: Silvies Valley Ranch

5 Must-Visit Spots Along the Northeast Oregon Golf Trail

Follow the fairways through Northeast Oregon, where five unique golf courses pair scenic mountain backdrops with small-town charm and plenty to explore beyond the greens.
July 24, 2026

From sweeping mountain vistas to winding waterways, the five distinctive courses along the Northeast Oregon Golf Trail offer much more than a memorable round of golf. Connecting communities across John Day, Union, Enterprise, Baker City and Seneca, the trail invites visitors to slow down and experience affordable golf, welcoming small towns, local flavors, outdoor adventures and the authentic hospitality that defines Eastern Oregon. Whether you’re chasing birdies or exploring beyond the fairways, this scenic route offers a memorable road trip filled with stunning landscapes, local character and unforgettable experiences for golfers and travelers alike.

Each course on the Northeast Oregon Golf Trail reveals a different side of the region, from high desert landscapes and riverside fairways to alpine valleys and sweeping mountain views. The route includes John Day Golf Club, Quail Ridge Golf Course in Baker City, Silvies Valley Ranch in Seneca, Buffalo Peak Golf Course in Union and Alpine Meadows Golf Course in Enterprise. Together, these five destinations offer a chance to venture beyond Oregon’s better-known golf destinations and discover a quieter side of the state.

Beyond the fairways, travelers will find historic downtowns, scenic byways, hot springs, locally owned restaurants and breweries that make the journey as memorable as the golf itself.

 

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Two goats with horns wear leather bags, tags and leashes on a golf course with water in background.
Mike and Bruce, two of the famous Silvies Valley Ranch goat caddies. Courtesy of Silvies Valley Ranch

1. Silvies Valley Ranch, Seneca

Set amid the wide-open high desert outside Seneca, Silvies Valley Ranch, between John Day and Burns, is a destination where golf, adventure and relaxation come together. The luxury guest ranch features five distinctive golf experiences, including two championship 18-hole courses that can be played in reverse—a first-of-its-kind design in the United States inspired by Scotland’s ancient links. Golfers can also test their skills on an 18-hole putting course, a challenging seven-hole short course and a scenic nine-hole par-3 course, creating plenty of opportunities to explore the ranch over a multi-day stay.

One of Silvies’ most memorable traditions is its famous goat caddies, trained American Range Goats from the largest herd in North America, that accompany golfers on select rounds while carrying beverages and snacks along the course.

Beyond the fairways, Silvies Valley Ranch offers a true Eastern Oregon escape. Guests can stay overnight, relax at the full-service spa, enjoy locally inspired cuisine and soak in the quiet beauty of the surrounding high desert landscape. For a stay closer to downtown Burns, the newly restored Central Hotel offers another inviting option, complete with a nine-hole putting course that lets visitors keep the golf experience going long after their round.

Tree-lined, freshly mowed greens are contrasted against a mountain backdrop in the distance on a sunny summer day.
Wide-open views and welcoming greens at John Day Golf Club. Photo: John Day Golf Club

2. John Day Golf Club

Located just outside the town of John Day, John Day Golf Course, pairs a relaxed nine-hole experience with one of Eastern Oregon’s most scenic settings. Known for its affordable rates, family-friendly atmosphere and exceptionally maintained greens, the course has welcomed golfers since 1953. Two sets of tees make the layout enjoyable for players of all skill levels, while bent grass greens and buffalo grass fairways create a distinctive playing experience.

After your round, explore the nearby John Day River, a favorite destination for fishing, paddling and floating, or head into town for a meal and a locally crafted beer at 1188 Brewing Company. Surrounded by dramatic high desert landscapes and rich history, John Day makes an ideal first stop, or final round, on the Northeast Oregon Golf Trail.

A sunny day on the greens, looking back from the hole lined with deciduous trees.
The award-winning links at Quail Ridge Golf Course. Photo: Quail Ridge Golf Course

3. Quail Ridge Golf Course, Baker City

Located in scenic Baker City, Quail Ridge Golf Course offers an award-winning 18-hole experience surrounded by sweeping views of the Elkhorn and Wallowa Mountains. Stretching just over 6,000 yards from the blue tees, the course offers an approachable layout for recreational golfers whether you’re looking for a relaxed round or a chance to test your game.

Stay for a meal at Creston’s at Quail Ridge, where a seasonal menu, locally crafted Quail Pale Ale from local favorite, Barley Brown’s Brewing Co., and some of the area’s favorite burgers make for the perfect post-golf stop. The family-friendly atmosphere and scenic setting make it easy to linger and enjoy the views.

Beyond the course, Baker City offers plenty of reasons to extend your stay. Explore the historic downtown’s shops, dine at Barley Brown’s Brewing Co., or pick up a treat from Sweet Wife Baking. Outdoor enthusiasts can head into the surrounding mountains for hiking, biking and camping, or make the trip to nearby Anthony Lakes for summer hiking and mountain biking, plus wood-fired pizza during Summer at the Starbottle. Spend the night at the historic Geiser Grand Hotel and experience the charm of one of Eastern Oregon’s most inviting communities.

Native grasses on the banks of a natural water feature leads to a well-maintained golf fairway at Buffalo Peak Golf Course.
Natural landscapes and waterways add character to the fairways at Buffalo Peak Golf Course. Photo: Buffalo Peak Golf Course

4. Buffalo Peak Golf Course, Union

Surrounded by the peaks of the Blue Mountains, Buffalo Peak Golf Course offers a memorable round in one of Eastern Oregon’s most picturesque settings. Located just outside the small town of Union, 16 miles southeast of La Grande, the 18-hole course embraces the natural contours of the landscape, with rolling fairways, dramatic elevation changes and sweeping mountain vistas around nearly every turn. The varied terrain rewards skilled golfers while providing a fun challenge for players of all levels.

Buffalo Peak also makes an ideal addition to a Union County getaway. Explore Union’s historic downtown, then continue to nearby La Grande for local restaurants, breweries and community attractions. Families can add even more adventure with a stop at the local pump track and skate park in LA Grande. For a relaxing overnight stay, soak in the mineral waters at the historic Hot Lake Springs Resort, located between La Grande and Buffalo Peak—an ideal way to unwind after a day of golf and exploration.

A fall scene as a golfer tees off with the greens extending to snow capped mountains in the distance.
Stunning views greet golfers at every tee at Alpine Meadows Golf course. Photo: Alpine Meadows Golf Course

5. Alpine Meadows Golf Course, Enterprise

Nestled just outside the charming town of Enterprise, Alpine Meadows Golf Course is delivers a scenic nine-hole experience with sweeping views of the Wallowa Mountains. A meandering creek winds through much of the course, adding a playful challenge for experienced golfers while keeping the layout approachable for beginners. With well-maintained fairways, smooth greens and a relaxed small-town atmosphere, Alpine Meadows is a memorable stop along the Northeast Oregon Golf Trail.

After your round, settle in with a burger and craft beer at Terminal Gravity Brewing in Enterprise, a longtime local favorite known for its welcoming patio and mountain views. Beyond the course, the surrounding Wallowa Valley offers endless opportunities to explore, from browsing the shops, galleries and cafés of nearby Joseph to discovering the trails, waters and scenic views of Wallowa Lake State Park including tramway rides

About The
Author

Annie Fast
Annie Fast is an outdoor storyteller based in Bend, Oregon, with more than two decades of experience covering adventure, travel and action sports. A former editor of TransWorld Snowboarding Magazine, Annie now writes about the places, people and experiences that inspire adventures big and small.

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