We’ve Got Cabin Fever

from ParentMap 2020 Winter Family Adventure Guide

by ParentMap

10 Family-Friendly Storm-Watching Spots

Cabin Fever!

Cabins-on-the-Point

8 cozy cabin getaways for Seattlearea families this fall and winter

By Kate Missine

Fall in Washington is the best time to wander the brilliantly colored forests, frolic on mist-shrouded beaches and toast s’mores around the bonfire on crisp autumn nights; and the winter ahead will bring snow-play opportunities galore. Just what would make the perfect warm and comfy base from which to explore all that the cooler days have to offer? The answer: local wilderness cabins, complete with fireplaces, hot tubs and more to keep those toes toasty! Enjoy unfettered access to some of the state’s most scenic treasures — or simply a change of scenery from the at-home routine — with these 8 local cabin and cottage destinations.

Iron Springs Resort, Copalis Beach •

ironspringsresort.com The lowdown: Perched at the edge of the water just north of Ocean Shores in Copalis Beach (named after the Copalis Native Americans who once occupied the area), Iron Springs Resort is your base camp for coastal adventure.

The stay: Here you’ll find recently renovated cabins that hit the sweet spot between rustic and modern: Flat-screen satellite TVs, Wi-Fi and Bose sound systems meet woodburning stoves, decks and well-stocked kitchens. Guests have private beach access, along with a common firepit and clam-cleaning area. The general store at the resort has you covered for anything you need.

The fun: Copalis Beach is one of the

state’s most popular clam-digging destinations, known for its delicious razor clams. During low tides in fall and winter, heading out to dig at night with lanterns is a one-of-a-kind experience. There are also sea stars, anemones and other tide pool critters to spot, along with fishing, hikes through the resort’s trails, bird watching and the 364-acre Griffiths-Priday State Park to explore.

Robin Hood Village Resort, Union •

robinhoodvillageresort.com The lowdown: Set in a forested nook along Hood Canal on the eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, historic Robin Hood Village Resort was built by Don Beckman, the Hollywood set designer for the original Robin Hood movie. The resort has been providing a laid-back nearby getaway for people in the region since 1934.

The stay: Book one of 16 unique cottages that sleep between two and eight guests. Each cottage features a quirky, old-school vibe. All are equipped with kitchens; many have private hot tubs and firepits. Guests have access to covered gazebos on the waterfront property, as well as several outdoor barbecues. Three eateries are within walking distance, including the dining room at nearby Alderbrook Resort.

The fun: Hood Canal offers a trove of seafood for harvesting; there’s crabbing, clamming, oyster picking and fishing. Kayaks are free for Robin Hood guests to borrow. Paddle the canal, where you’re very likely to spy a playful splashing seal or a soaring bald eagle overhead; orcas are occasional visitors, too!

Snug Harbor Resort

Snug Harbor Resort, San Juan Island •

snugresort.com The lowdown: Serene and stunning Mitchell Bay on the west side of San Juan Island is home to Snug Harbor Resort. This hidden gem, operating since the early 1960s, is beloved by those in the know for its wealth of outdoor activities and peaceful setting.

The stay: Choose from one- and two-bedroom cabins and suites with a variety of sleeping arrangements. Vaulted ceilings, private decks, gas fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens are included in all. The resort offers free parking and Wi-Fi, an exercise room (COVID-dependent), and beachside firepits stocked with wood, a barbecue and complimentary crab cookers. The resort’s coffee shop offers beverages and light meals, and a private marina is available for guests arriving by boat.

The fun: Mitchell Bay is a boater’s paradise, affording scenic vistas along with fishing and crabbing opportunities aplenty. Guests are offered complimentary use of paddleboards, kayaks and canoes for fun on the water, as well as bikes for wheeling around the island. Dreaming of whale watching? Snug Harbor is a major supporter of the area’s whale research efforts, hosting three of its own whale research boats, two whale-watching operations and a kayak touring company at its marina.

Rainier Cottages, Ashford •

rainiercottages.com The lowdown: Less than a two-hour drive from Seattle, these adorable cottages at the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park make for an easy weekend getaway. Plus, they’re the ideal spot for taking in the spectacular sights and sounds of Seattle’s favorite mountain.

The stay: Rainier Cottages is composed of 10 private cabins, each set on its own secluded, forested lot, and each equipped with a private patio hot tub (aaah!). One-, two- and three-bedroom cottages are available to fit every family’s needs, from the cozy Juniper Cabin to the sizable Little Tahoma Lodge, which sleeps as many as nine and features two decks, a game room and an infrared sauna for the grownups. Some of the cabins are petfriendly, and all come furnished with full kitchens, smart TVs and free Wi-Fi.

The fun: There’s no shortage of coolweather awesomeness in the Ashford area, from Mount Rainier’s gorgeous fall hikes and mountain biking to snowshoeing and skiing at nearby Crystal Mountain. (Even if you don’t ski, take a ride on Crystal’s gondola for the breathtaking views!) Stroll around the kid-friendly Naches Loop Trail, or trek

continued from page 17 over to nearby Northwest Trek Wildlife Park for a full day of wild family fun!

Cabins-on-the-Point, Orcas Island •

cabinsonthepoint.com The lowdown: Four tidy Cape Cod–style cabins, built in the early 1900s, sit tucked away along 3 acres of private beach at Deer Harbor on the western side of Orcas Island.

The stay: This small resort has only four properties: two cabins, a beach cottage and a house. Each has a unique character, and all come packed with comfy furnishings, plush bedding, a full kitchen and pretty much anything you may need for your stay. A two-person hot tub is available to guests of the two cabins.

The fun: Moran State Park is perfect for family forest hikes along the mountain trails or around its picture-pretty lakes — watch for soaring bald eagles, rabbits and more than 250 species of birds. Try a guided ride on horseback; or take a drive up to the Mount Constitution observation tower, the San Juan Islands’ highest point, for a head-spinning view. Deer Harbor is also a hub for water excursions of any kind, from kayaking to whale-watching tours and sunset sailing charters.

Rolling Huts, Methow Valley •

rollinghuts.com The lowdown: Posing like an alien wildlife herd in a meadow at the foothills of the Cascades, these sleek futuristic Methow Valley huts are a cool alternative to cold-weather camping. The huts were designed by Seattle’s Olson Kundig Architects and are a far cry from your grandpa’s log cabin.

Rolling Huts

The stay: Six ultramodern huts come equipped with basic kitchen appliances and dishes, a fireplace and Wi-Fi. Each cabin sleeps four, with two modular sleeping platforms (read: giant buildingblock fun) and memory-foam mats; linens and towels are provided, but sleeping bags and blankets are not, so bring your own. Note that there’s no stove top, but grills are available at the common-use picnic shelter. A private portable toilet and faucet are located outside each hut, with shared full bathrooms and showers in a nearby barn (keep the chilly trek in mind if going in wintertime).

The fun: A winter stay in the Methow lets you take advantage of the area’s abundant snowy fun, from one of the world’s longest cross-country skiing trail networks to sledding, snowshoeing and fat-biking. Fall and spring bring hiking, mountain biking, river rafting and sightseeing. And definitely take a stroll around the touristy town of Winthrop, decked out in full Wild West style.

Cama Beach Historical State Park,

Camano Island • parks.state.wa.us The lowdown: Cama Beach Historical State Park, a former 1930s fishing resort on Camano Island, takes visitors back in time. Rows of cozy waterfront cedar cabins and bungalows, campfire rings, walking trails and a café create a friendly community atmosphere reminiscent of summer camp.

The stay: The park has two rows of rustic cabins, accommodating from four to six people each. Standard cabins have electricity, heat, fridges and sinks, but no bathrooms. A few cabins and bungalows have bathrooms. Linens and kitchenware are not provided, so bring your own. A modern shared bathhouse with restrooms and showers sits behind the cabins; and an on-site café serves breakfast and lunch on the weekends. Select cabins allow pets. Reservations open from 9 to 18 months in advance, depending on the size of your group, and fill quickly, so plan ahead!

The fun: Cama Beach Historical State Park sprawls across 486 acres along the Saratoga Passage. Spot wildlife, hike along the bluff, take the mile-long trail to the connecting Camano Island State Park or watch the weather. The Center for Wooden Boats offers boat rentals and programs in summer.

Fort Worden Historical State Park, Port

Townsend • fortworden.org The lowdown: Designed originally as a military base, Fort Worden has evolved into a state park and learning center, featuring 73 historic buildings, museums, creative spaces, education programs

and more. The on-site accommodations are not actual cabins, but former officer quarters, ranging in style from grand historic castles to contemporary suites, and from one to six bedrooms in capacity. Fun fact: Fort Worden was used as the filming location for the movie “An Officer and a Gentleman.”

The stay: There are several accommodation options to choose from. The Cottage and Loft Collection and Courtside Collection offer a variety of cottages, lofts and even a tiny standalone castle, perfect for a kid-free getaway. Officers Row housing is made up of elegant four- and six-bedroom Victorian homes that are ideal for larger groups and family reunions.

Fort Worden Historical State Park

The fun: Fort Worden Historical State Park encompasses miles of forest trails and walkable saltwater beaches. It also features a marine science center and aquarium, where kids can interact with many species of Salish Sea marine life. For fun, families can cycle or kayak, or play tennis, bocce, croquet or horseshoes; the kids will love playing hide-and-seek in the former military base’s turn-of-the-century bunkers. Weather not cooperating? Let your creative juices flow at the on-site art school, which offers classes and activities in every medium (ptschoolofthearts.org); or check out the mindful movement studio, which offers yoga and other classes for ages 12 and older (madronamindbody.com). ■ Kate Missine is a lifestyle writer, food lover and girly girl raising two little boys in beautiful Sammamish.

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