I finally got around to making a trip out to Sunrise Valley Ranch Lodge this morning for thier breakfast thanks to a friendly reminder text last night from 52Romeo that he was headed out in the morning and inviting anyone that wanted to tag along. I have been intending to make the trip for a while now and the stars aligned for me to go this morning.

It was kind of like taking a mini vacation (or stay-cation) to the back country without having to fly to Idaho. Only a fifteen minute flight from Prineville and just enough modest terrain to duck into to give you that feeling of solidarity and remoteness. And, they really are way out there if you're driving.

They have an identifyer (29OR) and are on the chart:



The owners are super friendly and way GA freindly! They are really wanting to get the word out to pilots and thier friends to increase the number of visits. It's family owned (Grandparents, kids, grandkids) and they all play a part in making the place run. They are open to groups, fly-ins, events etc. and allow camping as well as have rooms for rent. They also serve breakfast-dinner. Here is a link to their website: http://sunrisevalleyranch.com

The strip is easy to get into. It's north/south and they recommend landing from the south if the winds allow so you have the open terrain to manuver in and can take advantage of the uphill slope on the strip.



Give them a heads up that you are coming and they like you to buzz the house when you get there so they can come pick you up. The lodge is located south of the strip.

Here's looking south from the middle of the strip:



And here's looking north:



The breakfast was delicious but I didn't take any "foody" pics to show you. It was $20 and worth it. Omlette, hashbrowns, oven pancakes, berries, bacon, juice, coffee, and other stuff I'm sure I'm forgetting. And it's all you can eat!

I'm pretty sure I found some wolf tracks north of the strip:



And a few pics headed back to s39:

Antelope resivior looking dry


Another creek and pond


Pay them a visit if you need a close to home adventure sometime! It was worth the trip!

CW

Beautiful! Love the area! Thank you.

Wish I could have made it. Had a wedding today. One of these days.

Rob

Great TR

I would have never known about this place unless you posted it.
I'll be sure to pay them a visit some day.

Awesome info! Thanks!

What a beautiful place and it's so close (for those of who live in Oregon). I am always interested in knowing the friendly private strips. Thanks for posting the landing and take off information too. It might not be a bad idea for the membership to start a list of private strips that are friendly and open to the public.

Go hungry, because they bring out quite a spread for breakfast.

I was planning to stop for breakfast on way to Seattle area but noticed they are under a fire TFR for now. I hope the ranch lodge and buildings are safe.

onthegas1 wrote:I was planning to stop for breakfast on way to Seattle area but noticed they are under a fire TFR for now. I hope the ranch lodge and buildings are safe.

I believe the fire is a little north of the ranch and not all hope is lost for you! I just got off the phone with COID (Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch) with the question of getting permission to enter and exit the TFR to land at 29OR. The aviation coordinator said that if you provide her with the details of when you will be arriving and departing that you would likely be approved to go to the ranch. I've done this and gotten approval before into other strips in the state for hunting etc. They are not always bad to deal with. Here is their phone number: 541-316-7700 (main); 541-316-7777 (aviation coordinator).

Good Luck and safe flight!

CW