Skirting the Willamette National Forest on its way west towards Eugene, Oregon, the McKenzie River is one of the state’s recreational treasures. It is a draw for fishermen, white water rapid fanatics and mountain bikers wanting to challenge the McKenzie River Trail. Along its length are a few secluded mountain resorts offering peace, privacy and comfortable surroundings. Depending on your choice you may end up with a waterfront cottage or a cabin tucked away between the trees in this heavily forested part of Oregon.
Caddisfly Resort – Vintage Comfort
- On the eastern end of the McKenzie River, Caddisfly Resort has been welcoming guests to its riverside cottages since the 1950s. In wintertime guests come to ski or snowboard at the nearby Hoodoo Ski Bowl. Lower elevations near the river are more likely to see rain than snow, bringing hikers and mountain bikers to the area. During the warmer seasons fishing, hunting and golf at the Tokatee Golf Club, a 2-mile drive away, are at the top of the list. The three cottages are rustically comfortable, all with fireplaces, kitchens, wireless Internet access, large decks and river views.
Holiday Farm Resorts – Cottages and RV Sites
- Head west roughly 5 miles and you’ll find the Holiday Farm Cabins near the town of Blue River. Each cottage has a name and they come in an assortment of shapes and sizes. For example, the Log House is appropriately a real log cabin with a stone fireplace. The Waterwheel cottage is done up in a Mediterranean style. It has a large deck that overlooks the river and is one of the most requested. Most cottages have river views but a few, like the Country House and the previously mentioned Log House are in the woods. Eight of the cabins are pet friendly, with prior approval. The nearby Holiday Farm RV Resort is also available if you're RV-ing. Some of the sites are big enough to handle rigs up to 60 feet long. The 43 sites occupy a woodsy setting and are also pet friendly, again with prior approval. A small creek runs through the property and there is a small private lake; the river is a short drive away. Both options are open year-round.
- McKenzie River Mountain Resort – Remote and Quiet
- Also in Blue River is the McKenzie River Mountain Resort, a remote riverside retreat that doubles as a Ranger Station. Two- and three-bedroom cabins are available, all with direct river access. While rustic on the outside, the cabins' interiors offer flat screen TVs, cable TV and free wireless Internet. The kitchens are fully equipped and some units even have washers and dryers. Pets are allowed in some cabins with prior reservations and payment of a nightly fee. This small family-run year-round resort is the place to get away from it all, comfortably.
The Wayfarer Resort – Well-Appointed Retreat
- The 13 cabins of the Wayfarer Resort are on the western end of the McKenzie River near Vida, Oregon. Nine of the cabins are waterfront while the rest are a short walk away from Marten Creek and Riverside Beach on the McKenzie. Cottages range from studios that sleep two to a four-bedroom cabin that can sleep up to eight. The resort is secluded but has its own tennis and basketball courts, a croquet lawn and a dog park. Resort guests have direct access to hiking trails and children 10 and under may fish at the private trout pond. Two pets are allowed per cabin with prior reservation; a nightly fee is charged per pet. There are no breed restrictions but puppies and dogs that aren’t housebroken are not allowed, and leashes are required. Open year-round, the resort offers reduced rates from November through the end of April.
