“I spent the weekend here with my church group and golly, I loved it. The views, the hills, the food, everything! I felt closer to God as I was further from electronics.. PS. If you hike the main road towards the east and take a turn to the west, you will find a road that leads to always sunny hills. (No trails, but let's make some!)”
T. Willis
ABOUT
This is who God called us to be:
The Bar M Ranch is a ministry of Calvary Chapel of Tri-Cities, Washington. The conference center, established for the purpose of glorifying God, provides a place for God’s people to grow and mature in their relationship with Him through the teaching of His Word, worship, fellowship, recreation, and rest. Our ministry is to serve and bless our guests and see that all who visit leave with a greater understanding of the heart and love of God. It is our desire that those who visit our conference center will experience the presence of our Lord Jesus and leave knowing Him more intimately than before.
There's a story behind all of creation:
The Bar M Ranch has a rich history that began in 1864, with the construction of the hand-hewn log inn that was initially built as a stagecoach stop for the California Stage Company. This stop was along the historic Thomas-Ruckel Road, which served as a mail route from Boise, Idaho to Walla Walla, WA. The original rustic western inn, the Ranch House, is still in use today as the center of Ranch activities.
The property includes a hot spring and from 1892 - 1908, the springs were owned by Dr. Bingham who believed in their medicinal value. He added the “Stagecoach” building to provide more accommodations. From 1908 - 1937 the property changed ownership three times; each proud owner re-naming the springs and resort after themselves. It was the place to go for summer picnics, dances, and swimming and it drew a variety of famous guests, including Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover.
Howard and Bonnie Baker, ranchers from Idaho, bought the resort in 1938 and renamed it the Bar M Ranch. They began operating it as a dude ranch in the early 1940s and for the next 64 years, three generations of the Baker family welcomed visitors to the guest ranch.
In 2011 Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities purchased the Bar M Ranch and as current owners, we are blessed to
use the Ranch to share God’s love and message.
The Ranch is now a year-round conference, retreat, and event center as well as a vacation destination
featuring a variety of vintage western-styled buildings that accommodate small to large groups for one-
day or multiple-day events. The beautiful grounds and surrounding 633-acre ranch create the perfect
environment to naturally enhance your ability to create, educate, ignite and inspire!
