Railroad Springs Ranch

Listing Price: $3,800,000

The Railroad Springs Ranch is located in Bear Lake County, Idaho in the southeastern corner of the state. The ranch’s northern property boundary adjoins Highway 30, granting year-round access to the property. The small western town of Soda Springs is eight miles away and aptly named for its numerous carbonated geysers that define the landscape. Traditionally an agricultural community with rich natural resources, Soda Springs offers many common amenities including grocery stores and dining, as well as a private airport with a 3,500-foot runway. One hour to the west, Pocatello accommodates larger private aircrafts and commercial travel through Sky West Airlines, which services Delta connections to Salt Lake City.

This ranch is comprised of approximately 1,300 deeded acres and traditionally has been run as an agricultural operation with the cultivation of dry crops and cattle grazing. There are approximately 752 tillable acres that have been used for dry crop production and cultivation, with 82.2 of those acres being irrigated. For the past 15 years, these productive acres have been enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program allowing the property to rest, reducing soil erosion while improving wildlife habitat and preserving the soil’s rich nutrients for future generations.

The western boundary of Railroad Springs Ranch is defined by over two miles of the Bear River. The lush undergrowth of willows and native grasses provide excellent riparian habitat for aquatic insects, waterfowl and game species local to the region.

The Bear River Watershed begins its 350-mile journey in the high country of Utah’s Uinta Mountain Range, and flows northerly through southwestern Wyoming and southeastern Idaho. Soda Springs marks the turning point in the river’s journey where it abruptly turns south returning to Utah and eventually ending in the Great Salt Lake. Excellent trout fishing can be found in the upper stretches of the river system while warm water species are predominately found in its lower stretches. Nearby fisheries that would entice anglers are the Salt, Grey’s and Snake Rivers, all within a 45-minute drive of the ranch.

Water rights for the Railroad Springs Ranch are currently leased to the Last Chance Canal Company located in Grace, Idaho. Irrigation of 82.2 acres is possible and begins on April 20th each year and ends on October 1st. This water right provides 2cfs for the entire period.

Located in a region largely untouched by development and rich in wildlife habitat, this area serves as a critical migratory corridor for animals moving between the Wasatch-Cache, Caribou and Targhee National Forests. Healthy populations of big game animals including elk, Mule deer, Whitetail deer, mountain lion and antelope can be found in abundance. Southeast Idaho has long been known for its record book Mule deer which have consistently been among the regions top scoring specimens. The Bear River Watershed is also known for its excellent bird population, a result of the rich riparian habitat and plentiful sources for food and refuge. The Railroad Springs Ranch would make an excellent waterfowl compound with its numerous springs and access to over two miles of Bear River.