Powered by Sun, Wind, and Homemade Bread: The Chetco River Inn

By Ruby V. Ayers
Clay and Sandra Brugger looked in awe at the pristine 35-plus acres of raw and second growth timber. This rare parcel with half a mile of Chetco River frontage was a sight to behold. A myriad of thoughts ran through their minds as they wondered how they would get power and phone service to the property.

As they stood there contemplating the possibilities for this precious piece of land, a vision and a dream unfolded. They dreamed of a bed and breakfast.     

They developed the Chetco River Inn Lodge to be environmentally sensitive and to coexist peacefully with its beautiful natural surroundings.

The inn’s power, for example, is completely “off the grid.” Clay set up solar panels on the lodge, shed and home. He has a wind generator that is set to switch automatically between solar and wind as needed. Phone service is provided via a cell phone—calls come into a “smart box” that connects to extension phones throughout the lodge—and a satellite system provides computer access to the internet.
 
The lodge is spacious, with five bedrooms and five and a half baths. There is a private cabin and ample space for large gatherings in the great room. The vaulted cedar ceiling gives an expansive feeling. The great room is accented with the river stone fireplace.

The kitchen is bright and open. When Sandra bakes her gourmet breads, scones, cookies and biscotti, their delightful smells permeate the whole lodge.

Sandra is an artist in her gardens, which have an abundance of herbs and flowers and a field of lavender. The vegetable garden grows bountifully.

From the covered porch you can watch river otters frolic, drift boats float by, and bald eagles soar in the air.

Each season at Chetco River Inn brings new activities and experiences. You can go Chinook salmon fishing October through December and steelhead fishing January through March. Stick around for spring, and you’ll see the migrating birds return. Summer is a perfect time to swim in the river or hike in the pristine Kalmiopsis Wilderness.

Guests come from all over the world to find themselves here in the center of an outdoor recreation paradise.

Call the Chetco River Inn and Lavender Farm for reservations: 541-251-0087 or email them at chetcoriverinn@hughes.net. (http://www.chetcoriverinn.com)

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