THE BITTERROOT HIGHLANDS AT WILLOW CREEK
Corvallis, Montana
$5,950,000
709.58± Acres
INTRODUCTION
Set in the foothills of the Sapphire Mountains, the Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek is a 709.58± acre property offering diverse terrain, exceptional privacy, and sweeping vistas just minutes from the heart of the Bitterroot Valley. Located 7± miles from Corvallis and 11± miles from Hamilton — with Missoula an easy 51± mile drive north — it blends mountain solitude with convenient proximity to nearby communities.
Ranging in elevation from 4,600± to 5,400± feet, the property rises from the Willow Creek bottom into classic mountain terrain, transitioning through a mix of timbered slopes, mountain meadows, and ridgelines. This varied landscape supports a rich array of wildlife and frames dramatic views across the Bitterroot Valley below. Willow Creek — a yearround stream — flows through the property for roughly a half mile, while seasonal drainages add to the land’s natural character and habitat diversity.
The property shares nearly two miles of boundary with the Bitterroot National Forest and Calf Creek Wildlife Management Area, offering direct access to thousands of acres of public land and a wealth of recreational opportunities.
Whether exploring on horseback, hiking remote ridgelines, riding ATVs along the established upper road system, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the land, this property invites both adventure and solitude. Its abundant wildlife and varied terrain make it well-suited for hunting, nature viewing, or a private mountain retreat.
Free of covenants or restrictions, the property offers exceptional flexibility for the next owner and would likely be an excellent candidate for a future conservation easement. Numerous potential building sites offer privacy and sweeping views of the Bitterroot Valley, making this an outstanding opportunity to establish a legacy retreat or long-term investment in Montana’s rugged, scenic landscape.
QUICK FACTS
• 709.58± acres located in the Sapphire Mountains overlooking the Bitterroot Valley
• Just 7± miles from Corvallis, 11± miles from Hamilton, and 51± miles from Missoula
• Elevations from 4,600± to 5,400± feet with expansive views of the Bitterroot Valley
• Scenic landscape includes timbered slopes, mountain meadows, and ridgelines
• Approximately 0.5± miles of year-round Willow Creek, plus seasonal drainages
• Adjacent to nearly two miles of the Bitterroot National Forest and Calf Creek Wildlife Management Area
• Excellent recreational opportunities: hunting, hiking, horseback riding, ATVs, and wildlife viewing
• Numerous private and scenic building sites throughout the property
• No conservation easement in place - Strong candidate for future conservation or legacy land stewardship
• Ideal for recreational and long-term investment use
The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek | Corvallis, Montana
The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek | Corvallis, Montana
The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek | Corvallis, Montana
SCENIC VISTAS
The property offers sweeping vistas of the Bitterroot Valley below and the rugged peaks of the Bitterroot Mountains rising in the distance.
The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek | Corvallis, Montana
RECREATION
The Bitterroot Valley offers exceptional yearround outdoor recreation, with opportunities ranging from river adventures to alpine exploration. Residents and visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fly fishing, and rafting along the Bitterroot River in the warmer months. Nearby public lands and trail systems provide access to scenic backcountry and abundant wildlife, while Lake Como — just south of Hamilton — is a popular destination for boating, swimming, camping, and lakeside hiking.
During the winter season, the region remains active with recreation. Downhill skiing is available at Lost Trail Powder Mountain and Snowbowl, while Chief Joseph Pass offers wellmaintained Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails. Snowmobiling is also popular throughout the surrounding mountain ranges.
With Glacier National Park within a day’s drive and vast stretches of National Forest and designated wilderness nearby, the Bitterroot Valley is a gateway to some of Montana’s most iconic outdoor experiences every season.
FISHING
The Bitterroot River is widely regarded as one of Montana’s premier fly-fishing destinations, known for its long dry fly season and prolific insect hatches. Stretching approximately 84 miles through the heart of the valley, the river supports strong populations of rainbow, brown, and native cutthroat trout. Anglers are especially drawn to the Bitterroot in early spring for the renowned Skwala stonefly hatch — one of the first major hatches of the season — as well as consistent dry fly action throughout the summer and fall. The river offers diverse water and rewarding opportunities for both seasoned anglers and newbies alike.
HUNTING | WILDLIFE
The Bitterroot Valley is well known for its big game hunting, particularly for elk and mule deer. The surrounding public lands, including the Bitterroot National Forest and nearby wildlife management areas, provide expansive, accessible habitat that supports huntable populations. Archery and rifle seasons offer opportunities for both resident and non-resident hunters, with the region’s rugged terrain, diverse cover, and seasonal migration patterns creating dynamic conditions throughout the fall. Whitetail deer are also prevalent in the lower elevations and riparian corridors, while grouse, waterfowl, and black bear hunting round out the area’s diverse sporting opportunities. For those seeking a well-rounded, fair-chase hunting experience in western Montana, the Bitterroot remains a destination of choice.
The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek | Corvallis, Montana
The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek | Corvallis, Montana
AREA HISTORY
The Bitterroot Valley is rich in cultural and historical significance, with deep roots in the heritage of Native American tribes and early exploration by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In 1841, the founding of Stevensville marked Montana’s first permanent non-Indigenous settlement. With the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1890 and the construction of the Big Ditch and Lake Como soon after, large-scale irrigation transformed the region into a thriving center for apple orchards. Though that era has passed, remnants of the valley’s agricultural legacy remain. Today, the Bitterroot Valley continues to grow while honoring its past — a place where history, landscape, and lifestyle remain closely intertwined.
Lewis and Clark Expedition - Charles M Russell
CLIMATE
The Corvallis area enjoys a relatively moderate climate compared to much of Montana, with warmer winters and sunnier summers than many parts of the state. Average annual precipitation is around 12 inches, with approximately 34 inches of snowfall. Summer highs typically reach the mid-80s, while winter lows average around 18°F. While seasonal shifts can be pronounced, the valley’s climate supports a comfortable rhythm for year-round living and outdoor recreation.
Climate charts courtesy of https://www.city-data.com/city/Corvallis-Montana.html
The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek | Corvallis, Montana
LOCATION
In western Montana, two distinct valleys define the landscape and lifestyle of the region: the scenic Bitterroot Valley and the vibrant Missoula Valley. Stretching south from Missoula, the Bitterroot Valley is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, blue-ribbon fly fishing, and welcoming communities such as Corvallis, Hamilton, and historic Stevensville.
To the north, the Missoula Valley is anchored by the city of Missoula — a dynamic center for arts, music, and culture set along the Clark Fork River. With its university presence, eclectic energy, and strong outdoor ethos, Missoula complements the quieter pace of the Bitterroot.
Together, these valleys offer a balance of recreation, community, and access to Montana’s wide-open landscapes — from wilderness trails and river floats to farmer’s markets and local festivals — each with its own distinct character and appeal.
AIRPORT SERVICES
Ravalli County Airport, located just 10± miles west in Hamilton, provides convenient local access for private pilots, charter flights, and air ambulance services. The facility features a paved runway, fuel services, hangar space, and tie-downs supporting recreational and business aviation.
For commercial air travel, Missoula Montana Airport is approximately 55± miles north. It offers direct flights to major US hubs, including Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. Full-service FBOs — including Minuteman Jet Center, Neptune Aviation, and Northstar Jet — provide comprehensive general aviation support, making the region easily accessible for both domestic and international travelers.
19 The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek | Corvallis, Montana
The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek | Corvallis, Montana
The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek | Corvallis, Montana
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
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.
WATER RIGHTS
Montana waters, in all their varied forms and locations, belong to the State for the benefit of its people. A water right is the right to use the water within state-established guidelines, and not any ownership of the water itself. Since water rights in Montana are guided by the prior appropriation doctrine, a person’s right to use a specific quantity of water depends on when the use of water began, establishing the relative priority date of use on the water source. The first person to use water from a source established the first right, the second person could establish a right to the water that was left, and so on. Additionally, water users are limited to the amount of water that can be beneficially used. Beneficial use includes, but is not limited to, agricultural, recreational, fish, wildlife and domestic purposes.
Montana is currently conducting a statewide adjudication of all water rights with priority dates prior to July 1, 1973. The statewide adjudication is a court process that prioritizes and quantifies all existing water rights in each Montana drainage basin. With 85 basins in Montana, and over 219,000 water right claims, the statewide adjudication is a massive undertaking that is expected to stretch well into the future. Until the adjudication process is complete, the status of any particular water right claim cannot be guaranteed.
Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons do not warrant or make any representation concerning the quantity or quality of any water rights, nor any legal entitlement to use of water rights, permits to appropriate water, exempt existing rights, determination of existing water rights, nor any ditches, ditch rights, or ditch easements appurtenant to or constituting a burden on the property. Water rights claims appurtenant to the property may or may not have been fully or finally adjudicated, and any Buyer is advised to make any offer to purchase contingent upon and subject to such independent inspections, evaluations, and advice concerning the water rights and adjudication process as a buyer might deem prudent. All buyers should be aware that Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons involved in this offering have not conducted an expert inspection or analysis of the water rights for this property.
The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek | Corvallis, Montana
The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek encompasses 709.58± acres in the foothills of the Sapphire Mountains, offering privacy, diverse terrain, and sweeping views of Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. Located just minutes from Corvallis and Hamilton — and a short drive from Missoula — the property combines mountain seclusion with convenient access to nearby communities. With year-round water, direct access to public lands, abundant wildlife, and no restrictions in place, it presents a rare opportunity for recreation, retreat, or long-term land stewardship.
The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek | Corvallis, Montana
The Bitterroot Highlands at Willow Creek | Corvallis, Montana
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 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.
$608.70
$5,950,000 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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