Road trip travel has skyrocketed in the past year for obvious reasons and, if you’re living in the Pacific Northwest, you’re close to so many great vacation destinations! Step out of your comfort zone and head to a guest ranch for a new and exciting adventure that you may have never imagined. The Dude Ranchers’ Association offers a variety of the best dude ranches to visit in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are looking for a rustic, working cattle ranch or a more comfortable family ranch, there is a dude ranch for you in the PNW!
Rich in history and tradition, the ranch today has become a favored destination for families, corporate retreats, and the outdoor adventurer who is looking for authentic western living amidst the tall pines and cedars. After a long day of play and adventure, you can relax and look down on the world below or engage in storytelling and conversation at the cookhouse or bar. Others may enjoy a late afternoon soak in the hot tub and an evening around the campfire.
Nestled in Eastern Washington near the Canadian border sits K Diamond K Guest Ranch. This ranch is built to accommodate all types of riders and first-timers with over 60 horses and provides miles of safe and scenic trails to ride. Don’t forget your camera when visiting this destination—they have abundant wildlife including elk, deer, moose, and an occasional bear!
Idaho’s Red Horse Mountain Ranch is known for its extensive list of guided adventures, well-appointed accommodations, first-rate western hospitality, and a famous kids’ program for ages 3 and up. Located on 560 deeded acres, with over 150,000 acres of permitted outfitter area, the ranch is a perfect location for a western dude ranch vacation. Summertime usually fills up quickly, so you’ll want to plan early!
Long Hollow Ranch is a historic pioneer ranch in central Oregon. The main ranch house has been updated to include five ensuite guest rooms. All guest areas are decorated in a manner designed to evoke the feeling of “Grandma’s house.” Activities included trail rides, cattle drives, and wilderness river rafting. Nearby towns also offer shopping as well as several top-rated rodeos each summer and fall!
Located in the scenic panhandle of North Idaho this historic family-owned and operated ranch welcomes guests year-round. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch is a fifth-generation ranch that has been operating on the same land since 1940. Your all-inclusive adventure begins with excellent ranch-raised horses, comfortable custom saddles and continues with the many other activities available at the ranch such as trapshooting, e-bike rides, hiking, cookouts, and bonfires, just to name a few!
The Diamond D Ranch is situated in the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. The Frank Church Wilderness is approximately 2.4 million acres. There is an endless amount of country and wildlife to see, streams to fish, and mountains in which to hike or horseback ride. Truly relax and get a great night’s sleep by cracking a window at night and listening to the sounds of the bubbling stream and the wind in the trees from the comfort of your cabin.
If you wish to experience the lifestyle of a cowboy with a legitimate operating cattle ranch and ride daily, then McGarry Ranches will be a perfect fit for you! Located about 90 miles from Yellowstone’s West gate, you will work the herd as was done over 150 years ago. During your stay, you will ride daily through the cattle, making sure the cows and calves are together and rope and doctor any of the stock that are sick or injured. A fire pit just outside your door will make for relaxed comfortable evenings with your fellow wranglers.
Do you find yourself wanting to visit all of these ranches in the Pacific Northwest? We can’t blame you. Contact The Dude Ranchers’ Association today to help you narrow down your destination options, so you can book your next Pacific Northwest dude ranch adventure! 307-587-2339 | info@duderanch.org
