Desert Canyon Golf Resort
Desert Canyon Golf Resort in Orondo, Washington offers an 18-hole mountain-style experience framed by the high desert and Columbia River Valley. With elevation changes and natural ruggedness, it challenges golfers with a balance of length, strategic bunkering, and sweeping views.
Course Overview
Desert Canyon Golf Resort presents an 18-hole challenge carved into the dramatic landscape of Eastern Washington near Orondo. This semi-private mountain-style course stretches just over 7,000 yards from the back tees, offering players a compelling combination of natural ruggedness and thoughtful design. The layout navigates rolling hills and river bluffs that punctuate the high desert terrain, demanding accuracy and strategic play from golfers of all levels.
The course’s standout characteristic is its seamless integration with the landscape’s elevation changes. Several holes reward well-placed shots with panoramic views of the Columbia River Valley, while others test precision through tight fairways flanked by native grasses and sagebrush. Bunkers are positioned to protect landing zones rather than just the greens, requiring thoughtful shot placement off the tee. Greens tend toward the medium size and slope gently, making approach shots and putting subtle but fair tests.
Desert Canyon’s playability strikes a balance between inviting novices and providing length and complexity for low handicaps. The five tee options accommodate varied skill levels, but the undulating terrain and long carries ensure no round feels routine. Golfers should prepare for uneven lies and occasional crosswinds that can alter club selection and shot shape.
Though the resort’s infrastructure reveals some aging elements—such as older golf carts and a lack of beverage service on the course—the condition of the fairways and greens generally earns positive remarks. Amenities include a well-maintained practice facility and an 18-hole putting course that offers a fun warm-up or casual diversion after a round. Accommodations onsite feature casitas that deliver mountain-lodge comfort without extravagance, with some rooms overlooking the third hole.
Visitors coming to Desert Canyon should plan for a full day experience, considering the hilly layout and distances between some holes. Walking the course can be demanding, so riding is recommended, especially during warmer months. Amidst occasional sharp elevation shifts and expansive vistas, Desert Canyon Golf Resort provides a memorable test grounded in its striking, arid environment.
Course Highlights
The course features expansive views of the Columbia River Valley framed by rugged high desert hills, with strategic bunkering that challenges both tee shots and approaches. Signature elements include holes with elevated tees offering long carries to tight fairways and two separate greens on select holes for varied play. An 18-hole putting course nearby adds recreational variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
John Winans
This is my favorite course in eastern Washington. Great layout and it’s always in wonderful shape…. And the price is right. We played two rounds at Gamble Sands which were great but it cost $275 a round. Came to Desert Canyon and played a round for $160…not cheap but just a great track. The carts are getting old and tired but the gps systems worked and the greens were great. I would actually give it four and a half stars it’s just the infrastructure issues that keeps them from getting 5 stars!! Also have a really fun 18 hole putting course as well!
Jong Lee
We stayed at the 4-bedroom casita and played the course on a stay and play package. The rooms were well setup for 4 individuals with two sets of bathrooms, but it is definitely not a luxury resort. Did appreciate we had a view of hole #3. The outdoor pool is tiny but we didn’t use it. As for the course, would play it again. Some beautiful views and memorable holes with tricky layout including two holes with separate greens for different tees. Condition is decent but greens were bumpy. Had to ride a cart as the distance between holes were large at some points and quite hilly.
Ross Weaver
Rob & his staff are amazing! What a great course, the greens were in absolutely terrific condition. Highly recommend
John Hoskins
Restaurant closed, no beverage cart, and no starter. That being said, it's a great golf course!
Phil Creek
We played the course as 3 groups. We teed off at 11:15am, 45 min behind the group in front of us. Pro shop said to play slow. We played slow, caught up with the group in front of us at hole 9. Proceeded to have a 6 hour round for a $173 round. 2 groups in front of us quit, ridiculous. No marshall, can’t call the pro shop. It was 95F and the water jugs around the course were empty. What are you paying for? I play 80 rounds a year around the country and this was horrible. Doubt we’ll come back.
Jason Rapp
r witter
Kim Brownlee Personal Trainer
This was a beautiful golf course and we had a lot of fun. But the only restaurant on site was closed at 8PM. We had to drive 10 minutes to a gas station to get frozen pizza that we had to cook in our room! Here it’s summer and the sun doesn’t even set until 9:30pm and no food! Staff were friendly and we had a big breakfast burrito and breakfast croissant.
mart monroe
Alexa McNabb
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Course Details
Access & Location
1201 Desert Canyon Blvd, Orondo, WA 98843, USA
Desert Canyon Clubhouse with pro shop and casual dining
Walking possible but physically demanding due to elevation; cart strongly advised. Sturdy shoes recommended.
Reservations recommended; stay-and-play packages available for resort guests.
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