Swimming, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing. Throw in some roasted marshmallows and it sounds like the perfect summer camp, right? Instead of sending the kids away this summer, why not go with them? Brasada Ranch provides a summer sanctuary for the whole family.
Brasada Ranch is located in Central Oregon, an all-around perfect destination for families, providing just the right combination of relaxation and adventure. There are a variety of accommodations in this area, including campsites, hotels, resorts and ranches.
We recently spent 48-hours at Brasada Ranch, and let me tell you, it wasn’t nearly enough time. Although we managed to wrangle in a lot of fun during our short stay, we definitely left wanting more.
Accommodations at Brasada Ranch
Families will want to rent a Sage Canyon Cabin which come in a choice of two, three or four bedrooms. We stayed in Cabin 39 which was a two bedroom unit. It was two-stories (some cabins are single story) with one bedroom on the main floor and another bedroom upstairs. Both bedrooms had an attached bathroom. The upstairs bathroom featured a luxurious tub and walk-in shower. There was an additional half-bath off of the living room. Our unit had two living areas, one downstairs with a surround sound smart TV. There was also a couch in the loft upstairs, which was a pull-out sofa. Factor that in and the unit comfortably slept up to six people.
The kitchen was well-equipped with modern appliances including a dishwasher. (I don’t like washing dishes on vacation!) It had all the tools needed for cooking a meal. On the deck outside, there was also a BBQ grill. The dining table seated six, and there were also stools at the kitchen counter and an outdoor dining table. The cabin came equipped with laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent and other cleaning supplies.
We had a private hot tub on our patio which our family made good use of during our stay.
We hadn’t planned to do laundry on a two day getaway, but the washer-and-dryer came in handy as we got pretty dusty after horseback riding.
The cabin decor was rustic, yet modern. It had everything we needed for a home away from home.
I really liked the layout of this particular unit. The downstairs bedroom could be shut off from the rest of the unit. It was self-contained with its own patio and fireplace. The room was also equipped with a mini-fridge, microwave and coffee maker. This layout would be helpful when traveling with extended family.
There are two to four bedroom cabins, ranging from 1,250 to 2,800 square feet. The two bedroom cabins start at $479 per night. Dogs are allowed in some cabins.
KidTripster Tip: Brasada Ranch sprawls over 1,800 acres. Consider renting a “ranch rover” to get around the property. The ranch rover is basically a golf cart with two seats in front and two in the back. My kids were thrilled that I opted to rent one for the weekend. Was it necessary? Not really. Was it fun? Absolutely! I’m certain that one of their favorite memories of this trip will be the ranch rover. My son (who still rides in the backseat of the car in a booster seat) was elated to sit in the front seat. He learned the phrase to “ride shotgun” and declared “shotgun!” every time we left the cabin. Ranch rovers cost $74 per day to rent.
Activities at Brasada Ranch
Rest assured, you won’t be hearing any cries of “I’m bored!” during your stay at Brasada Ranch. No matter what time of year you visit, there are all kinds of activities to keep your crew busy.
Swimming
During our stay, my kids wanted to spend as much time as possible at the pool. The Brasada Ranch outdoor pools opened for the season in late March, just in time for Spring Break. While this area gets the most sunny days in the state, it isn’t always warm in the high desert, especially in the spring.
While I sat shivering under a pile of beach towels, the kids stayed pleasantly warm in the swimming pool. Not only was the pool heated, but the waterslide was, too. It was actually warmer in the water than it was outside. There’s a large outdoor pool and a wading pool for tots. There’s also an indoor lap pool and hot tub. The waterslide is open daily during the summer, on weekends during other times of the year.
If you want a snack, there’s a poolside bar and cafe. Sundance serves frozen beverages, simple bites and treats. The poolside burgers are tasty!
KidTripster Tip: Reservations are currently required to use the pool. Guests can sign up for a two hour slot. Staff spends the hour between sessions sanitizing.
KidTripster Tip: If you manage to score any adult-only time, the Cascade Pool is dedicated to the 21+ crowd. Plush loungers are available for relaxing and the mountain views here are spectacular.
Kids Camps
Throughout the unusual 2020-2021 school year, the ranch has operated Brasada Afterschool from 2-4pm on weekdays. The idea being that kids could attend their distance learning classes from their cabins, then get out for a fun, supervised afternoon adventure.
The activities have ranged from science activities and nature walks, to life skills and etiquette lessons. During our visit, we were able to attend a “Nature in the High Desert” session. Parents can join, or drop their kids off and take advantage of some adult time.
We tagged along with the kids and their guide, Susan. She’s an expert with kids, having worked at Brasada Ranch for several years. Susan led us to Spirit Rock, the highest point on the property. It was a clear day and we could see mountains in all directions. Susan pointed out all the peaks in the Cascade Mountain Range by name, then gave the kids a brief lesson in geology. This area was shaped by volcanic events dating back millions of years.
As we hiked down from Spirit Mountain, Susan pointed out native plants and wildlife like lizards, jackrabbits and bunnies. The kids were especially inspired to get moving once she told them that each stop on our hike included a scavenger hunt. Susan hid boxes around the property and gave the kids clues when they got close, then had them solve a riddle to open padlock on the box. Inside each box, the kids found treats and small toys.
Our nature walk took us down to the man-made fishing ponds. We took a few minutes to feed the horses carrots, then Susan procured fishing poles, stealthily hidden behind trees near the pond. She showed the kids how to cast a line. Although we saw fish swimming in the pond, they didn’t get any bites. In spite of that, the kids founds the experience fun and relaxing. Once we were done fishing we headed back to the Athletic Center. Inside there are some arcade games, virtual golf and other activities for kids.
The after-school program costs $40 per child. These activities are available over the summer, too. Activities like horseback riding, archery, golf, nature hikes, and science lessons are available to kids five and older. Be sure to visit the Brasada Ranch website prior to your visit to see what’s currently offered. Advance reservations are required.
Fishing
You don’t have to sign-up for the after-school program to go fishing. Anyone can rent a rod and fish at one of the stocked ponds on property. Rods are available for rent for $20 per day or $10 for two hours. They’re available at the Athletic Center. From there, you can walk (or drive your ranch rover) to one of the ponds.
Horseback Riding
We got to try something new as a family on this vacation, we went horseback riding! The kids were a little apprehensive, and honestly I was, too. None of us had any experience around horses. We were all intimidated by the idea of riding a horse. When we arrived at the barn at Brasada Trails, our wrangler was still getting the horses ready. That gave us a chance to meet and greet the horses. Once we did that, the kids became more comfortable with the idea of riding them. Paul, the wrangler, was really patient as he helped each of us into the saddle and then gave some basic riding instructions. The kids had a good laugh that my horse was named “Cayenne,” pronounced just like my name. The wrangler told us about how “Cayenne” was a bit lazy and stubborn. He instructed me to, “Hit Cayenne hard in the butt to get her moving.” The kids got a real kick out of this.
Once we were all on our horses, we followed Paul out of the stable and onto the trail. The ride up to Spirit Rock was easy. Perhaps the most treacherous part was when we crossed through the golf course. Paul shouted a warning to the golfers that we were coming through so that no one would accidentally get hit in the head with a golf ball. Once we made it to Spirt Rock, we dismounted and tied up the horses. We were told that a treat awaited us around the bend. Sure enough, there were s’mores! Paul got a fire going while we poured ourselves some hot cocoa. Once the fire was raging, we roasted our marshmallows. These weren’t the average grocery store variety, they were homemade by a Brasada chef. With sticky fingers and full tummies, we mounted our horses to head down the trail and back to the barn.
In all, our Trails and Treats ride lasted about two hours. The cost for this adventure is $160 per rider, with a minimum age of 5-years-old. There are a range of equestrian activities to fit your experience and interest, including pony rides, trail rides, and private lessons.
KidTripster Tip: You don’t have to ride a horse to hang out with one. Grab some complimentary carrots at the General Store to feed the horses by the pond. You’ll have them eating right out of your hands.
Hiking & Biking
There are trails around the property. Be sure to walk over the trestle bridge. If you prefer to bike the paths, you can bring your own bikes or rent one from the Athletic Center. They’re available to rent in 2 or 4-hour increments, or by the day. Prices vary depending on whether you’re renting a youth or adult bike.
Special Summer Activities
For guests visiting during the summer months, there are a bunch of special activities like family movie nights in the barn.
Cowboy Cookouts are specially designed for guests ages 5 to 12. Kids learn to dress, walk, talk, and lasso like a cowboy or cowgirl. Of course, there’s gotta be food at a cookout. Kids will roast hot dogs and s’mores over the fire. There’s also an opportunity to say howdy to the horses and take a pony ride.
Join one of the Stargazing Nights on the Range lawn. With one of the darkest night skies in the United States, the galaxy is in full view. Astronomers from the Oregon Observatory will be there to provide an expert guide.
KidTripster Tip: When you check in, you’ll be given a schedule of events and activities. Be sure to read it as you’ll find many complimentary activities available during your stay.
Golfing
If your family likes to golf, the Brasada Canyons course offers a family package. It includes three, 60-minute group sessions covering full swing, short game and course management. Be aware of the dress code policy for all players.
KidTripster Tip: Pack your sunscreen. The sun can be intense here. Moisturizer is a good idea, too, as conditions are really dry.
Off-Site Activities
There’s a lot to keep you busy at the ranch, but there’s also a plethora of adventurous activities in this area. The Brasada Adventures concierge can recommend and book activities. Within a short drive there’s a lot to do including: climbing Smith Rock State Park, skiing Mt Bachelor, floating the Deschutes River, exploring lava tubes, taking in an outdoor concert, and feeding the alpacas at the Crescent Moon Ranch.
Dining at Brasada Ranch
Brasada Ranch has two main restaurants, as well as food service at the pool, seasonal food carts and a general store.
Range Restaurant and Bar
We ate several tasty meals at the Range Restaurant and Bar. While breakfast is certainly great here, this is an even better place to have dinner, particularly if you enjoy sunsets. What a stunning view! We found something to eat for everyone in the family, which is saying a lot given that one of us has a food allergy (me!) and another one is a super particular eater (my 8-year-old!). On our first night we had the whole spread – appetizers, entrees and dessert. It was a fantastic meal. On our second night, we ordered a round of burgers. They’ve really perfected the burger at the Range with caramelized onion and bacon! We also had a special Mother’s Day brunch at the Range. Dinner entrees here cost between $20-$34. Items on the kids menu cost between $8-$14 dollars.
Ranch House
Unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to eat at the Ranch House. The restaurant is open for dinner Thursday through Saturday. Menu items include starters like pretzels, sandwiches, salads and flatbreads. Sandwiches and flatbreads cost around $18. The kids menu has items ranging from $8 to $13.
Sundance
Are your kids always hungry at the pool? Mine always are. We had snacks from Sundance. It serves salads, wraps, sandwiches and snacks. And frozen cocktails! This mom gives the Rose Froze a big thumbs up. Food is around $12 an item and cocktails are around $14.
The General Store
With a full kitchen, you may opt to cook a meal in your cabin rather than eat out. You can bring food with you or visit the General Store. It’s small in size, but absolutely packed with goodies, including plenty of options for making a full meal. The wine selection is impressive.
KidTripster Tip: Gluten Free items are scarce, so be sure to plan ahead if you or your kids have any special dietary restrictions.
Ranch Platters
You can also order a ranch platter. Entree options include things like steak, salmon, and chicken breasts, as well as burgers and hot dogs that you can grill at your cabin. You’ll also choose some sides with your order. The trays are delivered right to your cabin.
KidTripster Tip: Another option for dining in your cabin, without having to cook, is available from the Range. Family meals can be pre-ordered a day ahead and serve four people. Items include Chicken Enchiladas, Baked Penne and Whole Roast Chicken. Prices range from $60-$70. Dessert is available, too.
Getting to Brasada Ranch
Located in Central Oregon, Brasada Ranch is about 30-minutes from Bend. The drive from Portland is about three-and-a-half hours.
The summer season at Brasada Ranch runs from approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day.
KidTripster Tip: If visiting during the winter, traveling the Cascade Range can be treacherous. Always carry chains and check the road conditions before leaving.
The writer received a complimentary stay, as well as some meals and activities, for the purposes of this review. All opinions are her own.
