Travel
Washington’s Mountain Vacation Homes
Looking for a vacation home or a weekend rental close to the mountains? This sampler will give you
By Roddy Scheer, Nick O’Connell, Tina Lassen and John Levesque with Sarai Dominguez, Cayla Lambier, Jennifer Lee and Anna Samuels April 19, 2011
SNOQUALMIE
A small mountain town with historic attractions and a decent brewery, Snoqualmie offers proximity to the city while maintaining a distinct sense of rustic charm.
Own
141 Kearny Drive, Snoqualmie Pass
$475,000
Annual property tax: $2,800
Elevation: 3,000 feet
Two-story cabin-style home with four bedrooms and two full baths that was previously used as a vacation rental, complete with cozy fireplace and wood floors. homeawayrealestate.com
Rent
51 Kendall Place, Snoqualmie Pass
$245–$395/night
Elevation: 3,025 feet
Spacious cabin with rich wood interiors, situated within walking distance of ski slopes and hiking trails. Sleeps as many as 13. cascademountainrentals.com
LEAVENWORTH
The Northwest’s own little slice of Bavaria, Leavenworth is filled with rich food, vibrant festivals and eclectic shops, making its super-cute modern A-frames and European-inspired cabins hot commodities for those seeking summer and winter getaways.
Own
3025 Memory Lane
$249,000
Annual property tax: $2,065
Elevation: 1,900 feet
Handsome three-bedroom A-frame with large deck perfect for a small family or adventurous couple. leavenworthproperties.com
Rent
Whistlestop Lodge
Chumstick Road (Highway 209)
$161–$349/night
Elevation: 2,300 feet
An impressive 4,200-square-foot vacation rental with hot tub, pool and game room. Sleeps eight to 10. thewhistlestop.ws
SUNCADIA
From golf and spa treatments to horseback riding and snowshoeing, Suncadia Resort, outside Cle Elum, provides year-round vacation recreation. New homes and condos highlight contemporary mountain architecture.
Own
3600 Suncadia Trail
$349,000
Annual property tax: $3,239
Elevation: 2,200 feet
870-square-foot third-floor unit condominium unit with a full bedroom, kitchen and fireplace. suncadiaresort.com
Rent
1600 Coal Mine Way
$499–$749/night
Elevation: 2,200 feet
3,100-square-foot, three-bedroom home on golf course that sleeps 10. Guests receive all benefits of Suncadia Resort patrons. suncadiaresort.com
INDEX
Nestled against its mountainous namesake, Index hosts a population of about 170, making it the most remote location on the list. It’s a popular location for rock climbing, hiking and general exploring.
Own
51706 217th Place SE
$224,950
Annual property tax: $246
Elevation: 705 feet
Two-bedroom contemporary riverfront home, built to last with 2-by-6 lumber. Certified wood stove. Separate 100-square-foot shop. Gated community. century21.com
Rent
Wild Lily House
51311 195th Place SE
$175–$375/night
Elevation: 600 feet
This is the “cabin in the woods” you dream about—a secluded, cozy rental, complete with full kitchen and hot tub. wildlilyranch.com
GLACIER
About 24 miles west of the Mount Baker ski area, Glacier is the perfect small-town getaway for year-round mountaineers with its quaint, secluded cabins and easy access to skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking and rock climbing in summer.
Own
7132 Rainier Way
$334,500
Annual property tax: $1,791
Elevation: 1,000 feet
A three-bedroom, vaulted-ceiling cabin with all the perks of modern living: gated entry, washer/dryer combo, dishwasher, natural rock fireplace and more.
Rent
Glacier Springs Cabin No. 2
$259–$409/night; $1,554/week
Elevation: 800 feet
Pet friendly and equipped with a hot tub, this large cabin offers an ideal multifamily vacation spot with its impressive 11-person capacity. mtbakerlodging.com, property code 02GS
DARRINGTON/ MARBLEMOUNT
Darrington, on the northern edge of Snohomish County, is a timber town turned recreational hub dotted with cabins begging to be someone’s weekend escape. Marblemount, 26 miles to the north in Skagit County, was once a booming mining town and trading post. Today, it’s better known as a gateway to North Cascades National Park.
Own
25309 480th Drive NE, Darrington
$199,950
Annual property tax: $198
Elevation: 640 feet
Situated on the Sauk River, this two-bedroom A-frame, built in 1963, is a great fishing hideout or kayaking base.
Rent
Skagit River Resort
58468 State Route 20, Marblemount
Cabins $89–$179/night
Elevation: 350 feet
A great place to unwind, whether there’s just two of you or you’re traveling with a large group. northcascades.com
PORT ANGELES/ OLYMPIC PENINSULA
Situated at the base of Hurricane Ridge, Port Angeles is not only the gateway to Olympic National Park and all of its magnificent scenery, it’s also a popular gateway to Canada—via ferry across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Own
237894 W Highway 101, Port Angeles
$369,000
Annual property tax: $2,910
Elevation: 400 feet
Three-bedroom, two-bath ranch on 20 acres just east of Lake Crescent. Land-division possibilities and plenty of room to roam. Double garage and large detached shop/barn. realtor.com
Rent
Lake Crescent Cabin
East Beach Road, Lake Crescent
$1,500/six-day minimum stay (July/August); $400/two-day minimum stay (May, June, September)
Elevation: 660 feet
Twenty miles west of Port Angeles on the shores of stunning Lake Crescent sits this lovely two-bedroom retreat. No TV, no phone, no worries. lakecrescentcabin.com