Drakesbad Guest Ranch

What a wonderful couple of days well spent at Drakesbad. We were honored to be the first customers since they had to close because of the Dixie Fire (second-largest single fire in state history) mid-summer 2021. The fire destroyed two bungalows and a cabin. a major flood in Fall of 2021 damaged the pool. They hope to have the pool rebuilt for summer 2026 along with the horses back for riding. We were celebrating my husband's birthday and our 45th wedding anniversary. They took very good care of us! They made a birthday cake with chocolate-covered strawberries and gave Dave a birthday card. The food was excellent with very generous portions. We stayed in Bungalow #2. There is no electricity in the rooms. We charged up our phones in the chow hall. An unexpected plus was the WIFI in the Lodge and chow hall areas. Pat O'Brien and his staff were wonderful and did whatever they could to make us comfortable. It is still rough around the edges, but I know they are working hard to bring it back to its prime. I suggest you bring a small table for your room along with some rechargeable camp lanterns.

Holy Smokes!! What an experience!! The teen daughters eyes went WIDE OPEN when they found out it is really lights out at 10 pm with no electric power / wifi etc. But still have running water yay. The new cabin was very comfortable. All staff very friendly (thanks Patrick and Luisa!!). At night, FINALLY got to see the Milky Way in all its glory. I told daughters to not expect much as far as food HOWEVER kudos to the Chef as it was wonderful - beyond expectation - food, drinks, coffees, desserts. It is a travel commitment to get there, but 1000% worth it.

Drakesbad? More like Drake’s GOOD! This is just a review of the dinning hall. A Pacific Crest Trail hiker passing through, had their French Toast breakfast. $23 after taxes and wonderfully tasty and high calorie. Friendly staff. I’m told in high season with lots of guests they’ll become a buffet (which is very risky with unlimited appetited hikers). I’d recommend stopping by for a meal.

Cancelled my reservation for next week , no call , no email. Had to read on their website that they are having a delayed opening. Repeated emails , calls and DMs have gone unanswered. Completely unprofessional, not sure how anyone can stay here

I spent a night here while touring Lassen National Park to see what could possibly be worth the 350 a night I spent for my wife and myself. It includes food so the price is somewhat justified, but overall I was pretty underwhelmed. The food was somewhat hit or miss. The pancakes were amazing in recipe and in preparation, but the prime rib I had was mediocre. The buffets for breakfast and lunch were also pretty mediocre. Nice for being in the middle of the wilderness, but drive 20 miles down the dirt road and it would be what you'd get at the random local restaurant. Definitely not what I'd expect at a semi-luxury establishment, which is what I was judging this as. The service was generally via international minimum wage live-in staff. They were very friendly and I have few real complaints, but lacking in authenticity and personality for a luxury ranch experience. Less temporary employees would help here. The managers were very friendly and approachable, but I only saw them on check-out and check-in. The lodge room I was in was small and rustic and I have little complaint here. I came in knowing I was getting something cabin-like as part of the authentic experience and it was clean and well put together. The highlight of the place for me was the geothermal heated pool and while it was generally full of rowdy teenagers while I was there, it still was a welcome site at the end of a day of hiking.