Introducing Oregon’s Best Rustic Retreat: The Suttle Lodge
If frozen lakes and snowy forests are your vibe, then I know the perfect winter getaway in the Pacific Northwest! At Suttle Lodge, you’ll feel right at home among the profound peace of the evergreen trees. Only 2.5 hours from Portland, but a world away.
Let’s Explore: Suttle Lodge Oregon
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How to Plan a Memorable Winter Visit to Central Oregon’s Suttle Lodge
Chances are you have probably heard of popular winter destinations like Leavenworth, Washington, or Mount Hood, Oregon. While summer is peak time for tourism in the Pacific Northwest, that doesn’t necessarily mean that winter is off-season. Winter wonderlands like these (plus holiday attractions) attract residents and visitors alike (usually from places that receive little snowfall).
All that to say, not all winter destinations provide equal opportunities to relax. So if you’re looking for a quiet place to unplug from city life, spend quality time with yourself, family, or friends, or maybe reconnect with nature then Your Northwestie Bestie knows just the place!
Where is The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse located?
Before visiting Suttle Lodge in January 2024, I had no idea that you could stay in a 4-star hotel within a national forest.. Yet, the second we turned off of Highway 20 after crossing Santiam Pass and onto the national forest road leading to the lodge I knew we were approaching somewhere special.
Located in Camp Sherman, Oregon, and within Deschutes National Forest, Suttle Lodge perches on the forested shores of Suttle Lake (frozen during our visit). The forest spans 1.8 million acres on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains.
Of all the places I’ve stayed in Central Oregon, Suttle Lodge stands out as the most remote (in the best way). Certainly, the summer season seems to have a different character — with families playing on and in the lake. But come winter, the area is much lesser-known and it’s a great place for reflection, creative inspiration, and good old fashioned relaxation.
Driving Directions to Suttle Lodge
From Portland, head South on I-5 for about 45 miles. In Salem, you’ll exit to Highway 22 E / Santiam Highway SE. Before setting out, be sure to check conditions on Santiam Pass. TripCheck is the best resource for this. Plus, it even has a live webcam provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation. Note that chains may be required.
During the drive over Santiam Pass, make the most of the scenic drive by stopping at viewpoints of the Santiam River, Detroit Lake, and waterfalls.
In my experience, we’ve greatly appreciated the red-brown gravel that the maintenance crew spreads on lanes. This helps with traction, although your vehicle will definitely need a wash afterwards.
Winter Driving Tips for Safe Travels
As much as we may be looking forward to trips, Mother Nature may have different plans. It’s always wise to keep an eye on the weather forecast for the place you’re heading and the places you’ll pass through. I like to do this at least a week in advance, checking in daily for updates. In the event of winter storms or extremely icy conditions, it’s worth rescheduling trips. for a date when it is safe to navigate mountain passes.
Besides this, there’s a few things you can do to prepare yourself and your vehicle for winter driving.
- Check if an oil change is needed. If so, take care of this before your trip.
- Check your tires. How much life is left? Consider tires better-suited for winter conditions such as studded tires or winter tires.
- Consider tire chains, cabes, or socks. Consult your vehicle’s owners manual for restrictions, and talk with your local tire shops. (Personally we carry tire chains in our SUVs, although I’m not an expert on this!)
- Clean your front and back windshields. Then apply, Rain-X. This near-magic product causes rain/snow to bead up and roll off of glass upon contact. As a result, visibility increases.
- Stock emergency supplies such as water, non-perishable food, blankets, a first aid kit, and a flashlight with extra batteries in your car.
Essentials to Pack on Your Central Oregon Getaway
Waterproof Footwear for Any Conditions
Winter Accessories for Traction
Winter Accessories to Stay Dry
Cozy Socks for Exploring
Skincare Recs for the High Desert Air
Welcome to the beautiful Suttle Lodge
Of the best places to stay in Oregon, Suttle Lodge provides a unique experience for nature lovers. The property, leased from the National Forest Services, includes towering trees, a pond perfect for birdwatching, and a 4-mile hiking trail around Suttle Lake.
Guests can take their pick between a handful of rooms in the Lodge or a variety of cabins. My partner, Kyle, and I stayed in a second-floor Upstairs King room in the Lodge. Our room was a great pick for families, as it had a ladder-accessed loft designed for kids. And, it’s dog friendly! (Yes, even for large dogs like our Labrador Retriever).
What to Expect Staying in a Lodge Suite (Review)
If you’re traveling with 2-6 people and what to stay in the heart of it all, then booking a room within the Lodge is an ideal option. Intentionally designed to encourage a sense of presence as well as community, these rooms do not have wifi or kitchens (besides a coffee/tea maker). Instead, the cozy lobby serves a central shared space with board games, books, and on-site restaurant. Oh, and there’s a beautiful fireplace which adds to the ambiance reminiscent of simpler times.
One surprise, though not a deterrent, was that to access our room we had to walk through a covered outdoor hallway. It can be chilly here!
A few touches we appreciated in our room:
- Custom-made Pendleton blanket
- Fireplace with bean-bag style chairs next to it
- High ceilings (which made me feel like I was in a log cabin)
- Windows on nearly every wall
- Great water pressure in the shower
- Cozy lighting (definitely dimmer than we’re used to in hotels)
As a sensitive sleeper, I didn’t love the constant humming coming from the bathroom at night. Of course, this was the one time I forgot my ear plugs.. Also, the fireplace may turn on and off during the night (as it is the heater). So if you or someone you’re traveling with is a sensitive sleeper, be sure to pack ear plugs or some way to play white noise (again, there’s no wifi and little phone service in the rooms).
Lastly, enjoy live music on the lobby on Thursdays. Grab a drink from the Skip Bar. I recommend a local cider!
The Cabin Experience
If you’re traveling with more people, want a more private experience, or want to do some cooking then check out the cabin options:
- Small, affordable cabins with a communal bathouse (sleeps 6)
- Deluxe cabins with kitchens (sleeps 8)
- Premium cabins with kitchens and an indoor jacuzzi (sleeps 3)
- The Point cabin with the most space and a gorgeous view of the lake from the porch (sleeps 10)
- Falls cabin with creekside views and a modern kitchen (sleeps 3)
All cabins are pet friendly.
Dine On-Site at the Skip Bar
Located in the lobby of the Suttle Lodge, the Skip Bar is a cocktail lounge serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu rotates seasonally. Given the somewhat remote location of the resort, it’s very convenient to be able to eat without driving anywhere!
Naturally, there’s variety of drinks available — cocktails, beer, and wine.
Things to do at the Suttle Lodge & Boathouse During Winter
- Hike or snowshoe ~4 miles around Suttle Lake (ask the office for current conditions)
- Ski, snowboard, or snow tube at Hoodoo Ski Area, < 10 miles away
- Walk to the bridge that you drove in on and birdwatch
- Enjoy live music Thursday nights
- Experience special events
- Explore the lovely Western town of Sisters, Oregon
- Day trip to Bend, Oregon for a hike, brewery, and walk along the Deschutes River
This post was all about planning a winter visit to the Suttle Lodge.