Wild Rose Ranch

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Jared's Wild Rose Ranch

The Wild Rose Ranch was founded back in the 1890s by a man named William Bowers. In the early years, the Wild Rose property was used for sheep herding. The hired hands stayed in the small cabins and the cafe functioned with four original tables.

Since the Wild Rose Ranch was one of the first establishments in the area it became a community of its own. Where the cook presently stays was a post office and where the pump house is, was originally an ice house.

To make some extra money the ranch began renting the small cabins to the public. One of the most famous renters was Zane Grey. Grey wrote segments of several western novels while staying in cabin one.

Over the years the ranch was bought and sold several times, until McLloyd (Mac) Barney purchased the ranch in 1986. Mac enjoyed fishing and vacationing on his ranch and developed a great love for it.

His youngest son, Jared, loved to fish alongside his dad. They became fishing partners over the next few years. Soon, however, financial difficulties struck and it seemed that the Wild Rose would have yet another owner.

As Mac fought to save the ranch, he was faced with an even greater trial. Jared was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Jared bravely faced several operations, but after each one the cancer returned. Still, Jared's love of the Wild Rose held strong and he continued to fish with his dad whenever he wasn't in the hospital. On one of these trips he told his dad, "Don't ever sell this land."

Mac followed his son's advise even when all seemed lost. Jared's insurance company dropped him in the middle of his fight and the hospital bills soared to new heights. Jared passed away on October 19, 1992, after 22 months fighting for his life.

In Jared's final year the Wild Rose Ranch was renamed: "Jared's Wild Rose Ranch" because of his great love for the area. Mac took his son's advise to heart and soon the debt crisis was past. Jared's Wild Rose Ranch was saved. Mac continues to find peace and solace on his land and proclaims it to be the most beautiful place on earth.

Jared's Wild Rose Ranch Resort is now open year-round and in addition to the fantastic fishing, boasts some of the best snowmobiling and cross country skiing in the world. The resort rents snowmobiles in the winter and boats and boat slips in the summer.

For more information or to book a condo or cabin give the Wild Rose a call at 208-558-7083. Fax number: 208-558-7083; e-mail: Wildrose.ida.net; Web address: www.wildroseranch.com.

Jared's Wild Rose Ranch

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