We were supposed to go to Hawaii this year. COVID-19 however had other plans, so we took our vacation time to ride our horses in central Oregon. We haven’t done much trail riding and I’m still a complete novice with horse riding in general. So we played it safe and booked a VRBO that offered a dry lot pasture and plenty of riding opportunities.
The VRBO was on a 165-acre property that had once been a guest ranch. The property owner Bonnie came by and talked about the riding opportunities and explained the history of the property. They once had 65 Tennesee Walkers and hosted dozens of people on the guest ranch. They also own two clothing stores; one is Sisters and another in Seaside. For more information see VRBO Bunkhouse on the Farm.
Bonnie was very gracious, helpful, and excited to have us. We couldn’t have asked for a better stay. The horses had plenty of room, water, shade, and they even supplied some grass hay to supplement our alfalfa.
Day 1 – We loaded Sky and Stanley in the trailer and drove the 3 hours to sisters from the Eugene area. After checking in and settling the horses we took a drive in the area to just explore. We found an old dam that had failed in 1915 just off Sisemore Road and picked up a Geocache.
Sky ready to go 
Stanley ready to go 
Loaded and all set Excited to explore the Pasture
Day 2 – started with a great ride around the VRBO property. The loop was a little over 3 miles of mixed pavement, gravel road, and trails.
Saddled and Ready 
Road around the VRBO 
Forrest Service Public Land 
Nice roll to get the sweat off 
Post Ride Nap
Day 3 – Another quick ride around the VRBO property. We focused on access to the forest service land surrounding the farm and had some exciting horse moments. Cows and stray squirrels can be terrifying. We took a drive later that day to Bend and Redmond getting back just in time for a nice afternoon thunderstorm (no fires started thankfully).
Forrest Service Trail 
Bridge and Stanley 
Afternoon Raid and Thunder
Day 4 – We checked out of the VRBO and drove to Graham Corral and did a good long ride on the Metolius-Windigo trail for some fantastic views of the forest and Black Butte. We were impressed by how well the trails are marked to help guide riders through the mix of private and public land in the area. We rode Northwest out of the corral toward Black Butte.
Graham Corral 
Sky ready to go 
Met-Win Trail 
Met-Win Trail 
Black Butte 
Getting some water and grass
The corral itself is well developed for camping and day-use with around 13 campsites some with dedicated horse corrals and four large communal corrals. The facilities are good and it’s quick access from Highway 20, although the washboard roads were a bit teeth jarring. We would love to come camp and spend some more time on the trails at a later date.
While it wasn’t Hawaii – we had a great time and rode more than we have in quite some time. I think the horses enjoyed the different climate and terrain as well.