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Interior view of the Frederick Riddle ranch house at the Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District, July 11, 2018, by Greg Shine, BLM.

Want a firsthand glimpse of ranch life in the American West of the early twentieth century? The Riddle Brothers Ranch National Historic District in southeast Oregon—on the west flank of Steens Mountain—provides that historic context of pioneer settlement.

In 1986, Burns District BLM acquired 7,500 acres of land on the west flank of Steens Mountain. The core of this parcel is the Riddle Brothers Ranch, a 1,120-acre property on both sides of the Little Blitzen River. Since that time, the properties have been stabilized or restored, and it has also been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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 the land on both sides of the Little Blitzen River.

Today, visitors during the summer season can tour Frederick Riddle’s historic ranch house and many of its accompanying buildings -- including a bunkhouse, shop, and storage and tack shed – that line the north bank of the Little Blitzen Wild and Scenic River.

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.