The Mitchells plan to sell the lodge, airstrip, motel and a portion of the campground. The couple plans to retain its homes and stables and continue to offer horseback rides, but may consider the sale of another 200 to 300 acres around the resort.

The Mitchell family has owned the land since 1922. The resort was founded in 1970 to give people an authentic Western experience. The original lodge, completed in 1971, wasdestroyed by fire in 1983. The new lodge was completed and opened on January 19, 1985. It has attracted thousands of visitors over the years, and has been the site of numerous movies and commercials.

The ranch located halfway between Portland and the coast, is set along the North Yamhill River at the foothills of the Oregon Coast Mountains. The log lodge houses a conference center, dining room and the Sawtooth lounge. Cabins and the bunkhouse motel are nestled in a wooded area a short distance from the lodge. Wineries and golf courses are nearby.

According to the Associated Press, Bryce Mitchell, 69, wanted to retire from the lodge end of the business for some time, but Barbara resisted. She changed her mind when a long-time employee was arrested for embezzlement. "That kind of bursts your bubble," she told the AP.

Despite that, reports AP, the Mitchells have joined the owners of the adjoining Stage Road Ranch in asking the county to approve a new resort development in the mold of Sunriver, a Central Oregon resort developed around a former ranch. The new complex would be built on undeveloped Stage Road Ranch land, but the proposal would permit the next owner of the Flying M to expand operations.