A Washington Dude Ranch Vacation at Bull Hill
Bull Hill Guest Ranch is an all-inclusive Washington guest ranch in Kettle Falls, set alongside a working cattle ranch with family roots dating to 1903. Guests stay in western cabins or glamping tents and spend their days horseback riding, fishing and enjoying the ranch, with opportunities to join cattle drives when ranch operations call for them.
An Authentic Working-Ranch Experience
In 1903, Peter Ansaldo arrived with his Hereford bull, Curly, and built a homestead at what is now Ansaldo Lake. That family history is part of the working cattle ranch Bull Hill guests experience today in northeastern Washington.
Brothers Don and Pete began the guest ranch alongside the cattle ranch in 1995. Starting with the cookhouse, a few tents, several horses and the old barn, the guest ranch grew around an authentic western setting rather than leaving its working-ranch roots behind.
Guest Ranch, Dude Ranch or Resort Ranch: What's the Difference?
Travelers encounter several names for western ranch stays, and there is no single universal definition behind every listing. “Guest ranch” emphasizes lodging and hospitality. “Dude ranch” is a common travel and search term for a western ranch vacation. “Resort ranches” may describe stays with an emphasis on amenities, though the activities and setting vary from ranch to ranch. Read the full guide to what a dude ranch is and what guests can expect.
Bull Hill identifies itself as a guest ranch operating alongside a real working cattle ranch. That means cabins or glamping tents, meals and recreation share a setting with an ongoing cattle operation. The working ranch vacation guide explains that relationship, while the family ranch vacation guide helps families compare lodging, shared activities and practical plans.
If riding is the focus of your trip, explore guided horseback riding. For seasonal cattle work, read about cattle drives and their operational availability rather than assuming a drive is included on every date.
What Is Included in a Bull Hill Stay?
Bull Hill’s current daily rates are all-inclusive. The guide to what is included and what varies explains the details. Your stay includes:
- Lodging in cabins or tents
- Full meals
- Beverages including beer, wine and spirits
- Unlimited ranch activities
- Horseback riding and fishing
- Cattle drives when ranch operations call for them
See the current rates and stay policies when planning your visit. Cattle drives begin June 1 and continue through October when ranch operations call for them. Cattle location, pasture conditions, weather and other ranch needs determine whether a drive takes place, so a cattle drive is not guaranteed for every stay.
Ranch Activities
Horseback Riding
Guided trail rides cross varied ranch terrain with views toward Lake Roosevelt and Canada. More than 70 horses range from beginner to advanced.
Cattle Drives
When ranch operations call for a cattle drive, guests may join the seasonal movement of cattle between grazing areas. Drives begin June 1 and continue through October, may last a half day to a full day, and participants should ride with confidence.
Ansaldo Lake
The private, spring-fed lake is reserved for Bull Hill guests. Fish for rainbow trout, swim, kayak or paddle board at the lake.
Trap Shooting
Trap shooting is one of the favorite out-of-the-saddle activities, offered daily.
Cabins & Glamping
Choose deluxe cabins Bullagio and Lonestar, the studio-style Lookout, rustic family ranch cabins or furnished canvas glamping tents. Explore Bull Hill’s accommodations to find the western lodging that suits your stay.
Quick Answers About a Bull Hill Ranch Vacation
- Is Bull Hill a working ranch?
- Yes. Bull Hill Guest Ranch operates alongside a working cattle ranch whose family history on the property dates to 1903.
- When did Bull Hill Guest Ranch open?
- The guest-ranch operation began in 1995.
- Are meals and ranch activities included?
- Yes. Current daily rates include lodging, full meals, beverages, horseback riding, fishing and other ranch activities. Cattle drives are offered when ranch operations call for them during the June-through-October drive season.
- Can beginning riders enjoy Bull Hill?
- Bull Hill has more than 70 horses ranging from beginner to advanced, and its horseback rides are guided.
- What types of lodging are available?
- Bull Hill offers deluxe cabins, family ranch cabins, The Lookout and furnished canvas glamping tents.