Four Seasons of Family Fun in Black Butte | The Source Weekly - Bend, Oregon

Four Seasons of Family Fun in Black Butte

Black Butte Stables continues a century-old tradition

Central Oregon's recreational splendor makes it a dream destination for locals and vacationers alike. There are mountains to ski, trails to hike or ride, rivers to fish in, forests to wander and a history that runs deep both in geology and culture.

Black Butte Ranch's history runs back to the 1880s, but for more than four decades, it's been a contemporary recreational destination. Situated eight miles northwest of Sisters and about 40 minutes from Bend, the old cattle and horse ranch transitioned between a homestead, ranch and family home before being developed into a residential resort in 1970. Black Butte now includes 1,251 home sites (20 lots are undeveloped), 33 miles of roadways, 18 miles of bike paths, 19 tennis courts, two golf courses, five swimming pools, three restaurants, special event services and a recently completed $11.5 million upgrade called Lakeside.

Black Butte offers unparalleled access to the Deschutes National Forest next door and year-round outdoor activities for all seasons. Visitors can enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. Summer is a great time in Central Oregon and Black Butte Ranch's outdoor recreation options include a fleet of rental bikes, including tandem, downhill and fatbikes, so visitors have many options to satisfy their peddling desires. Hiking opportunities include Black Butte Lookout, the Metolius River, Sister Tie Trail, Proxy Falls and for the more adventurous there are the high mountain peaks of the Cascades. For fishing, Phalarope Lake at the Ranch is the perfect place to learn and practice how to fly fish. The Ranch also offers numerous water activities, including rafting trips, canoe tours and kayaking.

Of all the activities offered by the Ranch, that which should not be forgotten is horseback riding. With over 100 years of ranching history, horseback riding is a tradition at Black Butte Ranch and should not be missed. Black Butte Stables offers exceptional riding services, including lessons, day trips (short and long) and multiday rides into the backcountry.

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