- Advertisement -

1 of 5

Nestled in a hidden valley—home to ranchers since the 19th century when the area was known as Vistillas—Aspen Ridge Resort offers 14,000 alpine acres to explore.

Image: Courtesy Aspen Ridge Resort

2 of 5

The Simmons have been operating Aspen Ridge as a working cattle ranch since 1975. Get in on the fun with trail rides led by their very able ranch hands.

Image: Courtesy Alpine Ridge Resort

3 of 5

Aspen Ridge's 1,200-square-foot cabins (from $180) come equipped with kitchens and enough room for a family of six to curl up comfortably. Planning to eat in Aspen Ridge's restaurant? Book into one of the cozy lodge rooms (from $90).

Image: Courtesy Aspen Ridge Resort

4 of 5

Aspen Ridge's restaurant serves hearty meals with plenty of meat on the menu (this is, after all, a cattle ranch), but vegetarian plates are available. Eating in? Swing by the Buffalo Saloon afterward for a convivial nightcap with your neighbors.

Image: Courtesy Aspen Ridge Resort

5 of 5

Drink in the moon and a few million stars from your own porch, serenaded by the whisper of wind through meadow grass.

Image: Courtesy Aspen Ridge Resort

Slide Show: Southern Oregon's Top Secret Alpine Ranch Resort

Posted Oct 4, 2012, 12:27pm

Tucked high in the mountains west of Lakeview, you don't arrive at Aspen Ridge Resort on accident. The paved (ish) forest service road to this working cattle ranch starts from the back of a Sno-Park at the summit of Quartz Mountain, winding 10 miles through the Fremont National Forest before delivering you to an alpine clearing straight out of A River Runs Through It. Nestled in the forest along its edges, a cluster of cabins and the main lodge make up Aspen Ridge Resort. For 20 years, Karen and Steve Simmons have helped city slickers embrace a slower pace of life with horse riding, hiking, and pure and simple porch sitting. It's the perfect place to spend a long weekend watching Oregon's autum unfurl across a spectacular landscape.

More...

- Advertisement -

YES! Subscribe me to these newsletters:

Eat Beat
Every Wednesday: Enjoy restaurant tips, cheap eats, recipes, and booze news from all over the city delivered by Portland Monthly's expert food and drink team.
On the Town
Every Thursday: Your source for the city's best arts and entertainment bets, can't-miss events, plus artist interviews, charity benefits, and ticket giveaways.
Shop Talk
Every Thursday: Get the goods on fashion and shopping. Portland Monthly's style editor spots the trends and gives the inside scoop on the hottest sales and bargains.
Tripster
Twice a month: Weekend escapes, travel deals, lodging and dining picks, and getaways to destinations around the Northwest and beyond, delivered by the Portland Monthly travel team.
At Home
Every Tuesday: Get tips and trends in design and décor, entertaining and cooking and, in general, savoring the domestic life.
Bright Lights
Monthly: Discussions about the city that bring the region's thought leaders to the stage in an informal, conversational setting. Presented with the City Club of Portland.
Events & Promotions
It's no secret: we throw the best parties in town! Become one of our VIPs and get advance notice and special offers for all of our great events.
Portland Pages
The city’s pre-eminent who’s who in pictures and words, highlighting the remarkable people and events that make our city so vibrant, exciting, and generous.
Special Offers
Would you like to be notified about special deals from our trusted partners? They run the gamut from Hawaiian travel to free gelato!