Davis Creek Ranch,

Established in 1888, Jewett Davis arrived via the rugged Chiliwist Trail with his family and other settlers. This historic gem rests on 200 acres of terraced agricultural fields in the northern foothills of the Methow Valley. Jewett Davis built its iconic red barn around 1900, which became the tallest in the valley, housing livestock and hay. The ranch changed hands over time, with the LaMotte family (1924–1974) cherishing its fertile fields for hay, wheat, alfalfa, and a unique strain of corn. The LaMottes, who moved their entire farm operation from Minnesota, considered their time there “golden years,” praising the fertile fields, livestock operations, and abundant spring water. Later, Del Prewitt, a descendant of the original settlers, acquired the ranch in 1974, maintaining its rural character through a successful cattle herd while pursuing a career in medicine. In 2021, Jeff and Molly Patterson purchased the property, renaming it Davis Creek Ranch after its perennial stream. With their family, they are restoring the ranch, replanting fields, repairing irrigation, and preserving the historic barn, a local landmark visible from State Route 20. Drawing on resources like the Shafer Museum and interviews with longtime residents, this timeline reflects the ranch’s significance as a testament to the Methow Valley’s homesteading legacy.