Nestled in eastern Oregon and just over a three-hour drive from Boise, Silvies Valley Ranch provides a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life to the idyllic modern-day ranch life amidst sprawling mountain meadows and ponderosa pines.
Silvies Valley Ranch has been meticulously shaped and polished over the last 16+ years, thanks to the thoughtful planning and ambitious vision of Scott Campbell, DVM, and Sandy Campbell. Their dedication to restoring this impressive 150,000 acres of land offers a unique opportunity to invest in a property that pays homage to the ranch lifestyle while promoting environmentally friendly practices that allow the ecosystem to thrive.
A HISTORICAL TRANSFORMATION
Silvies Valley's intriguing history began long before Scott Campbell’s vision came to fruition. Following the western exploration of Lewis and Clark, nearly 200,000 beavers were trapped and removed. After the ranch was first homesteaded in 1883, it passed through several different owners who further damaged the land. One even imported buffalos, zebras, and giraffes for a sport-shooting wildlife park!
In 2007, the land fell into more well-intentioned hands after Scott retired from a successful veterinary career and gravitated back to his family’s ranching roots near Burns, Oregon. Initially purchased as a real-estate investment, the land was in much worse shape than he had expected. Up for a challenge, Scott found great gratification in the property’s extensive restoration. “It’s been a lot of fun, you know. What’s very cool and the biggest surprise is even though it degraded for 100 years, it comes back so fast. It’s amazing how fast the meadows and all the wildlife habitats come back if you remove the insult.”
One of the first revitalization steps was raising the water table with imitation beaver dams. Soon after, nutrient-dense grasses replaced the overgrown sagebrush on what may be “the biggest meadow on the continental US that has never been plowed.” These grasses make for exceptional hay and also feed the hundreds of cattle and 3,000 goats on the ranch. They continued their efforts while slowly expanding the ranch to more than 50% of its original size.
Once the Campbells had constructed a fully functional ranch focused on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, Scott was ready for more. “I really spent some time thinking and trying to figure out what could do for economic development here.” With a short growing season and few natural resources to harvest amongst other things, Scott proposed introducing tourism to his homeland.
THE RETREAT
Undeterred by the fact that tourism had never been done in this area, the Campbells made a bold effort to support the local community by developing a ranch retreat to provide jobs and invited people to witness the beautiful wildlife and experience the ranch life in a comfortable environment. Designed to offer a weekend getaway for couples, families, or groups of friends to get off the grid and immerse themselves in the ranch, guests at the retreat can engage in ranch experiences, indulge in delicious food, relax in the spa, or simply spend a little more time connecting with nature before unwinding in the comfort of well-appointed cabins. Historic ranch collectibles and photographs accent spaces that include a magnificent main lodge featuring a grand dining room complete with a wood-crafted family dining table as its centerpiece.
CAMP CREEK RANCH DEVELOPMENT
With the retreat in its seventh year of operation, Scott’s vision unfolded into the development of eco-cabins to further evolve the economy and bring tourism to this area for a year-round experience. Ranch equestrian Joei Hammill shared that “The introduction of eco-friendly cabins reflects our commitment to sustainability and providing guests with a truly immersive experience. These cabins offer a chance to disconnect from the fast-paced modern world and reconnect with nature in a meaningful way.”
As Vice-President of Real Estate at Silvies Camp Creek Ranch Development and part-owner of the ranch, Tygh Campbell resides in one of the first eco-cabins built and is helping to manifest Campbell’s vision to share this amazing place with others. These fully off-the-grid, generously sized eco-cabins are being built across 400+ acres and powered by solar with generator back-up. With two acres per property, there’s plenty of space to spread out, and all of them offer views of the immersive natural beauty.
Not only are these carefully designed vacation homes energy-efficient, but they are also set up for renting and can be fully designed with furniture and décor packages to help create a timeless and cozy space that blends in seamlessly with the ranch. And while it’s easy to disconnect and really soak in the peaceful surroundings, there are also amenities available for modern comfort and worry-free living, including reasonably priced utilities and maintenance, microwave-beamed high-speed internet, maid services, grocery delivery, and access to all of the ranch resort amenities, including discounts on activities and meat produced by the ranch.
ATMOSPHERE
Silvies Ranch owners are also rewarded with stunning landscape views and a calming presence of nature that becomes palpable upon entering the Silvies Valley which sustains a diverse and beautiful ecosystem. Pine forests atop hills offer a splendid backdrop to the miles of pasture filled with amber meadows meandering creeks and marshy fields filled with wildlife. Along with free-roaming cattle and goats, spring brings the birth of babies and the arrival of migratory birds. Elk herds, deer, and antelope roam in the fall, and the river otters, coyotes, and beavers stay for the winter.
This dynamic setting leaves Torin Foster, the current golf course superintendent, in persistent awe of the land that she calls home. “I have watched this every year for close to 15 years, and I never run out of new things to photograph. You always see new things, new birds, new wildflowers. The only thing you can pretty much always expect is peace and quiet wherever you go on the ranch.” Ranch equestrian Joei Hammill shared that the atmosphere of the ranch encourages “a more natural way of life that not only benefits the animals but also allows us as staff to connect more deeply with the land and its inhabitants.”
ACTIVITIES AND AMENITIES
While horseback riding or a wagon ride is a fun introduction to recreation at Silvies, Joei also expressed the joy she feels in watching and helping others immerse themselves in the ranch life. “The merging of traditional ranching activities with guest experiences, such as cattle drives and cattle branding, adds an exciting dimension to our work. It's amazing to see guests immerse themselves in the western way of life gaining a firsthand appreciation for ranching.”
Beyond the typical ranch activities, Silvies Ranch is also home to an award-winning reversible golf course and other unique golf experiences. Spend a leisurely afternoon of laughter coaxing an adorable goat caddy with peanuts on a par-three 9-hole course. An undulating 7-hole course offers a true accuracy test, and the first 18-hole reversible putting course in the world offers a fun spot for the whole family to enjoy the sport! It also becomes the perfect spot in winter for a round of Cool Golf. Torin Foster, Golf Course Superintendent and nearly 15-year ranch resident, pointed out one of the more appealing aspects of these courses. With all of these options and not a lot of people, “you can really feel like you have the entire place to yourself.”
Off the golf course, there are also opportunities for ATV tours of the property and wildlife viewing, hiking, snowshoeing, fishing, and target-shooting. For those that want to relax, the spa is a welcome retreat for massages, facials, a heated swim or a quick workout. Opportunities for stargazers and photographers are aplenty with all of the roaming wildlife, landscape scenes, and unpolluted night skies.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
After working up an appetite, rest easy knowing that there are also plenty of delicious options for nourishment at the ranch. High-quality organic grass-fed beef and chevon are offered in a variety of preparations, and homeowners also have opportunities to purchase meat for themselves. Tasting sourdough from a 100+ year old starter originating in Silvies Valley by earlier homesteaders is also a necessary indulgence. Whether it be sourdough pancakes and cinnamon rolls with a heaping serving of frosting or the unforgettably moist sourdough chocolate cake, there’s an assortment of mouth-watering options to satiate and satisfy the taste buds. It’s also possible to learn the secrets of these delectable goods in a sourdough baking class with the chef who may also share some of this historic sourdough starter for practicing at home!
For a unique beverage experience, try the stiff drink made with fermented crab apples from the only fruit tree on the ranch, planted by French trappers in the 1800s. To quench the thirst in the evening, get cozy at the resort’s main lodge bar before the dinner bell rings and enjoy a refreshing glass of wine or partake in a Whisky tasting from an extensive collection.
THE PEOPLE
Of all the reasons to experience Silvies, making connections with others should be high on the list. Whether breaking bread together, relaxing, or exploring, Silvies is an ideal setting to enjoy quality family time. It’s also an opportunity to form friendships with others who share the same appreciation for an environmentally conscious, nature-centered lifestyle.
Scott and Sandy Campbell go above and beyond in welcoming people to their homestead and love to bestow their ranch wisdom while getting to know their guests over a Saturday Family-Style Dinner. The hard-working staff residing on the ranch are equally welcoming with their friendly, flexible approach that makes every time at the ranch feel personalized, carefree, and memorable. Silvies.us
"I never run out of new things to photograph. You always see new things, new birds, new wildflowers."
After the ranch was first homesteaded in 1883, it passed through several different owners
"The introduction of eco-friendly cabins reflects our commitment to sustainability and providing guests with a truly immersive experience."