About the neighborhood
Black Butte Ranch is one of Central Oregon's premier resort communities, With its approximately 1,800 acres of towering Ponderosa pine forests, open meadows, lakes and spectacular Cascade Mountain scenery, it offers a place to relax, have recreation, and to gather with friends and family.
The Ranch is located just ten miles from the quaint, rustic town of Sisters. Its setting feels peaceful and secluded; yet, guests are only a short drive from the shops, restaurants, galleries and Western charm of Sisters.
The Ranch offers two championship golf courses, multiple swimming pools, miles of paved trails, tennis and pickleball courts, horseback riding, fishing, water activities, hiking, a spa, and several dining options.
Things to Do Right at Black Butte Ranch
Biking and Hiking
The Ranch is exceptionally bike-friendly, with roughly two dozen miles of paved paths winding through forests, meadows, lakes and residential areas. It's a wonderful way for families to explore without getting in the car.
Swimming and Recreation
There are five pools throughout the Ranch, including indoor and outdoor swimming options. The Glaze Meadow Recreation Center offers an indoor pool, outdoor pool, children's splash area, hot tub, fitness facilities and other amenities.
The Lakeside Recreation Center offers organized activities for kids, plus ping pong, shuffle board, board games and.arts and crafts.
Tennis and Pickleball
With 14 tennis courts and 12 pickleball courts, the Ranch is particularly appealing to active families and groups traveling together.
Golf:
Golfers can choose between the Ranch's two championship courses—Big Meadow and Glaze Meadow—both surrounded by dramatic Cascade scenery and mature forest.
Horseback Riding
Black Butte Stables provides an opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape on horseback, making it especially appealing to families and visitors looking for a classic Central Oregon experience.
Fishing and Water Activities
Guests can enjoy fishing, as well as canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the Ranch's lakes, while nearby rivers provide additional opportunities for fly fishing and other water adventures.
Nature and Wildlife
The Ranch's forested landscape is home to abundant wildlife and more than 200 species of birds have been documented, making birdwatching and nature walks particularly enjoyable.
Stargazing
The area's dark skies make evening stargazing another memorable activity. Black Butte Ranch offers guided night-sky experiences that introduce guests to constellations, planets and other celestial objects.
Explore Sisters
A stay at Black Butte Ranch also puts guests close to Sisters, known for its distinctive western downtown, local boutiques, galleries, restaurants, breweries and outdoor shops. The town draws many visitors for its early June Rodeo and Quilt Show. Fall offers the Sisters Folk Festival.
Downtown Sisters is a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon shopping for local art, Western clothing, handmade goods and souvenirs, followed by dinner or drinks.
Adventures Beyond the Ranch
Black Butte Ranch makes an excellent home base for exploring Central Oregon's enormous outdoor playground. The surrounding public lands offer hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, rafting, skiing and scenic drives. The Ranch itself describes the surrounding area as having approximately 1.6 million acres of forest and wilderness to explore.
Popular day-trip possibilities include:
* Smith Rock State Park — dramatic volcanic cliffs, hiking, wildlife viewing and world-class rock climbing. Smith Rock State Park
* McKenzie River — scenic drives, amazing Koosah and Sahalie waterfalls, hiking, fishing and rafting.
* Deschutes River — fishing, rafting, kayaking and floating.
* Three Sisters Wilderness — spectacular mountain scenery, hiking and backpacking.
* Mt. Bachelor — skiing, snowboarding and winter recreation, with summer hiking and mountain biking.
* Bend — restaurants, breweries, shopping, river activities, golf and a lively downtown.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway — an exceptional summer drive through lakes, forests and mountain scenery.
In winter, the experience changes dramatically, with snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, winter hiking and easy access to nearby ski areas. In summer, the Ranch becomes a playground for biking, swimming, golf, hiking, fishing and water sports.
Overall, Black Butte Ranch combines the privacy and beauty of a mountain retreat with the amenities of a full-service resort and the convenience of being close to Sisters and Central Oregon's best outdoor attractions.
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