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Fossil, Oregon

About the Ranch

In The Media...

Northwest Palate Magazine

Summer days in Central Oregon are sweet and piney from the sun-baked juniper and sage.  The nights are crisp and clear with starry skies.  In early summer the hills are blanketed by wildflowers, everything from lupine to larkspur, while year-round the high desert hills and bunch grass valleys are ribboned by cattle trails and healthy cows seeking green pastures. 

Out here, ranchers rule.  Among them are fifth-generation ranchers Phil and Nancy Wilson, who own the 9,000-acre Wilson Ranches Retreat Bed & Breakfast in Fossil, Oregon.

The Wilson's run cattle drives through-out the week, in line with a green-friendly twice-over grazing program that promotes perennial grasses and guests are always welcome to saddle up and lend a lasso.

Throughout the day, moving cattle from pasture to pasture, we were graced with big-sky horizons and stretches of rolling hills with no sign of man for as far as the eye could see.
Liz Crain, Northwest Palate


HISTORY

Your hosts, Phil and Nancy Wilson’s families homesteaded in Wheeler and Gilliam Counties over 100 years ago and the Wilson Family is blessed with the same pioneer spirit.  The Wilson’s ancestors came to the Oregon Territory on the Oregon Trail in the mid 1800’s.  As a family ranch operation, Wilson Ranches has four generations involved in its success on a daily basis.  A cattle drive will include Phil’s 96 year-old Dad and Mom flagging in the lead and 17, 11, 6, and 4 year-old grandchildren trailing in the rear of the herd.

Cattle and hay ranching has become a very technical and demanding business.  Phil’s degree in Animal Science and Ranch Management from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, California, has better equipped him to deal with the rapidly changing ranch industry.  Nancy’s ranch and office administration background has well equipped her to be a great ranch hostess, partner, mother and cowgirl.  

RANCH ACTIVITIES

Horseback Riding

Rider 1 Hour $30
Rider 2 Hour $40
Rider 3 Hour $50
Rider 4 Hour $60
Rider 5 Hour $70
Rider 6 Hour $80

As you ride the range your senses will be awakened by the breathtaking views that will capture your imagination.   Our guests can go on scenic horseback rides or move cattle from mid-spring to late fall. The ranch quarter horses are ideal for both experienced and beginner riders. Horseback rides are one to five hours, your choice. These activities depend on the weather – mud or ice can be a problem in the winter or early spring.  Phil is a cowboy with a great sense of humor and a storyteller; you are guaranteed a Great Time! 

From Our Guests...

Phil and Nancy, that cattle drive you took us on was surely the highlight of our year.  We felt like we were re-enacting a scene out of "City Slickers."  What vacation could top that?  Oh, and the food, the FOOD!  It was delicious.  We enjoyed it all…and we will be back next year from the Texas heat.
Many Thanks from the Zarcot Family

4-H Farm Friends

  • A great family destination for all ages.
  • Feed and touch a baby calf, chicks, chickens, goats and lambs. Gather eggs and learn about poultry and these amazing animals. The Nubian goats, "Duke" and "Clara" are especially playful and love to nibble on anything. The Suffolk lambs will be on Wilson Ranches from the beginning of June until the second week of August when they will be shown at the Wheeler County Fair.

4 Wheel Drive Tour

Per Couple 4-5 Hours $100

A 4-Wheel Drive Sunset Ranch Tour is approximately four to five hours and occurs late afternoon until dark.  The 4x4 Ranch Tours are offered by reservation only the months of May, June, up to mid July and October 15th until the snow flies.  Phil shares about ranch life, pioneer history, Native American lore, flora and fauna and the geological formations in the area.  Guests enjoy a magnificent view of the Cascade Mountain Range - Three Sisters to Mt. Rainer on a clear day.

From Our Guests...

Far exceeded our expectations.  Phil and Nancy are the best.  Hope we can return soon.  The highlight was our 4x4 sunset ranch tour.  WRR has my highest recommendation.
Steve and Sharon

HUNTING

Upland game bird (chukar, quail, and Hungarian partridge) hunting is offered to B&B Guests only from October through January.  Please call for reservations. 
Mule deer hunting is offered on Wilson Ranches.  Hunters need to contact Phil by April 1st to find out about availability and draw requirements.

In The Media...

Cascades East

Our home is your home is their motto and no one has ever doubted it.  The retreat is surrounded by miles and miles of private land to explore-with unique geology, sagebrush, juniper hills, hay fields, pastures and more.  You choose horseback riding, cattle drive, 4x4 ranch tours, spring branding, calving (you don’t want to miss this), hiking, fishing, bird watching or photography.  The area is teeming with wildlife:  mule deer, antelope, elk, coyotes, badgers, squirrels, beaver, game and birds of prey.
TP Morris
Cascades East


Guests from across the globe journey to Wilson Ranches Retreat for a real western experience.  We invite you to become a part of our ranch family sharing in the history and tradition of this majestic land.  

Joy for the Heart, Peace for the Soul & Memories for a Lifetime!