Our Story
Purchased in 1982 by Karen and Lester Hay, the ranch is a mixture of bottom wet lands, complete with several natural springs, and hundreds of acres of mountain forests. The main ranch homestead has a lengthy history having been built in the late 1800’s. They originally operated as a cattle ranch complete with 250 pair of Red Angus/Hereford/South Devin. Lester’s love of farming was passed down to their son William who continues his work today.
The ranch has two main entrances off of Highway 231. Down near the south entrance is a collection of buildings one of which is inscribed with the date July 1892. Made of rock and mortar construction, the small shed sits near an abandoned house and the machine shed.
From the north entrance you pass the main century old house and barn, then continue past to an old-growth apple orchard producing tasty treats for the wildlife. Frequently spotted around the property are whitetail deer, bear, turkeys, elk, cougar, and our namesake moose.
The ranch continues to evolve as their daughter Jessica and her husband CJ grow the agri-tourism portion of the land. Expanding to include weddings, hosted hunts, Market in the Mountains, photoshoots, Gather PNW, and the new Geodome glamping accommodations. The third-generation grandson’s, Marcus and Branson, assist by eating all the snacks and keeping Grandma and Grandpa fast on their feet.
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