The last time I was at Brasada Ranch was in 2013, back when I attended two weddings there just three weeks apart. At the time, it felt like one of those magical Oregon spots you kind of stumble into—and then can’t stop thinking about.
Fast forward 12 years, and I finally made it back—this time with my wife and our 4-year-old daughter in tow. And let me tell you, seeing Brasada through a different lens (and a different stage of life) was eye-opening.
I was struck by two things almost immediately: first, I’d completely forgotten how stunning the views are. Rolling hills, Cascade peaks in the distance, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks. And second, just how much has changed since my last visit. The resort has expanded, improved, and fine-tuned its experience in ways that made this trip feel totally fresh.
Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Central Oregon resorts—places like Pronghorn, Tetherow, Eagle Crest, and Sunriver have all been regular stops. Somehow, though, Brasada kept slipping through the cracks. But after this latest trip? That’s not happening again. This place absolutely deserves to be in the conversation with the best of them, and after reading this post, you’ll have a better idea of which one is right for you.
Whether you’re thinking about a family vacation, a couple’s getaway, or a chill weekend with friends, Brasada Ranch has quietly become one of the best all-around destinations in Central Oregon. In this post, I’ll break down everything that stood out—from the lodging and food to the activities, service, and what it’s really like bringing a kid along.
What is Brasada Ranch?
Before we go too far, let me give you a quick overview in case you’ve never heard of Brasada.
Brasada Ranch is a luxury resort nestled in the high desert of Central Oregon, about 20 miles northeast of Bend in Powell Butte.
Spread across 1,800 acres, with 900 acres of preserved open space, it offers panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and a serene, secluded atmosphere.
Seriously, I still can’t get over these views.
The resort features a range of accommodations, including 65 family-friendly Sage Canyon Cabins (this is where we stayed), adult-only Cascade Bungalows, and Ranch House Suites. Amenities abound: an 18-hole golf course known as Brasada Canyons, a full-service spa, multiple dining options, equestrian facilities, and a 17,000-square-foot athletic center with indoor and outdoor pools.
Like many of the big resorts in Central Oregon, they can kind of cater to any kind of group. Whether you want a romantic, adults-only getaway, a boys golf trip, or a family vacation – Brasada can do it all.
But as you’ll see, there are certain people I’d recommend come here more than others.
Brasada Canyons Golf Course: A Scenic, Playable Gem in Central Oregon
Considering this is a golf blog, let’s talk about the course: Brasada Canyons.
If you’re planning a trip to Brasada Ranch, the golf course alone makes it worth the visit. Brasada Canyons isn’t trying to be a tour-level championship track like Pronghorn or Crosswater—and that’s exactly what makes it such a joy to play.
This is very much a resort course in the best sense of the word. It’s playable. It’s welcoming. It’s beautiful. And most importantly, it’s fun.
You won’t find a ton of centerline bunkers, death-by-narrow-fairways, or greens that feel like they’re trying to humiliate you (sup, Tetherow). Instead, the bunkering here is more forgiving, often shaped in a way that kicks balls back into play rather than punishing you for missing by a yard. The fairways are generous, and the greens offer subtle but engaging contours without veering into goofy territory.
Add in Brasada’s elevation—just over 3,000 feet—and your drives might go 10 yards farther than you’re used to at sea level. Combine that with the wide corridors, and it becomes a course where you can really let it rip off the tee.
Views for Days
Let’s talk about the views—because they’re everywhere. You get panoramic Cascade Mountain backdrops on practically every hole. The setting feels remote and peaceful, but never stark or empty. Whether you’re staring down a tee shot or lining up a putt, it’s impossible not to take a moment and soak it all in.
There are certainly more homes on the course than there was last time I played in 2013, but fortunately, they’re set back enough that you rarely worry about slicing a ball into someone’s window.
As you’d expect with “Canyons” in the name, there are some pretty fun ups and downs – and you’ll definitely want a cart when playing. The elevation changes aren’t just there for show, though. They add a lot of visual and strategic interest to the round. Some holes plunge down into canyons, while others sit perched on plateaus with long views and generous landing areas.
Where the Course Gets Its Name
One of the only holes I remembered from my previous time playing here was the 2nd.
It’s a medium-length par 4 that sets the tone early. A wide fairway lets you open up the driver, and the approach plays into an infinity green that feels like it just drops off into the mountains. It’s scenic, satisfying, and a great preview of what’s to come.
I’m honestly surprised this was the only hole I remembered, considering just how much I enjoyed playing on this most recent trip.
On the third hole, you start to see where the name “Canyons” makes sense.
From a dramatically elevated tee, you hit down into a fairway framed by rocky terrain and brush. It’s one of those tee shots that just begs you to pause and take a photo — then crush one and hope you judged the elevation right.
All of the Par 3s are Memorable
Three of the four par 3s play downhill toward the mountains. That might sound repetitive on paper, but each has its own character.
4 is longer and has a large slope on the left hand side.
6 becomes a completely different hole depending on which tee box you’re from.
And 17 is longer, and both times I played it, it was directly into the wind – making it even more challenging.
12 is the oddball in that it plays away from the mountains, and has one of the deepest bunkers on the course short and right. It’s a nice change from the others, and no less enjoyable to play.
A Few Other Favorites:
The 9th is the number one handicap for a reason – especially from the back tees. The fairway is wide, there’s a dropoff into scrubland left, and the cabins we stayed in left – so it demands a little more precision than most other holes.
The approach demands focus, especially if the pin is tucked.
Holes 10-12 bring you up and down into more canyons, before coming up to one of the highest points on the course on 13 and 14.
But 15?
Seeing 15 for the first time was one of the more memorable moments I’ve had on a golf course in a long time.
It’s not only the most fun hole on the course, but it’s also one of the most fun holes I’ve ever played.
It’s a short par 4 at just over 300 yards from the tips, but with a twist: the fairway is basically perpendicular to the tee box, it’s almost like a more severe Cape hole.
You can pretty much hit any club you want off the tee. Lay up with an iron to the wide part of the fairway on the right, leaving mid mid-iron approach. Carry the middle bunkers for a more risk-reward option, that would leave you with a flip wedge in. Or go full send at the green (if you’ve got the guts—and the distance).
It’s strategic, exciting, and absolutely beautiful. And the story about someone acing it during a big member event’s horse race—with over 100 people watching? Instant legend status.
Great for Golfers of All Skill Levels
One of the best parts of Brasada Canyons is how accessible it is. There aren’t many forced carries, the bunkers tend to be on the periphery, and the fairways give newer or younger golfers plenty of room to stay in play. On nearly every hole, there’s a way to run the ball up to the green.
I actually played the front 9 with my wife (who doesn’t really golf) and our 4-year-old daughter. Both had a blast. And anytime a non-golfing family member says they had fun on the golf course, you know the vibe is right.
Final Thoughts on Brasada Canyons
I went into this round expecting a pretty, casual resort course, and came away genuinely impressed. Brasada Canyons might not beat you up like some of the other Central Oregon heavyweights, but what it lacks in challenge, it makes up for with a sense of fun, flow, and variety that makes every hole feel distinct.
The setting is stunning, the routing is clever, and the course is welcoming without being boring. It’s not just a course I’d recommend to someone staying at the resort—it’s one I’d go out of my way to play again.
As for access? Good news and bad news.
The good news is that you can play it if you’re a guest of the resort.
The bad news is that, other than that, it’s a private club.
Which really is mostly all good news. Because while you’re there, the crowds are minimal and spaced out, and you get treated like a member – which is always a nice experience.
Lodging at Brasada Ranch: The Two-bedroom Cabins Were Great
When it comes to lodging at Brasada Ranch, you’ve got a few different options.
We stayed in one of the 65 Sage Canyon Cabins, specifically a two-bedroom unit, and it was everything you’d hope for in a high-end resort experience: spacious, private, and loaded with little touches that make a big difference.
More Than Just a Room
One of the biggest perks of the cabin setup is space. Hotel rooms can be great, but having a full cabin which gave us the flexibility to spread out, was great.
Also, have you ever seen that AirBnB commercial that basically says “in a hotel room, your kid’s bedtime is your bedtime”?
Having the second room for her, so that we could stay up later, is key.
The two bedrooms were nearly identical in quality, which is a nice bonus if you’re traveling with another couple or older kids. One bedroom had a larger bathroom with a soaking tub, while the other featured a cozy fireplace and a bit more space, including a sitting area. No clear “secondary” bedroom here—just two really comfortable options.
Our cabin sat just above the 9th tee box, and the deck got a lot of use. Morning coffee, afternoon reading, evening wine—it was the perfect spot to soak in the high-desert views and enjoy the fresh air without ever leaving “home.” If you’re the kind of person who appreciates a little outdoor living space on vacation, you’ll love this.
Oh, and one important tip: try to book a cabin with a hot tub. Ours had one, and it made a huge difference. After a long day of golf, swimming, or chasing a four-year-old around the resort, being able to unwind under the stars with a soak was the kind of luxury that elevates the whole trip.
Not every cabin has one, so if that’s important to you (and it should be), double-check when booking.
Our cabin was about a 10-minute walk from the core resort amenities—golf course, restaurants, athletic center, pool—which we actually loved. It was just far enough to give us some quiet and privacy, but close enough to ditch the car most of the time.
The walk down was great for letting our daughter practice her biking skills (and burn off some energy). The walk back—slightly uphill—wasn’t her favorite part of the day, but we still appreciated the gentle built-in exercise. If mobility is a concern or you’ve got a stroller in tow, you may want to look for a unit closer to the heart of the resort, but otherwise, it’s a pleasant stroll with great scenery along the way.
There Are Also Some Adults-Only Options…
For as great of a family resort as Brasada is, it might be even better for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
More than any of the other major Central Oregon resorts I’ve been to, they really create an amazing environment for adults looking for time away.
There are two great lodging options for this.
The first are the 8 Ranch House Suites.
These are located in the main lodge, which puts you within steps of the restaurants, pool, and other amenities—ideal if you don’t want to worry about walking or driving around the property.
They are also more traditional hotel-style rooms, with daily cleaning service, if that’s more what you’re looking for.
But the even more sought-after rooms? The new Cascade Bungalows.
This is an entire adults-only section of the resort designed for a quieter, more elevated experience. These are the most premium accommodations on the property and are meant for couples or those looking for a more boutique-style stay.
There are 16 of them, and many open up right towards the adults-only pool.
They all feature private hot tubs, and the interiors look stunning – although I didn’t get a chance to tour them on this trip.
Some of the Best Resort Food I’ve Ever Had
If there’s one area where Brasada Ranch really exceeded expectations, it was the food.
Compared to places like Tetherow, which sits right in Bend, or Sunriver, which has a full-on village complete with a grocery store and tons of dining options, Brasada is more remote. And by remote, I mean… It’s about 25 minutes from Bend. So, not exactly the middle of nowhere, but if you forget to grab something from the store or feel like eating out in town, it’s not a quick five-minute errand.
But here’s the thing: you probably won’t want to leave anyway.
Because the food at Brasada? It’s some of the best I’ve ever had at a resort.
Dining Options at Brasada Ranch
There are four primary food and drink spots on the property:
- Ranch House – All-day dining with something for everyone.
- Wild Rye – The resort’s fine dining experience (but still pretty casual).
- Sundance Bar & Grill – Poolside eats and drinks.
- The General Store – Coffee, pastries, and a few grocery essentials.
Here’s a breakdown of each.
Ranch House: Casual, Reliable, Delicious
Located in the main Ranch House building (where you also check in and where the Ranch House Suites are), this spot is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
We ate here three times: breakfast, dinner, and one takeout meal after our daughter was all tapped out for the day.
The menu? Excellent. On our takeout night, I had a BBQ chicken pizza that was delicious, and Elliot’s mac and cheese was probably the best kids’ version I’ve ever tasted.
For our dinner on the patio, we soaked in views of the Cascade Range, and even in early May, the weather was ideal. There are infrared heaters and blankets available for when things cool down.
I had a huge steak that was cooked perfectly, and Tate’s BBQ ribs were equally great. But the star of the show?
The potatoes. We had them both with dinner and again at breakfast—and couldn’t get enough. Perfectly crisped, seasoned just right. Honestly, I’d go back for those alone.
Wild Rye: Elevated Dining Without the Pretense
This is Brasada’s elevated dining experience, but don’t let the “fine dining” label scare you off. The vibe is still laid-back, and you can roll in post-golf without changing into anything too fancy.
I wasn’t sure what to expect—until I saw that the cocktail menu was designed by Scott Baird, the guy behind Trick Dog in San Francisco. That immediately raised the bar.
And I’m happy to report: it delivered.
From their takes on classics like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, to the thoughtful plating and flavors, everything was on point. The brie appetizer balanced sweet and savory perfectly. The wedge salad—with everything bagel spice and Brasada Sauce—was creative and crave-worthy.
The lamb shank? Fall-off-the-bone good. It reminded me of one of my all-time favorite dishes: the pork shank at Mountain Standard in Vail.
And don’t leave without trying the s’mores. Seriously.
They make their own marshmallows and graham crackers (which have a subtle cinnamon note), and you roast them outside at the fire pit while watching the sunset. It was one of those little moments that felt like a core memory for our family.
Sundance Bar & Grill: Easy Poolside Bites
Located at the Athletic Center, Sundance is exactly what you want on a sunny afternoon: fast, simple, satisfying.
We had the hummus plate, kids’ chicken strips, and a few other small plates—and everything was perfect for a casual poolside lunch.
The General Store: Cute and Quaint
Across from the Ranch House, the General Store is your go-to for coffee, breakfast pastries, and small essentials like wine, snacks, and groceries.
Forgot butter? Oil? Toothpaste? Been there. The General Store likely has you covered.
It’s also just a cozy, well-designed little shop that adds a lot of charm to the resort experience.
Whether you’re eating out or cooking in your cabin, the food experience at Brasada is a huge part of what makes it special.
Other Activities at Brasada Ranch
Golf? Check. Amazing food? Double check. But there’s a lot more to love at Brasada.
At over 1,800 acres, the resort offers a huge range of things to do—especially if you’re traveling with family or just want to fill your days with more than just tee times.
The Athletic Center: A Hub for All Ages
Centrally located, the Athletic Center is a hub of activity for the resort. The outdoor pool features a lazy river, a waterslide, and a waterfall splash pad, plus there’s an indoor pool and hot tub if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
The slide was a huge hit with our daughter. She probably rode it 25 to 30 times over two days. The staff were relaxed about things like life jackets and tandem rides, which made the whole experience even more fun for younger kids.
The gym is fully equipped with Peloton bikes, free weights, and cardio machines. Outside, you’ve got tennis courts, pickleball courts, a playground, and a Kids Camp (which we didn’t try, but we’ve had friends rave about).
Activities Galore
When you check in, you’ll get a full list of available activities—and there’s no shortage.
We saw everything from yoga and barre classes to aquafit, pony rides, trail rides, axe throwing, indoor golf, stargazing, and even ranch-life experiences.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a full two-week stay, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained.
Brasada Ranch vs. Everywhere Else: Should You Visit?
At some point, I’ll write a full breakdown comparing Brasada to the other top Central Oregon resorts like Sunriver, Tetherow, and Pronghorn.
But for now, here’s the short version: Yes, you should absolutely visit Brasada Ranch.
It’s a unique place that offers a true resort experience—something that’s a little harder to find in the Bend area than you might expect.
Best For: Couples Looking for a Romantic Escape
With adults-only cabins and an adults-only pool, Brasada is arguably the best option in the region for a couples’ getaway. No other resort I can think of has as much dedicated “adults-only” space as Brasada does.
You’ll still see families around, sure—but time your dinners right, and you’ll enjoy a peaceful, intimate experience in the evenings as well.
Great For: Families Who Want to Keep Things Simple
At other resorts, we often find ourselves running into Bend for food or looking for things to do outside the resort proper.
At Brasada? That thought never even crossed our minds. Everything we needed was right there. It felt like a true resort vacation, where the goal is to just relax and enjoy.
Ideal For: Golfers Who Want a Fun, Forgiving Course
Not everyone wants to get beat up by 7,400 yards of narrow fairways and forced carries.
Brasada Canyons is a breath of fresh air: fun, scenic, and far more accessible than some of the other high-end courses in the area. It’s perfect for newer golfers or families looking to enjoy a few casual rounds in a spectacular setting.
Brasada Ranch Has Great Golf, But it Really is So Much More
As someone who’s played a lot of golf in Central Oregon, I’ll admit it: Brasada Canyons caught me off guard. I expected a laid-back resort course with nice views—and it delivered that. But it also delivered thoughtful design, memorable holes, and one of the most fun golf experiences I’ve had in the region. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to loop it again, even if your scorecard is a mess.
But what really elevates Brasada is everything that surrounds the golf. The cabins, the food, the views, and the family-friendly energy all come together in a way that makes the resort more than just a stop on a golf trip. It’s a destination worth planning an entire vacation around.
If you’re looking for a trip that combines golf with genuine relaxation—and where everyone in your group (even the non-golfers) can have an incredible time—Brasada Ranch is tough to beat.
