Stetson Creek Ranch

Dating back to at least 1865, the ranch was initially used for grazing livestock by Mr. W. O. Taylor. In 1885, it was owned by the notorious cattle rustler James McHaney. By the early 1900s, Richard Stetson and his family homesteaded the land and planted the apple orchard. The ranch has also served as a Boy Scout camp and an equestrian camp. Despite changes in ownership, the natural beauty and historical integrity of the ranch have been preserved.

The ranch does not use chemical pesticides or fertilizers, resulting in some apples having coddling moth holes. This approach allows visitors to taste the apples directly from the tree, ensuring they know exactly what they are getting. The orchard, planted in 1912, includes varieties such as Rome Beauty, Red Rome, Red McIntosh, Winesap, Stayman, and Red Delicious.

The ranch is located in the San Bernardino National Forest and is only open during apple season in September and October, on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visitors are advised to wear sensible shoes and be cautious of uneven terrain and wildlife. The ranch accepts credit cards and has specific rules to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, including no smoking, keeping children and dogs under control, and careful use of provided fruit pickers.