High-desert golf is a strange beast. You’re basically playing on the side of a mountain, staring down at Lake Chelan, wondering if your ball is actually going to stop rolling before it hits the water. Bear Mountain Ranch Golf in Chelan, Washington, isn't your typical municipal layout or a flat resort course. It’s aggressive. It’s steep. Honestly, if you don't have a power cart, you aren't playing this course—you're hiking it, and probably poorly.
People usually head to Chelan for the wine or the lake. They stay for the golf because, frankly, the views from the tee boxes at Bear Mountain are kind of ridiculous. We’re talking about 700-plus feet of elevation change from the highest point to the lowest.
The Reality of Playing Bear Mountain Ranch
Let’s get one thing straight: this isn't a "grip it and rip it" kind of place. If you try to overpower Bear Mountain Ranch Golf, it will eat your lunch. I've seen low handicappers walk off the 18th green looking like they just went twelve rounds with a heavyweight. Why? Because the wind off the lake is real, and the undulating greens are faster than they look.
The course opened back in 2005. Designed by Robert Henrickson and Don Knott, it was carved out of a hillside that most people would have just left for the goats. It’s a par 72, and from the back tees, it stretches over 7,200 yards. But don't let the yardage fool you. Because of the elevation, your ball travels further in the thin air, but the steep drops make club selection a nightmare. You might be 150 yards out, but if the green is 60 feet below you, are you hitting a 9-iron? A wedge? It’s a guessing game until you’ve played it a few times.
That Infamous Fifth Hole
Everyone talks about the views, but hole 5 is where things get serious. It's a par 3. It sounds simple. But you're looking at a massive drop-off to a green that looks about the size of a postage stamp from the tee. If you're long, you're in the brush. If you're short, you're in a bunker that requires a mountaineering license to exit. It’s one of those "hero shots" that makes or breaks your mood for the rest of the front nine.
Most golfers make the mistake of overthinking the wind here. Just trust the yardage adjustment and swing. Or don't, and enjoy the scenery while you card a double bogey.
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Why the High-Desert Climate Changes Everything
Chelan is technically a desert. It’s hot. In July, you’re looking at temperatures regularly pushing 90°F or 100°F. This affects the turf. The fairways at Bear Mountain Ranch are Bentgrass, and they keep them remarkably green considering the scorched-earth environment surrounding the property.
But here is the kicker: the ground is firm.
You get a ton of roll. A 250-yard drive can easily turn into a 300-yard drive if you catch the right slope. Conversely, if you hit a fade that starts drifting toward the edge of the fairway, that slope will carry your ball right into the sagebrush. There is very little "rough" here; it’s either fairway, manageable fringe, or "lost ball" territory.
- The Greens: They are large but tiered. Being on the wrong tier is a guaranteed three-putt.
- The Wind: It typically kicks up in the afternoon. Morning tee times are coveted for a reason.
- The Carts: They are equipped with GPS, which is a literal lifesaver. You need those yardages to the hazards.
Comparing Bear Mountain to Desert Canyon and Gamble Sands
If you're doing a golf trip in Central Washington, you're likely choosing between Bear Mountain, Desert Canyon, and maybe making the trek to Gamble Sands.
Gamble Sands is the darling of the golf world right now. It's links-style, wide open, and forgiving. Bear Mountain is the opposite. It’s tight. It’s punishing. It’s more "mountain golf" than "desert golf." Desert Canyon, located in Orondo, is more similar to Bear Mountain in terms of terrain, but Bear Mountain feels a bit more polished and offers better views of the lake.
Is it "better" than Gamble? That depends on if you like a challenge. If you want to feel like a pro hitting 350-yard drives on wide fairways, go to Gamble. If you want to test your ability to control ball flight and manage a scorecard on a technical layout, Bear Mountain is your spot.
The Clubhouse and Atmosphere
The vibe here is surprisingly relaxed. Despite being a high-end course, it doesn't feel stuffy. The clubhouse sits overlooking the lake, and the patio is legitimately one of the best spots in the entire Chelan valley for a post-round beer.
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They do a lot of weddings here, which can sometimes make the parking lot a bit chaotic, but the staff handles the transition from "golfers in polo shirts" to "wedding guests in suits" pretty well. Just don't expect a five-star dining experience; it’s good "grill" food. Think burgers, wraps, and solid fries.
Practical Tips for Your First Round
Don't be a hero. Play one tee box forward from where you usually play. Seriously.
The elevation changes will wear you down mentally. If you're constantly fighting for par from the tips, you're going to miss the beauty of the place. Also, hydrate. I know everyone says that, but the Chelan sun is deceptive. You’re at a higher altitude, and the dry heat will zap you before you hit the turn.
- Book in Advance: During the summer, tee times disappear weeks out.
- Check the Weather: If the wind forecast says 20mph+, bring extra balls.
- Use the Range: The practice facility is decent, and you’ll want to get a feel for the turf before you head to the first tee.
Getting There
It’s about a three-hour drive from Seattle. The drive over Stevens Pass or Snoqualmie is gorgeous, but watch out for Sunday evening traffic heading back west. It can turn a 3-hour trip into a 5-hour crawl. Most people stay in the town of Chelan or nearby Manson. There aren't many "stay and play" packages directly on-site in the traditional sense, but there are plenty of vacation rentals surrounding the course.
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The Verdict on Bear Mountain Ranch Golf
It’s a polarizing course. Some people hate the "target golf" aspect and the extreme slopes. Others think it’s the most scenic round in the Pacific Northwest. Honestly, both are right. It’s a polarizing, beautiful, frustrating, and exhilarating piece of land.
If you're looking for a flat, walking-only traditional experience, stay away. If you want to see how far you can hit a ball off a cliff while looking at a deep blue lake, there isn't a better place in Washington.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of a Bear Mountain outing, start by downloading a satellite-based yardage app like 18Birdies or Grint, as the physical markers on mountain courses can sometimes be confusing due to the angles. Call the pro shop exactly 14 days out—their standard booking window—to snag a tee time before 8:30 AM to avoid the afternoon gusts. Finally, stop at a local shop in Chelan to grab a physical map of the lake area; cell service can be spotty in the canyons, and you'll want it for navigating to the nearby wineries once the round is over.