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.
Posted in: Out & About
Comment Policy: All viewpoints are welcome, but comments should remain relevant. Personal attacks, profanity, and aggressive behavior are not allowed. No spam, advertising, or promoting of products/services. Please, only use your real name and limit the amount of links submitted in your comment.
You Might Also Like...

Family Fun in Ashland, Oregon
Whether visiting for several days or a few hours, Ashland, Oregon, offers families with kids of all ages many wonderful options for exploring, learning and playing. Once a city with […]

Red Bluff’s Big Splash Project – Creating An Inclusive Place For Children Who Love The Water
Sidelined by the pandemic, and now back on track Over the last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on local businesses and community endeavors, and The Big […]

Adult Supervision: A Must To Prevent Drowning
As the weather warms up across the North State, families begin flocking to our lakes and rivers to enjoy boating, waterskiing, and swimming. And, with scorching summer temperatures typical in […]

North State Parent Picks for Fun Science-based Adventures
Summer is nearly here and the signs signaling the end of the school year are clear. With some daydreaming, careful planning, and input from our kids, we can look forward […]