Oregon Lodging: Loloma Lodge

Loloma Lodge is the most romantic winter getaway you can take in Oregon

written by Jen Stevenson

It’s the most romantic of winter settings—squirreled away in a rustic, snow-capped cabin on the river, watching the white-tipped rapids with mugs of mulled wine in hand, fireplace crackling in the background, beef bourguignon bubbling in the oven. Such is the scene at recently revived Loloma Lodge, a pristine 11-acre retreat perched on the banks of the beautiful McKenzie River, an hour east of Eugene.

The lodge was acquired in spring 2017 by dynamic Bend-based husband-wife duo Wallis Levin, 33, and Tyrone Hazen, 37, who were only dreaming of owning a cozy riverfront cabin when they serendipitously stumbled on a miscategorized real estate listing—for an entire riverfront resort. Falling hard, they soon had the keys in hand and set about molding the storied site into a one-of-a-kind destination for nature weddings, off-the-grid corporate retreats, nostalgia-filled family reunions and quick weekend escapes from city life.

Loloma’s daily itinerary is sublimely simple—after cooking up an omelet with eggs from the hen house and fresh greens foraged from the organic garden, stroll the serene forest glen, rest on a river-facing log bench and commune with the resident hummingbirds that flit through the meadow. The bravest souls may even want to follow in the footsteps of Hazen, who takes a daily dip in the frigid, crystal-clear river—or just toss him a wave from your cabin deck.

56687 McKenzie Highway
MCKENZIE BRIDGE
lolomalodge.com

[su_panel] ROOMS

Book one of four perfectly preserved 1970s-style cabins mere feet from the McKenzie River, the comfy Family Cabin, or the 3,200-square-foot Historic Lodge, a gorgeous circa-1930s log lodge with three suites, a full kitchen and a grand stone fireplace. The lodge is just the spot to assemble that new National Parks puzzle or play a boisterous game of Cards Against Humanity. For larger groups, the property’s mossy, fern-filled stretch of forest can accommodate up to 100 campers, with bathroom, shower and laundry facilities a short walk away.

FEATURES

It’s water, water, everywhere in this neck of the Oregon woods. Twenty minutes southwest of the lodge, year-round Terwilliger (a.k.a. Cougar) Hot Springs tempts with lush greenery surrounding a burbling tier of six rock-walled soaking pools that range from 85 to 112 degrees. A word of warning: clothing is optional, but the $6 day pass is not—purchase one onsite. Twenty minutes northeast, stop at stunning Sahalie Falls, which plunges 100 feet over a natural lava dam. The main lookout point is steps from the parking lot, but for a longer nature walk, follow the 2.6-mile riverfront loop trail to Koosah Falls. When weather permits, book a fishing trip with Helfrich River Outfitters, hit the rapids with Horse Creek Lodge & Outfitters, or play a round of golf at nearby Tokatee Golf Club.

DINING

Each cabin has a full-size refrigerator and oven-endowed kitchen, stocked with dishware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, a coffee maker and a toaster. If dining out, grab thick, juicy double brisket burgers at homey McKenzie Station Pub, or Pacific Northwest salmon tacos and local microbrews on McKenzie General Store’s covered patio. In the morning, join the locals at family-friendly Takoda’s for a hearty marionberry pancake breakfast.

AMENITIES

After lighting the pre-set fire in the fireplace, host an intimate indoor marshmallow roast with a handcrafted Nineteen27 S’mores Kit. Mix your own drink from the on-site cocktail cart, stocked with local liquor and herbs from the organic garden, and for a quintessential country breakfast, gather your own eggs and produce from the garden and fry up an omelet. If coveting your cabin’s color-splashed vintage Moroccan rugs and macramé wall hangings, pop into the lodge’s market, brimming with textiles and treasures culled from Levin’s many travels. [/su_panel]

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