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Overlooking the glistening Tumalo Lake, a cozy oasis in the woods awaits - a fairytale retreat in the forest where one's childhood tree house dreams come true. Tumalo Lake Lodge has captured the very essence of paradise in the forest, where woodland scents, crisp leaves underfoot, and fresh lake air provide a sense of serenity that the beach or city simply cannot match - and guests in need of rest and relaxation can book their place to experience what makes humans so drawn to natural, untouched spaces plush with greenery and woody aromas.

Where Is Tumalo Lake Lodge?

Those heading 12 miles west of downtown Bend, Oregon, near the majestic Tumalo Falls, a divine 640-acre private section of forested landscape houses the fantasy realm of Tumalo Lake Lodge - premises enveloped by the Deschutes National Forest. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and lovers of the fresh outdoors, the gorgeous property boasts seemingly infinite trails along with a robust roster of outdoor activities right on its doorstep, not to mention easy, convenient access to the exquisite restaurants, brewpubs, galleries, and shopping areas for which Bend has garnered an audience.

However, the true pull is in its name; Tumalo Lake Lodge is indeed near the famous and idyllic Tumalo Lake, where natural beauty and fantastic family-friendly activities beckon tensed-up holidaymakers in need of a good battery recharge. Situated just 15 minutes from downtown Bend, Oregon and only four miles from Tumalo Falls, Tumalo Lake is the postcard-perfect place for getting back to nature while being conveniently close to Bend and everything its nearby parts have to offer - which range from relaxing to riveting, of course.

Related: 10 Unusual Things You Should Explore In Bend, Oregon

As for what is undeniably one of the lake area's uncontested best accommodations, Tumalo Lake Lodge's stunning casual-meets-luxury retreats are sublime wonders of expert craftsmanship, blending modernity with tradition in a characterful but highly functional and comfortable manner. Boasting four luxe fuss-free vacation rental cabins and the brand-new Lodge, each build is its own planet of forestry splendor, blending in yet complimenting the natural environment in which it sits, oozing magnificence from every crevice at the same time.

Enormous windows from floor to ceiling evoke a feeling of being up in the trees, with endless views of nature at almost every angle, ready to enchant guests any time of the day or night. Comfortable, beautifully decorated bedrooms in the theme of the forest invite sleepy guests to drift off with the sounds of the wildlife and trees bustling nearby - all after enjoying a day of fun outdoor activities from hiking and biking to water escapades, taking in breathtaking vistas of Tumalo Lake and the surrounding area of Bend, and basking in the Spa Trail experience involving a hot tub and sauna in the woods. Plus, each accommodation's expansive wrap-around deck, private hot tub, and comfortable Adirondack rockers allow for rejuvenation in the fresh air while taking in the gorgeous natural surroundings and views.

The History Of Tumalo Lake Lodge

Tumalo Lake Lodge is a story of passion and love just as much as it is a haven for those in need of tapping into nature's soul and living it in an authentic yet overtly luxurious way. Previously living in Chicago and doing the daily grind for a number of years, the owners decided to move to Central Oregon for their penchant for the activities at their door and to enjoy a more peaceful, slowed-down lifestyle away from the chaos of the city. With a genuine love for Central Oregon and its serene nature, they purchased the Tumalo Lake property to turn their adoration into an opportunity, or, moreover, a new life, one that sees them share this tranquil spot on the state's map with others - but it wasn't always as it is today.

From the early 1930s until 2005, when the current owners bought the Tumalo Lake Lodge, the property's original family proprietors operated a small resort on the grounds. Featuring six small cabins, an ice house, utility sheds, outhouses, and a swimming pool area on one side of the lake, the place wasn't always as luxurious; its former self was modest and basic and mostly off the grid. Still, even today, it's clear the lodge came from humble beginnings, which the owners celebrate through their mesmeric heaven in the woods they have lovingly crafted and curated since they took it over.

Aiming to build a specialty resort offering luxury vacation accommodation but with a casual cabin style that complements the wonderful natural surroundings, the owners have evidently achieved their dream - plus, given the beauty and tranquility of their holiday retreat in the Oregon woods, they couldn't have chosen a better location in which to realize their vision. The place is beautiful, private, and encompassed by nature, yet it remains close enough to Bend and all its attractions and amenities; isn't that the best of both worlds?

Related: These Are The Top-Rated Cities To Visit In Oregon

Activities In The Tumalo Lake Area

Located a few miles up Skyliner Road from the access road near the cabins, guests can follow the trailhead for hiking and mountain biking paths. Also along this trail is Tumalo Falls - a scenic 97-foot waterfall opening up a natural center of activity found just minutes from the Tumalo Lake Lodge cabins. Guests can hike up to the waterfall and soak up the panoramas, viewing a number of smaller waterfalls along the way upstream. Hikers heading four or so miles further upstream will find the Happy Valley area, with its quaint wooden bridges expanding over clear creeks and serene alpine meadows flourishing with seasonal wildflowers, such as lupine, Indian paintbrush, larkspur, and columbine.

Biking is also part of daily life in and around Bend, where several well-known cycling trails attract novices and experienced folks on two wheels. The famous Phil’s Trail System Skyliner Trailhead is found just 1.5 miles from the Tumalo Lake Cabins, while the Sector 16 trail loops right around Sector 16, comprising the whole square mile of the Tumalo Lake Lodge property. Other excellent trails nearby consist of Tumalo Creek Trail and Tumalo Ridge Trail, the route from Swampy Lakes to the Swede Ridge Trail, and the Swampy Lakes Epic Trail. To make choosing trails easier, the public can download a handy map of all the trails on the Tumalo Lake Lodge website.

The fun doesn't stop with hiking boots and bike wheels either; pastimes within the vicinity of Tumalo Lake Lodge also extend into boating, fly-fishing, and, in the winter, guests can even try their hand at snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, after which subsequent sore muscles will certainly need a yoga session and a massage at the lodge.

Activities In Bend And Nearby Areas

The entertainment, excitement, and relaxation go beyond Tumalo Lake Lodge for those who wish to venture a little further. In and around nearby Bend, a good number of other fantastic family-friendly activities and attractions await, with favorites including:

  • Floating the Deschutes River in a canoe, kayak, tube, or a paddleboard
  • River rafting
  • Golfing
  • Exploring Bend's Ale Trail
  • Visiting art galleries
  • Shopping in Bend
  • Trying Bend's restaurants
  • Nightclubbing in Bend
  • Checking out the High Desert Museum
  • Exploring Smith Rock State Park
  • Discovering Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Rooms In The Tumalo Lake Lodge

Now, for the real treat. Calling the accommodation at Tumalo Lake Lodge 'rooms' is a dramatic understatement; they are akin to wooden palaces in the forest, or better described as luxury tree house-like homes where every desire and comfort of each guest is catered to without compromise. Those who've dreamed of living in their own enchanting abode in the woods will be in their element, surrounded by nature in a tranquil atmosphere that provides the much-needed rest and recharge for which weary people yearn.

With four opulent cabins and a very regal lodge - the newest addition to the Tumalo Lake Lodge woodland clan - here's a rundown of each space to tempt readers into booking that divine escape back to nature:

The Lodge

It's so spectacular that this one gets its own paragraph-pushed section. Sleeping up to 20 guests and delivering 6,000 sq ft of living space, The Lodge is the latest complement to Tumalo Lake Lodge and can be enjoyed in two configurations. Guests can rent the first and second floor (six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, sleeping up to 16 people), or as an extra, they can also add the ground floor to their booking for an additional fee, which extends another two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a yoga room, completing the space for up to 20.

All bedrooms in The Lodge boast an ensuite bathroom with Italian tile and granite counters, along with bath amenities and hairdryers provided. The chambers also have king, queen, or twin iron beds with quilts, cozy down comforters, plush pillows, and high thread count linens to lull guests into the best sleep of their lives during their stay.

A large open concept first-floor living room, dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a stylish kitchen fully equipped with a professional cooktop and hood, double ovens, two refrigerator/freezers, and a massive island with prep sink and granite countertops offer the perfect space to cook up culinary creations and enjoy some downtime with the family. Also, upstairs, a large gathering area features two queen sleeper sofas, a game table, and a flat-screen TV for movies and streaming shows, serving as the center of entertainment for guests of all ages.

In addition, heated floors keep everyone warm underfoot in the colder months, while a wood stove burns unlimited free wood and kindling for the ultimate level of cozy while savoring some downtime playing on the free Wi-Fi. Outdoors, a wrap-around deck with chairs, a gas grill, and a hot tub with lush forest vistas complete the picture of paradise in the woods.

Hillside Cabin

First up and ideal for a romantic couple's cabin break or a family holiday, the Hillside Cabin offers two queen bedrooms with high thread count sheets for a sublime slumber, each with its own ensuite bathrooms. Comfortably accommodating up to five guests in 1500 square feet of living space, the cabin boasts ample amenities for a relaxing getaway, including:

  • Open concept living room, kitchen, and dining room equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Spacious upstairs living room (no TV)
  • Private hot tub
  • Wood-burning stove with unlimited free wood and kindling
  • Gas grill
  • Wrap-around deck with Adirondack chairs and breathtaking lake and forest views
  • Laundry service (note: there is no washer or dryer in this cabin)
  • Outdoor games
  • Shared fire pit
  • Lake deck and floating dock use
  • Use of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards
  • Landline phone with free domestic calls
  • Wi-FI (however, it's too slow for streaming and video calls)

Lakeside East Cabin

Next up on the list is the lovely Lakeside East Cabin, which boasts three bedrooms (two king and one queen, and again with cozy high thread count sheets) and three ensuite bathrooms. With 2,000 square feet of living space, this cabin is noticeably larger and easily houses up to eight guests.

Features for that idyllic family vacay include:

  • Open concept first floor living room, dining room, powder room, and kitchen
  • Large upstairs living room (no TV)
  • Private hot tub with lake and forest views
  • Wood-burning stove
  • Wrap around the deck with Adirondack chairs
  • Gas grill
  • Wood stove with unlimited complimentary wood and kindling
  • Washer and dryer
  • Radiant heated floors
  • Games and puzzles
  • Lake deck and floating dock use (note that this cabin is the closest to the lake deck)
  • Use of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards
  • Landline phone with free domestic calls
  • Wi-Fi (again, it's slow, so cannot accommodate streaming or video calls very well)

Related: These Top-Rated Oregon Resorts Are The Best In The State

Lakeside West Cabin

As the most remote cabin of the bunch, the Lakeside West Cabin and its 2,000 square feet of living space offer premier privacy and tranquility. With three bedrooms (two king and one queen) and three ensuite bathrooms, this cabin sleeps up to eight guests in peace and quiet - again, with those all-important high thread count sheets.

A brief description of its other main amenities includes:

  • Open concept first floor living room, dining room, kitchen, and powder room
  • Large upstairs living area (no TV)
  • Radiant heated floors
  • Wrap around deck with Adirondack chairs
  • Private hot tub complete with lake and forest views,
  • Gas grill
  • Wood stove with limitless free wood and kindling
  • Washer and dryer
  • Games and puzzles
  • Outdoor games
  • Shared fire pit, lake deck, and floating dock
  • Use of kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards
  • Landline phone with free domestic calls
  • Wi-Fi (again, slow, so cannot easily facilitate streaming and video calls)

Creekside Cabin

The charming Creekside Cabin is the largest of its four cabin siblings and accommodates up to ten guests in four bedrooms (two queens and two kings) - of course, with those superior high thread count sheets for the ultimate slumber. Each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom, while 2,600 square feet of living space makes for the perfect escape for families and groups of friends.

This cabin's features also include:

  • Expansive open concept first-floor living room, kitchen, and dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Huge upstairs living room with a game table (no TV)
  • Radiant heated floors
  • Wrap around the deck with Adirondack chairs
  • Private hot tub with lake and forest views
  • Gas grill
  • Wood stove with unlimited free wood and kindling
  • Washer and dryer
  • Games and puzzles
  • Outdoor games
  • Shared fire pit, lake deck, and floating dock
  • Use of kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and canoes
  • Landline phone with free domestic calls
  • Wi-Fi (again, a slow connection, so cannot easily provide steaming or video calls)

Given the stunning natural environment and the luxury fairytale cabins just steps from the lovely lake, Tumalo Lake Lodge is setting the standard for premier lake-and-woodland accommodation - not solely in Oregon, but perhaps the entirety of the United States. Combining modern forest accommodation and nature's beauty with outdoor adventures, both adrenaline-pumping and relaxing, this dazzling dot on the Oregon state map is inarguably one of the most authentic and enjoyable ways to reconnect with nature and of course, make memories with family and friends to last a lifetime.

If fans of the great outdoors and travelers in search of refreshment and invigoration tick only one item off their bucket list in the near future, it should be the tantalizing Tumalo Lake Lodge and its casual-luxury accommodations in the lush lake woods.