As I sit down to reflect on our recent weekend getaway, I'm enveloped by a sense of warmth and nostalgia that only a truly magical place can inspire. Picture for a moment the most peaceful and welcoming embrace you've ever experienced in your life, then up that feeling tenfold. Red Cone Lodge IS that emotion. It's the loving home of your dreams, and I'm about to attempt to explain why (although I feel anything put into words will somehow be lacking; this is an experience you need to have to truly believe).
Let's Set the Scene for Red Cone Lodge
From the moment we arrived, the enchanting aura of Red Cone Lodge enveloped us. The charming cabin itself is a marvel of craftsmanship and love, standing proudly on a quiet street, surrounded by the natural beauty of Central Oregon's ponderosa forests. Online, the lodge has nothing but five-star reviews across the board. Once you experience it you'll understand.
Hosts Kim and Andrew Audova were personally there to greet our family as we all poured out of the truck after a long drive. If you know, you know; the double-edged sword of family road trips. Tired, hungry, in need of a bathroom, and somewhat sore from hours in a vehicle. From the moment we stretched our legs and stepped inside Red Cone, any discomfort melted away into sheer awe, aches and pains forgotten in a moment. Cranky teenagers' faces broke into smiles and squeals of delight. Like Alice, we'd entered upon a Wonderland.
Every Detail Has Been Meticulously Cared For
Upon entering Red Cone Lodge, you're greeted by the awe of massive hand-hewn logs soaring to the ceiling and flanking a million-dollar view of show-covered Central Oregon hills peeking through the sprawling forest out back.
A cozy cracking fire in the woodburning fireplace. A huge dining table to accommodate the largest of families. A mastercraft of a fully-stocked kitchen where you can deftly prepare dinner, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the home-cooked meal Kim prepares for you every morning.
You see, Red Cone Lodge is a Bed & Breakfast, the first one in Klamath County to be exact. Every morning of your stay you'll awaken to the incredible smells of bacon, eggs, and Kim's family specialty: Norwegian Pancakes. Spread with fresh strawberry jam and butter, they're an absolute delight; good carbs to fuel you up for a skiing or snowshoeing excursion later in the day. There's a Blackstone grill at your disposal and an outdoor gas firepit for gathering around on chilly nights.
Next, you'll climb the split-pine stairway to heaven. The double balcony sitting areas upstairs will delight adults, but here is where Red Cone Lodge really shines for the kiddos. In fact, they may just disappear up there for your entire stay.
Books, board games, and an awesome video game room (courtesy of Andrew) will keep kids and adults alike busy for days. The really little ones will love the cozy, stuffed animal-filled den area with all kinds of vintage toys to keep them entertained.
The Story of Red Cone Lodge is Steeped in Family Lore
Our hosts at Red Cone Lodge Bed and Breakfast shared a touching personal story that adds an even deeper layer of warmth and authenticity to this magical retreat they've created in the heart of Oregon. As a little girl, Kim found solace and peace at her grandparents' quaint A-frame cabin nestled by the Alsea River. In the midst of a challenging childhood, this riverside haven was her escape. Here, she could immerse herself in a world of imagination, playing with crawdads and building mud cakes by the river, dreaming of a brighter future.
After her grandmother passed on, Kim clung to the vision of one day sharing this familial cabin, filled with precious memories and adventures, with her own children. Life didn't go as planned. The cabin was sold, but the magic she experienced as a child never faded. Years later, she and husband Andrew partnered with a builder, embarking on a journey to design and build an heirloom log home that could be a fairy tale setting for her family and generations to come. Envisioned to be unique and magical, they sought pieces from around the world that each told a story, embedding the essence of wonder and beauty into every corner of the lodge.
After two years of overcoming countless hurdles, in January 2023, Red Cone Lodge was completed. Initially a private sanctuary for friends and family, the sheer beauty and magic of the lodge compelled them to open their doors to others. Believing in the lodge's higher purpose, they launched Klamath County's only bed & breakfast, welcoming travelers from across the globe.
A Deeply Personal Mission
Red Cone Lodge has become more than just a place to stay; it's a refuge for those dealing with trauma, loss, seeking mental health or recovery retreats (something deeply personal to Kim), and a picturesque venue for small weddings and family gatherings.
The conviction that "If you build it, they will come" has transformed into a living reality at Red Cone Lodge, where the dream of providing a healing and magical escape is now a heartfelt invitation to all who seek solace and joy amidst the beauty of Oregon's wilderness. This story of resilience, healing, and hope is a testament to the power of dreams and the beauty of sharing one's sanctuary with the world.
Andrew and Kim also believe in the power of sharing this sanctuary with special-needs dogs. Among the cabin's many delights is Mowgli, the gentle giant of a deaf St. Bernard who serves as the unofficial greeter of Red Cone Lodge.
If you're very lucky, you may just get to meet Bella (a paraplegic bulldog) and her "sister" Willow (a sweet amputee). These dogs with their gentle demeanors and resilient spirits, aren't just pets; they're a testament to the lodge's commitment to care and sanctuary, not only for human guests but for special needs animals as well. Encountering Mowgli, with his quiet strength and boundless love, was a heartwarming reminder of the beauty in kindness and the power of a safe haven.
So Much To Experience, So Little Time
Red Cone Lodge is the perfect haven for versatility.
For those looking to stay closer to home base, the property maintains the perfect sledding/tubing hill out back. When you're perfectly warm from all the exercise but still chilled from the cool forest air, take some time to relax in the huge hot tub on the main deck. It's perfect for a romantic evening for two, but big enough to accommodate a large family.
Personally, my weekend was all about relaxation. While the family was out taking in the slopes at the nearby Willamette Pass Ski Area, I was taking my pick of other spots to soak. The master bedroom features a private bath equipped with a dreamy vintage clawfoot tub (as well as a modern rain shower), while the upstairs bath has a massive soaking-style bathtub complete with a board shelf. You know the kind. Ladies, I'm here to tell you that it's absolutely perfect for propping up your iPad or favorite book, and a glass of red wine while you relax in a blissful bubble bath.
Are you looking for outdoor adventures to feed your soul?
The magic of Red Cone Lodge extends beyond its boundaries. As already mentioned, Willamette Pass Ski Area is a scant ten-minute drive north. (Kim and Andrew were even sweet enough to let us borrow some of their ski gear.) Red Cone Lodge is about a 1.5-hour drive from Crater Lake National Park, about an hour from Mt. Bachelor and Bend, and just around the corner is the glorious Cascade Lakes Highway with too many activities to mention in such a small space (check out our extensive guide for all the details).
Also close by are Crescent and Odell Lakes where visitors can snowmobile, fish, snowshoe, hike, and experience a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride in the winter season.
You won't be able to resist Kim's amazing cooking, but if you decide to venture out for grub, Red Cone Lodge is conveniently located not too far from another one of our favorite haunts: Manley's Tavern. Their broasted chicken is a treat not to be missed.
Disappointment Has No Meaning Here; It Simply Doesn't Exist
In reflecting on our time at Red Cone Lodge Bed and Breakfast, I'm filled with a profound sense of gratitude. For the beauty of nature, for the warmth of hospitality that knows no bounds, and for the joy of discovery. This lodge, with its unique blend of nature, nurture, and a touch of magic, is more than just a place to stay. It's a home that welcomes you with open arms, a sanctuary that soothes the soul, and a reminder of the beauty of connection and care.
To those yearning for an escape that offers more than just a change of scenery, but a transformation of heart and spirit, I cannot recommend Red Cone Lodge enough. It's not merely a destination; it's an experience, a memory to be cherished, and a call to return that resonates long after you've departed. My family and I are already dreaming of our next visit, eager to return to the embrace of our newfound home in the woods.
This hand-crafted cabin, a labor of love and craftsmanship, offered us more than just a weekend getaway; it provided a warm embrace, a retreat into nature, and a connection to a wonderful, extended family we never knew we had.
How To Book Your Getaway
Online at Lodgify: Red Cone Lodge
Phone: 503-437-3526
While you're at it, follow Red Cone Lodge on Social Media:
