45mi from Kelsay Valley Campground/Trailhead · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Prospect, ORPrivate and protected forest woodlands, trails, wildlife, ponds, wildflowers, old growth timber and views. Unspoiled nature at its best! We are located in southern Oregon near Crater Lake NP, just off of hwy 62, part of the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, more commonly known as the "highway of waterfalls" and near the little town of Prospect on what is known as the beautiful side of Crater Lake NP. Three waterfalls, the Prospect Cafe, and the Historic Hotel are all within a two-mile radius. If you're after that famous pie at Beckie's Cafe, you are 10 minutes close.
Our 100 acre ranch allows us to host guests in their own RV's, at camp/tent sites, or in our new A-frame Cabin all located in private, and even secluded, sites. Several well maintained trails wind throughout the property and can be enjoyed by guests. Nature enthusiasts enjoy the hiking, wildlife viewing, and the beautiful ponds and woods.
Crater Lake Woodlands is part of the historic Katydid Ranch. Once owned by Boise Cascade who used it both for growing seedlings to replant logged mountain sides and as a vacation getaway for their executives, the story of Katydid Ranch goes back to the early 1900's when it's owner named "Katy" used it as the "half-way" overnight lodging for horse & buggy guests traveling to Crater Lake from the Rogue Valley. Leaving the valley at the crack of dawn, they could arrive at "Katy's" by nightfall, in time for a meal and sound mountain sleep. They'd hitch up at dawn and make it to Crater Lake by nightfall.
Historically, the first residents were the Rogue River Takelma and Latgawa native Americans. Latgawa lived in the Rogue Valley of interior southwest Oregon. In their own language "Latgawa" means "those living in the “uplands," though they were also known as the Walumskni by the neighboring Klamath tribes. Specifically, Ha-ne-sakh. The Latgawa were one of two peoples who spoke the Takelma language. They were hunters, gatherers, weavers and fished the Rogue River. They were known to have a stationary settlement and trading post at the Katydid Ranch location. Their tribes lived in the upper Rogue River area extending beyond Prospect and Union up to Crater Lake.
Since we've owned the Ranch, we've maintained the custom of welcoming overnight guests and at the same time, we continue to honor the protected wildlife designation given to it back in the 50's. Wildlife viewing is one the delights we share with our guests. Please be mindful of native wildlife keeping dogs on leash so as to avoid chasing and barking at wildlife. Thank you.
The animals here include, but are not limited to black tail deer, elk, fox, coyote, ringtailed cat, raccoon, skunk, and also typically farther up the mountain are the elusive mountain lions and black bear which we have never spotted on our property. The ponds and surrounding area are home to migratory to the Oregon Pond turtle, Canada geese, quail, wild turkeys, various owls including the great horned owls, hawks, cranes and eagles. Our pond bird watcher friends spotted Common Mergansers, Ring Necked Ducks, Canada Geese…and a Loon. The bull frogs orchestrate the evening and can be heard at times throughout the day. Katydid Ranch is a wildlife sanctuary.
The flora and fauna of the forest is abundant and diverse. This land is home to many native grasses, ferns, and berries, wild flowers, as well as many other edible and medicinal plants and numerous varieties of mushrooms. If you are visiting during blackberry season, feel free to pick, pick, pick and indulge.
Katydid trees include old growth Douglas Fir, Ponderosa, Sugar, and Jeffrey Pine, various Cedar tree varieties, Incense Cedar, the majestic Pacific Madrone, Alder, Big Leaf Maple, Black and White Oak, Dog wood, and Vine Maple. You may also spot the prolific wild hazelnuts. As Forest Stewards, we are committed to maintaining a well balanced and diverse forest ecosystem.
