Remembering Summer Camp

I was going to write about summer’s Big 3 today. You know: Graduations. Weddings. Family reunions. But, as I was looking out at my garden seeing the fragrant lilac hedge doing its lavish best to fill the air with its gentle perfume, I was reminded of the warm days of summer camp when the trees were fully leafed out. Sunlit days. Moonlit nights. The walks in the woods. The starry nights. Laughing around the campfire. The smell of wood smoke. No phones. The shower just up the trail. Heaven.

The funny thing is ~ that is all still available at Mount Rainier!

I love the Sky and Snow Cabins. Quite a bit more civilized than the summer camp of old but just as serene, peaceful and relaxing. These classic cabins are small and tucked under the trees in a beautiful wooded setting. 

Each cabin has its own detached private bathroom with a shower. How cool is that! So, fling your towel over your shoulder like you did when you were 10 and walk 30 steps to your own bathroom. And, since these cabins are a tad more polished, you have access to the hot tub behind the Inn during your stay.

These darling cabins are open all year 'round. So, whenever the "summer camp" mood strikes, book a stay in Sky or Snow!

I'm just sayin' . . .

Grateful every day for summer in the Northwest.

King5 Evening Magazine Voted Best Cabins 2 years in a row!

Reserve Now! Sky Cabin at Mount Rainier

Reserve Now! Snow Cabin at Mount Rainier

The US Open Golf Tournament is Coming in June! Book Now!

For the first time in US Open history, its prestigious golf tournament is coming to the Pacific Northwest.

On June 15, Chambers Bay will open its doors to golfers and guests from around the world. To quote the Chambers Bay site: "With massive, rolling fairways, towering dunes, undulating greens and unpredictable coastal winds, the traditional linksland course will provide the world’s best with a test unlike anything played at a U.S. Open.”

Yikes! Can you say "challenging?" 

Challenging also describes your search for a room. Yes, any lodging worth having near Chambers Bay has been booked for months. You can't sleep in your car or the nearby rest stop. You're going to need a place to stay! 

Chambers Bay is centrally located between Mount Rainier and Shelton. Book Now!

If this is your first trip to the Pacific Northwest and the Puget Sound region, you've landed with both feet in Paradise. In fact, that's the name of the historic 1916 lodge at Mount Rainier ~ and who would argue with the US Forest Service?

I'm going to recommend you look at the cabins at Copper Creek Inn as well as their two cabins at Pirates Cove on Puget Sound. Both venues allow you to be close enough to participate in all the events the Open has to offer. 

Sure you could stay in Seattle and drive down I-5 joining the tens of thousands of other drivers in our notoriously terrible traffic. Or, you could wake relaxed at the base of Mount Rainier, have a leisurely breakfast at the Copper Creek Inn and drive through towering pines and cedars to join the gallery at Chambers Bay each day of the tournament.

Somehow roads lined with ferns and native rhododendrons sounds like a better way to start the day. I'm just sayin' . . .

If you're traveling with a group of friends or family, the Great Getaways cabins are perfect for you. Every cabin is unique and complete with everything you need for your stay. You can literally walk in the door with a bag of groceries, a couple of bottles of our famous Washington reds or locally produced artisan microbrews and find a fully stocked kitchen complete with a canister of the specially roasted whole bean coffee served at Copper Creek Inn. 

In the morning, you'll want a fresh cup of joe as you relax and breathe in the crisp, clean air. The evening may find you up to your neck in warm water as you gaze up at the stars in your own private hot tub. Each cabin includes a flat screen TV, a BBQ grill with propane, outside seating, and, if you have an electric car, there is a complimentary electric vehicle charging station. 

You wouldn't go to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower or to Florence without visiting David, would you? If you come to the Pacific Northwest, you have to see Mount Rainier. Even for those of us who live here, no matter how many times we see it, it's just as amazing as the first time. 

Welcome! Give us a call. And, enjoy your stay. 

Great Getaways Cabins at Mount Rainier | on Puget Sound

KING5 and Evening Magazine ~ Voted Best Cabins 2 years in a row! 

Catharine's original art throughout Great Getaways lodging.

US Open Websites you might find helpful:

Chambers Bay Golf and US Open

Chambers Bay Golf ~ US Open Blog

Pierce County Golf
USGA ~ US Open website
Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier ~ Built in 1916 and Designated as "One of the Great Lodges of the West"

Reserve Now! Great Getaways and Copper Creek Inn Cabins

Meet the Creekside Cabin ~ Enjoy Wandering Secluded Trails Through Acres of Pristine Forest

Holy Cow, what a sunset tonight! Intensely bright pink flashing along the horizon as the clear blue sky fades to indigo. And, yes! The Mountain was out! You can just see everyone slowing down to enjoy our sunsets. It feels like we, as a city, take a collective deep breath, drop our shoulders and let out a gentle sigh. And, when we get home, the first words out of our mouths?

"Did you see the sunset?"

Beautiful. A natural benediction. A true moment of Zen.

I guess that is why I love the cabins at Mount Rainier so much.

Every time I see Mount Rainier's year-round, snow-capped peak framed in the famous blue skies of Seattle, I am reminded of sleeping in one of my favourite cabins up at Mount Rainier. I know! I know! Much like beloved children, I know it's a mistake to have a favourite, but oh, am I tempted by the historic Creekside Cabin at Mount Rainier.

What's it like? Well for one thing, it's perfect for a large family. It has three bedrooms so up to six stay comfortably. Includes WIFI, Verizon cell service, BBQ grill with propane and, if you have an electric car, there is a complimentary electric vehicle charging station.

It is located on the banks of the Copper Creek so when you go to bed at night, the sound of water tumbling over the rocks on its way to the sea will lull you to sleep. And, when you wake up in the morning, it calls to you ~ "Come on. Get up! Let's go out to play."

The air is fresh, crisp and clean. I don't know a better way to start a vacation.

There is a full kitchen with everything you need for meals from simple to gourmet. On the counter, find complimentary whole bean coffee especially roasted for your morning joe. Grab the coffee grinder and enjoy!

There's a basket of spa towels near the door. You're going to need them. The hot tub is just steps from the front door overlooking Copper Creek. Yes, the hot tub is tucked near the cabin but it is placed so you have all the privacy you desire. Gaze up! You're under the stars up to your neck in warm water surrounded by those you love.

As you plan your stay, don't forget to bring the marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars. You'll be glad you brought them along as you sit on the log benches around the inviting fire pit. The fire pit is always available as long as there is no burn ban in place. Your hosts will let you know.

Bring sports equipment to play games on the open grassy areas. Go into the woods. You have 6 1/2 acres to explore. And, as you wonder the forest, breathe deeply, relax, look at the world around you. Keep your eyes out for trillium, fern, foxglove, blackberry and wild strawberry scattered among the cedar and fir trees.
.

The comfortable, casual interiors invite you to put your feet up and relax.




Starry nights.

Crackling wood.

The smell of pine and the sound of rushing water.

Yup, that's why I love this cabin so much!

I think you will, too!

Grateful every day to see the sunset on another day in paradise.

Reserve Now! The Creekside Cabin at Mount Rainier

KING5 Evening Magazine ~ Voted Best Cabins 2 years in a row

Oh, the adventures that begin with . . .

If you believe the loveliest memories are made at Mount Rainier, bring your family and friends to Copper Creek Inn for your wedding.

If you believe the best things come in small packages, consider exchanging your vows at the Lodge at Copper Creek Inn. Perfect for your intimate wedding of 40 guests. For a larger wedding of up to 150 guests, hold your ceremony in our sun-drenched glade and reserve the Meadow at Copper Creek Inn. Both venues sublime and utterly distinctive.

Located two miles from the Nisqually Gate to Mount Rainier, the Meadow and the Lodge at Copper Creek Inn are stunning backdrops for a wedding as exceptional as you are.

Extraordinary in every way ~ chic, sophisticated, elegant, refined, tender, deeply romantic, and reminiscent of a more graceful time.

Our weddings are noted for their flawless attention to detail.

Imagine your photographs . . .

You ~ beautiful in your dress as your groom gazes at you.

You ~ radiant on the arm of your beloved as you exchange your vows before your family and friends.

You ~ glowing with happiness as you toss your bouquet.

While it is true all weddings need families, friends and a lovely couple glowing with love, you're also going to need something to eat. And, oh, boy! Have you come to the right place!

Julia and Donny, the catering chefs at Copper Creek Inn, are ready to help you plan the perfect wedding menu for you and your guests. 

Yes, it is true that Copper Creek Inn is famous for its amazing berry pies, but, wait until you taste what they have planned for your wedding celebration! Everything freshly prepared on-site. Everything beautifully presented. 

Thinking of a wedding brunch?

Yes, you can have that lovely brunch you have always wanted. Copper Creek Inn has many dining options. Maybe you will want your guests to have the fresh, warm quiche with a delectably flaky crust served with fresh fruit in its own rind bowl.  Whatever menu items you select will be carefully prepared and artfully presented. The result will be friendly and inviting. And as always, you can choose from an assortment of breads fresh from the oven.

If you have a dinner in mind, the chefs at Copper Creek Inn are famous for imaginative entrées.

Are you thinking smoked salmon? Me, too! Their wild salmon is smoked on site the day of your event. How about BBQ? Yes! Our chefs are BBQ'd royalty. Delicious flat iron steaks, rib eye steaks, chicken, burgers, ribs, and bratwurst ~ prepared while you watch. Add locally sourced fruits and vegetables to complete your dinner selections. Result? Oh, yum! I'm just sayin' . . . 

Copper Creek Inn offers professional catering services you can depend on. 

From the food to the sparkling wine to the tent to the music to the arrangements on the tables, the knowledgeable staff at Copper Creek Inn is prepared to make your wedding wishes a reality.

Whatever you decide, every recommendation is made to make your day as perfect as you hope.

Call to arrange a tour or a tasting.

Everything just as you imagined.

And, a dazzling beginning of many, many happy anniversaries.

Wedding photography
More Copper Creek Inn wedding information
More Copper Creek catering information

Everyday grateful for family and friends
who gather to celebrate happy occasions.

Reserve Now! Great Getaways and Copper Creek Inn Cabins

Let's Talk Fresh Berry Pie

This morning, The Mountain was out! Lovely mist along the foothills and looking like a crisp cut-out against a clear blue Seattle morning sky.

Seeing the Mountain this morning reminded me of one of my favourite stops on the way to Mount Rainier. There is an amazing restaurant just before the Nisqually gate. Through Eatonville and just past Ashford, the Copper Creek Restaurant is a must stop-by if you are either going up to Paradise or coming home from a day hike. 

The Copper Creek Restaurant is noted for its freshly made black berry pies. Baked throughout the day, they are made from the original recipe made famous by Jennie Zuelich, the long-time cook/baker at Copper Creek. Fresh from the oven, flaky crust! Delish. Take an entire pie home, either freshly baked or unbaked and frozen. I've done all three: fresh pie at the restaurant, freshly baked pie to take on the road and unbaked and frozen for later in the month. Honestly, oh yum!


The restaurant's baked goods are divine. Fresh bread. Fresh cinnamon rolls. Fresh chocolate chip cookies. All the bakery items make their generously-sized breakfasts even more memorable.

Freshly prepared by real bakers and served to you by real people who take pride in their work. In the summer, some of your waitstaff will be working their way through college. Others are in the restaurant all year 'round.

The fare is classic American roadside cuisine with some added local specialties. I mean, really, where are you going to get fresh wild salmon in Kansas at the local diner? I’m sayin’ probably nowhere. 

The style of the restaurant remains faithful to the 1940’s original. Updated only to highlight the charming elements customers have come to love. Check out the original mural and the very coolest of cool retro chandeliers. 

It’s casual dining featuring delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere. The couple at the next table enjoying the Salade Nicoise and a bottle of Washington red? Yes, they are still wearing their hiking boots and their backpacks are slung over their chairs. 

And, if you're staying at one of Copper Creek Inn's neighboring cabins, stop by for breakfast. The omelets are fluffy and toothsome. The coffee is especially roasted and, if none of that entices you ~ the cinnamon rolls alone are worth the trip. I'm just sayin' . . .

As you leave, spend some time in the darling gift shop. I personally own a pair of mismatched socks from the shop. I particularly love the catch phrase, “life's too short for matching socks.” 

The gift shop also features Catharine’s art on note cards, Copper Creek Inn hoodies as well as their special blend of coffee in one pound bags. And, did I mention Washington wines bottled just for them featuring Catharine’s unique labels? They are there, too.

So I guess the long and short of this is ~ 

if you’re going to Mount Rainier, 

take time to relax over dinner and pie at Copper Creek.

Grateful every day spent at Paradise on Mount Rainier

Copper Creek Restaurant
Soulmate Mismatched Socks