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Properties for sale on the Jefferson River
Seeking conservation buyers to protect the Jefferson from foolish development.

Conservation and Development
Can the Jefferson River survive our love for it?

      In our relentless desire to acquire, our species has the unfortunate habit of destroying what we most love. In our efforts to get close to nature, we discover Eden, then bulldoze it to put a house there. Montana suffers from too much love, as people seek to get their own piece of the Big Sky. Some home-builders seek ridgetop building sites for a commanding view of the landscape, but they ultimately create a landscape of houses on hill tops. Other builders desire to be close to the flowing waters and the abundant wildlife of the river bottoms, but ultimately help to destroy that as well, converting pristine rivers into channels lined by houses, such as the house above. This starter mansion was built in the Jefferson River flood plain and is at risk of being washed away by the river. [Read more about Conservation and Development.]

Thinking of Building a House?
Guidelines for Enjoying the Jefferson River without Destroying it

      Wouldn't it be great if every person who floated the Jefferson River could experience it as wild and pristine as it was in the days of Lewis and Clark? When you get into a canoe and experience the river from the viewpoint of Lewis and Clark, you discover how much the viewshed remains intact. Most existing development is away from the river enough that you see only the cottonwood groves and swamps along the river, against a backdrop of undeveloped mountains in the distance.
      Still, the unfortunate reality is that the Jefferson River is gradually getting chopped to pieces, and could one day become a channel lined with houses on both sides. All it takes is one more person building just one more house... there is always just one more house. Part of the problem is that once a house is built along the river, then the owner naturally wants to protect it from the river. [Read more about Guidelines for building along the Jefferson River.]

Jefferson River Real Estate: Properties for Sale on the Jefferson
Ranches, Recreational Properties, and Vacant Land for Sale
Please consider placing a conservation easment on any property you buy along the Jefferson River.

Fish Creek Ranch - $8,500,000
      The Fish Creek Ranch on the Jefferson River consists of 1605± acres of healthy river bottom land with 4± miles of frontage on the Jefferson River, and over three miles of Fish Creek (a trophy spring fed fishery), as well as a small spring creek.
      There is a wonderful mixture of mature cottonwood forests, dense escape cover for pheasants and deer, tremendous waterfowl habitat and productive irrigated ground. The ranch feels much larger than its approximate 1605 acres because there are so many different "rooms" on the ranch, all unique but each comprised of the key components of quality fish and wildlife habitat; water, food and cover. A conservation easement on this property would help preserve the integrity of the wildlife habitat and scenery of this prime stretch of the Jefferson River. See the complete listing at Fay Ranches.com.

Highland View Ranch - $4,900,000
      The Highland View Ranch offers a little bit of everything - fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and beautiful mountain views. The ranch is comprised of approximately 525 ± deeded acres consisting of sprinkler irrigated hay meadows, riparian habitat, sub-irrigated and dry land pastures.
      The Highland View Ranch includes an 11± acre spring fed pond (a rare amenity due to its size) full of large rainbow trout, almost a mile of a trophy trout fishery on the Jefferson River with beautiful accommodations surrounded by mountain views. The property includes a newly constructed 2 bedroom/2.5 bath, 2252 ± sq ft custom home and a remodeled 1,500 ± sq ft guest house, plus a renovated 60'x40' shop barn with cement floor and wood stove. It is located approximately 3 miles north of Twin Bridges, Montana. A conservation easement on this property would help prevent further development on this fine stretch of the Jefferson River. See the complete listing at Fay Ranches.com.

Jefferson River Lots - Parcels starting at $172,500
      These tracts are accessed through the Jefferson Acres subdivision. Access is via Highway 41 and well-maintained gravel road. See the complete listings at Bramlette Company.com. These are bottomland parcels which may be cold in winter and mosquito-infested all summer. Although not remote, Tract D-1A would make a decent campsite for the Jefferson River Canoe Trail.

Tract D-1A - 14.3± acres offered at $280,000
      This beautiful riverfront acreage boasts 200± feet of the Jefferson River and a private boat launch. One of the last small Jefferson River properties available. Offers unparalleled mountain views and wildlife galore.

Tract D-2 23± acres offered at $460,000
      Just off the Jefferson River, this acreage features a gorgeous home-site with an easement directly to the Jefferson River for use of a private boat launch (see Tract D-1). Also offers abundant wildlife and mountain views to take your breath away.

Tract E 26.5± acres offered at $172,250
      Located on the hillside east (west?) of Highway 41, this property features stunning views of the Jefferson River and Tobacco Root Mountains as well as being minutes from great river fishing.

Silver Star Acreage - $493,000
      This 58+/-Acre property borders jefferson river with outstanding views of the tobacco root mountain range. Two warm water domestic wells and approved septic system are completed. The property is bi-sected by the Jefferson River. The entire property OR the +/-30 acres on the opposite side of the river from the highway would make a decent campsite for the Jefferson River Canoe Trail. See the complete listing at Prudential Montana.

Waterloo Acreage - $750,000
      This 56.5+/- acre parcel is bisected by the Jefferson River and enjoys considerable frontage on both sides of the river. Additionally, both spring-fed and backwater sloughs meander through the property offering an abundance of habitat for all types of native game animals and birds. The property also enjoys easy access, end of road privacy and outstanding views of the Jefferson River and Tobacco Root Mountains. This property is located in Madison County an equal distance of 15 miles between the communities of Twin Bridges and Whitehall. This parcel would make a great campsite for the Jefferson River Canoe Trail. See the complete listing at Prudential Montana.

Hells Canyon Road - Parcels starting at $175,000
      The Hells Canyon Ranch originally consisted of approximately 764 deeded acres in one block that stretched from the Jefferson River to the rugged upland foothills of the Highland Mountains. However, it was subdivided into multiplle tracts, some of which have already sold.

      The Hell's Canyon Ranch varies in elevation from about 4,500 to 5,700 feet above sea level. The topography varies from the gently sloping wooded river bottom meadows to the rather steep and rugged mountainous foothill terrain with a mixture of native grass, sagebrush, juniper trees, and large rock formations. The Hells Canyon Ranch is bordered by BLM land on its north and west sides.

      Several of the parcels feature a little bit of Jefferson River frontage, backed by a long strip of poorly divided mountain acreage that would be difficult to access or utlize in any way. The gravel road to the properties gets flooded occassionally during high water years. These parcels are at risk of being developed with starter mansions overlooking the river.

Tract A - 43.3 acres: SOLD
      Tract A has been sold, but there is not yet any construction activity on the parcel.

Tract B - 213.7 acres: SOLD
      Tract B was sold before it could be protected, and there is now a large, ugly house/mansion under construction on the property.

Tract C - 187 ± acres offered at $275,000
      This property consists of 87 acres fronting the Jefferson River for about 1,000+/- ft. The property extends from the river west into the hills. Great views with trees and old irrigated meadows along river. Tract C borders the Hells Canyon Fishing Access Site. We would love to see this parcel conserved to buffer the fishing access site, and preferably to allow camping as well. See the complete listing at Prudential Montana.

Tract D - 92.2 acres: SOLD
      Tract D was sold and the new owner has thankfully pledged to build an off-grid, low profile house that will blend in with the area and be largely invisible from the Jefferson River.

Tract E - 104 acres offered at $295,000
      Upland foothills with approx 1/4 mile frontage on Jefferson River. Excellent views of the river and several mountain ranges. Fish and float the Jefferson River and hunt the nearby BLM and National Forest. See the complete listing at Prudential Montana.

Tract F - 28.8 acres offered at $175,000
      This acreage features unobstructed views of Jefferson River and the Tobacco Root Mountains. The property includes about 370 feet of Jefferson River frontage and the remnants of old homestead buildings. See the complete listing at Prudential Montana.

Tract G - 94.96 acres offered at $225,000
      Unusual rock outcroppings and scattered juniper trees serve as natural landscaping on this 94.96 acre parcel. This mountain parcel borders BLM land with Hells Canyon Creek through the southwest corner and overlooks the Jefferson River. Great views of river, valley, mountains. Hunt, fish, recreate on adjoinging BLM land and nearby national forest. See the complete listing at Prudential Montana.

Lazy TP Ranch - $16,900,000
      This property starts at the Jefferson River, climbing through irrigated bench land and grassy foot hills all the way to Forest service boundary in the Tobacco Root Mountains. The Lazy TP Ranch offers a diversity of topography, vegetation, scenery, wildlife, agricultural production and recreation. This ranch is the perfect fit for anglers, upland bird, waterfowl and big game hunters, horse riders and all types of outdoor recreationalists. This is an expansive, working ranch with incredible vistas and recreational opportunities.

      There is an all-weather road, paved to within less than one mile of the ranch. he Lazy TP is approximately 10,000 deeded acres and is a mix of riparian river bottom, irrigated crop, pasture and alpine timber. There is a 640-acre State of Montana lease that is a mix of rolling grass land and timber that is surrounded by the ranch and is accessed by a private interior ranch trail. The ranch boasts over 1,200 acres of irrigated, tillable ground, served by 13 modern center pivot systems. A 318-acre Bureau of Land Management lease is also included in the sale. This ranch features a large island in the middle of the Jefferson River that we would love to have donated to the Canoe Trail as a campsite. See the complete listing at Fay Ranches.com.

Parcel B - Twenty Acres near Cardwell - $299,000
      This property would make an ideal campsite for the Jefferson River Canoe Trail. It is at high risk for being developed with a big house overlooking the Jefferson River. The property has higher bench ground and a lower meadow, with a road leading down to the river, with a campsite under the cottonwood trees. There is a spring on the property that has been developed. Power is available at the road, and a section of public land is across the road from the property. See the complete listing at Great Divide Reality.

Twenty-One Acres near Cardwell - $325,000
      This property has potential as a campsite for the Jefferson River Canoe Trail.It is across the road from the Mayflower Fishing Access Site. It features twenty-one acres on the Jefferson River, with views of the Tobacco Root Mountains, trees, wildlife, specatular views in all directions, easy access, and LOTS of mosquitoes. The property is fenced with nice pasture, corrals, and a small horse barn. Well, septic, electric, and phone all have been installed. It has a large spring-fed trout pond with a small spill-over pond next to it. See the complete listing at Prudential Montana.

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