RUTHERGLEN HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Little Chico — a compact lakeside cabin reached by a 15‑minute hike from Von Doeler’s Ranch
A cozy one‑room cabin plus a separate bunkhouse that together sleep up to four, with a wood stove, outdoor fire pit and included canoe for a straightforward, unplugged getaway.
Little Chico — a compact lakeside cabin reached by a 15‑minute hike from Von Doeler’s Ranch.
Little Chico is the coziest cabin at Von Doeler’s Ranch, sitting above the lake with an unbeatable view and simple, rustic comforts. The retreat accommodates up to four guests between the single double bed in the cabin and two single beds in the bunkhouse, and is reached via a scenic 15‑minute hike from the ranch and parking area.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Compact cabin + separate bunkhouse
Little Chico is a one‑room cabin with a double bed and a separate bunkhouse with two single beds, making room for up to four guests. The cabin contains a wood stove (the bunkhouse does not) and shared outside social spaces.
A short hike — no vehicles to the cabin
You cannot drive to the cabins: expect a roughly 15‑minute hike from the ranch/parking area. Gear is ferried to and from the cabin by four‑wheeler (one load), so some fitness and quality footwear are recommended.
Wood fire evenings and paddles on the lake
Little Chico includes an outside fire pit and one bundle of wood per night; a canoe and two life jackets are provided for lake access. Basic cooking gear, a BBQ with propane, and minimal utensils are supplied.
What the day feels like
What the stay feels like
The rhythm here is uncomplicated: park at the ranch, walk the 15‑minute trail to the lakeside cabin, stack the appointed bundle of wood in the stove, and let evenings settle around the outdoor fire pit. There are simple indoor comforts and a view of the lake; basic kitchen items and a canoe make short excursions and camp‑style meals easy to arrange.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this stay suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Quality footwear and a basic level of fitness are recommended for the 15‑minute hike to the cabin. Note that the toilet at the cabin is an outhouse; running water and outlets are on site at the ranch. The property supplies one bundle of wood per night, basic cookware (one pot, one pan, one spatula), a BBQ with propane, a canoe and two life jackets.
You cannot drive to the cabins; gear will be delivered to and from the cabin by four‑wheeler (one load). Plan to park at the ranch/parking area and make the trail hike with personal items as needed.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How many people can sleep at Little Chico?
The cabin setup accommodates up to four guests: the cabin has one double bed for two people and the separate bunkhouse contains two single beds.
Is there indoor heating?
Yes — Little Chico has a wood stove inside the cabin; the bunkhouse does not have a wood stove.
Can I drive directly to the cabin?
No — cabins are a 15‑minute hike from the ranch and parking area; you cannot drive to the cabins.
Are there restroom facilities at the cabin?
The cabin’s toilet is an outhouse; washrooms with running water and electrical outlets are available back at the ranch.
Is gear transport provided?
Yes — gear is brought to and from the cabin by four‑wheeler (one load) as part of the stay.
What equipment and supplies are included?
The stay includes one bundle of wood per night, basic cookware (one pot, one pan, one spatula), a BBQ with propane, a canoe and two life jackets.