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Best in the West
The Top Family-friendly Destinations on the West Coast
By Elisa Ast All
For recreation closer to the ground, Black Butte Ranch has staggering offerings for every family member:
- Tennis on 23 courts
- Swimming (including kids' lessons from age 4 on up) at four pools
- Golf and Frisbee golf
- Parks for children of all ages
- Volleyball and basketball
- 18 miles of paved bike, running and walking paths
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
- Guided trail rides on horseback
The ranch is particularly known for its ponderosa-pine- and aspen-tree-studded golf courses that are worthy of the championship golf events it hosts each year. But duffers of any level – or age – should not be intimidated by its golf accolades; any and all people can hit the links and participate in group, private or parent-child lessons. Tiered greens fees and special family rates around the cocktail hour are available.
Black Butte Ranch offers activities for kids only. The Recreation Center, centrally located near the ranch's Lodge, coordinates daily on-site activities for kids, such as crafts projects and movie nights, as well as adventure recreation trips like rafting, rock climbing and mountain biking excursions.
Visitors to the ranch, which is owned and operated by the homeowners and residents who live there year-round, can rent vacation homes and condominiums that sit on a total of 1,251 lots. Some accommodations are spacious enough to sleep 12 people; many vacationers choose to hold family reunions and events as large as weddings while staying at Black Butte.
The ranch's few family-friendly restaurants and eateries highlight Northwest ingredients and dishes; menus are heavy on Dungeness Crab, wild salmon and hazelnuts.
800-452-7455
www.blackbutteranch.com
In the heart of the central Oregon's Cascade Mountain Range lies the perfect family vacation spot. Sunriver Resort has it all, from breathtaking views of Mt. Bachelor to the beautiful high desert terrain along the Deschutes River. Accommodation options include 203 rooms and suites at the Lodge Village, 33 deluxe rooms at the River Lodges and 260 condominiums and homes from which to choose. What's even better are the beautiful bike and walking paths that connect all of the resort accommodations and facilities together. Visit one of the many bike rental shops and enjoy the beautiful scenery with your family as you take a leisurely ride along the trails. You can even bring along the family dog, as many of the condominiums and vacation homes available through Sunriver Resort are pet-friendly.