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Lake of the Woods Mountain Lodge and Resort

Story by Leslee Ryerson

Photography provided by Lake of the Woods

If you’re lucky enough to live at the lake you are lucky enough

Just 36 miles from either Medford or Klamath Falls, Lake of the Woods Resort is a perfect get away. The atmosphere makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time, allowing you to almost sense the spirit of the generations of families that vacationed on the same shores for decades. Times were simpler then, but today it’s been made easier with modern conveniences, accessibility, and plentiful amenities.

At Lake of the Woods you can boat or swim, water ski or fish, kayak or paddle board. Or, just sit and read a book. Everything you need is at the marina and resort. Whether you come for the day or stay for a week, soaking up the fresh mountain air and splashing in the pristine waters of the natural lake, your mind and soul will thank you!

With a gift of patience, a penchant for detail, and an unwavering desire for future growth and preservation, John Doherty, partnering with George Gregory (General Manager), Joel Gorman (Manager of Operations), and Daniel McGee (IT and Campgrounds Manager), has taken the time, care, and concern to facilitate necessary renovations to ensure the resort will serve for decades to come. It was Doherty’s clear vision to painstakingly preserve the flavor and atmosphere of 1922. Come to the lodge and you will feel it. They intentionally made a seamless transition from old to new, built strong enough to last at least another 100 years.

Originally built in 1925, the main lodge had not been renovated since being rebuilt in 1951, following a fire that burned it to the ground in 1949. Extensive renovations on the main lodge started in 2008, when Doherty purchased the resort. Don Andrews Construction, a local contracting firm, has done an amazing job, despite extra constraints such as inclement weather, adhering to myriad Historic Preservation requirements, and keeping in mind sustainability considerations.

In 2008, a large patio was poured adjacent to the lodge, creating a gorgeous outdoor setting for diners. The patio was part of the long-term plan, strategically poured to be part of the foundation for the addition we see today. The enlarged footprint of the lodge has greatly increased the downstairs dining room capacity, making the lodge more practical for year-round use. A lake front deck has been added to preserve the outdoor, lakefront dining capacity and ambiance.

Of all the work put in on the project, the coup d¢état is the bar. What used to be storage and basically unusable space, the upstairs of the lodge has been fully transformed. Originally a log structure, the roof has been raised and the entire building seismically updated with post and beam architecture. To help ensure the building will stand for decades to come, a 600-gallon-per-minute sprinkler system was installed. The lodge is also entirely handicap accessible, allowing folks to take the elevator up to the bar. Or use the stairs, flanked in rustic metal artwork and a hammered metal handrail. Look up to see an impressive custom-built light fixture that could pass for an antique from the 1920s. When you reach the top of the stairs, the room opens up to ceiling high windows and lake view bar seating across the entire end of the building. Pub tables flank the gorgeous, 15’ mahogany, marble-topped bar. Fashioned after the original antique horseshoe shaped bar (previously downstairs), the custom bar and cabinets have the exact look and feel of the original. A very modern, walk-in cooler is strategically hidden behind the bar, keeping the beer ice cold and conveniently accessible to bartenders and servers. There’s even a dumbwaiter to expedite food orders from the newly-renovated downstairs kitchen.

The additional square footage allows room for live music and an adjacent private dining room “Library,” available for conferences or private parties, seating about 12-15. The downstairs dining room has an additional private dining space as well. Inquire about renting a portion of, or the entire lodge for your wedding, reunion, or retreat. The Lakeside Gazebo was built specifically with weddings in mind.

The additional indoor space makes it the perfect year-round resort. Winter sports like ice fishing, cross-country skiing the hundreds of miles of surrounding trails, snowmobiling, or just cozying up to a fire on a snowy winter day. Or, pick that gorgeous fall day in October when the sun is still shining brightly and the air cool and crisp.

The Lodge serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Choose from high quality, Northwest style burgers, sandwiches, steaks, chicken, or fish. Hearty breakfast choices include biscuits and gravy, omelets, pancakes, eggs Benedict, country skillets, and more. They offer a full bar and a large selection of microbrews and local wines, including Lake of the Woods IPA brewed by Klamath Basin Brewing and Lake of the Woods wine produced by Del Rio Winery.

During summer months, you can count on great outdoor barbeque and live music. There is also a Marina Pizza parlor and a country store for other food and snack options.

At the Marina you can rent paddle boards, motorboats, paddle boats, and now, pontoon boats

The Lake of the Woods Resort team has done such an impressive job caring for the resort and marina that they have been awarded the opportunity to operate the surrounding Forest Service campgrounds. You can expect excellent service at Lake of the Woods, Four Mile Lake Campground, Aspen Campground, Rainbow Bay and Sunset Campgrounds. If camping isn’t your thing, there are 33 well-appointed cabins available for rent. Some are vintage and most have full kitchens. Check the website for amenities and availability.

The master development plan is researching viability and sustainability for additional cabins and RV spots, assuring that such an amazing place is being well cared for by a group of people entirely vested in and dedicated to preserving the lakeside resort. They wish to share the special gift of a Lake of the Woods experience with as many people as possible, for generations to come, but without spoiling or overrunning the natural resource that makes it the jewel that it is.

Check the website often for updated information on weekend entertainment and year-round events. Check out the 24 hour cameras online for real time weather and crowd conditions. CDC guidelines for social distancing are being enforced, and additional hand washing and disinfecting stations are available around the resort and campgrounds.

Lake of the Woods Resort

950 Harriman Rte., Klamath Falls

541-949-8300

www.lakeofthewoodsresort.com

For Public Campground Reservations: 877-444-6777