Bear Mountain Ranch
Bear Mountain Ranch is an 18-hole mountain course in Chelan, Washington, known for its challenging elevation changes and stunning views over lake and valley. Players face strategic bunkering, tricky greens, and a layout that rewards thoughtful shot-making amid breathtaking natural surroundings.
Course Overview
Set amid the rugged terrain of Chelan, Washington, Bear Mountain Ranch offers a compelling mountain course experience that commands both respect and admiration. This 18-hole layout challenges golfers with its dramatic elevation changes and sweeping views of the nearby lake and valley below. The routing takes players on a journey through natural contours and elevations that test shot-making from tee to green. Strategic bunkering and thoughtfully placed hazards accentuate the course without overpowering it, requiring players to balance power with precision.
The setting is a defining aspect of Bear Mountain Ranch. From fairways lined with native vegetation to panoramic vistas visible from many tees and greens, the course invites a contemplative pace. While carts are mandatory due to steep inclines and the expansive layout, the effort spent in navigating the terrain is richly rewarded by the captivating scenery and thoughtfully crafted holes.
Bear Mountain Ranch caters primarily to golfers comfortable with moderate to advanced challenges. The greens, known for their tricky breaks and deceptive slopes, demand careful reading and confident putting strokes. Elevation shifts make club selection critical, as winds can subtly influence ball flight across the elevated tees. This course is both a test of patience and skill, encouraging players to engage with the landscape rather than fight it.
The clubhouse, though modest in size, provides a welcoming atmosphere with a well-stocked pro shop and a café for post-round relaxation. While food options may be limited, the friendly service and convivial environment add to the overall experience. The course has earned a reputation not only for its physical challenge but also for the warmth of its community, as staff and players alike share a genuine enthusiasm for the game.
For those planning a visit, sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended given the mountainous setting. Early tee times offer cooler conditions and moments of quiet before the course fills. Bear Mountain Ranch promises a memorable round where nature’s rugged beauty and golfing demands intertwine seamlessly.
Course Highlights
Distinctive mountain layout featuring significant elevation changes, impeccably maintained fairways and greens, panoramic views of Lake Chelan and surrounding valleys, demanding greens complex with deceptive breaks, strategic bunkering that rewards accurate approach shots, and a welcoming clubhouse facility that complements the rugged course environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Monty Turner
First, it starts with a great welcome at Pro Shop. Then the fun begins. As much as we love to walk a golf course, carts are mandatory at Bear Mountain. They have done an incredible job of designing the course over challenging terrain. Some of the holes just need a little patience, the architect did the best with what he had. The rest of the holes are fantastic and fun! The views of the Lake and the valley are worth the rate just on their own!
Christine Bosanco
Great golfing experience! Beautiful
Bingo Pajamas
This is one of the most challenging courses in Washington state because of the ingenious set up of the greens; it's nearly impossible to get your bearings straight, one moment you think it's going to break right, the next moment it actually breaks left. All I can say is good luck on the greens, grip it and rip it. The clubhouse/parking experience is flawless. The conditions of the course (last July) was perfect. There were multiple herds of deer roaming the holes - and I'm happy to report that not a single bear was sighted.
Moon Chung
A good course to visit in Washington State
Joanne B
We had so much fun. Everyone I talked to either on the phone or in person were super friendly. I had a couple of friends back out, so I brought my 7 yr old grandson. Everyone LOVED the idea he was going to ride with me. The couple we played with (Gary & Catherine) we're just a joy to play with and we're so encouraging toward my grandson for the few times he swung a club. It was just a great day of golf and I can't wait to play in the. Ladies tournament next week.
Joanne B
We had so much fun. Everyone I talked to either on the phone or in person were super friendly. I had a couple of friends back out, so I brought my 7 yr old grandson. Everyone LOVED the idea he was going to ride with me. The couple we played with (Gary & Catherine) we're just a joy to play with and we're so encouraging toward my grandson for the few times he swung a club. It was just a great day of golf and I can't wait to play in the. Ladies tournament next week.
mojo coffee
I really enjoy Bear Mountain and highly recommended playing it. A great mountain course with some beautiful vistas and challenging holes. Only four stars on this visit, they were having some irrigation issues which made for some dried out areas. I also would have liked some quick grab food at the turn. 11:30 and all you have are some old breakfast sandwiches? I’m sure I could have broke 80 if I wasn’t starving on the back nine lol pay no attention to the fact that I have yet to break 90
Troy Ferrell
Absolutely stunning course, every hole is a picture worthy view of the lake. Course was in great condition, golf carts great quality. The pro shop and cafe are a bit on the small side but still nice. Would definitely recommend to others
mart monroe
mojo coffee
I really enjoy Bear Mountain and highly recommended playing it. A great mountain course with some beautiful vistas and challenging holes. Only four stars on this visit, they were having some irrigation issues which made for some dried out areas. I also would have liked some quick grab food at the turn. 11:30 and all you have are some old breakfast sandwiches? I’m sure I could have broke 80 if I wasn’t starving on the back nine lol pay no attention to the fact that I have yet to break 90
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Course Details
Access & Location
1050 Bear Mountain Ranch Rd, Chelan, WA 98816, USA
Main clubhouse with pro shop and café
Walking is challenging given steep terrain; carts are required and recommended for all players.
Open to public with tee time reservation recommended during peak seasons.
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