R-Ranch – An Ultimate Family Outdoor Vacation

Nothing can bring a family together like vacationing in the great outdoors, where each member can enjoy space and time to enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, taking a horseback ride, off-roading and relaxing in the evening around a crackling fire.

It was just this vision Jeff Dennis had in mind when he founded Siskiyou County’s R-Ranch 50 years ago. Today, instead of paying extra for each experience at R-Ranch’s 5,119 acres, families can purchase an “undivided interest” in this family recreation club. R-Ranch owners can use all the facilities and amenities on the ranch for up to 210 overnight stays every year, plus enjoy day use all year long.

Photos by @chrissyrenphotography

Wildlife spotting

There are rich opportunities for parents and kids to spot and photograph a wide variety of native wildlife at the ranch. Bring your binoculars to get a closeup look at deer, heron, geese, ducks, American White Pelicans, backyard birds, squirrels, foxes, rabbits, wild horses, frogs, snakes, turtles, lizards, racoons, bats, osprey and eagles.

Off-roading for all experience levels

With miles of trails to explore, from easy to very challenging, this area has  two beautiful campgrounds and access to BLM and Forest Service lands, with trails for every experience level from beginner to expert.

Catch and release or catch and eat

Fish ponds throughout the ranch and a stretch of the Klamath River that runs through ranch property offer bass, bluegill, perch, trout, salmon and steelhead. Spend the morning fishing and choose between catch and release or clean your catch at the ranch cleaning station and enjoy a fresh fish dinner.

Horseback riding

R-Ranch has fully equipped stables, an outdoor arena, a round pen, wash racks, barn, tack rooms, pastures and miles of equestrian trails. Riders can bring their own horses to board or get lessons with one of the ranch’s steeds, with boots, helmets and tack provided. Regular arena rides, wrangler-led trail rides, horse camps and equestrian competition events.- take place throughout the year. “My son loved riding his dirt bike and my daughter adored the horses,” says mom Jamie, who recently visited the ranch with her family. “The horses are so gentle, all the staff was friendly and super helpful, and the scenery is breathtaking. It was an amazing experience!”

Water sports

The Klamath River is the perfect setting for boating, rafting and inner-tubing, and ranch sponsored group floats occur a few times every summer. For a sedate day on the water, enjoy kayaking on the calm waters of the large ponds or cool off in the large ranch swimming pool.

To see the ranch in person and learn more about R-Ranch, reserve a tour time for the June 10 open house or schedule a private tour for another day. Call (530) 475-3495.