Have you always longed to be a cowboy, cowgirl or cowperson? Interested in an authentic ranch life experience? We have just the place for you. Take a horseback ride into the hills, relax while looking over the beautiful Sanpoil valley or milk a cow! This memorable experience will be one to talk about for years.
Bekins Northwest recently spent a weekend at the K-Diamond-K Ranch. The guest ranch is located near the town of Republic, approximately 120 miles north of Spokane, in the northeast corner of Washington. They provide a true working ranch experience, with all the amenities of a resort, perfect for us city slickers.
The working ranch spans over 1600 acres in the gorgeous Sanpoil River valley. The river wanders through the ranch’s lower meadow property and then on to the Columbia River. The ranch operations team manages a herd of cattle that summer graze over an additional area of 3,000 acres, high in the surrounding hills.
The centerpiece of the ranch is the beautifully constructed log lodge, custom made by the owners over a 15-year period. It features high gabled ceilings with immense log beams where antique cowboy hats, saddles and spurs hang as decoration.
The K-Diamond-K ranch and the adjoining veterinary clinic were founded in 1961 by Stephen and June Konz. June, the first ever veterinarian in Ferry County, still resides here helping Kathy McKay, her daughter, entertain their guests with stories of the old days.
“We enjoy sharing our way of life with our guests. Many come back year after year and have become great friends,” Shares Kathy.
Your experience won’t be complete without a visit to the petting zoo with chickens, goats, ducks, geese and lambs. Wild turkeys and grouse wander through the property. In past years, an orphaned deer made the ranch home. It often ambled into the inside of the lodge looking for a treat.
During the mid-day, play pickle ball, ride horses, take a bike ride and shoot a gun (under the watchful instruction of the ranch hands). Visit the town of Republic, swim at Swan or Curlew Lake just a few miles away. The day isn’t finished without driving the horses and long-horned cattle to the upper ranch for the night. Then on to a sumptuous dinner and sing-alongs at the large fire pit in front of the lodge for a liars contest.
“There isn’t anything much better than singing under the stars in front of a warm fire. Guests often show up with guitars. We love that. That’s when it really gets fun,” laughs Kathy.
The ranch is open year-round. In winter, they offer snowmobile rides finished with your favorite beverage and a roaring fire in the two huge handmade stone fireplaces.
To schedule your ranch experience, contact Kathy at (509) 775 3511 or email her at Kdiamondk@yahoo.com.
Bekins Northwest Knows Washington! Each week, we feature a new weekend get-away, local attraction, quaint restaurant, or famous Washingtonian! Bekins Northwest has 11 offices located throughout the state. Moving? There is a Bekins office near you. Visit Bekins Northwest at Bekinsmovingandstorage.com.
