Crooked Branch Saloon

This story originally appeared in our August 2007 issue of Ride Oklahoma.

If you happen to be riding your motorcycle – or a horse for that matter – in the Ouachita Mountains of eastern Oklahoma, be sure and stop in at the Crooked Branch Saloon in Hogden. Don’t know where Hogden is? Neither did I! Of course, even if you can find Hogden that doesn’t mean you can find the Crooked Branch Saloon. It is tucked away on a gravel road near Cedar Lake, well off the beaten path. Owners Harvey and Gladys Waddles say the Crooked Branch is “the best kept secret in Oklahoma”. There are no signs directing you to this hideaway, you either have to find someone who can lead you there – like Mike and Patty Youngpeter did for us – or you need to plug the GPS coordinates in your newfangled navigation system and let it lead you to this old-time oasis in the forest.

Rolling in the parking lot of the Crooked Branch, don’t be surprised to see a bevy of horses tied up outside on the old time hitching post, next to a group of Harley’s or a brace of brightly colored dirt bikes. The Crooked Branch is a well known stop for horseback riders from the Cedar Lake Equestrian Center, who share the trails with dirt bike and ATV riders. You can grab a quick sandwich, sit in the shade and share stories about past rides, and visit with Harvey about the best trails in the area.

I can’t even tell you how to get there because I really don’t know. I marked the GPS coordinates so just follow your computer, or stop by Kickstart Bed & Breakfast in Stigler and have Mike and Patty Youngpeter take you for a visit!

GPS Coordinates of Crooked Branch Saloon: N 34 46.764, W 094 42.884

Google Maps location:

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