Soaks, Sleeps, and Stars
Eastern Oregon's Unforgettable Stays: Hot Springs, Ranch Luxury, and Starry Skies
In Eastern Oregon's remote high desert, even the places you sleep feel out of this world, in the best possible ways.
Ahhh. Yahhh. Sink into a little slice of heaven at this hidden hot spot, 25 miles southeast of Burns along Highway 78. Crane Hot Springs sits in Oregon's remote high desert, where the brightest lights at night are overhead. Reserve stay and soak in geothermal waters beneath a sky drenched in stars. Or drop by for a daytime visit. Rugged surroundings frame the centerpiece attraction: a sprawling, naturally heated mineral-water pond averaging about 101°F.
It's rustic by nature, the kind of place you go to feel far from everything yet exactly where you need to be. Wade in, float around, or take a gentle swim. You can also rent private cedar-enclosed tubs on the property.
Late afternoon visits let you watch the landscape change colors as daylight fades. But to take the experience to eleven, plan ahead and spend the night. The accommodations have personality: small cabins, rooms, tent sites, and RV camping, plus teepees and even a sheepherder's wagon. Some have private soaking tubs. The celestial bonus: Overnight guests can linger in the warm water after dark, with the wide-open sky glittering above. Just be sure not to get too cheeky: the main pond requires a bathing suit.
TIP: Plan ahead and bring food and provisions. Services are limited in this remote corner of Oregon. If you're going for a daytime visit, bring your own towels or be prepared to rent them.
About 35 miles north of Burns is a different side of high-desert solitude at Silvies Valley Ranch. This sprawling working ranch offers luxury lodging with plenty of creature comforts. Lakeside log cabins and Rancher's Suites feature Western-themed décor and furnishings, along with modern conveniences like excellent Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.
It's popular with golfers for good reason: Silvies Valley Ranch has five golf courses, including two championship layouts. Forget the Greatest of All Time. At Silvies, GOAT is your caddie! Yep, the ranch's resident goats serve as caddies on two courses, carrying clubs while stopping to graze, snack, and occasionally leave a little something behind. Ahem. It's all part of a ranch operation committed to sustainable agriculture. Plus, they're just so cute. Game on!
The good times don't stop at the 7th, 9th, or 18th hole. Golf is seasonal, so check ahead. There are plenty of other experiences, too.
Ranch-inspired dining is on the menu, and a large communal dinner table brings a warm mix-and-mingle element to the experience (you can also opt for a private table). The impressive bar is a perfect spot for a nightcap. Try a Scotch & Whiskey tasting.
All that ranch activity calls for a little R&R. Book a massage at the Rocking Heart Spa, then settle in beside a cozy fireplace. Outdoors, a large fire pit offers a front-row seat to the vast high-desert sky. It does get dark out here, so of course, look up! With minimal light pollution, the stars are a standout luxury at Silvies. Ask about their Stargazing Tours.
