Celebrating 100 Years of Eleanor’s Cabin

This year marks 100 years since Eleanor’s Cabin was built—a landmark full of history and charm. Originally constructed in 1925 by the Gallois family as a private summer retreat, the cabin was initially named House on Metolius. It offered serene views and a peaceful escape along the Metolius River, becoming a beloved hideaway in Central Oregon.

In 1948, Eleanor Bechen purchased the property and transformed the cabin into a beloved fishing resort, adding guest cabins and cultivating a welcoming atmosphere that drew visitors year after year.

Under Eleanor’s stewardship, the property became known for its fine cooking and sweeping views of Mount Jefferson. The resort attracted outdoor enthusiasts and notable guests, including Herbert Hoover, Spencer Tracy, and Sally Field, who came to enjoy the privacy, natural beauty and world-class fishing the property offered.

In 1969, Eleanor sold the property to her longtime neighbors, Evelyn and Leonard Lundgren, whose family had owned land across the river since 1928. Out of friendship, Eleanor was granted life tenancy, allowing her to remain part of the property she helped shape.

The Lundgren family continues to preserve the cabin’s charm and historic character. In her honor, the property was later renamed Eleanor’s Cabin, celebrating her lasting legacy.