Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District Facility

Overview:

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."

Brochure: riddlebrosranch_brochure.pdf

Explore Oregon Recreation: Riddle Brothers Historic Ranch

---

Page Springs Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Page Springs Campground is located at the base of Steens Mountain, just three miles from the town of Frenchglen, Oregon. Thrity-six roomy campsites situated under cottonwood and juniper trees and near the Donner and Blitzen River welcome visitors year-round. The campground serves as the trailhead for two short hikes: the Blitzen River Trail meanders four miles up the river, while the Wilderness Nature Trail climbs gradually to the top of the bluff overlooking the valley floor and looping one total mile. Page Springs also offers a large, covered picnic area for no-fee day use, mulitple vault restrooms, trash cans for public use, and drinking water.  

contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 573-4400.

Charges & Cancellations

All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. Site must be physically occupied before payment to ensure site availability. No refunds issues. 

---

South Steens Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview:

South Steens Campground is located in the heart of Steens Mountain. Visitors will find picnic tables and grills at 36 family campsites amid juniper and sage. The equestrian site, designed specifically for horse users, is directly adjacent to the family campground. Recreational stock (horses, mules, llamas, goats, etc.) are not allowed in the family portion of South Steens Campground, but are welcome and comfortable at 15 equestrian sites complete with tie posts and small corrals.

Know Before You Go:

• The typical season of use at South Steens Campground is mid-May through mid-November.
• Vault restrooms and drinking water are available.
• The use of pelletized or certified weed-free hay is required on all BLM public lands in Oregon and Washington.

Point of Interest:

South Steens Family and Equestrian Campgrounds are close to the Historic Riddle Brothers Ranch, several hiking trails, and the Little Blitzen and Big Indian gorges.

South Steens Campground Brochure

---

Fish Lake Rec Site Facility

Overview:

Fish Lake Campground is located on the flanks of Steens Mountain, within the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protective Area (CMPA). This area encompasses an extraordinary landscape with deep glacier carved-gorges, stunning scenery, wilderness, wild rivers, a rich diversity of plant and animal species, and a way of life for all who live there. At 7400-foot elevation and set among aspen stands and shore willows, Fish Lake Campground offers great opportunities for swimming, picnicking, cross-country hiking, and fishing the lake for stocked keeper trout planted by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Know Before You Go:

• Open Season Fish Lake Campground is open mid-June through October.
• High Clearance Vehicles Recommended on some portions of the Steens Mountain Loop.
• 23 Campsites with picnic tables and fire grates; first come, first serve.
• Universal Access Restroom available.
• Drinking Water available.
• America the Beautiful Pass accepted.
• Pack Out Your Trash.
• Mountain Weather can be unpredictable and change suddenly.
• Ticks, Mosquitos, and Rattlesnakes may be present during summer months.
• The Nearest Services are in the communities of Fields, Frenchglen, Crane, or Narrows, Oregon.

Point of Interest:

The Steens Mountain Loop Road is a designated Oregon State Scenic Tour Route. Travel the entire loop to experience all this unique landscape’s scenic vistas and abundant mix of wildlife.

---