Dougout Ranch

Useful Information

Location:	Elk Bend. At Highway 93, above Salmon river. 32km south of Salmon. From Salmon follow Hwy 93 south for 19 miles, turn off, cross Salmon River on Rattlesnake Creek Bridge then turn south.
Open:	All year. [2005]
Fee:	Rooms for rent: per day USD 5, per month USD 20. [2005]
Classification:	Cave House
Light:	kerosene lamps
Dimension:	up to 30m long
Guided tours:
Bibliography:
Address:
Last update:	$Date: 2009/01/06 02:19:31 $

History


1948		.

Description

The Dougout Ranch is a complex of about ten small mines, turned into rustic residences by the owner and excavator Dugout Dick. Born as Richard Zimmerman on 26th February 1916 in Milford, Indiana, he came to this place in 1948. He settled here, clearing the land while he was living in a tent. He built a road to the closest bridge, about two kilometre away. Soon he started to dig caves along the banks of the river, and he moved in his own cave.

Today he has a garden to grow enough vegetables for himself and to sell some at the local health food store in town. He has a 4m on 10m big dugout where he lives, with old automobile windshields as windows and an old cookstove for cooking and heating during the winter. He uses a natural ice cave as a refridgerator to store food. What he does not have are electricity, modern heating, plumbing, or telephone.

During the years Dugout Dick has built many caves, using only a pick, shovel and prybar. Some years ago he furnished them and started to rent about a dozen to tourists. They are pretty cheap, for about $5 per day or $20 per month, so they are also used by people who are down on their luck.

But it is not necessary to stay there in order to see the dugouts. Dugout Dick gives guided tours of his Dugout Ranch, even if the caves are rented. His guests are required to allow tourists to see their cave.

Dougout Ranch

Useful Information

History

Description

See also