History / About Us
Charlie Shepp and Pete Klinkhammer began homesteading at the mouth of Crooked Creek during the winter of 1909-1910. They whipsawed logs to build the main ranch house, which is still in use today. The two men, although very different ages, were well suited partners. Shepp provided the building expertise and tended their extensive gardens and orchards, while Klinkhammer put up hay, ran trap lines, and packed their produce to sell to neighboring miners.
In 1950 Klinkhammer sold the ranch to Paull and Marybelle Filer, but stayed on to help run the place. The Filers were energetic and determined. They constructed a sawmill, a flume and hydroelectric powerplant, and developed an airstrip on the west side of Crooked Creek. Paul and Marybelle Filer, more than anyone else shaped Shepp Ranch into its present form. Not only did they construct most of the buildings in existence today, but they created a successful outfitting business that has been in continuous operation for over 50 years. Subsequent owners Jim Campbell and Paul Resnick carried on Filers tradition. While things have changed some over the years, guests can still share in the rich history and traditions which prevail here, in the buildings, the orchard, rare hand tools, antique guns and horse drawn farm implements. Shepp Ranch offers today’s visitors a wonderful opportunity to participate in this western tradition, just as in years past.
Shepp Ranch Today
Surrounded by the Gospel Hump Wilderness and sitting on the banks of the Wild and Scenic Main Salmon River, Shepp Ranch is a haven from today’s hectic world. Located on the north shore of the Salmon River at its confluence with Crooked Creek, this area is truly remote with the nearest road 15 miles away. Shepp Ranch provides visitors the opportunity to explore unspoiled natural surroundings, much as Shepp and Klinkhammer did in their day. It is a place for warm interaction with family and friends. Catch up on conversation as you enjoy a home cooked meal in our family style dining room. Long time managers Lynn and Mike Demerse will welcome you along with our congenial crew. Visitors may arrive as strangers but everyone leaves as part of the Shepp Ranch family.
I invite you to join us at Shepp Ranch. Bring your sense of adventure and leave your worries behind. Come relax and enjoy our western hospitality. -Tim Turnbull, Owner
Spring Wilderness Experience Mid March to Mid May
Spring is a spectacular time of year to visit Shepp Ranch. Snow dominates the high country, in dramatic contrast to budding flowers and green grass at the ranch. Days are typically mild and inviting, while nights are cool, providing a perfect excuse to enjoy our hot tub overlooking Crooked Creek and the Salmon River.
For guests that enjoy hiking, spring is a wonderful time for a walk along the river, or up one of the many canyon trails. A jetboat tour exploring the landscape and history of various settlements along the river makes for an enjoyable afternoon. Spring is also the quietest time at Shepp Ranch and along the Salmon River providing an opportunity for solitude that is hard to come by in todays fast paced world. You can expect to see abundant wildlife and wildflowers, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep and eagles, making it ideal for photography, painting and wildlife viewing.
Summer Ranch Vacation Mid June to Labor Day
Summer at Shepp Ranch is your opportunity to experience an authentic western vacation. Take a horseback ride on trails ridden a century ago by Charlie Shepp and Pete Klinkhammer. Explore the river corridor, discovering sandy beaches and refreshing swimming holes, while enjoying whitewater jetboating. Bring your fishing rod or borrow one of ours. Trout fishing is fantastic during the summer months. Experienced fishermen will enjoy the opportunity to cast on miles of streams in solitary bliss. Beginners can get a lesson from one of our friendly guides. Napping in the shade and watching the river go by will soothe your soul and quiet your mind. Evenings can include volleyball, horseshoes, relaxing in the hot tub or star gazing. With no light pollution the constellations are waiting to be explored. Whatever your pleasure you are sure to find something interesting to do at Shepp Ranch. If you are planning a Main Salmon River rafting vacation this is the perfect place to extend your trip. Shepp Ranch works with many Main Salmon Rafting Outfitters to coordinate combination trips. Just ask us for details!
Weekend or Day Trips-If your schedule doesn’t allow for a longer trip we offer Day trips with jetboat tours to historical sites along the river and lunch at Shepp Ranch. We also have a Weekend package that runs from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon. You can explore the beauty of the Salmon River and enjoy seasonal activities. It only takes one peaceful night on the Salmon River to improve your outlook on life.
Large Groups-We offer exclusive use of Shepp Ranch to groups of 12 or more. This is a terrific opportunity for private enjoyment of the ranch. All you need is family and friends!
Getting Here-Most guests choose to drive to the boat ramp at “Roads End” at Vinegar Creek. From there we pick you up for the 30 minute jetboat trip into the ranch. Another option is to charter a small plane from Boise, McCall or Cascade. Both options are exciting and provide unique experiences. At Shepp Ranch, part of the vacation fun is getting here!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location-Shepp Ranch is located in mountainous central Idaho, 45 miles east of Riggins, where Crooked Creek flows into the Main Salmon, Idahos “River of No Return”. The Salmon River is designated a Wild and Scenic River. It is a fifth of a mile deeper than the Grand Canyon and only Hells Canyon on the Snake River is deeper. Boise Idaho, 150 miles south of Riggins, is the nearest major city and is served by bus, train and many major airlines.
Travel Guests jetboating into the ranch should plan on staying in or near McCall or Riggins the night before your trip. Our standard jetboat pickup time is 11 AM mtn time at roads end. (See map below). Guests preferring to fly into the ranch should plan on leaving Boise by 10 AM during the summer months. Please let Lynn know if you would like help making travel or lodging arrangements.
Recommended lodging in Riggins (one hours drive to roads end) also see www.rigginsidaho.com
Best Western Salmon Rapids Lodge-208-628-2743
Riggins Motel-208-628-3001
Big Iron Motel 208-628-3005
Recommended lodging in McCall (two hours drive to roads end) see http://www.inidaho.com/City.asp?City=McCall
Hotel McCall 208-634-8105
Western Mtn Lodge 208-634-6300
Books-To learn more about this area, you might enjoy reading “River of No Return” by Johnny Carrey and Cort Conley. If you are driving through Idaho try “Idaho for the Curious”. Both books are available from the ranch before or during your trip. The ranch has an extensive library for your reading pleasure with books on several of the local characters.
Weather-Summer temperatures range from 70 to 100 degrees during the day and 55-70 at night. During these months there is a possibility of thunderstorms. Spring and fall temperatures range from 40-70 during the day and 30-50 degrees at night.
Meals-Often a highlight of our guests stay, meals are served family style three times daily. Prime meats, ranch grown fruits and vegetables and homemade breads and desserts from scratch are sure to please. We are experienced in satisfying special needs and requests so just let us know when you make your reservations and we will be sure to accommodate your preferences.
Accomodations-Shepp Ranch offers accommodations in 6 rustic comfortable cabins with private baths situated looking out over the Salmon River and Crooked Creek. Each cabin has a wood burning stove or fireplace and a comfortable couch for curling up to read.
Children: We welcome children 8 or over and offer a discounted rate for children 8-12. There is plenty for children to see and do at Shepp Ranch. Cats, goats, a milk cow and our friendly dog give them a chance to enjoy animal life. Lessons in archery, target shooting, fly casting, horseback riding and historic river lore are reminiscent of camp life. Without the distraction of TV and electronics they will find themselves spending the day exploring natures playground. Watching the stars come out while enjoying a bonfire on the beach and making s’mores is a fine way to end their day.
Deposit, Cancellations and Refunds: We have a no refund policy. A deposit of 50% is required to hold your date. Balance is due 60 days prior to the trip. Payments are not refundable but can be applied towards another trip during our current season.
Insurance and Responsibility: We encourage the purchase of vacation trip insurance which covers cancellation, personal property and personal injury. Although we spare no effort to provide a safe trip, an expedition of this kind is not without risk. Shepp Ranch Outfitters LLC cannot assume responsibility for injury, loss of personal belongings or time and expense incurred. You will be asked to sign an assumption of risk form before beginning your activities at Shepp Ranch. If you would like to see a copy of this form before your arrival we will provide you with one. Anyone traveling with a minor for whom they are not the responsible party will need to have a form signed by the designated guardian before arrival.
What to Bring: We provide everything except personal items and alchoholic beverages. A limited variety of soft drinks are available at the lodge. We recommend the following list as a guideline:
Loose fitting pants or jeans
Swimming suit and shorts (for hot tub, swimming and hot weather)
Parka and sweatshirt-even during the summer a light jacket will help keep you comfortable in the mornings and evenings
Rain Gear-Jacket and Pants are preferred but a good quality poncho will work!
Tennis shoes or light hikers and water/river shoes
Gloves
Sunglasses with strap
Sunblock and chap stick
Flashlight (Generator goes off at night)
Broad brimmed hat with chin strap
Personal toiletries
Camera
Beer, Wine, Liquor (Liquor not sold in Idaho on Sundays)
Fishing Gear and License
Cash for Gratuity