The Bend Ranch and the Ghost Tree Preserve are unique and irreplaceable.
One morning, we witnessed a rare event where the moon was setting in the west while the sun was rising in the east. This created a stunning blood-red sky. We have also marveled at full moons appearing mid-afternoon and growing larger until they seem able to collide with the Earth. The sunrises and sunsets are breathtakingly beautiful. The moon's brightness is often striking, and we have even caught sight of jackrabbits frolicking in the moonlight from our bedroom windows.
In the early mornings and evenings, various birds gather to bathe and drink from the bird baths. Each flock takes turns alongside other birds. Blue jays, woodpeckers, and even the occasional hawk are frequent visitors. The desert birds are abundant in the area. We once witnessed a bald eagle taking off with prey near the Ghost Tree Preserve. Its wingspan was enormous.
We often take walks with our dog Rufus to the campsites during sunset. There, we light fires and make ourselves comfortable both indoors and outside. Sitting on the porch in star-gazing chairs, we enjoy wine and cheese while we wait for the night sky show to begin. It's impossible to describe the beauty of the sky without light pollution. We can see the Milky Way, shooting comets, and meteor storms leaving bright trails almost every night. Spending the night in the Preserve's luxury tents while listening to coyotes howl is an unforgettable experience. Entertaining friends under the stars and waking up at The Grost Tree Preserve is always a hit. You can explore giant 500-year-old juniper trees, including world-renowned ghost trees and lava rock formations.
The Preserve is an excellent location for hosting events and retreats. We are especially enthusiastic about its potential as a sanctuary for children to explore nature.
The eastern highway is a fantastic addition and is renowned for being one of the top drives for sports car enthusiasts.
All of this is just an easy 13-minute drive to Bend, Oregon, which is one of the best places to live in America.
Nearby Attractions:
The Horse Ridge Trailhead
The property is located just three minutes away from the trails. The trails in this area differ from those in Phil's, as they feature wide-open, rocky juniper forests and provide exciting opportunities for downhill and climbing on the 4700 ridge. With approximately 30 miles of trails, there are plenty of options available for mountain biking loops.
The Oregon Badlands Wilderness
Just a five-minute drive from the property, you can find the Wilderness area that spans 29,180 acres. It is home to lava outcrops and western junipers that have been weathered. The Wilderness can be accessed through five trailheads and is open year-round to hikers and horseback riders. It offers a vast network of fifty miles of trails to explore. The area is also home to various wildlife species, such as yellow-bellied marmots, bobcats, mule deer, elk, and antelope, which makes it an excellent location for nature enthusiasts.
The Pine Mountain Observatory
Located 16 miles southeast, atop a 6,300-foot mountain, it's an ideal spot to observe the great stars of the Eastern Oregon high desert.
