
RILEY CREEK BASIN

Kila, Montana
$7,950,000
757.6± Acres

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Kila, Montana
$7,950,000
757.6± Acres

Tucked away in a pristine valley just outside of Kalispell, Riley Creek Basin is an exceptional meadow and mountain ranch property consisting of 757± deeded acres. The land itself is notably diverse, with a blend of rich riparian corridors, mature timber, and productive hay meadows that support both agricultural use and a strong wildlife presence. Accessed by a private road, the ranch delivers outstanding seclusion and a rare balance of scale and versatility in Montana’s Flathead Valley.
In addition to the deeded acreage, Riley Creek Basin borders 632± acres of otherwise landlocked State ground and includes a grazing lease, effectively expanding the operational footprint while increasing room to explore and recreate.
The property is well watered, with flood irrigation and stock water rights complemented by springs and riparian areas that enhance its functionality and long-term usability. Wildlife is a constant presence, with habitats that support a wide range of native and wild species in Western Montana. The property is largely unimproved and offers multiple scenic build sites to take advantage of valley and ridgeline views. With no conservation easement and no covenants in place, the property offers a high degree of flexibility, while also presenting a compelling opportunity for a conservation-minded buyer to help maintain and protect the wildlife and open space values found here.
Riley Creek Basin checks all the boxes and includes many of the characteristics increasingly difficult to replicate in the Flathead Valley today: productive agricultural potential, exceptional privacy, scenic views, and spectacular wildlife diversity, all without encumbrances. With a location in a hidden valley yet convenient to Kalispell and the Flathead Valley’s amenities, this classic ranch property is truly investmentgrade. For the first time in five generations, Riley Creek Basin is ready for a new owner to write the next chapter.
Riley Creek Basin | Kila, Montana


• 757± deeded acres across four parcels in Montana’s Flathead region
• State grazing lease on 632± acres brings total operations to nearly 1,400± acres
• Flood irrigation and stock water rights, developed and undeveloped springs
• Extremely private setting with end-of-road location
• Direct adjacency to State ground expands recreational opportunities
• No conservation easement and no covenants. Likely an excellent candidate for a future conservation easement
• Diverse land makeup. Mature timber, hay meadows, and riparian corridors support grazing, wildlife, and multiple land uses
• Excellent wildlife habitat frequented by all big game species
• Multiple build sites with scenic valley and ridgeline views
• 20.5± miles from Kalispell, offering direct access to amenities and Glacier International Airport
• Close to Flathead Lake, Whitefish Mountain, and Glacier National Park




• 757± deeded acres
• 632± State Land
• Access to nearly 1,400 acres
Riley Creek Basin spans 757± deeded acres across four parcels and includes a State of Montana grazing lease. There are approximately 180± acres of grazing land and 575± timbered acres. The elevation of the ranch ranges from 4,000’ to nearly 4,200’.



Approximately 575 acres of the Riley Creek Basin are timbered. The timber has been largely untouched, creating a sense of privacy while also providing valuable wildlife habitat and possible future income opportunities.

The gently sloping, varied terrain provides sweeping views of the surrounding ridgelines, with natural vantage points overlooking the riparian corridors below.



The property is largely unimproved, except for a dry cabin relocated to the property years ago.


Few places in the world offer the vast recreational opportunities of the Flathead Valley. There may be no better place for those who want an active outdoor lifestyle. Riley Creek Basin is proximate to many of the area’s most desirable attractions, including Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain, Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, and the Wild Bill Off-Road Trail. In addition to Flathead Lake, many other large natural recreational lakes are abundant and close by, including Bitterroot, Ashley, Echo, and Whitefish Lakes. This region offers the best of both worlds for the angler, with abundant blue-ribbon trout streams and countless stillwater fisheries where cold and warmwater species can be targeted.
Riley Creek Basin | Kila, Montana


The property provides quality wildlife habitat for a wide range of species. The untouched timber creates excellent cover for many species, particularly whitetail deer, and the whitetail hunting throughout the property is excellent. Elk also use the property periodically, with current ownership noting an increased presence and sightings. Moose, black bear, and numerous other wildlife species are commonly seen throughout the property. The riparian corridors and marshy areas also attract migratory birds and waterfowl throughout much of the year. The property is located in Montana Big Game Hunting District 120, a general unit for whitetail, mule deer, and elk.



The property has historically served as a summer pasture, and the owners have hayed approximately 20± acres north of the creek. There is a State of Montana grazing lease for 66 AUM in Section 16 from June 1st to September 30th.




Flathead Lake: Riley Creek Basin is less than 45 minutes from the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Flathead Lake spans nearly 200 square miles and has over 125 miles of shoreline. The lake’s pristine water provides endless opportunities for water skiing, sailing, boating, and fishing.
Glacier National Park: Just over an hour from the ranch, Glacier spans over 1 million acres and includes two mountain ranges with stunning glacier-carved peaks, 130 named lakes, over 700 miles of trail systems, and endless hiking, backpacking, cycling, and camping.
Whitefish Mountain: Less than an hour from the ranch, boasts over 3,000 skiable acres, making it one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Both local and visiting skiers alike enjoy over 300 inches of snowfall annually and a friendly, fun-loving environment.
Wild Bill Off-Road Trail: Ride your off-road vehicle directly from the ranch to this fun mountain trail system. Well known by off-road enthusiasts, this vast mountain trail system features varied technical terrain within a beautiful mountain setting. With an easy way around all obstacles, the trail system is perfect for beginner and expert off-roaders alike.
Fishing: From pristine rivers to small streams and high mountain lakes, the area around Riley Creek Basin has something to offer every angler. There are endless fisheries and hundreds of miles of trout water within striking distance of the ranch, ready to be explored with rod in hand.
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area: This family-friendly “locals mountain” overlooks Flathead Lake and features three chair lifts, 24 runs, and 200 skiable acres. It’s a nice alternative to the Big Mountain and is proximate to the ranch.





Riley Creek Basin is located near the town of Kila, only 22± miles southwest of Kalispell, 35± miles from Whitefish, and 39± miles from the charming lakefront village of Bigfork. The ranch is easily accessible via a private road off of Brown’s Meadow Road, which is maintained by the County. Riley Creek Basin is within easy reach of Flathead Lake, Whitefish Mountain Resort, and Glacier National Park, positioning the property within one of Montana’s most dynamic recreational landscapes.


From Kalispell, take US-Highway 2W for approximately 9 miles to Kila Road. Take a left on Kila Road, go about 1.5 miles, then turn left onto Smith Lake Road and continue for a quarter mile. Veer right onto Browns Meadow Road and go for 8 miles. The property is accessed via a gated private road.
Riley Creek Basin is approximately 20 miles from Glacier Park International Airport. Six major airlines serve the Flathead Valley: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Sun Country, and United. Private Jet Services are also available.




All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.
At this time, there is not a conservation easement in place on Riley Creek Basin.
The property has strong agricultural and wildlife values and contributes significantly to the scenic beauty and open spaces to the surrounding area, making it an excellent candidate for a future conservation easement.
Each of us at Fay Ranches loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay Ranches has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay Ranches is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.



Seldom do we see ranch properties in a mountain meadow setting with all the desirables of Riley Creek Basin: a location in a pristine valley with unmatched privacy and scenic beauty, productive agricultural characteristics, strong wildlife values, and exceptional recreation. Riley Creek Basin possesses all of these attributes. These ingredients, along with a public land boundary, lack of conservation easement encumbrances, and a superior location in the Flathead Valley, make Riley Creek Basin a standout in today’s land market.


$7,950,000
TAXES $1,692.29
Please contact Mike DeShore at (406) 543-8888 | mdeshore@ fayranches.com or Daniel Mahoney at (406) 360-7373 | dmahoney@ fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches, Inc. must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties we have listed, please visit our web page at www. fayranches.com.
Cash
Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange
Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.

As required by Montana law, a broker or salesperson shall disclose the existence and nature of relevant agency or other relationships to the parties to a real estate transaction. The various relationships and description of duties are as follows:
A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:
Act solely in the best interests of the seller; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the seller; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the seller agent and not known or discoverable by the seller unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the seller agent; Safeguard the seller’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the seller’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the seller for any funds or property of the seller that comes into the seller agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a seller and obtaining a seller’s written consent, to represent multiple sellers of property and to list properties for sale that may compete with the seller’s property, without breaching any obligation to the seller.
A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to:
Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the seller agent, except that the seller agent is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent when the seller agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a buyer and a buyer agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
(cont)
A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:
Disclose any adverse material facts that are known to the buyer agent and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Disclose to the seller or the seller agent when the buyer agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a seller and a seller agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
3. DUAL AGENCY If a seller agent is also representing a buyer, or a buyer agent is also representing a seller with regard to a property, then a dual agency relationship may be established. In a dual agency relationship, the dual agent is equally obligated to both the seller and the buyer. These obligations may prohibit the dual agent from advocating exclusively on behalf of the seller or buyer and may limit the depth and degree of representation that you receive. A broker or a salesperson may not act as a dual agent without the signed, written consent of both the seller and the buyer.
A “Dual Agent” is obligated to a Seller in the same manner as a seller agent and is obligated to a Buyer in the same manner as a buyer
agent, except a dual agent:
Has a duty to disclose to a buyer or seller any adverse material facts that are known to the dual agent regardless of any confidentiality considerations; and May not disclose the following information without the written consent of the person to whom the information is confidential; The fact that the buyer is willing to pay more than the offered purchase price; The fact that the seller is willing to accept less than the purchase price that the seller is asking for the property; Factors motivating either party to buy or sell; and Any information that a party indicates in writing to the dual agent is to be kept confidential.
4. STATUTORY BROKER
A “Statutory Broker” is not the agent of the Buyer or Seller but nevertheless is obligated to them to:
Disclose to: i. a buyer or buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the statutory broker, except that the statutory broker is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; and ii. a seller or a seller agent any adverse material facts that are known to the statutory broker and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in putting together a real estate transaction, and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
5. IN-HOUSE SELLER AGENT DESIGNATE
Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house seller agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a seller for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the seller with respect to the designated transaction.
6. IN-HOUSE BUYER AGENT DESIGNATE
Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house buyer agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a buyer for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the buyer with respect to the designated transaction.
BUYER AGENT
A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to: Act solely in the best interests of the buyer; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the buyer; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the buyer agent and not known or discoverable by the buyer, unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the buyer agent; Safeguard the buyer’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the buyer’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the buyer for any funds or property of the buyer that comes into the buyer agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a buyer and obtaining a buyer’s written consent, to represent multiple buyers interested in buying the same property or similar properties to properties in which a buyer is interested and to show properties in which a buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, without breaching any obligation to the buyer.

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