Drakesbad Guest Ranch - Chester, California

Ryan Levering

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.

Audrey S

I loved it! My favorite memories of summer last year took place here,on this amazing ranch.There’s cabins and rooms upstairs in the lodge,and it’s so comfy! They have heaters and air conditioning in the room,along with beautiful decorations and comfortable beds.When you get up in h the morning,you go to the dining room for breakfast.The breakfast is from 6:30 to 10:00 ( I think ) and they have so many different choices at the buffet.Then you go explore the forest,ride horses (my favorite!!) ,play with the games at the lodge,and so much more! There’s even a pool! The water is so clear! It’s actually a *filtered* hot spring that hey clean daily.I can actually open my eyes in the water without it stinging like crazy. The staff is awesome too.They are so nice,and they even have a basket of carrots at the dining room to feed the horses! At night after you eat diner,you can roast marshmallows in he clearing next to the lodge.I absolutely love this place.The only thing that bothered me was not having wifi.😉

Kyle Kaufman

4.5 stars if I could - this place is near perfect for our 2015 stay. Great riding opportunities which my little girl loved - they went above and beyond and taught her some riding basics that most guided pony rides won't touch. My daughter left a better rider, with more confidence to boot. Pool is fantastic and food is almost top notch - as other reviews note a little uneven but overall very good for being as far out in the woods as it is. Beautiful setting, clean small cabin, and wonderful hiking, esp. for the ambitious hiker. But even the most causal walkers will enjoy the gorgeous meadow Drakesbad is sited in. Horseshoes and games in the lodge too. Kids programs as featured on the site were a bit underwhelming though - just one activity a day.

mansa shaka

This ranch has an intimae feel with wonderful areas for biking, hiking, and nature watching well situated all around it. I found the cabin's to be comfortable given what I paid. They were clean and any issue I had I was able to communicate with management or other workers who were eager to help me. I profoundly enjoyed the Drakesbad hot spring-fed pool of the amenities offered. If you are into socializing plenty of people can be found in common areas eager to share their stories. If asked would I return, I'd have to answer "Yes!"

Tourist766688

I stayed in a bungalow in this remote spot in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The bungalow was primitive with no electricity. Immediately upon arrival I asked the check-in person to take me to my lodging. She did and promised to return with a lantern. She did not and I had to return to office to find no one there and then track her down at the dining hall. Apparently they were low on staff and the office staff had to help the over worked wait staff. My food for the most part was good, but the last morning my breakfast was cold. It took approximately an hour and a half to eat each meal which cuts down on time to spend in the park. Most staff told me they were new and could not answer questions. The invoice I was presented was confusing and the office staff told me i had paid a larger deposit than I actually had. The manager(?) cleared it up, but was not pleasant about it. I agree this lodging could be much better

Deanna Schmitz

Merv and I stayed at Drakesbad for three wonderful days! The staff was friendly,helpful, and
work together like family. The price is expensive, however, it includes three really delicious meals a day,with a vegetarian option...and... the deserts are out of this world fantastic! If you're out hiking for the day, they will pack a huge sack lunch to take along. The best part of Drakesbad Guest Ranch is the Thermal pool!! Very warm, healing, fresh and clean, with a mountain view!! Drakesbad is a quiet and peaceful place that takes you back to another time when families played games together, worked puzzles by the wood stove, and roasted marshmallows under the stars with a campfire warmly glowing. Just a lovely place, and you may even see a bear if you're lucky...We did!

Steven Stoops

I only live 20 miles away but this was the first time for dinner at Drakesbad. They only have two options on the menu each night, a meat dish and a vegetarian dish. The night we went it was prime rib or stuffed bell pepper. We all optioned for the prime rib which came with mashed sweet potatoes and asparagus. It was all tasty but the meat was over cooked and a bit dry. The best part of Drakesbad isn't the overpriced meal, it is all the hiking trails and the hot spring pool. I highly recommend going for that.

Phillip Strano

Love the restaurant! They do an excellent job putting together a delicious buffet. Stopped in for lunch during my hike on the PCT. Treated very well by the staff. It was the best tasting and highest quality of food I had along the PCT.