Over one hundred twenty five years ago, weary travelers rested at Travelers Home, a hotel along the Trask Mountain Stagecoach route; this is the place the Mitchell family has called home since 1922. The Flying M Ranch was born in 1970 out of a desire to work with family and make a living off the land.
In 1971, the original ranch lodge was completed with a rustic dining room, lounge, and museum.
In the early morning hours of January 3, 1983 the original lodge was
destroyed by fire. Encouragement as well as physical and financial help from family and friends were forthcoming. They made it possible to rebuild and go forward. Without them, we wouldn't be here today. The new lodge was completed and opened on January 19, 1985.
This valley was once filled with wheat fields where there is now timber. Stage coach lines and train tracks were where there are now roads. There were communities such as Byersville, Chesterbrook, and Fairdale which provided families with a school, post office, dance hall, sawmills, hotel, and bath house. The bath house was called Fairdale Mineral Springs Resort. The locals claimed that bathing in the mineral water cured everything. Our family has talked may trusting souls into tasting the mineral water. If you are ever offered a drink of this cure all, we suggest you say No Thank You!!!!!
The Mitchell family and crew welcome you and invite you to join them in enjoying the sights, sounds, and history of Oregon's early days.
