Collective Review

Desert Canyon Golf Resort — Collective Review

Orondo, Central
Positive Sentiment
4.3 / 5
Updated 2026-09-06

Summary

Desert Canyon Golf Resort in Orondo, Washington, generally garners positive feedback from golfers and resort guests alike. Situated in Central Washington above the Columbia River, the course is renowned for its striking high-desert beauty, panoramic mountain vistas, and dramatic elevation shifts across 350 rugged acres. Reviewers across platforms frequently highlight the memorable layout, particularly celebrating distinct signature holes such as the massive 679-yard 15th par 5. Golfers appreciate the wide variety of holes spanning the Desert and Lakes nines. From a playability perspective, golfers consistently describe the course as challenging. While fairways can be generous in spots, first-time players note that local knowledge is essential due to blind corners, target landing zones, and tricky, undulating greens that test putters. Some golfers characterize a few holes as quirky or gimmicky because of blind tee shots and severe elevation drops. Condition-wise, the course generally receives solid marks for fairway and green maintenance, though long-time patrons occasionally note historical variations under changing management. In terms of value and amenities, Desert Canyon is widely celebrated as an excellent stay-and-play buddy trip destination. The on-site casitas and lodge rooms earn praise for spaciousness and cleanliness, providing full kitchens and patios overlooking the fairways without excessive resort fees. While high-end luxury amenities can be modest compared to premier nearby destinations like Gamble Sands, visitors consistently report that Desert Canyon offers superior affordability and great bang for the buck, backed by hospitable staff and welcoming service.

What Golfers Love

  • ✓Spectacular scenic desert and mountain views
  • ✓Dramatic elevation changes
  • ✓Fun and varied hole layouts
  • ✓Memorable 679-yard par 5
  • ✓Great stay-and-play condo accommodations
  • ✓Good overall value compared to rivals
  • ✓Friendly and helpful resort staff

Common Complaints

  • ✗Quirky blind shots and tight fairways
  • ✗Tricky and undulating greens
  • ✗Past inconsistencies in turf conditions
  • ✗Occasional sluggish pace of play

Key Themes

Scenic Views
Challenging Layout
Resort Lodging
Value

Review Sources

18Birdies
GolfPass
Golf Course Gurus
TripAdvisor
Yelp
This collective review is AI-compiled from publicly available sources and summarizes the general sentiment of golfers across the web. Individual experiences may vary.
Golf Washington

Golf Washington - Your guide to Washington state golf