Cowboy Dreams/Central Oregon
As the sky fades from orange to purple, strains of “Home on the Range” melt away like the whipped cream on the cherry cobbler we’ve just devoured.
An adventurous day that began with brushing horses is ending with a cowboy cookout. But before they’ll call it quits, the kids insist on saying goodbye to Perry, Paint, Pigeon and Shadow. The horses, noses buried in hay, heave contented sighs as the girls deliver final pats to each.
“I love the way horses smell,” says 12-year-old Sahalie. Adds Claire, who’s 4: “We won’t take a bath tonight so we can still smell like horses tomorrow!”
Central Oregon is perfect for making cowboy — and cowgirl — dreams come true. You can explore the open range on horseback, travel a dusty trail by covered wagon, ride the rails with the Jesse James gang, and even sing along with a cowboy by a campfire.
It’s the Wild West at its not-so-wild best.
A fantastic trip starts with an exceptional place to stay, and guest ranches offer families a truly unique experience.
Tucked into a small valley near Bend, Rock Springs Guest Ranch is an annual tradition for many families. Summer packages include comfortable lodging, great meals, an outstanding youth program and plenty of horseback riding. Friendly wranglers match each rider with just-the-right horse and, when you leave the trail behind, more fun awaits — whether it’s swimming in the duck-shaped pool or hitting balls on the tennis court.
At Long Hollow Ranch in Sisters, visitors stay in a remodeled 100-year-old ranch house or a cottage that, according to shareholder Bud Aldrich, once served as a stage stop, a ranch commissary and a post office. Guests revel in guided rides through the nearby rimrock country. This working ranch also allows the adventurous to “head ’em up and move ’em out” on cattle drives.
Covered wagon rides starting at the ranch offer a taste of life along the Oregon Trail. Leather-clad riders, prone to singing, trot alongside the wagon. Lunch comes with a spectacular view of the snow-covered Cascades.
Later, an authentic cowboy cookout with ribs, chicken, baked beans, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, and cherry cobbler satisfies even the biggest of appetites.
A guitar-toting cowboy and sweet-voiced cowgirl entertain with stories and songs, and everyone joins in to sing the stars into the sky with “Don’t Fence Me In.”
At Bend’s High Desert Museum, history and wildlife share top billing. Through 2004, Buckaroo! The Hispanic Heritage of the High Desert tells the tale of rugged individuals who make their living on horseback. Horses are in the spotlight, too: The new mustang corral, part of the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse Adoption Program, is home to two wild horses during the summer.
The Crooked River Dinner Train wends its 38-mile way from Redmond to Prineville and back again through the scenic Crooked River Valley. Smith Rock forms a dramatic backdrop for hawks circling and deer grazing in green fields beside the tracks. But there’s lots of action inside the rail cars, too, as a colorful cast of characters from the 1890s — including Jesse James, a singing conductor, and a flirtatious Southern belle — serve up a delicious dinner along with a clever, comedic whodunit that keeps passengers young and old guessing.
The Old West still lives, too, in the picturesque town of Sisters (especially during mid-June’s rodeo). Wander through Leavitt’s Western Wear to admire bandanas, boots and boleros. Then belly up to the bar at The Palace across the street, where a round of ice cream sodas is sure to put a sweet end to a family quest for the Wild West.
And What’s More…
Rock Springs Guest Ranch With access to some 13,000 acres, this guest ranch is known for its outstanding horseback riding program. Open to families in summer; to 5. 64201 Tyler Road, Bend. Call 800-225-3833, or visit www.rocksprings.com.
Long Hollow Ranch Like home away from home, this historic working cattle ranch allows guests to ride the juniper-covered rimrock country or just relax on the wrap-around porch. Short-term and weekly stays available year-round; 71105 Holmes Road, Sisters. Call 877-923-1901, or visit www.lhranch.com.
Crooked River Dinner Train & Entertainment Company This company now offers not only train trips, but also cowboy cookouts and covered wagon rides. Western theme train provides a three-hour adventure in dining and entertainment. Authentic cowboy cookouts include lively entertainment by costumed actors. Available May-September; call for dates, times; 495 N.E. O’Neil Way, Redmond. Call 541-548-8630, or visit www.crookedriverrailroad.com.
The High Desert Museum This engaging museum offers an extensive look at the High Desert’s wildlife and history. Open year-round daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. 59800 S. Highway 97, Bend. Call 541-382-4754 or visit www.highdesertmuseum.org.
Leavitt’s Western Wear A Sisters fixture for 26 years, this store offers all things Western, from clothing to furniture. Open daily (except Christmas and New Year’s), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 100 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters. Call 541-549-6451.
The Palace This old-fashioned soda fountain specializes in cool creamy
concoctions. Prices range from $1.70 for junior cone to $4.75 for a banana split. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (summer: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) 101 E. Cascade, Sisters. Call 541-549-0562.