Western Montana & Missoula Real Estate Blog & Area Information

Last week, The freezing weather gave way long enough for construction to begin on the model home at RiverRidge in beautiful Superior, Montana!

The model home is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom sprawling executive-style home with high-end finishes.

At the same time, ground also broke for an affordable spec home on the adjoining lot.

The Model Home and the spec home are both being built by a local builder LR Signature Homes and will be complete before the County's Tour of Homes which is scheduled for May 15-16, 2009.

About RiverRidge

Nestled above the Clark Fork River you will find RiverRidge, a peaceful sanctuary, unique in its charm and beauty. RiverRidge offers private trout ponds that were designed by world-famous trout pond developer, Joseph Urbani. There is also a nature trail and 2.7 acres of common area. RiverRidge offers the relaxed Montana Lifestyle that you've been dreaming about.

Lots start at $39,000 and have city water & sewer. RiverRidge is close to schools, horse-back riding, skiing, hiking, USFS, local hospital & only 45 min. to Missoula!

For more information on RiverRidge, visit www.RiverRidgeMT.com or contact Kevin & Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185 or 406-822-SOLD (7653).

Check back to our blog for updates on the progress of this amazing home!

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Kevin & Monica Ray are real estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. For more information on Western Montana, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.YourMT.com.

The town of Superior is planning a celebration to commemorate the placement of the first Gideon Bible in a hotel room which took place in 1908 in the Superior Hotel. The celebration is scheduled for Saturday, October 4th at the original site of the Superior Hotel at 5:00 p.m. A short ceremony will be given by the President of the Gideons International.

According to the Mineral County Historical Society, At the Gideon Convention of 1908 it was proposed, "that the Gideons direct their energies toward furnishing a Bible for every guest room of hotels in the country."

Archie Bailey, a Gideon, then employed as an accountant for a firm of contractors in Iron Mountain, Montana was a frequent guest at the Superior Hotel. He approached Mrs.Edna Wilkinson, who operated the Hotel, and asked for permission to place Bibles in the rooms. Upon receiving permission, Bailey sent an order to the Gideon headquarters office in Chicago on November 9, 1908 enclosing a contribution check to cover the cost.

Since this humble beginning, The Gideons, which is composed of Christian business and professional men, have placed over 1.4 billion Bibles around the world. The ministry has extended to 187 countries and is currently placing 1 million copies every five days.

The Superior Hotel burnt to the ground December 1, 1940 and Schneider's Garage was built on the location. A plaque commemorating the first placement was placed on the garage wall in 1960.

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Kevin & Monica Ray are Superior Montana Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. For more information on Western Montana, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.YourMT.com.

A Superior Lifestyle...At RiverRidge

Superior introduced a new subdivision earlier this year - RiverRidge. What makes this subdivision unique is its amenities - a complete manmade trout ecosystem in its series of beautiful and relaxing ponds, a nature trail, and plenty of open space to enjoy the panoramic scenery including the Clark Fork River, Mountains, and abundant birds and wildlife.

Not Your Ordinary Ponds

The Ponds at RiverRidge were designed by professional stream, wetland, and lake ecosystem and fish hatchery developer, Joseph Urbani & Associates, Inc. Joseph Urbani has been designing and restoring water features for over 30 years and has developed lakes and ponds at some of the most prestigious resorts in the country and for many celebrities including Ted Turner.

The series of ponds at RiverRidge are stocked with trout and have been designed to be not only beautiful and relaxing, but also to be biologically functioning, ecologically diverse, and natural - requiring little or no maintenance. They even created a spawning bed and brought in specific insects - Note the blue damsel flies along the pond - a delicacy for trout.

The water to the ponds continually circulates through the use of a waterfall and a pump system. A creek connects the ponds and is ideal for spawning. The ponds were developed to create an optimum trout habitat with carefully placed rocks, plants, and tree stumps. The final ponds will also feature natural landscaping around the exterior.

A Nature Trail, Plenty of Common Area and an Amazing Location!

RiverRidge also offers residents a nature trail and more than 2.9 acres of common areas. All of this and the development overlooks the Clark Fork River - one of Montana's most prized fly fishing rivers and home to some of the world's best whitewater in the Alberton Gorge!

And, if you enjoy birds and wildlife, RiverRidge is the place for you! Existing residents have reported seeing upwards of 76 different varieties of birds including bald eages, osprey, and blue heron! Whitetail deer, beavers, and other animals also frequent the area.

All of this and you're located in Superior, Montana - an outdoorsman's paradise! More than 70% of the county is government owned, meaning that it is U.S. Forest Service or State lands, allowing for miles and miles of natural forest and recreational opportunities!

Lots at RiverRidge start at only $39,000! An unbelievable price - and Owner Financing is available! We also offer Land/Home packages starting at $230,000! RiverRidge also offers and Optional Condo Association if you are seeking low maintenance living!

For More Information on RiverRidge or to schedule a tour, contact Kevin & Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185 or visit us online at www.RiverRidgeMT.com.

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Kevin & Monica Ray are real estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Superior Montana. For more information on Western Montana, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.YourMT.com.

Earlier this summer we took a drive to Hoo Doo Pass near Superior, Montana. This is an amazing drive with breathtaking views from every side.

On the way you drive along a local favorite of fly fishermen - Trout Creek - which is rich in Trout, of course. The road leads you up a wide canyon. Along the way, you pass the trailhead for Heart Lake - a great day hiking trail.

Hoo Doo Pass is at the Montana / Idaho border and has a beautiful alpine feeling. There is also a trailhead for Hoo Doo Lake which I am told is one of the most amazing alpine lakes in the area - this will be on our list to do before summer ends!

Before going to Hoo Doo Pass or Hoo Doo Lake, be prepared for snow, these pictures were taken in July and as you can see from the bottom one, there is still snow on the ground.

Hoodoo Lake Trail (111) is a good trail for berry picking (late July, early August). Hoodoo Lake is a pretty alpine lake just under the top of the divide. Fishing is also supposed to be good at Hoo Doo Lake.

Length: 2.3 miles
Trail Begins: Forest Road 250 at Hidden Creek
Trail Ends: State Line Trail 738

Area Map: Lolo Forest Visitors Map
USGS Map1: Hoodoo Pass
Township 14N; Range 27W; Section 3

To get to Hoo Doo pass, you take Diamond Road East from Superior and follow it up Trout Creek.

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Kevin & Monica Ray are real estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. For more information on Western Montana, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.YourMT.com.

The Superior School System serves the towns of Superior, Tarkio, and surrounding areas. For information on the Elementary, Junior High School, or High School, visit the NCES - the National Center for Education Statistics.

The School is located at: 1003 5th Ave E., Superior, MT 59872 (406) 822-3600 and their website is located at: http://www.sd3.k12.mt.us/.

On their website you can find information about:

• faculty and staff,
• an events calendar, and
• lunch menu, and
• information on bus routes.

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Kevin & Monica Ray are real estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. For more information on Western Montana, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.YourMT.com.