Story has it that Ed Parker and his son Roy owned the ranch in the 1930s.  They ran some cattle and put up hay in the summer and trapped marten and fox in the winter.  Ed had a talent for brewing moonshine, which was put into service during prohibition.  His son, Roy, would load up a pack string and provide much needed "drought relief" to the miners and ranchers in the back country. Whisky Cabin, near Landmark, was appreciatively named by the grateful survivors of the "drought."

During WWII, the lodge and ranch were used as a retreat for the men stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base.  DC-3's were brought in with men to enjoy...what else but booze, gambling, and girls.

In the 1950s the ranch was purchased by Marv Hornback of Boise.  Hornback and his family operated the ranch much as it is today, running the guest lodge and outfitting business. As aviation increasingly became available to a wide array of budding back country pilots, the ranch began to flourish. Our reputation spread mostly by word of mouth! ...and so the story began...!

In 1980, the Frank Church Wilderness of No Return Wilderness Area was established.  2.3 million acres of Forest Service land surrounding the ranch became untouchable to future development or logging.  Today the old jeep trail leading into the ranch has reverted back to its roots as a pack route.  

The ranch has survived the threats from decades of winter snow and summer forest fires.  The fact that nearly all of the original buildings are still in place is a testament to the dedication of all the previous owners.  Today the old wooden bar, a 1950's "shoot the bear" laser game, and remnants of an airplane in the trees, are left to remind us of its history and leave a smile on our faces...a story old is a story told! 

History courtesy of:

Q.E.I. Publishing, Galen L. Hanselman.