Swan Lake Overlook | Fay Ranches

SWAN LAKE OVERLOOK

Bigfork, Montana

$1,599,000

160± Acres

INTRODUCTION

Positioned above Swan Lake in northwestern Montana, this 160± acre recreational property offers a combination of privacy, wildlife, and strong views. The property overlooks Swan Lake to the west and the Swan Range to the east, including Mount Orvis Evans and Sixmile Mountain. Sixmile Creek flows along the northern edge of the property, providing a year-round water feature that supports wildlife and enhances the land’s overall character.

The land is located just south of Bigfork, with Kalispell and Whitefish within roughly 30 minutes. While access to these communities is convenient, you feel far removed once on-site, in an extremely quiet setting with limited surrounding development.

The area is well known for its wildlife presence, and the property is frequented by whitetail deer, moose, elk, black bear, and grizzly bear. The current owners have historically treated the property as a wildlife refuge, and it remains largely untouched. The property adjoins approximately 80± acres of landlocked U.S. Forest Service land to the south, offering direct access to additional ground for recreation.

Access is provided by a gated private road off Highway 83, with approximately 3.7 miles of gravel road leading to the property. Internal roads are in place, providing solid access throughout much of the acreage. The timber includes a mix of species and age classes that contribute to both privacy and habitat. Selective tree thinning could further improve the existing views.

There are no conservation easements in place, allowing a buyer flexibility in how the property is used. Power is available nearby from two separate locations, providing options when planning future improvements.

Overall, this is a well-located recreational property offering a combination of views, water, wildlife, and privacy. Enjoy all of these great features with convenient access to nearby towns. 1

QUICK FACTS

• 160± acres in the Swan Valley

• Adjoins 80± acres of USFS lands to the south

• Views of Mount Orvis Evans, Sixmile Mountain, and Swan lake

• Access provided by gated private gravel road approximately 3.7 miles from the highway

• Sixmile Creek flows through the northern edge of the property

• Good internal road system

• Wide and diverse variety of timber

• Hunting opportunities on site and in the area

• No conservation easement encumbering the property

• Power is nearby from two separate access points

• Excellent recreational property in a private setting

ACREAGE

• 160± deeded acres

• 80± adjacent USFS acres

This expansive property encompasses around 160± acres of deeded land, supplemented by an additional 80± acres of contiguous USFS lands along the southern boundary. Private lands adjoin the remaining three borders. The property is situated at elevations ranging from approximately 3,400’ to 3,800’, and it offers prime southwestfacing homesite locations atop elevated benches.

The terrain is a diverse array of vegetation, including tamarack, spruce, fir, and aspen groves, interspersed with patches of willow, beargrass, Oregon grape, and fern covering the forest floor. Strategic tree removal could further optimize the panoramic vistas.

Access to the property is facilitated through a private, secured gate accessible from Highway 83. This gate is shared among a select few property owners.

SCENIC VISTAS

The property has filtered views of the Swan Mountains and Swan Lake. With some selective thinning, an owner could enhance the vistas.

RECREATION

Northwest Montana offers a wide range of recreational activities throughout the year. In winter, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and skiing at nearby resorts like Whitefish Mountain Resort, Blacktail, or even Missoula Snowbowl to the south. Whitefish Mountain Resort features expansive terrain and challenging slopes with abundant snowfall typically exceeding 300”.

During the summer, there’s no shortage of things to do, with nine golf courses near Kalispell and plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, biking, hiking, hunting, and huckleberry picking. The area also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with over 2,000 artists and craftspeople showcasing their work in studios, galleries, and festivals. Theater, dance, and live music performances are popular among locals and visitors, offering various entertainment options.

FISHING

The Flathead River system in Northwestern Montana offers diverse fishing opportunities, from easy road access to remote backcountry trips. Westslope cutthroat are the predominant cold-water species, and the river system is a stronghold for native bull trout.

Other species include rainbow trout, grayling, brook trout, lake trout, perch, bass, whitefish, and northern pike.

The Swan River is nearby and holds cutthroat, rainbow, and bull trout. Further south, the Blackfoot River is one of the state’s premier fisheries.

HUNTING | WILDLIFE

All images on these pages were taken with a game camera on the property

The Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem hosts an impressive array of wildlife. Its 16 carnivore species include the Canadian lynx, grizzly bear, pine marten, and wolverines. Six ungulate species roam from river bottoms to craggy peaks, including Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain goats.

Visitors can expect to encounter elk, moose, deer, wolves, and black bears on the property. Waterfowl occasionally migrate through the valley, while grouse and wild turkey are present year-round. Elk frequent the lands in spring and fall but not winter. The area is renowned for producing trophy whitetail deer.

The property falls within hunting districts: 170 for deer and elk, 140 for mountain lion and black bear in district 170. Wolves are regulated under District 1. Upland birds include spruce, blue, ruffed grouse, and turkey in District 199. Migratory birds follow the Pacific Flyway.

Note: Hunting district information may change, so it is advisable to check regulations for specific tags and seasons. For detailed hunting information or inquiries about non-resident hunting in Montana, visit www.fwp. mt.gov or contact Montana Fish, Parks & Wildlife at 406-542-5500.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

Glacier National Park encompasses over a million acres of rugged peaks and valleys carved by ancient glaciers in the northern Rocky Mountains. Though many glaciers have receded, a few still grace the landscape; their distinctive blue ice and crevasses stand out amidst the snowfields above the tree line. The park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, providing habitats for more than 70 mammal species, including iconic creatures like grizzly bears, wolverines, and gray wolves, as well as over 260 bird species, from the colorful harlequin ducks to the majestic golden eagles. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, 13 campgrounds, and opportunities for boat tours and horseback trips, visitors can explore the park’s wild beauty at their leisure.

Flathead Lake offers a spectacular setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounding mountains frame the lake, with Glacier National Park adding to its allure in the north. Popular for water sports, the lake’s towns provide various recreational activities and dining opportunities. State parks and beaches along the shores offer relaxation, while cherry orchards on the east side provide seasonal delights.

The Seeley/Swan Valley has numerous mountain lakes, each offering unique recreational opportunities. Swan Lake, known for fishing and summer activities, is a favorite among locals and visitors. Other lakes along the Seeley Swan Highway, such as Holland, Lindbergh, Seeley, and Placid, provide additional options for outdoor enjoyment.

CLIMATE

Climate charts courtesy of https://www.city-data.com/city/Bigfork-Montana.html

The Swan Valley typically has a mild climate, with perfect summers featuring warm days and cool nights. Autumn brings crisp days for the harvest, while winter months are ideal for skiing and snow activities. Spring sees a variety of foliage blooming alongside fresh snow in the mountains.

Summers are moderately dry, with temperatures in the 80s°F, while winters are wetter, with typical temperatures in the 20s and 30s°F. The property sits at 3,600 feet elevation, with peaks to the east reaching up to 7,500 feet. Precipitation increases with elevation, from 23 inches in the valley to over 100 inches on the summits, resulting in an average snowfall of 55 inches annually.

There are 121 days with measurable precipitation and a growing season lasting roughly 120 days. Swan Lake enjoys 154 sunny days, with highs of 84°F in July and lows of 19°F in January.

LOCATION

The picturesque Swan Valley offers a peaceful escape, yet it is conveniently located near essential services. Nearby towns like Bigfork and Kalispell provide urban amenities and cultural attractions, with Bigfork known for its art galleries and dining scene and Kalispell offering top-notch healthcare facilities. Whitefish, a charming mountain resort town set among stunning scenery, has a lively downtown area with various shops, restaurants, and world-class skiing. Further south, Seeley Lake caters to outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for snowmobiling, skiing, golfing, and water activities in its scenic surroundings.

GETTING THERE

Head south on Highway 83 from Bigfork and proceed 9 miles to Windhaven Ridge Road and the private, locked gate. Once through the gate, the owner would have an approximate 4-mile drive up a shared gravel road to an intersection that leads to a bridge spanning Sixmile Creek. Cross the bridge and enter the property.

AIRPORT SERVICES

Delta, Horizon, Allegiant Air, and United Airlines all provide access to major hubs from Kalispell’s Glacier Park International Airport - which also features outstanding facilities for corporate aircraft. KGPI is approximately 45 miles away from the Swan Lake Overlook.

WATER RIGHTS

A water right is the right to use water, both surface and subsurface. In Montana, water rights are the rights to the use of water and not ownership of the water itself. Water rights may not automatically transfer with land. All waterways in Montana are the property of the state of Montana for the use of the people of Montana. The actual ownership of water rights in Montana may not be known, as many water rights are still the subject of a statewide adjudication process.

The transfer of water rights is recorded with the state’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the transfer of any right may or may not warrant that right until the adjudication process has been completed.

MINERAL RIGHTS

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.

CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP

The Swan Lake Overlook does not have an existing easement in place. Each of us at Fay 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 has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay 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.

| 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

Set on approximately 160 acres of scenic timbered hillsides, Swan Lake Overlook provides a peaceful vantage point overlooking the desirable Swan Valley. The property could be ideal for creating a seasonal basecamp or recreational getaway. With some work and snow removal in the winter, it could be livable year-round. The property serves as a gateway to various recreational activities such as boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, and watersports, all with easy access to upscale dining, shopping, and an international airport. This offering presents a unique chance to own a recreational property in the tranquil Swan Valley, and its distinctive location makes Swan Lake Overlook a standout in the heart of Montana’s Rocky Mountains.

www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

Please contact Daniel Mahoney at (406) 360-7373| dmahoney@fayranches.com or Mike DeShore at (406) 543-8888| mdeshore@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.

$275.77

$1,599,000 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.

RELATIONSHIPS IN REAL ESTATE

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:

1. SELLER AGENT

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.

2. BUYER AGENT (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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