Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District

BLM Bureau of Land Management · Hines, OR · Dispersed

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Conditions

Road Access 4WD Required
Season Not recorded
Campfires Not recorded
Boondock Access Rough High clearance or 4WD may be required

The managing agency hasn't published season or campfire rules for this campground. The description and directions below often mention it — and it's worth calling the agency before a long drive.

Features

Warning 4WD Required High Clearance
Style Boondocking Potable Water

Campground Stats

Total Sites0

Location

42.676271, -118.7665 · Burns District Office , Hines , OR 97738

Description

Riddle Brothers Ranch is part of the historic context of pioneer settlement and the development of the livestock industry in the American West. Walter, Frederick, and Benjamin Riddle were three bachelor brothers who secured home sites and raised livestock in and around the ranch. Migrating from western Oregon, they settled in the early 1900s and built their ranch by gaining control of water in the area. In the late 1950s the Riddle brothers sold their ranch holding to Rex Clemens. In 1986 BLM purchased the property from Clemens and has since managed the ranch for its historic values.

Know Before You Go

  • Driving access into the Ranch is generally permitted Wednesday-Sunday from mid-June through October. High clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Access by foot, bicycle, or horseback is permitted anytime.
  • Amenities are few. A vault restroom is available, but drinking water, overnight use areas, cell phone service and other conveniences are not.
  • Avoid disturbing historical sites or artifacts. Leave these remnants of the past for others to enjoy.

Point of Interest

Riddle Brothers Ranch was part of Oregon's last frontier. It is a uniquely preserved complex of buildings which give testimony to ranch life and living conditions "out back and beyond."

Directions

From Burns, take State Highway 78 southeast for approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto State Highway 205 and travel south for 60 miles to Frenchglen. Continue on 205 through the town of Frenchglen and up "P" Hill, travel approximately 10 miles, then turn left on the Steens Mountain Loop Road south entrance. The turn-off to Riddle Brothers is approximately 20 miles from Highway 205.

Activities

AUTO TOURING CAMPING DAY USE AREA HIKING HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE HORSE CAMPING HORSEBACK RIDING INFORMATION SITE PHOTOGRAPHY PICNICKING WILDERNESS WILDLIFE VIEWING

Details

FeeContact the field office for more information about fees and permits.
Phone541-573-4400
Email[email protected]

Nearby Campgrounds

South Steens Campground 2.4 mi · BLM
Fish Lake Campground 7.6 mi · BLM · Boondocking (Rough)
Jackman Park Campground 7.8 mi · BLM
Page Springs Campground 10.3 mi · BLM · 37 sites
Mickey Hot Springs 21.2 mi · BLM
Historic Shirk Ranch 48.9 mi · BLM · Boondocking (Rough)