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SPRING
Spring comes slowly to our mountain
valley. April arrives with snow still on the ground, usually in
patches beneath the trees and in shady spots, and an occasional
snowstorm. Late in the month, the meadows begin to turn green with
new grass. The sandhill cranes return to nest; their warbling call is
a sure sign that winter is over.
By mid-May, we bring our cattle back from winter pasture
in California and our ranching operation hits full stride. There is
plenty of work in the corrals and on horseback as we get the cows and
calves sorted, worked, doctored and out on pasture for the season ahead..
May 1 – May 20, 2022
Cows return home from California pasture
May
5 – May 20, 2022
Weaned yearling calves return home from California
pasture
Memorial Day Weekend
May 28-30, 2022
Our restaurant and lodging open for our 30th
year. Call early for reservations
SUMMER
Summer arrives with a profusion
of wildflowers and a burst of good fishing. The resident wildlife
population swells to include bald eagles, deer, elk, and small
critters and birds too numerous to mention; coyotes serenade almost
nightly.
Cow work is now the focus of every day. Early in the
season, some of the cattle are pushed to our upper range; the rest
are scattered among the meadows of the ranch. Calving season
(Mid-July to September) is a period of intense cattle work and
horseback riding.
Summer also brings a chance to play. If you come to
visit, keep an eye on the roping arena. It is often the site of an
impromptu team roping or barrel racing practice; maybe you can even
pick up some pointers!
June 1 – June 10, 2022
Turn out cows to Forest Service grazing allotment
July 15, 2022
Calving season begins mid-month and continues through September
FALL
Fall has been referred to as the
"secret season" in central Oregon. Pleasant days and cool
nights offer leisurely hours for hiking, fishing, and relaxing. Fall
colors, as the aspen trees turn, can be spectacular.
September begins with a whirl of activity as the town of
Lakeview hosts the Annual Lake County Fair and Round-up. There is
always some great rodeo action (you might even know some of the
participants) along with lots of small-town fun.
Of course, the ranch work goes on. Yearlings are
shipped, calving continues, and cattle are gathered from the forest
range. In mid-October, the final gather begins as we prepare to ship
the entire herd to winter pasture in California.
September 1 – September 15, 2022
Yearling calves are shipped
Labor Day Weekend, 2022
Lake County Fair and Round-up
October 2022
Cattle are sorted and worked in preparation for move to California
pasture
November 1 – November 15, 2022
Cow herd shipped to California
WINTER
As the winter snow sets in, we are relieved that our cattle are
enjoying green pasture in California. This is the season for family
gatherings, holiday celebrations, snowmobiling and cross-country
skiing. Aspen Ridge is a special place to spend the holidays and we
have been flattered to have many guests make it a tradition.
Our restaurant and lodging accommodations are available
for private bookings and parties throughout the holidays.
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