Run Oregon loves running – that’s no surprise. But we also love the Pacific Northwest and all that it has to offer. Running is a part of us, but it does not fully define us. In our “Make a Day of It” feature, we aim to showcase some great local non-running events and highlight where to run and how to make the most of your experience!
The next installment of this series is the Pronghorn Resort!
Morning view over the driving range, and the beginning of some paved trail running.
The running:
I am currently sitting down and starting this post in my Pronghorn room while waiting for tomorrow’s Bend Marathon. This yearly race has continued to grow, and we love coming over each April and spending a fun weekend in Central Oregon while taking in the race. While there is always an excuse to come over to Bend (Bite of Bend anyone?), some noteworthy races are:
- Bend Marathon and Half (April)
- Smith Rock Ascent (May)
- Bend Beer Chase (June)
- Cascade Lakes Relay (August)
- Monkey Face Half Marathon (August)
- Twilight 5K (August)
Even if you aren’t coming over to race, there are always great high desert trails to explore, from nearby Smith Rock to the 700+ miles of trails surrounding Bend. Shoot, you can just head out of the main entrance and have dozens of road miles on quiet high desert streets. It’s basically 4.5 miles from the main entrance to the nearest main thoroughfare – Powell Butte Rd. In the four times we came and left, I never saw another car on Pronghorn Estates Road. Needless to say, if you are looking for quiet and solitary running in the high desert – Pronghorn is absolutely ideal.
Our Experience:
The Pronghorn Resort has a few different staying options and will be expanding more in the upcoming months. While the primary staying option is getting you into one of their amazingly beautiful real estate properties, that may not be in most of our long-term plans. It may be a long-term goal, but in the interim we may just be looking for a few nights getaway or golfing/running vacation. Right now, their Huntington Lodge is under construction (estimated to open in Fall 2017) and will feature short-term lodging options similar to a hotel.
We were given the opportunity to check out one of their current short-term options, a one-bedroom loft just around the corner from the Clubhouse.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/170206453?wmode=opaque
First off, it is absolutely beautiful, inside and out. This specific room sleeps four and has a great kitchen, living room, and bathroom downstairs, as well as a master bedroom, bathroom, and sleeping loft (with a King of twin beds) upstairs. The kitchen has a giant refrigerator, perfect for if you want to come with a group of people and/or stay for an extended period of time and would rather bring food or grocery shop before hand. There is Pronghorn branded coffee beans out on the counter, just waiting to be freshly ground up and fill the kitchen with the best aroma. Watching the video above shows the visuals even better than I could explain.
Outside of the living room is a small patio area and a nice firepit that overlooks the golf course. It’s super peaceful and it was breathtaking watching the sun rise with a freshly made cup of coffee in my hands.
If you want to cut costs and bring more people over with you (family or running buddies, there are also 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom options, as well as a Junior Suite if you are coming as a couple. There are some great specials going on now as well.
There are a few restaurants on-site, from the Cascada Grill – serving all meals, to the Friday and Saturday night dinner services at Chantrelle, which has amazing views and a great wine list. There is also the Trailhead Grill, which is currently closed for the season, but will be up and running soon. Check out their event page, which include on-site workout classes, Burger and Beer Thursday nights, and Music on the Patio. During the winter season, they also provide shuttle service to Mt. Bachelor.
The location, while still a short drive from downtown Bend (about 16 miles), really is the perfect location to get away from it all and relax, or just get prepared for a race away from the hustle and bustle of Bend. Make a Day of It and head to Pronghorn the next time you need some time away in Central Oregon.
*More about the Pronghorn Resort:
A vacation at Pronghorn is like a reunion with everything awesome. All our luxury homes are designed to embrace the outdoor Central Oregon lifestyle, with outdoor living spaces, expansive views across lush golf fairways or ancient juniper groves, and walking distance to all our resort amenities. We’re adding more luxury homes to our rental pool this spring. Explore a variety of nightly or weekly accommodations below or let us find the perfect one for you.
*”More About” information taken from the company’s website. We like to let their own stories speak for themselves, because we review companies that have real personality and passion about what they do.
Many thanks to Pronghorn for allowing us to check out their property! Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
