Russell Ranch
Nye, Montana
Experience Montana heritage and the ranching way of life up close and personal in a relaxing and low key atmosphere. Three generations of the Russell Family live and work where great grandpa Herb homesteaded in the Upper Stillwater River Valley in 1919. Today their cattle run on 5000 acres of owned and leased land ranging from the home place to the grazing permit in the Custer National Forest.
The Russell family starts with Herb and Susan who are going strong in late years. Herb was actually born on the original ranch homestead. They both still take part in the daily ranch routines and overall caring for the kids, crew, and animals. David, Kelly, and son Travis now manage more of the day to day operations, and they will be your hosts for an unforgettable ranch vacation.
Adventures include open-range riding, working cattle, and all the other activities typical of an authentic working cattle ranch steeped in history in the last best place. You will enjoy a fun-filled environment with laughter, majestic mountain views, cool clear streams, and a wholesome ranch atmosphere.
Activities
- Spring is a time when neighboring ranches come together to help each other with branding calves.
- The summer cattle work consists of moving the herd to fresh mountain pastures and riding to check fences, monitor springs and the overall health of the livestock. Distributing the salt and minerals to the various pastures is typically done by the use of packhorses, four wheel drive pickup, or ATV’s.
- The fall cattle roundup starts in September and ends when the calves are shipped in mid October and that is when the first snows come to blanket our landscape for the long winter to come.
Other Popular Activities Include
- Rainbow and brown trout thrive in this pristine environment of isolated, high-country lakes and crystal clear streams. Some of the least-discovered stream and mountain lake fly fishing opportunities to be found are here for the adventurous angler. As David says, this is fishing the way it used to be!”
- Hiking opportunities from all-day backpack outings to evening strolls.
- Local rodeos and community events.
- Excursions to nearby Scenic Beartooth Highway en route to Yellowstone National Park.
Accommodations
The bunkhouse is nestled along the creek a short distance from the ranch house. It is cozy and comfortable with queen bed and private bath. There is also a sleeper sofa in the living area. (Personalized experience—they only host one group of guests at a time.)
Contact & Booking
Think of me as a native Montanan and a travel coordinator who is skilled as a matchmaker. Let me know your interests. I can put you in touch with ranchers whose Montana roots date back 100 years.
One of a Kind Experiences
Working ranch vacations offer more than just horseback riding. Guests participate in seasonal ranch activities while learning about conservation practices and sustainable ranching in the Rocky Mountains. Not just a seminar in ranching, we invite you to be part of the daily routine.Saddle Up and experience a part of the Old West that still exists. Everything from cattle drives and roundups, to trail rides and pack trips into the wilderness.
Meet Karen, Your Personal Working Ranch Vacation Guide.
Think of me as a native Montanan and a travel coordinator who is skilled as a matchmaker. Let me know your interests. I can put you in touch with ranchers whose Montana roots date back 100 years.