Meet the Co. Turning Old Motels Into Retreats for Adrenaline Junkies

You'll find their newest convert in craft brew haven Bend, OR

March 29, 2018 9:00 am

More often than not, the motel is an example of Americana gone awry.

Most of us have at some point driven along a quiet two-lane highway, noticed a flickering “VACANCY” sign, and wondered … what in the hell would it take for me to stay there?

The brains behind Loge Camps, meanwhile, saw those same old stay-the-nights and had a killer idea: clean, bright hostels for skiers, surfers, hikers and at-large drifters, a place where weekend adventurers can get up early, grab their gear and meet the elements, yet still wind down at day’s close with a warm drink or beer in hand, firepit crackling while some local open-mic act covers “Wagon Wheel” off in the distance.

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Fortunately for Loge (Live Outside Go Explore), its Pacific Northwest locale has more opps for outdoor fun than it knows what do with, in addition to quite a few motels willing and eager for a facelift. Since Loge’s Kickstarter launched in December 2016, the company’s opened three sites in Washington. The first of which — Loge at The Sands — is in the quiet surfing town of Westport, and opened over Memorial Day Weekend in 2017.

Adding to the concept’s sui generis is that each property features various overnight offerings. The Sands, for instance, is a pleasant menagerie of remodeled motel rooms (think surfboard-shaped headboards, Endless Summer-style vignettes and colorful throw pillows), simple hostels with hardwood floors, and RV/Sprinter van parks.

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But the purpose of Loge is less about where you’ll sleep, and more about how you’ll seize the day come sun-up. They’ve partnered with Seattle-based evo gear to make sure each site has a “Demo Center” — essentially an on-site gear rental shop. Westport visitors get surfboards, SUP boards and wetsuits, while skis, bikes, kayaks and fishing equipment are on hand in Leavenworth, Washington.

Loge’s newest hook-up, though, will probably best capture its communal, cheers-to-a-damn-good-day vibe. Located in Bend, Oregon near Mt. Bachelor, and now open (though knocking out some finishing touches for spring and summer visitors) Loge Entrada is a 15-minute bike ride from Bend’s craft breweries … of which there are many. And some, like The Ale Apothecary, come particularly heralded.

Pair that with Loge’s admirable local footing in each town — Loge’s top brass is from the area, and they host frequent movie nights and live music — and those getaway plans you’ve been woolgathering the last few weeks at work might just assume full form.

We’ll catch ya at the firepit.

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