Big K Guest Ranch Review

Located in Elkton, Oregon, the Big K Guest Ranch sits on prime real estate in the Umpqua Valley. The family-owned and operated guest ranch is an outdoor lovers mecca. From active adventures to birding, biking and campfires, the Big K has the A, B, C’s covered. In fact, the ranch has a little something for everyone looking to fish, hunt, hike, swim or relax in Southern Oregon. The home-cooked meals are an added bonus. Read my Big K Guest Ranch review for things to do on the Umpqua River and beyond.

Big K Guest Ranch in Elkton, Oregon with lodge in the distance. — Big K Guest Ranch in Elkton, Oregon

Big K Guest Ranch in Oregon’s Umpqua Valley

I wasn’t familiar with Elkton or this part of Oregon’s Umpqua Valley. My husband was raised in Roseburg and spent his youth in and around the Umpqua River. He’s like a salmon returning to familiar waters when it comes to outdoor activities in Southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley. Nothing makes him happier than spending a week in God’s country.

When we drove into the entrance to Big K Guest Ranch, we literally sucked in our breath as we surveyed the 2,500 acre ranch. A working cattle ranch, Big K Ranch offers guided fishing and hunting trips, scenic river rafting trips and every imaginable activity for families and couples to enjoy. We visited in February for a winter steelhead fishing trip. This was my first time fishing the beautiful Umpqua River and I’m glad we had a professional guide.

We had arrived the night before our day-long fishing trip. Guests are able to order meals at the lodge, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. We selected the all-inclusive meal option and enjoyed hearty dining options 3x daily. Nothing pleases me more than not having to cook for several days on end.

Guest Ranch cabins

Big K Guest Ranch offers 20 guest cabins. If this is a special occasion or romantic celebration, I highly recommend reserving cabin #20, the Country Suite. Recently renovated, this “honeymoon suite” features a gas fireplace, private balcony and ensuite bathroom with 2 waterfall shower heads.

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All cabins are situated near the lodge and an easy walk to the Umpqua River. Every cabin is single story and pet-friendly. If you are arriving from Eugene, Oregon, Big K Ranch offers an airport shuttle service for an additional fee.

Front entrance to Big K Guest Ranch Country Suite in Elkton, Oregon — Country Suite Cabin 20 at Big K Guest Ranch

The Big K Ranch would be an ideal location for a wedding or family reunion, as the 3-star hotel is able to be rented out in its entirety. There is a large conference/special event room and plenty of outside venues to gather.

Recently renovated cabin #20 at Big K Guest Ranch includes king bed, sofa bed and chair, gas fireplace and large bathroom in Elkton, Oregon. — Renovated cabin with gas fireplace, ensuite shower

Watch the wildlife from your private patio at Big K Guest Ranch. On our evening walk we encountered Rio Grande turkey, blacktail deer and spotted Roosevelt elk bedded down in the upper pasture.

Deck attached to Big K Guest Ranch Country Suite cabin. Abacela bottle of red wine on table next to chair with grassy field in the background in Elkton, Oregon — Private balcony with forest views.

Activities at Big K Guest Ranch

If you like being active on your Southern Oregon vacation, Big K Ranch has plenty of outdoor activities. Bank fish from the Umpqua River. There is 18 miles of almost exclusive river-front access from the ranch. Float the river in a kayak or arrange a guided trip. Mountain bike on the rugged property; bring your bike and helmet. Hike the ranches meadows or relax by the riverbank.

Children and adults will enjoy the game room, a round of horseshoes or sit around the nightly campfire. Be advised that the cabins do not have televisions or WiFi. There is WiFi available in the main lodge and our cell phones worked for us in the cabin during our stay.

Check-in time 2:00 p.m. Check-out time 12:00 p.m. Room rates start at $142 per night mid-week off season. Discounted group rates are even better.

Yellow Labrador Retriever waits patiently inside drift boat. Read for guided fishing trip on Oregon's Umpqua River in Elkton. — Guided fishing trip on Oregon’s Umpqua River

Ranch Dining

As I mentioned, Big K Guest Ranch is a working cattle ranch. To that end, you’ll notice a refrigerator at the lodge offering grass-fed beef for sale. Dinners feature steaks, burgers, lasagna, seafood and salads, among other options. Save room for desserts such as marionberry cobbler with ice cream or brownie ice cream sundaes. Fishing trips offer boxed lunch options with sandwiches, chips, fruit and fresh baked cookies.

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Family style dining at the lodge at Big K Guest Ranch

Baked potato, green beans and beef steak from cows on the Big K Guest Ranch — Beef from the cattle at Big K Guest Ranch, a working cattle ranch

Gather round the river rock fireplace at Big K Guest Ranch

Things to Do in Roseburg, Oregon

If fishing, hunting or river activities aren’t your thing, there are plenty of things to see and do in nearby Roseburg, Oregon. The Umpqua Valley Winegrowers offers a wine tour map highlighting over 30 growers and wineries in Elkton and Roseburg, most open to the public. Golf is offered in Roseburg or visit the Saturday Farmers Market downtown for farm fresh produce, baked goods, seafood and handcrafts.

Big K Guest Ranch (541) 584-2295 lodge@big-k.com

20029 Highway 138 West, Elkton, Oregon 97436

The Big K Guest Ranch review, You Tube video and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of The Big K Guest Ranch, however all opinions are my own.