Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Ross.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2019, brothers Ben Ross and Mike Ross took a chance on a forgotten piece of the Rogue River. The historic Half Moon Bar Lodge had sat silent for more than twelve years — weathered by time, surrounded by wilderness, and slowly fading into memory along one of Oregon’s most scenic river corridors.
Where others saw an abandoned property, Ben and Mike saw potential. They envisioned a place where travelers, anglers, rafters, and locals could once again gather beside the river, sharing stories under the glow of lodge lights that hadn’t shined in over a decade.
The restoration was anything but easy. Years of neglect meant endless repairs, cleanup, rebuilding, and long days of physical labor. Step by step, room by room, the brothers began breathing life back into the old lodge. But the revival became bigger than just two owners — it turned into a community effort.
Friends, neighbors, volunteers, and a dedicated staff rallied behind the project, donating time, skills, equipment, and encouragement. Together, they reclaimed not only the lodge itself, but also the spirit of a riverside gathering place.
Today, Half Moon Bar Lodge stands as a testament to perseverance, community, and the enduring pull of the Rogue River — a place reclaimed through hard work, shared purpose, and a belief that some places are simply too special to disappear.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Reviving Half Moon Bar Lodge became far more than a restoration project for Ben and Mike Ross — it was a constant battle against time, nature, and the challenges of restoring an off-grid lodge deep along the Rogue River.
Over the years, they tackled massive projects including installing solar power, building a two-acre garden from neglected land, and completely renovating the lodge kitchen. Every improvement came with obstacles: hauling materials into remote terrain, repairing years of decay, and adapting to the Rogue River’s ever-changing water levels that could alter operations overnight.
Then came the Moon Complex Fire of 2025, bringing smoke, uncertainty, and the threat of losing everything they had worked so hard to rebuild. But through every setback, the lodge endured thanks to relentless hard work, dedicated staff, loyal volunteers, and a strong community that believed the historic riverside lodge was worth saving.
Today, Half Moon Bar Lodge stands not only as a restored destination, but as a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and the power of community along the Rogue River.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Half Moon Bar Lodge has become known for offering an experience that feels both rugged and refined — a hidden retreat where wilderness and comfort meet along the Rogue River. Guests come for the breathtaking canyon views, peaceful river setting, and the rare feeling of true escape, but they return for the hospitality, atmosphere, and unforgettable meals.
The lodge takes pride in serving exceptional from-scratch food, thoughtfully prepared with fresh ingredients and the kind of care that brings people together around the table after a long day on the river. Surrounded by remote wilderness, guests are often surprised to find luxury amenities, warm accommodations, and elevated dining tucked deep in the middle of nowhere.
More than anything, Half Moon Bar Lodge is known for creating a place where adventure, comfort, community, and the beauty of the Rogue River all come together in one unforgettable setting.
Pricing:
- Base Rooms – $530 ($265/guest) Food Included
- Suites – $595-$645 ($300-$325/ guest) Food Included
- Cabins – $695 ($350/guest) Food included
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.halfmoonbarlodge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halfmoonbarlodge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/halfmoonbarlodge
