Situated alongside a pristine, rare high mountain lake in Southern Oregon, The Lake of the Woods Resort has been a beloved destination for anglers, boaters, swimmers, hikers, mountain bikers and other recreation chasers since as far back as the 1920s.
More than a decade ago, the Resort began an ambitious plan to update and remodel their historic structures. “We’ve literally done a major project every year since 2008”, says George Gregory, the resort’s General Manager.
The final piece of that puzzle? The upper bar. After months of hard work over the winter, the area was finished and ready for the start of the 2020 season.
There was just one problem: the pandemic, along with its associated quarantine and stay at home orders. Instead of opening on time, the Resort would have to wait to show off their final major update.
Fortunately, on May 21st, the Resort resumed full operation. That means, as long as a person can pull their eyes from the newly available view of the lake and Cascade mountains, they can order a drink at the 30-foot bar made of quartz and wood. They can choose a beer from a dozen taps as they wander the Victorian-inspired saloon.
As for a grand opening, the entire concept of such a thing changed in 2020.
“Opening at half capacity meant we couldn’t have our usual Grand Opening Celebration”, said Gregory. “But at the same time, we’re very happy we were able to open when we did.”
So far, Gregory says the Resort is “pleased beyond expectations” by the response from guests. The people of the PNW seem eager to shake off the cabin fever and seek out natural beauty. At Lake of the Woods and small resorts around the PNW, folks are getting outside, in the sun, on the trails, on the water.
Here’s to The Lake of Woods Resort and many more awe-inspiring Southern Oregon seasons.