A Central Oregon Lodge Built Log by Log
Redband Lodge began as a vision to create a retreat where time slows down and connections deepen. This small log-built lodge represents a joint effort that unfolded over many years, handcrafted by master builder, Ky Williams, together with the owners. Ky Willams, now a grandfather many times over, began building log cabins when he was 18. His projects are like good wine: “no wine before its time,” which is how Redband became what it is today.
What makes Redband Lodge truly special is that every element was created with intention and care:
- Each log was personally selected by Ky Williams from Lost Valley, Oregon
- Every log and board foot were debarked or de-nailed, milled, sanded, and planed on site
- The entire structure features real wood throughout—no sheetrock anywhere
- Distinctive architectural elements include repurposed materials from a Moses Lake homestead, a 1942 Grass Valley grain elevator, and regional building salvage stores like Hippo Hardware & Trading Co.
- The Blue Mountain larch flooring, which the owners purchased and personally hauled in from Blue Mountain Lumber Products in Pendleton, Oregon, adds warmth and character throughout the first floor
- The massive Doug Fir log (“Big Red”), which you’ll see as you enter the main living area, was a salvage piece from a nearby Tygh Valley ranch. It had to be hoisted in place by a crane and the flooring had to be hand-scribed for a precise fit.
- The curved arch cut in the header log directly above the dining room table was hand-cut by Ky Williams free-hand with a chainsaw. (That’s how good he is).
The journey wasn’t without challenges. Each Ponderosa Pine log was hand-selected using sustainable practices that avoided clear-cutting. The owners hand-sanded and sealed over 1500 board feet of Blue Mountain larch flooring and paneling. The red barn wood paneling in the Blue Mountain Suite, hand-planed flooring in the Moses Lake Room, and the grain elevator planks in the Grass Valley Room—each element tells a story of perseverance and connection to place.
Perhaps the greatest inspiration was connecting the lodge to the river that gives it its name. Our hope is that the 215 feet of private riverfront will inspire our guests to gain a better understanding about where the unique Redband trout—isolated in this watershed since the Ice Age—still thrives today.
Our vision has always been creating not just a welcoming retreat, but also experiences that reconnect guests with nature, the local history and community, and themselves. In a world that moves too fast, Redband Lodge stands as a testament to the beauty of enjoying the ride and taking things at your own pace once you get here.
Our Mission
To provide an immersive lodging experience in North-Central Oregon for people seeking recreation, relaxation, and creativity.
Our Vision
Guests feel at ease and at home, taken away from busy lives, just being in the Oregon outback and doing what they love to do.
Make it Yours
Redband Lodge was built as a private retreat, with thoughtful details to enhance your experience. We invite you to discover the magic of this place and return again and again to “make it yours.” Unlike traditional accommodations, when you book Redband Lodge, you rent the entire property, ensuring space and complete privacy during your stay.
You’ll have exclusive use of all common areas, bedrooms, and outdoor spaces. Our property managers may occasionally be on-site for maintenance, but they will always notify you in advance and ensure your privacy is respected. This exclusive access allows you and your group to truly settle in and create your own experience in this special place.
Our Philosophy
We believe in:
- The restorative power of connecting to the land and open space
- The importance of authentic connections—to place, to people, to self
- The joy that comes from immersive experiences
- The balance of adventure, creativity and reflection
Our small team of local hosts brings this philosophy to life, sharing their knowledge of the area and ensuring your stay offers something special.
