Unique Lodgings in the Northwest
These Places to Stay Play Up the Character of their Surroundings
Why stay in a hotel when you could sleep in a treehouse, high atop a hill in a fire lookout station, in an Old West tepee or at the historic Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters?
The Pacific Northwest is rich with lush scenery and breathtaking views. When most people come to visit, they often try to pick a hotel with a nice view so they can fully appreciate it. These exceptional and creative retreats take it one step further, often bringing the outdoors close, if not inside, the accommodations, so guests are surrounded by the wilderness and the beauty of the region.
Cedar Creek Treehouse, Mt. Rainier, WA
They call it a "cottage," and they call it a "bed and breakfast," but neither define it quite well enough. The Cedar Creek Treehouse is just that — it lives 50 feet up in a giant cedar tree. With its adjoining 100-foot viewing platform in a nearby tree, the property offers solitude, peace and the ability to sit back and watch nature happen, all around. The roomy cabin offers two double beds, a kichen, bathroom and dining area. Natural light floods in through skylights and windows, and the observation room offers views of Osborne Mountain and the Sawtooth Ridge Peaks. Since there's only one cabin, guests don't have to share their sprawling forest with anyone but resident wildlife and the sounds of a stream running past on the forest floor. Rates start at $300 USD per night. Call (360)569-2991.
Quartz Mountain Fire Lookout, Spokane, WA
At an elevation of 5,129 feet, the views seem almost endless. This fire lookout station, which is rented for overnight stays during the summer, provides just that. The station, built in 1979, was used for spotting fires until 1994, and then closed. It was then moved from its original spot on Mt. Spokane to nearby Quartz Mountain to be utilized as a unique rental cabin. Because of a 2005 renovation, the cabin, which sleeps four, has very comfortable amenities and its isolated setting provides unobstructed views of the Spokane area and the Idaho panhandle. The fire lookout can be rented for $60 USD per night, and reservations can be made through the park office by calling (509)238-4258.
It may not be the Old West anymore, but guests could convince themselves otherwise while sleeping in tepees in Eastern Oregon's Lake Owyhee State Park. This rustic camping experience offers simplicity, mountain views and a large resorvoir, but also keeps modern conveniences nearby with a fully-outfitted state park offering showers, fuel, ice and picnic shelters. Firewood and a convenience store are also close by. Tepees cost $27 USD per night, and sleep 5-12, depending on size, on provided futon mattresses. There are lights and electricity inside, as well as a picnic table and fire pit outside for cooking. These shelters are only available for rental from late spring until early fall. Oregon State Parks accepts online reservations for these tepees, and offers more at Clyde Holliday State Park.
Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters, Cape Disappointment, WA
The keeper of the North Head Lighthouse stayed in these residences for years — but now anyone can stay, since the lighthouse was decommissioned and is now part of Cape Disappointment State Park, just north of the mouth of the Columbia River. The houses are spacious, and there are three available for rent near the lighthouse. Each has three bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom and there is a TV, VCR and a microwave and dishwasher for use. Prices vary by season at this historical site, and reservations are recommended in advance. Call (888) 226-7688 to reserve.
