Birch Creek Historic Ranch
RV Guide
Introduction
Looking for a new and interesting place to explore on your next RV vacation? Why not consider a trip to Oregon's Birch Creek Historic Ranch? It's a great place to reconnect with nature on your next holiday getaway.
Birch Creek Historic Ranch is a BLM managed property that is located in Jordan Valley, Oregon. This popular destination rests in amongst rolling hills and immense cliffs of a brilliant red hue. The ranch was founded in the early 20th century and is credited as having been built by a shepherd of Basque descent and his cattle ranch companion from Virginia.
Birch Creek Historic Ranch was constructed out of stone following common Basque design techniques. Today, a waterwheel still takes pride of place on the premises. It is but one part of a forward-thinking irrigation plan that helped to encourage the growth of alfalfa on the grounds.
Still seen on the premises today are nineteen outbuildings which once were in prominent use in the ranch's heyday. Birch Creek Historic Ranch has been included on the country's National Register of Historic Places.
Open year-round for families to explore, there are many interesting things to do during a visit to this historic property. Access to the grounds can be challenging during certain times of the year. For this reason, a high clearance vehicle with four-wheel-drive is a wise idea for navigating this property regardless of the season.
There are five primitive campsites at Birch Creek Historic Ranch that families can use to enjoy a stay on the premises. Several area state parks also offer accommodations for RV and tent camping.
For a wonderful vacation that will leave you longing for more, consider a trip to Birch Creek Historic Ranch. It's an amazing place for your next RV getaway!
RV Rentals in Birch Creek Historic Ranch
Transportation
Driving
Nestled within Malheur County, Birch Creek Historic Ranch is easy to find by following Highway 95. At the sign for Jordan Craters, travelers are advised to head west. onto Cow Creek Road. From here, the route is well-marked with Bureau of Land Management signs which lead the way to the ranch along paved roads of two-lane construction.
During inclement weather conditions, access to the ranch can be very difficult. A high clearance vehicle with four-wheel-drive is highly recommended.
This route leads directly to the ranch grounds where parking can be found in a lot just outside the property.
Parking
Parking can be found just off the Birch Creek Road outside the ranch premises in a provided lot. Access to the premises can be challenging when road conditions are poor. A high clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended.
Public Transportation
Due to its remote location, there is no public transportation available to Birch Creek Historic Ranch.
Campgrounds and parking in Birch Creek Historic Ranch
Campsites in Birch Creek Historic Ranch
First-come first-served
Birch Creek Historic Ranch Campground
Birch Creek Historic Ranch Campground offers year-round RV and tent camping on a first-come, first-served basis. Though campsites are available all year, the road conditions to this property can be difficult to navigate in poor weather. For this reason, a high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Visitors to this campground recommend RV or tent stays during the months of May through October.
Water is available on the premises from a single source, and there is also a primitive bathroom for public use.
There are five campsites in total on the premises. Each of the sites has a fire pit and a picnic table. All five sites have beautiful views of the water.
Slocum Creek Campground
Slocum Creek Campground is located on the same premises as Leslie Gulch. RV and tent camping is permitted here from March through November yearly on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are ten campsites in total; some of which offer incredible views of the river. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, a sun shelter, and a fire ring.
Primitive style camping conditions are the name of the game here. There are no power or water hookups. Campers will need to bring water with them to address their camping needs. Generators are not permitted, so a flashlight is also a good idea.
Pit toilets are found on the grounds for the public to use.
Rattlesnakes and ticks are quite prevalent here, so be alert to their presence at all times.
This campground offers very little privacy.
Succor Creek Natural Area
Succor Creek Natural Area offers RV and tent camping year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. There are four backcountry style campsites located on the western portion of the creek. To the east, there are 14 sites with similar camping conditions.
There is no potable water available on the premises, so families must come prepared with bottled water for all of their camping needs. A vault toilet is found on the property for the public to use.
An incredibly scenic property, there are many interesting things to do at this beautiful campground including hiking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and photography.
Seasonal activities in Birch Creek Historic Ranch
In-Season
Succor Creek State Natural Area
Succor Creek State Natural Area is well worth a visit when enjoying an RV stay at Birch Creek Historic Ranch. Located in the heart of a canyon comprised largely of boulders and rocks, this recreational facility is a treasure trove for those who enjoy collecting unusual rocks and stones.
Access to this park is via a rough, dirt and gravel-lined road that is 15 miles in total length.
Succor Creek State Natural Area offers primitive camping year-round for families to enjoy. However, potable water is not available at this camping facility.
Among the most popular activities here are hiking and picnicking.
Leslie Gulch
Leslie Gulch and Slocum Creek Campground are two of the most scenic properties in the entire state. Situated at the end of a lengthy dirt-lined path, Leslie Gulch is surrounded by stunning cliff faces and unique rock formations.
Also found on the grounds is the Owyhee River, a water source that supports a variety of plant and animal life. Among the species of animals found on the property include bighorn sheep, mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, mountain elk, great horned owls, and more.
With many incredible topographical features to enjoy and an abundance of hiking trails, families will not want for fun things to do during a trip to Leslie Gulch.
Stargazing is also a popular activity here.
Antelope Reservoir
Antelope Reservoir is founded to the south of the Maury Mountains and sits on the same property as the Ochoco National Forest. A small campground is found on the grounds as well. This camping facility is off the beaten track and sees less traffic than some of the more prominent campgrounds in the region, making it an excellent place for families looking for a quiet place for an RV stay.
Fishing is plentiful here due to the two creeks found on the grounds. Among the most popular fish are fingerlings and rainbow trout. There is a cement boat ramp that the public is permitted to use.
Off-Season
Three Forks Hot Springs
At the meeting point of three prominent tributaries, families will find Three Forks Hot Springs, one of the most popular destinations in the entire state. Though some of the land is private property, there are several areas where families can hike through the premises to reach the waterfall which masks the hot springs.
Access to the hot springs is best achieved through the use of a vehicle equipped with four-wheel-drive. However, it is best to avoid a visit to this destination after any amount of rainfall as the roads become too muddy for safe navigation. Travelers are warned that the last mile of the journey up the canyon proceeds along a very sharp incline.
Many poisonous snakes make this area their home, so remain alert to their presence.
Pillars of Rome
The Pillars of Rome are a popular gathering place for those who love to capture unique photos while on vacation. The rock structures are famous for their refraction of light which creates unique shadows, providing an excellent backdrop for photography.
The pillars themselves measure nearly 100 feet in height and take their name from the similarity they bear to ancient Roman ruins. They span five miles in distance and are up to two miles in width.
It is believed that the Pillars of Rome were considered an important signpost to assist travelers en route via the Oregon Trail. This area also provides the starting point for the Owyhee River, a body of water that is frequently used for canoe and kayak travel.
Lake Owyhee State Park
Lake Owyhee State Park offers families a wonderful place to enjoy outdoor recreation during their RV stay at Birch Creek Historic Ranch. The property houses the Owyhee Reservoir, a body of water that is 53 miles in scope.
Among the most popular activities here include hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Several popular fish species are found in the waters at Lake Owyhee State Park including largemouth bass, white and black crappie, catfish, and rainbow trout.
Lake Owyhee State Park houses three different campgrounds where RV and tent campers can enjoy year-round camping facilities on a first-come, first-served basis.
A relatively remote area, there is no cell phone service at this park.
