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Birch Creek Historic Ranch

Jordan Valley, Oregon · Malheur County · Facility

Nestled among cream and chocolate colored hills, barren red cliffs, and towering rock spires lays a secret oasis: the Birch Creek Historic Ranch. Established in the early 1900s, the ingenuity and determination of a Basque sheepherder and a West Virginia cattle rancher are still evident at the site today. Stone walls bu…

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43.21473, -117.50326
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About Birch Creek Historic Ranch

Nestled among cream and chocolate colored hills, barren red cliffs, and towering rock spires lays a secret oasis: the Birch Creek Historic Ranch. Established in the early 1900s, the ingenuity and determination of a Basque sheepherder and a West Virginia cattle rancher are still evident at the site today. Stone walls built in the Basque tradition still ascend the mesa. Remnants of a waterwheel hint at the lush alfalfa fields fed through the gravity irrigation system. Nineteen buildings and structures at the ranch contribute to the property's designation as a historical rural landscape on the Department of the Interior's National Register of Historic Places.Know Before You GoOpen YEAR ROUND, best access May-October.Accessibility is dependent on road conditions. A high clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.There is a single water source and restroom. Five-unit campground.Point of InterestContact the Bureau of Land Management Vale District office for facilities rental information, current road access conditions, and any seasonal fire closure restrictions.

How to Get There

The Birch Creek Historic Ranch is located in the southeast corner of Oregon in Malheur County. From Highway 95, 8 miles north of Jordan Valley, turn west at the Jordan Craters sign onto Cow Creek Road. Follow BLM Owyhee River access signs 28 miles to the Ranch.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Birch Creek Historic Ranch

Heading to Birch Creek Historic Ranch? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Birch Creek Historic Ranch?

No central reservation system listed for Birch Creek Historic Ranch. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/255175) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Birch Creek Historic Ranch?

The Birch Creek Historic Ranch is located in the southeast corner of Oregon in Malheur County. From Highway 95, 8 miles north of Jordan Valley, turn west at the Jordan Craters sign onto Cow Creek Road. Follow BLM Owyhee River access signs 28 miles to the Ranch.

How do I contact Birch Creek Historic Ranch?

You can reach the park at phone: 541-473-3144 or email: BLM_OR_VL_Mail@blm.gov.