Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District
Facility · Oregon ·
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Steens Mountain Cooperative Management And Protection Area (BLM_CMPA) · Open Access
- 4,997 ft
- Elevation
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."
Getting there
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.
42.67627, -118.76650 · 42°40'34.6"N 118°45'59.4"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 3.1 | 2.5 | 3.1 | 3.5 | 4.1 | 2.4 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 2.1 | 2.7 | 3.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
Contact the field office for more information about fees and permits.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District
- Can you reserve a site at Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District?
- No. Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District
- Page Springs Campground 10.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- South Steens Campground 2.4 mi · Campground
- Fish Lake Campground 7.6 mi · Facility
- Jackman Park Campground 7.8 mi · Campground
- Mickey Hot Springs 21.2 mi · Facility
- Historic Shirk Ranch 48.9 mi · Facility
- Sunstone Collection Area 55.7 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 541-573-4400
- Email BLM_OR_BU_Mail@blm.gov
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-04-09.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
Comments