When Black Butte Ranch started wooing visitors and potential owners of vacation rentals in the early 1970s, it did so with the promise that guests could “listen to the quiet.”
More than 50 years later, the world-class resort retains that down-home charm while offering an experience like none other in Central Oregon—with locally sourced fare at on-site restaurants, an abundance of activities for your whole crew, a pair of acclaimed golf courses, and scenery that includes thick forests, meadows covered in springtime wildflowers, and snow-capped Cascade Range peaks.
If you’d like to listen to the quiet yourself, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to Black Butte Ranch—which includes overnight stays, dining options, spa services, and how to have fun in the long-running resort. Here’s a rundown of what to know ahead of your next stay:
Keep reading for more on the magic of Black Butte Ranch Resort in Sisters.
Black Butte Ranch Location & Accessibility
Black Butte Ranch is just south of Highway 20—and sits surrounded by forests of ponderosa pine and in the shadow of Mount Washington and other Cascade peaks. The resort is roughly nine miles northwest of Sisters, 33 miles northwest of Bend, and about 29 miles northwest of Redmond. You’ll reach the ranch via Highways 126 and 20 from Redmond—and via Highway 20 from the likes of Sisters, Tumalo, and Bend.
That close proximity makes it easy to visit Sisters, Oregon during your stay. There, you’ll find art galleries, a locally owned movie theater, outdoor recreation, and plenty of fun dining opportunities.
If you’re coming from the west side of Oregon, Highway 126 (from Eugene), Highway 20 (from Albany and Corvallis), and Highway 22 (from Salem) all meet near the crest of the Cascades—and all provide easy access.
Black Butte Ranch Lodging Options
Black Butte Ranch offers plenty of lodging options for a variety of occasions, different budgets, and groups of all sizes—from romantic getaways to summer vacations to full-fledged family reunions.
In all, Black Butte Ranch is home to four neighborhoods that collectively host more than 100 privately owned vacation rentals. The resort’s selection includes stylish condos, custom vacation homes, and well-appointed cabins. Amenities vary among rentals but typically include Pacific Northwest-inspired décor, spacious decks, free Wi-Fi, mountain views, and easy access to the resort’s family-friendly activities.
If you’re angling to book Black Butte Ranch lodging, especially during the busy seasons of summer and winter, try reserving your stay at least three or four months out for the best possible selection of overnight options.
Things to Do at Black Butte Ranch
Black Butte Ranch has been welcoming visitors since the 1970s—and, in that time, has amassed several vacations worth of activities for the whole family.
Some of the top attractions include Black Butte Ranch golf courses—complete with two championship courses and a putting green for improving your game. Players love the creative Black Butte Ranch golf layouts that cut through forests of pine, head past wide-open meadows, and offer sweeping views of nearby peaks.
You can also enjoy a hands-on glimpse of Central Oregon’s history with horseback rides from Black Butte Stables. The outfitter provides trips for riders of all skill and experience levels—with options that range from hour-long outings to half-day excursions that include lunch. For more, check out our guide to horseback riding in Central Oregon.
Other fun activities across the resort include bicycle rentals (perfect for exploring more than 23 miles of paved paths), taking a dip in five swimming pools, scaling a 25-foot climbing wall, and catch-and-release fly fishing in Phalarope Lake. Learn about other Black Butte activities, and get inspired for your next great adventure.
Seasons at Black Butte Ranch
No two visits are ever quite alike at Black Butte Ranch, and you’ll enjoy fun activities unique to each of the four seasons.
Planning a winter escape? The resort is just 15 miles east of Hoodoo Ski Area, making it an idyllic basecamp for a day on the slopes; Hoodoo also offers the region’s only night skiing if you’d like to ski or snowboard under the stars. Elsewhere in the area, go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through the resort’s snow-covered meadows and at nearby Sno-Parks—and cozy up around the fireplace at your vacation rental after a blissful day in the snow.
If you’re planning a spring-break getaway, paddle the on-site Phalarope Lake, enjoy a bike ride on the resort’s paved paths, and splash under the sun in the resort’s swimming pools.
Summer, meanwhile, is prime time for hitting the links at Black Butte Ranch’s golf courses, going for a horseback ride through stands of pine, and watching for wildlife from along an on-site nature trail.
Every fall, aspen groves that surround Black Butte Ranch turn vibrant shades of yellow—providing the perfect backdrop for afternoon golf games, easy walks and bike rides, and sun-kissed horseback rides.
Dining & Spa Relaxation at Black Butte Resort
Whether you’re looking to unwind after a busy day outdoors or are treating yourself to a relaxing getaway, you’ll find plenty to love about kicking back at Black Butte Ranch.
In all, three restaurants and a general store serve overnight guests at Black Butte Ranch. The Lodge Restaurant dishes upscale, Pacific Northwest-inspired fare alongside sweeping mountain views in the resort’s new, high-ceiling Black Butte Lodge; the laid-back Robert’s Pub serves casual pub fare between spring and fall; and the family-friendly food menu at Lakeside Bistro includes hearty breakfast dishes, pizza, and local craft beers. Nearby, the Camp Sherman General Store prepares deli sandwiches piled high with fresh toppings in the cozy hamlet of Camp Sherman.
If rest and relaxation are on the agenda, Black Butte Ranch Spa provides plenty of thoughtful treatments and services. The spa’s menu of offerings include massage treatments, waxing services, comprehensive packages, and more.
Planning Your Stay at Black Butte Ranch
Ready to plan your stay at Black Butte Ranch? The Sisters, Oregon, resort is a great place to visit throughout the year. Here’s a guide to planning your long weekend at Black Butte resort.
Seasons: Take advantage of the quiet—and pack a light jacket—with a fall or spring vacation. In summer, choose among a variety of outdoor opportunities at your doorstep. During the coldest months, the meadows and mountains around Black Butte Ranch transform into a winter wonderland where you can ski, snowboard, and snowshoe to your heart’s content.
Packing list: You’ll want to keep a few tips in mind when packing for your time at Black Butte Ranch. In spring and summer, wear a base layer, breathable middle layer, and warm outer layer (such as a jacket) to account for temperatures that can change by 20ºF throughout the day. In summer, sunglasses and a sun hat will help protect against a steady diet of sunshine. No matter the season, bring sunblock and plenty of water to stay cool and hydrated.
Desired activities: When you have your dates lined up, think about your preferred activities—and see whether advance reservations are required or necessary. If you’re horseback riding, for instance, you may want to book that as soon as you know when you’ll visit.
Visiting Sisters: No trip to Black Butte Ranch is complete without a quick trip to nearby Sisters, where your whole family will love shopping in locally owned boutiques, dining at eclectic restaurants and food carts, and enjoying the natural beauty that splays out in every direction from the Wild West-inspired community. Get the scoop, and find fun things to do, with our guide to visiting Sisters.
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