Renovations

The Suttle Lodge: A Hipster-Rustic Retreat in Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest

September 20, 2018

If you’re planning a getaway to a national forest, you’re probably envisioning bare-bones accommodations or kitschy motels that were last renovated decades ago. The creative minds behind The Mighty Union (of Ace Hotel Portland fame) are here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be this way. Two years ago they opened the Suttle Lodge, situated on a picturesque 15 acres in Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest, with the hope of bringing some much-needed hipness to a roughing-it environment. Or, as they explained in an interview for the Schoolhouse blog, “We wanted it to feel like you were spending the weekend at your rich, stoner-uncle’s lakeside bachelor pad.” Curious what that means? Let’s take a tour.

Photography by Ellie Lillstrom, except where noted, courtesy of the Suttle Lodge.

The Suttle Lodge isn’t new. In fact, it’s been around since the 1930s, but many of the cabins succumbed to fires over the years. The main building, called the Lodge, is the newest, built in 2005.

Above: The Suttle Lodge isn’t new. In fact, it’s been around since the 1930s, but many of the cabins succumbed to fires over the years. The main building, called the Lodge, is the newest, built in 2005.
Inside the Lodge are lounging essentials—a large cozy fireplace; comfortable, low pouf seating; and the requisite hipster accessories, a vintage record player and some vinyl. Globe pendant lights are by Schoolhouse.

Above: Inside the Lodge are lounging essentials—a large cozy fireplace; comfortable, low pouf seating; and the requisite hipster accessories, a vintage record player and some vinyl. Globe pendant lights are by Schoolhouse.
A simply furnished guest room in the main building. Photograph by Chris Hornbecker.

Above: A simply furnished guest room in the main building. Photograph by Chris Hornbecker.
There are also six Deluxe cabins, which can accommodate up to eight guests. Each cabin features a kitchenette and a porch with either creekside or lakeside views.

Above: There are also six Deluxe cabins, which can accommodate up to eight guests. Each cabin features a kitchenette and a porch with either creekside or lakeside views.
In addition to the lodge guest rooms and Deluxe cabins, there are eight smaller cabins. Photograph by Natalie Puls.

Above: In addition to the lodge guest rooms and Deluxe cabins, there are eight smaller cabins. Photograph by Natalie Puls.
The smaller cabins provide more rustic accommodations.

Above: The smaller cabins provide more rustic accommodations.
A reason to visit even if you’re not staying there is its restaurant, The Boathouse, seen here from a distance. Photograph by Chris Hornbecker.

Above: A reason to visit even if you’re not staying there is its restaurant, The Boathouse, seen here from a distance. Photograph by Chris Hornbecker.
Dining with a view. The Boathouse boasts a menu designed by Joshua McFadden, the executive chef and co-owner of Ava Gene’s and a founding partner at Tusk, two of Portland’s buzziest eateries. The offerings? According to the New York Times, “expertly executed grown-up camp food.”

Above: Dining with a view. The Boathouse boasts a menu designed by Joshua McFadden, the executive chef and co-owner of Ava Gene’s and a founding partner at Tusk, two of Portland’s buzziest eateries. The offerings? According to the New York Times, “expertly executed grown-up camp food.”

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