Riddle (ranch) me this....

The goal of this adventure was to explore the rugged beauty of Steens Mountain and spend the night at the historic Frenchglen Hotel. Rising nearly a mile above the surrounding high desert, Steens Mountain is famous for its breathtaking views, deep glacial gorges, wildflowers, and roaming wildlife. 

At the foot of the mountain sits the charming Frenchglen Hotel, a beautifully preserved 1917 inn where travelers can experience a slower pace of life and a taste of Oregon's ranching history. I couldn't think of a better base camp for a little fox-sized adventure into one of the wildest and most remote corners of the state.

Speaking of historic buildings, I also made a stop at the Riddle Ranch tucked away on Steens Mountain. Built by the Riddle family in the early 1900s.

 This remote homestead tells the story of the determined ranchers who carved out a life in one of Oregon's most rugged landscapes.

Walking inside the old buildings, I could almost imagine the families, horses, and livestock that once made this lonely corner of the mountain their home.

A Little Side Note from My Archaeology Studies:
I’m still working on my archaeology degree, and I think this visit to Riddle Ranch might earn me a pretty good grade in my imaginary Archaeology 302: Old Buildings of the West class. Exploring century-old buildings, studying weathered wood, and imagining the stories behind every board felt like the perfect field assignment.

 I may not have had a shovel or official archaeology degree, but I definitely gathered enough notes for my little fox field report!

 

Little Fox Finds Fortune at Malheur

 I've done my fair share of exploring Oregon but the farther you drive into southeastern Oregon, the fewer people you see. Towns became tiny dots on the map, cell service fades away, and the wide-open high desert stretched to the horizon in every direction.  The first rule about travel in SE Oregon is always have a full tank of gas. 

This is one of the most remote corners of Oregon—a place where sagebrush, mountains, and endless skies replace traffic lights and shopping centers. It felt like the perfect place for a little fox-sized adventure.

Myfirst stop was Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, an oasis in the middle of the desert. It seemed almost magical that such a lush wetland could exist among miles of dry sagebrush.

 As soon as I hopped out of the car, I was greeted by a chorus of birdsong. Everywhere I looked there were birds calling to one another, flitting through the reeds, gliding across ponds, or circling overhead. It was impossible not to stop every few steps just to listen.

This place was awesome, and if you haven't been to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, you really should! Being a curious little fox, I looked up the history behind the name "Malheur" and found out it means "misfortune" in French. Back in the 1820s, Hudson's Bay Company fur traders led by Peter Skene Ogden were disappointed that the area had very few fur-bearing animals to trap. Ogden named the lake "Malheur" to remember their bad luck. Lucky for us, what was once a disappointment for trappers is now one of Oregon's most amazing places to explore!

Loowit Wildflowers Shine

 Today my roommates took me to visit mighty Mount St. Helens, known long before that name as Loowit by the Native peoples who have lived in its shadow for countless generations.

 Standing here, it's easy to understand why this mountain has inspired both legends and respect, with its rugged beauty and powerful history.   Even today, the landscape is still flexing it's power.

A few years ago the bridge to the Johnston Ridge Visitors Center washed out and it's still being repaired.  Never fear, this fox found a trail to the visitors center. 

Speaking of history, you might remember what happened in May 1980, when Mount St. Helens erupted with incredible force and forever changed the surrounding landscape.

 Even today, it's amazing to see how nature has recovered while still leaving behind unmistakable reminders of one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in U.S. history.  The forest service decided not to touch anything after the eruption to see what would happen.

Wildflowers are out today. 

Always a sucker for foxglove.  Such a cool plant. 

Part of the trail featured interpretive signs that explained the area's fascinating geologic history. Some had faded from years of sun exposure, but they still told an interesting story about the powerful forces that shaped Loowit and the ever-changing landscape around it.

As the hike continued, more and more wildflowers appeared along the trail, adding bright splashes of color to the volcanic landscape. One thing I couldn't help noticing was how many dandelions had taken over—hardy little plants that seemed perfectly happy to thrive where so much else was still recovering.

Now, back to that landslide that wiped out the bridge. These days, Johnston Ridge Observatory  can only be reached on foot, since the road has never been fully rebuilt. Do you see it way up on the left-hand side? And that big mountain rising in the distance is Mount Adams, another mighty volcano in the Cascade Range.

Finally, it was time for lunch—a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We had the amphitheater all to ourselves, with only a few other hearty souls making the journey up here today. Between the peaceful surroundings and the incredible mountain views, it was the perfect place to sit, relax, and enjoy a well-earned meal.

Johnston Ridge's parking lot was a little eerie. After sitting unused for about three years, it showed clear signs of neglect, and it almost looked as though nature was slowly reclaiming it.....which, I suppose, is rather fitting for a place like this. 

Fortunately, there are plans to reopen the road next May, so this visit will definitely go in the memory books as something unique: not just because of the spectacular wildflowers, but because of the rare silence that settled over the monument without the usual hordes of visitors.