Located Near Crater Lake, Historic Union Creek Resort Combines Forest Setting, Rustic Charm, And Modern Comfort

Set deep in the renowned Rogue River National Forest just 23 miles from Crater Lake National Park, Union Creek Resort boasts a unique combination of rustic, historic accommodations, renovated rooms and amenities, and a long list of Oregon-born outdoor activities. The full-service resort, originally built in 1922 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features 23 carefully restored cabins and vacation rentals, another nine rooms in its lodge, and dining opportunities including Beckie’s Café, Beckie’s Chuck Wagon, and a summer favorite ice cream shop.

lodgefireplaceIn the early 1900’s, Union Creek was an important camping spot on the Crater Lake Trail – a dusty wagon road connecting the Rogue River Valley with Crater Lake and settlements beyond. It provided drinking water and a shady spot to rest for tourists, berry pickers and other travelers. The resort was a favorite of such notable guests as Zane Grey, Jack London, and U.S. President Herbert Hoover, and still draws celebrities and dignitaries to this day.

Kent and Sandy Watson purchased the historic lodge in 2008, and set about to restore the cabins and rooms to make each its own, individual experience. The couple has been tirelessly updating the facilities with log furniture and country décor, as well as modern conveniences such as new kitchen appliances, bedding, and bath towels and accessories. Photos of the cabins and rooms are available on the resort’s website at www.unioncreekoregon.com.

“Our goal has been to continually improve Union Creek Resort to keep it uniquely rustic, but with modern touches to provide the most comfortable stay. Each cabin and room has its own personality, characteristics, layout and design – but they all maintain a consistent country charm that ties into the history of Union Creek Resort. Guests have really appreciated the results and many request their same cabin or room upon return visits,” says Sandy Watson.

Guests at Union Creek Resort can enjoy their “rustic chic” stay with an abundance of activities awaiting year-round just outside the doors – from hiking, mountain biking, and fishing to snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling. The lodge also sits across the highway from the Rogue River Gorge where waterfalls cascade through a narrow, steep channel of basalt, and the Natural Bridge in which water flows through a 200-foot lava tube. At the end of the day, a cozy cabin or room decorated with log furniture and country charm amenities provides the perfect environment to relax and unwind.

Rooms and cabins can accommodate everything from cozy, romantic bungalows perfect for couples, to large 4-bedroom cabins for groups and families of up to 14 people. Many feature full kitchens and dining rooms, and even allow pets.

cl-ski“Southern Oregon has earned a significant draw of the state’s incredible outdoors opportunities, and Union Creek is fortunate in sitting in the heart of the Rogue River National Forest with 700-year-old Douglas Firs surrounding the property. Every day we get to enjoy the smell of pine needles and fresh forest air. Plus we have our own personal section of Union Creek winding right through the property, and the Wild & Scenic Rogue River is just a few steps away,” says Kent Watson.

At the center of the resort is the historic lodge, originally built in 1922. A fire burned the lodge to the ground in 1937, leaving only a fireplace surround crafted from local petrified wood. The lodge was rebuilt a year later and still features that original petrified wood fireplace in the facility’s fireside library.

For visitors who haven’t yet discovered Union Creek Resort, they’ve likely stopped at the popular Beckie’s Café on the way to Crater Lake National Park. It’s celebrated for its homemade pies, home-style cooking, and friendly, down-home service. The restaurant enjoys its own slice of Union Creek history, dating back to the resort’s beginnings. Ed Becklehymer, known to the locals as “Beckie,” originally operated the restaurant and service station. After he passed away, his wife Cecil, identified by her fiery red hair and a glass eye, also became known as Beckie and continued to run the business until the late 1960’s.

Union Creek’s well-stocked Country Store offers a large selection of staple groceries and supplies, fishing tackle and licenses, as well as rentals of winter and summer sporting equipment. The Union Creek Gift Shop sells souvenirs, clothing and hats, warm- and cold-weather apparel, unique country crafts and gifts by local artisans, and more.

Union Creek Resort is located at 56484 Highway 62, about 11 miles north of Prospect. For more information or to reserve a room, call 541-560-3565 or visit the website at www.unioncreekoregon.com.

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