Golfing in Central Oregon

Today we will chat a bit about the popular Black Butte Ranch located about 8 miles west of the quaint little town of Sisters.  Black Butte Ranch is a residential community of approximately 1251 home sites, two 18-hole championship golf courses, 19 tennis courts, five swimming pools, three restaurants, a few shops, 18 miles of bike paths and a general store, complete with horseback riding available during the summer months. 

Black Butte Ranch is divided into six sections plus three sets of condominiums and various cluster-cabins.  The location of the current residential resort is on property that was an operating cattle and horse ranch beginning as early as the 1880’s.  The Big Meadow section of the ranch was known as Swamp Ranch during the early 1900s.  Hogs and hay were raised on the property.  All the property changed hands several times and sections were added and deleted, changing the shape of the ranching operations.

In 1957, Stewart Lowery sold the Ranch to Howard Morgan, a former Oregon Public Utility Commissioner.  Morgan then sold the property in 1969 and after some deal making and Brooks Resources acquired full title in January 1970.

Brooks became the developer of the current Central Oregon residential resort, setting up a Homeowner Association at that time.  The development philosophy was to create a community of residential and summer homes with limited commercial activity.

Brooks encouraged development in the nearby town of Sisters, established in the 1830s, Sisters grew up as a lumber town.  By the early 1970s, after local lumber mills had closed, the town was in decline.  When Brooks Resources began developing the Ranch, they offered merchants in Sisters $5,000 and free architectural help to create a “theme” look to the town.  The Sisters planning commission adopted an 1880s theme, which improved the town’s attractiveness and returned it to its original roots.  In 1982 Brooks transferred ownership of the private roadways, bike paths, common areas and recreational facilities to the Homeowners Association.  The remaining assets transferred ownership to the Association in 1987. 

There is something for everyone at Black Butte Ranch and can be enjoyed year round.  Visit Black Butte Ranch website for additional information at www.blackbutteranch.com