Surrounded by millions of acres of rugged public land in tiny Seneca, midway between Oregon’s Painted Hills and Steens Mountain, Silvies Valley Ranch is the kind of place that makes you forget about the hustle and bustle of urban life completely. This historic working ranch is famous for its award-winning golf courses, but with no cell service, it’s also the perfect setting for resting, recharging and reconnecting with those who matter most. Here’s what to expect during a retreat at Silvies Valley Ranch, from goat caddies on the golf course to ranch-to-table feasts.
Enjoy Cozy Cabins, Ranch-to-Table Cuisine and Outdoor Adventure
There’s a place for everyone at Silvies, with suites and cabins for families and friend groups big and small. Rancher’s Suites offer two king beds, while Lakeside Log Cabins offer one or two bedrooms, fireplaces and private hot tubs. Golf groups and larger families love the expansive Sunrise Cabins; each of these spacious accommodations has four king bedrooms with en-suite and private bathrooms and a great room where everyone can gather together. Silvies also has a seasonal, pet-friendly RV park with 11 full-hookup sites, perfect for travelers who prefer to bring their own accommodations.
Dining at a working cattle and goat ranch means that hearty, ranch-to-table feasts are served at every meal. Dine at the lodge or get a picnic or lunchbox made before you head out for the day. There’s even a real chuckwagon for an authentic Western experience. Dinners at Silvies are particularly special, when friends old and new converge for a five-course communal dinner served at one massive table. Ranch-raised chevon (goat) or beef is always on the menu. All meals are served with homemade sourdough bread made from a starter that dates back over a century. For a special treat, plan your stay to include a Friday, when a big buffet-style barbecue dinner is served.
Lovers of the outdoors will find plenty of things to do at Silvies, no matter the season. Take advantage of long summer days on a laid-back horseback trail ride, or explore the ranch on an adrenaline-pumping ATV adventure, all without leaving the property. Just don’t wear yourself totally out. You’ll want to stay up late for the guided Milky Way Nighttime Tour to take advantage of Silvies’ remote setting and lack of light pollution. Your favorite beverages just taste better under the awe-inspiring view of a billion stars. In winter get your steps in on a snowshoeing excursion, or tackle 15 miles of cross-country ski trails that meander through the ranch’s private forest or go on the Malheur National Forest across the fence.
Tee Off With a View
Golf is among the biggest draws at Silvies, with six courses suitable for players of different experience levels and goals. The 18-hole Hankins Course features a high elevation (around 5,000 feet) and super-long drives. The 18-hole Craddock Course provides diverse terrain, crossing over natural ridges and depressions on the northern side of Silvies Valley. The award-winning courses have their directions reversed daily, so it’s worth playing each at least twice.
On the banks of the Paiute Creek, the 9-hole, par-3 Chief Egan Course has water on every hole. The course was designed by celebrated Oregonian golf architect Dan Hixson. The 7-hole McVeigh’s Gauntlet Course provides a fun — and hilly — challenge for golfers, pairing a mix of par-2, par-3 and par-4 holes with unforgettable views. For a particularly whimsical day on either of the short courses, you can hire the services of resident goat caddies, who are happy to carry clubs, balls, tees and six packs of drinks in bespoke Seamus bags.
While Silvies attracts some serious golfers, you don’t have to be experienced to get out on the green. The ranch is home to the world’s first 18-hole reversible putting course — Claire’s Courses — which flanks the banks of Otter Lake. Best of all, it’s free for all overnight guests, making it an enticing choice for first-time golfers, young families and old golfers alike.
Prioritize Well-Being at the Rocking Heart Spa
Take your self-care to the next level at the Rocking Heart Spa, where you can unwind in a cedar dry sauna or soak sore muscles in a whirlpool hot tub. For a more invigorating path to wellness, head to the spa’s fully equipped fitness center with strength-training and cardio equipment to get your heart rate up. There’s also a half-Olympic-size indoor swimming pool and an adjacent climbing wall with auto belays for rock climbers of all levels.
If you’re in the mood for something more relaxing, sign up for a pampering spa treatment. Therapeutic massages range from relaxing modalities enhanced with Himalayan salt stones to custom sports massages that address the physiological needs of golfers. For an extra glow, sign up for a renewing, calming, or age-defying facial using products from luxury skincare brand Eminence, or treat yourself to a mani-pedi, a perfect way to start – or wrap up – a rejuvenating stay at Silvies.
