Horseback Vacations Continue at Marble Mountain Ranch In Spite of Close-Call Forest Fire
Industry: Travel & Leisure
A wildfire ravaged parts of Marble Mountain Wilderness in Northern California, but Marble Mountain Ranch continues its dude ranch operations unscathed.
Klamath River, CA (PRUnderground) August 4th, 2017
Marble Mountain Ranch in Northern California is a popular dude ranch for adventurous getaways and family reunions. Mixing recreation on the Klamath River with horseback vacations, the ranch is famous for its “saddle and paddle” or “raft-n-ride” vacation packages. It is located in an area of craggy peaks, abundant meadows, large streams and lakes in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. The ranch recently emerged undamaged after a forest fire engulfed the surrounding property.
The wildfire ignited in Six Rivers National Forest in the Marble Mountains at 2 p.m. on July 19. Local fire officials initially responded to the blaze, but by noon the following day, a call went out to all firefighters in the area to help contain the runaway flames. By that time, the fire had already consumed about 100 acres, threatening nearby homes and buildings.
The steep and heavy terrain together with damaged trees from the previous winter posed a great challenge to the firefighters. Federal, state, tribal, and local agencies partnered in the efforts to suppress the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The fire more than doubled in size by July 21, spreading to over 280 acres. Over 200 firefighters worked around the clock to contain the fire. Voluntary evacuations took effect in some areas of Patterson and Marble Mountain Ranch. The Six Rivers National Forest was placed under fire restrictions.
“The fire was unwanted but not unexpected,” said Doug Cole, Marble Mountain Ranch owner. “Last winter was uncharacteristically wet, which resulted in lush vegetation that turned into a fire hazard by summer. Many areas of the West faced the same problem as the weather warmed up.”
Though the nearby land was compromised, none of the Marble Mountain Ranch property was lost, allowing Cole and his staff to continue to welcome travel groups.
“We feel very thankful that we were not affected, but our hearts go out to those who were,” said Cole. “A lot of the surrounding area went up in flames.”
Cole said that in spite of the tragedy, he and other locals have a strong commitment to healing by moving forward.
“This area is filled with resilient people,” said Cole. “We are used to surveying the losses and moving forward. We are grateful to be hosting vacationers in this beautiful area of the wilderness just like usual.”
Marble Mountain Ranch offers horseback vacations, rafting, kayaking, archery, fly fishing sessions, a Youth Buckaroo Program for kids, and more. It’s an ideal spot for a secluded romantic getaway or a family gathering. Learn more about the dude ranch located in Somes Bar, California by visiting MarbleMountainRanch.com or calling 1-800-552-6284.
About Marble Mountain Ranch
Dude ranch vacations for families are taken to a new level at Marble Mountain Ranch. Enjoy a guest ranch vacation horseback riding or trail riding in California.
