital part of the American West.  As these ranches continue to thrive, they stand as symbols of sustainable ranching and the preservation of the land for future generations.

More Great Top 10’s

Ranches and Maps

Ranches and maps have a deep, symbiotic connection, where each map is not just a tool for navigation, but a reflection of the landscape itself—a cartographic echo of a rancher’s knowledge of the land.  The vast, open spaces of a ranch, whether they stretch across rolling hills, sweeping prairies, or rugged mountain foothills, are meticulously charted on maps that capture not just the physical dimensions but the stories within the terrain.  Each river bend, each grazing pasture, and each boundary line etched onto a map tells a tale of survival, tradition, and stewardship.  For ranchers, a map is an extension of their intimate connection to the land, a guide to the delicate balance they maintain between agriculture and conservation.  It marks the fertile grazing grounds where cattle roam freely, the wild meadows where deer graze, and the protected areas where the landscape is allowed to flourish without interference.  A map, passed down through generations, can hold the legacy of those who walked the same trails before, offering insights into past decisions, seasonal rhythms, and even the shifting climate.  A well-worn map, tucked into a weathered leather case, holds the knowledge of where the most reliable water sources flow, where the herds of cattle wander, and where the soil is most fertile.  With each line, curve, and symbol, a map becomes not just a visual representation but a living document, capturing the essence of the ranching way of life—a delicate but steadfast relationship between people and the land that nurtures them.  The quiet, steady work of ranching is echoed in the precision of these maps, reminding us that every corner of the earth is interconnected, with ranches serving as custodians of the land for generations to come.

Learn more about Maps

  • Topographical Maps:  Representation of the physical features of a region or area.
  • Contour Maps:  Representation of the contours of the land surface or ocean floor.
  • Raised Relief Maps:  Representation of land elevations with raised features indicating landforms.
  • Terrain Maps:  Representation of the physical features of a terrain or landmass.
  • USGS Topographic Maps:  Representation of topographic features and land elevations based on USGS data.
  • USGS Historical Topographic Maps:  Representation of historical topographic maps created by the USGS.
  • Watershed Maps:  Representation of the areas where water flows into a particular river or lake.
  • Elevation Maps:  Representation of land and water elevations with high precision.
  • Physical Maps:  Representation of physical features of the Earth’s surface such as landforms, oceans, and plateaus.
  • Bathymetric Maps:  Representation of the topography and features of the ocean floor.
  • NOAA Maps:  Representation of atmospheric, oceanographic, and environmental data by NOAA.
  • Nautical Maps:  Representation of the underwater features and depth of an area for navigation purposes.
  • Geologic Maps:  Representation of the geologic features of an area such as rock types, faults, and folds. 
  • Satellite Maps:  Representation of earth from high-definition satellite imagery.

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