Frenchglen Hotel State Heritage Site

Frenchglen Hotel is a historic structure in Harney County located at the northern base of Steens Mountain, housing eight guest rooms and a communal dining room for shared meals. An adjacent modern building called the Drovers' Inn provides four additional rooms with private bathrooms for those seeking more contemporary lodging.

The building was constructed in 1924 in Bungalow and American Foursquare architectural styles to serve travelers visiting the P Ranch and surrounding wildlife areas in the remote region. Between 1937 and 1938, restoration work was undertaken to preserve and enhance the property's structural integrity.

The hotel functions as a gathering place where visitors share meals in a communal dining room, maintaining the tradition of hospitality that defined the property for generations. This shared dining experience reflects how the building served as a social hub for travelers crossing the remote landscape.

The property offers lodging options in a remote location at the base of Steens Mountain with convenient access to hiking trails and wildlife viewing areas. The location serves as a practical base for exploring the nearby Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding landscape.

The property sits at the intersection of multiple ecosystems where birdwatchers can observe thousands of migratory birds during seasonal movements through the region. This unusual position makes the hotel an unexpected hub for nature observation in an otherwise remote and quiet area.

Location: Harney County

Inception: 1924

Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=2

GPS coordinates: 42.82720,-118.91500

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:26