A peacock named Albie handles the morning wake-up calls on this farm, and he reportedly takes no requests. The barn cat, Cowboy, sometimes tags along on tours like a furry supervisor. I’m already charmed, and we haven’t even reached the cows.
The real stars here are shaggy Scottish Highland cows with bangs that could use a trim. Guides teach small private groups how to brush and feed them by hand. Calves are born right on the property, so baby cows sometimes join the welcome party.
One detail I find worth mentioning is the forest setting in the foothills of Oregon’s Mt. Hood. Trails here are lined with hazelnut shells instead of plain dirt. Towering evergreens and moss surround the pastures like a storybook set.
So how do you spend an hour with fluffy cows and leave without wanting to move in?
Grab A Brush Because These Shaggy Cows Love A Good Grooming
Brushing a cow sounds like a strange vacation goal until you meet one with bangs like a rock star. At Highland Farms, that grooming session is the whole point of the farm tour. Guides hand you the brush and show you exactly how the cows like it done.
Each tour is private, so your group gets the herd without strangers elbowing in. The owners have shared that private tours cap at six people. Plenty of tours run even smaller, which means more cow time for you.
Feeding is part of the plan too. Guides introduce each cow by name and teach you how to offer food safely. Highland cows have long horns and longer hair, so a little coaching goes a long way.
Tours last about an hour and run rain or shine. Wet weather moves the action into the barn, so a soggy forecast won’t cancel your cow date. Oregon drizzle is basically part of the charm anyway.
Bring clothes you don’t mind getting a bit furry. Those thick coats shed, and a friendly cow may lean in for extra attention. Consider it a souvenir you didn’t have to pay for.
Honestly, it’s hard to stay grumpy while combing a cow.
Baby Calves Might Steal The Show Right Out From Under Mom
Calves are born right on the farm, and that changes everything about a visit. A tiny fluffy Highland calf looks like a stuffed animal that learned to walk. Good luck keeping your phone in your pocket.
The farm has welcomed new calves in recent seasons, and guests have spent time with them during tours. Staff even bottle-feed newborns every few hours when needed. That’s a lot of late nights for a crew that still shows up smiling.
One team member, Jalene, is known around the farm for her deep knowledge of the newborn calves. Questions about baby cow care are fair game on the tour. Ask away, because nobody judges curiosity here.
Fans also get involved in a fun way. Highland Farms has run polls on its social media so followers can help name the animals. Someday you might pet a cow whose name you voted for.
Calf sightings depend on timing, since nature keeps its own calendar. Pregnant cows are sometimes kept in a pen near the entrance. You could spot a future mom before your tour even starts.
Either way, the adult cows are plenty cute. The babies are just extra credit with very fuzzy ears.
Peacocks, Sheep, And A Barn Cat Named Cowboy Round Out The Crew
Albie the peacock runs his own wake-up service, according to the owners. He doesn’t take requests, and he definitely doesn’t hit snooze. Guests staying overnight get his loud morning greeting free of charge.
Highland cows may headline the show, but the supporting cast is strong. Icelandic sheep live on the property, and guests can feed them during the tour. Goats, friendly dogs, and more peacocks add to the parade.
Then there’s Cowboy the barn cat. He has been known to follow tour groups around like a tiny foreman. He has even mingled with wedding guests at dinner, which is bold for a cat.
The property is spaced out on purpose. The owners say animals that aren’t crowded stay calmer around visitors. That makes the whole walk feel relaxed for everyone, hooves and paws included.
Guides share fun facts about each animal as you go. You’ll learn names, personalities, and a little about daily farm life. Kids and grown-ups alike tend to pick a favorite fast.
So plan on meeting more than cows. Just don’t be surprised if a peacock decides he’s the real star.
Sweat It Out In A Forest Sauna Then Brave The Cold Plunge
Cow brushing in the morning, sauna in the afternoon. That combo sounds made up, yet Highland Farms offers both on the same property. Their Nordic spa sits right in the forest.
The setup includes a wood-fired sauna, a steam room, and a cold plunge. You bounce between heat and icy water for a classic Nordic routine. Your muscles will thank you after all that barn walking.
Spa sessions are private, so you won’t share the space with strangers. A host welcomes you and explains how everything works. Tall trees all around make it feel properly secluded.
The owners have said they’re adding grab bars to the cold plunge after guest suggestions. Small upgrades like that show a team that listens. Still, the cold water won’t get any warmer.
Keep in mind the spa isn’t ADA accessible. Uneven forest ground and steps lead to the area. Wear sturdy shoes on the walk over.
Many guests pair the spa with a farm tour for a full day. That’s a smart move if you’re driving out from the city. You get fluffy cows and a steamy reset in one trip.
Bring a swimsuit and maybe a little courage for that plunge.
Sleep Steps Away From The Cow Pasture In A Lodge, Cottage, Or Bell Tent
Waking up to a peacock beats any alarm clock app. Overnight guests at Highland Farms get exactly that, plus cows next door. The farm offers several lodging choices for different group sizes.
The William Wallace Lodge is the big one, built with natural wood and multiple rooms. The Bonnie Lass Cottage sits by the cow pasture and has three bedrooms. It also comes with its own cedar hot tub.
Prefer something quirkier? The Camp includes an Airstream and bell tents with real beds on frames. Glamping fans will feel right at home, though the Airstream may close seasonally.
Groups can reserve the whole property for reunions or retreats. Weekend stays from Friday to Sunday require a two-night minimum. Bookings are final, so double-check your dates.
Booking direct through the farm costs less than using listing sites, according to the owners. That’s a nice perk for planners on a budget. You can also pair your stay with a tour.
Find it all at 21261 E Little River Rd, Brightwood, OR 97011. The farm sits at the end of a private road. Peaceful doesn’t begin to cover it.
Say I Do With Highland Cows As Your Fluffiest Wedding Guests
Most wedding photos include a flower girl and a ring bearer. At Highland Farms, a shaggy Highland cow might photobomb the whole thing. Brides who wanted something foresty have found exactly that here.
The ceremony space features a stone patio, a peaceful pond, and old-growth evergreens. Moss and towering firs set a fairytale mood without much decorating. A second stone patio beside the lodge hosts receptions.
The venue hosts intimate weddings, with a reception patio suited for gatherings of around 50 guests. Lodging on site lets close family and friends sleep right on the property. Getting ready in a cozy cabin sure beats a cramped hotel bathroom.
Rentals help simplify planning. Couples have rented tables, chairs, heaters, speakers, and microphones from the farm. Hot tubs are a welcome bonus after a long night of dancing.
Weddings aren’t the only events here either. The farm also hosts family reunions, wellness retreats, corporate off-sites, and photo shoots. Any group that likes trees and cows will fit right in.
Cowboy the barn cat has crashed at least one wedding dinner. Consider him an unofficial greeter. The cows, meanwhile, happily accept all the attention.
Take Home Farm Eggs, Beef, Or A Plush Cow That Never Sheds
A plush cow toy won’t leave hair on your jacket. That alone makes it a strong souvenir option from Highland Farms. Their farm shop has a few fun ways to keep the memories going.
For the kitchen, the shop offers farm-raised Highland beef and Mangalitsa pork. Fresh eggs are also on the list. It’s a tasty way to support a working Oregon farm.
Not into cooking? The shop carries cow plush toys and apparel too. Kids will love a fluffy stand-in for the real thing. Grown-ups can sport a shirt that announces their cow obsession.
Orders can be picked up free at the farm. Local delivery is available as well. That makes stocking up easy even if you live nearby.
Shopping pairs nicely with a tour or overnight stay. Grab your goodies before heading home. Your cooler will be glad you remembered it.
Products can change, so check the farm shop before planning a big haul. Seasonal availability is normal for a real farm. Hens and cows don’t follow store schedules.
Either way, leaving with something cow-related feels like the right call. A plush version fits in a car much better than a real one.
A Short Drive From Portland Puts You In Mt. Hood Country
About an hour from Portland, the city noise fades into tall trees. Brightwood sits in the foothills of Mt. Hood, and Highland Farms calls it home. That makes cow brushing an easy day trip.
The farm is also roughly 25 minutes from Government Camp. Mt. Hood adventures sit right up the road. You could brush a cow in the morning and hit mountain trails later.
Arrival is simple once you’re there. Parking sits to the right of the entrance. Tour groups meet near the big cow statue out front.
Staff send arrival instructions ahead of time, so read them carefully. One spa guest accidentally gave themselves a self-guided tour. The owners have promised clearer directions to the meeting point.
The final stretch follows a private road deep into the woods. Slow down and enjoy the evergreens. This is classic Pacific Northwest scenery at its finest.
Rainy days are common in this part of Oregon. Pack a waterproof jacket and boots just in case. The cows certainly don’t mind a little drizzle.
Plan extra time for traffic on busy weekends. Arriving relaxed makes the whole visit smoother. Nobody wants to rush a cow.
An Overgrown Forest Became One Owner’s Dream Ranch
Before the cows and cottages, this land was an overgrown patch of forest. Owner Connor McWilliams saw something more. He turned it into the Highland Farms you can visit today.
Connor grew up on a family ranch in California. That childhood sparked a love for animals and farm life. Building his own ranch became a long-held goal.
His background in construction, hospitality, and design shows everywhere. Thoughtful touches include hazelnut shell trails and a spacious layout. Even the animal spacing was planned with care.
He’s also hands-on with guests. Connor answers many inquiries himself, sometimes calling people back with details. That personal touch is rare for a busy farm owner.
The team carries that spirit forward. Guides like Daunte have watched much of the property get built. His tours often weave in the farm’s history.
Tours run at 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM. Book ahead, since private groups fill time slots fast. Pick the slot that fits your Oregon road trip.
It’s a fun story to hear while a cow leans into your brush. A dream ranch, built from scratch, now shared with visitors. Pretty good use of a messy forest.
