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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCoxes Dude Ranchrile spar Ne iv Aug 0, 1971 Friendly, peaceful atmosphere prevails at Johnson Creek ranch Guided horseback tours for short scenic jaunts, day long fishing trips, or weekly hunting expeditions are offered at the ranch. Star -News Photo. Possibly the most scenic spot in the West lies cradled between two 9,000 foot peaks in Valley County, near Yellow Pine, Idaho. Coxes Dude Ranch, owned and operated by Lafe and Emma Cox is unsurpassed as a recreational paradise with its rich Western flavor setting the style for the many sports activities available there. Stretched across 160 acres thickly timbered and grassy meadowed land, the ranch is located 53 miles east of Cascade, in the midst of Idaho's wilderness area. In the early 1900's the ranch was originally homesteaded by Alec Forstrum and in 1927 was sold to Clark and Beulah Cox. The present two-story log cabin styled lodge was erected in 1929 and has been operated since that time as a Dude Ranch. In 1943 the Clark Coxes sold the place to their son and his wife, Lafe and Emma Cox, who are the present owners. Rippling past the southern border of the ranch is the silvery Johnson Creek, filled with an ample supply of stream trout. A Louisiana guest who often fishes for large bass in the Gulf of Mexico said, "I enjoy fishing these mountain streams for trout much more than bass fishing in our country." Guided horseback tours frequently accomodate guests on day -long fishing trips to one of the 10 nearby mountain lakes. A short visit to the Lodge quickly reveals wild game as being plentiful in the area. Frequently an elk or deer may be seen grazing in a nearby meadow. Mounted in the rustic interior of the lodge are a variety of trophies including Rocky Mountain big horn sheep, mountain goats, deer, cougar, foxes,etc. Pcie r Outside, amidst a variety of wild and cultured flowers, even a set of patio chairs and the base of a table have been designed from elk racks. Lafe said during one hunting season, he assisted with the care of 83 big game animals which had been downed by hunters in that area. During that season he said he worked day and night cleaning the animals. The Coxes take advantage of their long snowbound winters in using their imagination to create unusual items for the lodge. The lobby's Western decor is enhanced by a wagon wheel coffee table and light fixtures made from wagon wheels, used in by -gone days, along with the wagon, as tran- sportation. Bases for reading lamps are from polished portions of knotted and }marled trees. Even the candle holders are made from silvered horseshoes. The large stone fireplace, breaks the chill of cool mornings and is kept roaring continuously, as the main source of heat during the winter months. In the upper story of the lodge building are eight rooms. Added two years ago to the ranch ac- comodations were five modern cabins. In contrast to the main lodge with its "Old West" at- mosphere, the modern deluxe cabins are complete with electric heat, carpeting, two bedrooms, bath fireplace, and kitchen. Also available are eight semi -modern cabins. With the arrival of the snowmobile era, the dude ranch is truly a year-round sportsman's paridise. While before the motorized sleds, the Coxes' winters were quite lonely, however during the past winter they said snowmobilers filled the lodge every weekend except two. When fall arrives, with the opening of hunting season, pack trips are organized for hunts which include the big horn sheep, mountain goats, elk, deer, and bear. Experienced guides, packers, horses, equipment, and food are provided for the hunting trips which usually last from a week to 10 days. Lafe Cox was reared at the ranch and went to school in Yellow Pine, 10 miles east of there, driving a sled pulled by a team of dogs every day. For two winters the Coxes wintered their horses in Emmett where Lafe met Emma. The were married in 1940 and lived on Big Creek before taking over the operation of the ranch in 1943. During those years mail and supplies were brought into the area once a week by dog sled. The Coxes have two daughters Janet and Roxie who attended grade school in Yellow Pine and now both are married. Lafe, who has been left slightly crippled from a bone softening disease, and his charming blonde wife, manage the dude ranch operation with explicit organization. He owns and breeds thorough- bred Morgan horses, which presently number 38 and also owns twelve pack mules. He maintains the ranch area and a rather eleborate blacksmith shop. The seasoned rancher is a licensed and bonded member of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association and accompanies the majority of the guided tours, whether they be a two hour horse -back ride up the scenic mountains, a day -long fishing trip to a mountain lake, or a 10 day pack trip for big game hunters. During the summer months four ranch hands assist him with the operation. If you stop by the lodge in the late afternoon, chances are the first thing to greet you will be the aroma of freshly baked bread. Emma often feeds as many as 50 guests at a meal in the dining room of the lodge. The elaborate fare presented at mealtime is served family style and includes homemade delicacies such as pies, breads, and jams. Not only is she a marvelous cook, but she manages to keep the lodge and cabins sparkling clean, and is also bookkeeper for the ranch. She is assisted in the summer months by two helpers. Emma seldom finds time to accompany her husband on the horseback tours, however in the winter she enjoys pastel painting as a hobby. Although both Emma and Lafe have very busy schedules they always seem to find time for friendly chats with their guests, making them feel entirely at home.Perhaps the warm, friendly atmosphere felt there makes it the outstanding place that it is. Guests from all over the United States have come to the ranch for recreation and relaxation. Once they've been there, they return time after time. For the past few years the Coxes have contemplated selling the ranch. However, Lafe says when he does sell he plans to retire to a 160 acre plot of land he owns, east of the ranch site. "I've been here too long to leave", he said. After listening to the rippling creek, made silver on a moonlit night, seeing the colorful array of wild flowers amidst thick green pines in the mountains or seeing a trout springing from an isolated mountain lake, it's quite easy to understand his decision. .7T Sta t^ 4e s of 19/1 Rijac? Five new modern delux cabins have recently been added to ranch accomodations. They are com- pletely furnished, electrically heated, ane fully carpeted. Star- News Photo. /1e 5fa 1- N� u15 AUK .,197i d Pal e The peaceful serenity of Coxes Dude Ranch is pictured with pine laden mountains as a background and the glittering Johnson Creek at the entrance, bridged by a rather rustic structure. Star -News Photo. the sta g- Newer Aug i s 1971 Page 44 Lafe and Emma Cox, owners of the Dude Ranch for the past 27 years, provide a warm, friendly atmosphere for their guests. The large stone fireplace lends its own warmth to the authentic Western atmosphere of the Lodge lobby. Star -News Photo The_ 5'tdf New'a A ia��g11 Pate 5- An hour's ride by horseback up the steep mountain north of the ranch shows an aerial type view of the breath -taking beauty of the Johnson Greek ranch, surrounded by massive mountains. Star -News Photo.