Spring has Sprung! Heading to Stevens Pass ~ Summer is on the Way

OK, OK, it's true. We live in paradise!

And, this morning? Another gorgeous, gorgeous day. If you just can't think of what to do next weekend, bring your bike or your hiking boots and head to Stevens Pass via the Skagit Tulip Festival. Nothing says, "Hello, Spring! Summer is just around the corner" like fields and fields of tulips in a riot of colour. And, this year is no exception. The tulips are doing their very best in the competition between the clear blue sky and the snow-capped peaks in every direction. My goddaughter sent me these images.

I love the tulip festival. Nothing says winter is over with more enthusiasm. It gives us a glimpse of the promise of summer when May, June, July, and August hold out their generous, welcoming arms, and say, "Let's go!"

This weekend, it was Stevens Pass and the utterly darling A-frame chalet with the completely perfect name ~ A River Runs Through It!

This is one of the most secluded cabins at Stevens Pass. And, yes! A river does run through it!

I love this little cabin! It's just the perfect size for one or two couples. I love it as a single, too. When I want to get away and completely relax, write in my journal, walk in the forest, and soak in a hot tub under a sky flung with stars, this is the place! It really is perfect in any season.

This weekend, I drove to Leavenworth for its Taste Leavenworth ~ a "culinary crawl" through town. Oh, yes! A Foodie Heaven! The Spring Sensation festival lasts all month. Enjoy wine tastings, artisan brews, cooking classes, and Leavenworth's salute to organic pears, a regional treasure! Orchards around Leavenworth are some of the largest producers of this sublime fruit in the entire country. Who knew?

Back to my cabin with a bag full of deliciousness! Gourmet treats, a nice crisp white wine for dinner, and flaky pastries for breakfast in the morning.

The day ends with a soak in the hot tub. Up to my neck in warm, bubbling water. Stars above. Index Creek below tumbling on rocks to the sea. Off to bed under down comforters. Soothing! Ah, rest!

In the morning, the sounds of the forest come to life. Birds, Index Creek. The wind through the trees. This calls for freshly ground coffee sipped on the back deck along with my pastries from Leavenworth. Oh, yum!

Hiking. Biking. Whitewater rafting. Rock climbing. Skiing. Fishing. Sledding. Snowshoeing. Photography. Perfect year 'round.

And, as if all those outdoor activities were not enough, Catharine has filled the cabin with many delightful, artful details. Check out the bronze door pulls! Oh, yes! And, look at the amazing bronze pedestal sink set into river rock. Imagine sitting in the sky bridge overlooking the forest. And, the floor! Sheesh, how does this girl do it? Amazing!

 

Every cabin is distinctive. Not a cookie cutter in sight. This cabin has many more artful surprises. I let you discover your favourite detail. And, when you go to the River Runs Through It at GreatGetaways.com, you will find lots of information to make your stay even more enjoyable. Weather, snow fall, recommended hikes, etc. I'm included a hot link to that page for your information.

I love this secluded retreat. I think you will as well.

Grateful every day for the promise of spring in this lovely corner of the world!

King 5 and Evening Magazine ~ Voted Best Cabins 2 years in a row!

Reserve Now! A River Runs Through It ~ Cabin at Stevens Pass

Explore the Area ~ trails, road conditions, weather, etc.

Thank you to my goddaughter, Linsi Ferguson for the Tulip Festival images.

Looking for a Cabin at Stevens Pass? Stay at The Grey Fox

Even though my friend, Kim, has only been here for a few years, she could be mistaken for a Seattle native. She has embraced all things quintessentially Northwest ~ hiking, biking, camping, skiing. She's got REI on speed dial and they greet her by name as she comes in the door. When Kim goes skiing, she goes to Stevens Pass. And, when she makes a long weekend of it, she reserves Grey Fox.

Whether hiking or biking in the summer, white water rafting the Skykomish in the fall or skiing at Stevens Pass in the winter, Grey Fox is the ultimate getaway cabin. Secluded on 3 1/2 acres of dense forest along 350 feet of the Skykomish River, Grey Fox is a nice walk from the historic town of Index and a short drive from skiing at Stevens Pass or enjoying a beer and braut in Leavenworth.

It is perfect for a romantic getaway or a centralized locale for a friends or family day trip. The cabin has two queen bedrooms fitted with down comforters and handmade quilts. 

Kim loves the queen-sized log bed in the living room with its freestanding fireplace on the beautifully designed, hand-built river rock hearth and surrounding wall. At night in the winter, she lights a fire; then, into bed under a down comforter and lovely quilt. There is nothing like lying in bed, hearing the Skykomish rush to the sea while looking out the large window into a starry night. And, in the morning: the forest, a few deer nibbling their breakfast and a view of the best rock climbing wall in the state of Washington.

As usual with all the Great Getaway cabins, there are many artful amenities. I could wax poetic about the super comfortable mattresses and the darling wooden rocking chairs used in the cabins. Everything you need for your stay is here. You can literally walk in the door with a bag of groceries and find a fully stocked kitchen complete with a canister of the specially roasted whole bean coffee served at Copper Creek Inn. You'll want a fresh cup of joe when you sit on the wrap-around deck. So, relax and breathe in the crisp, clean air. 

There is a large flat screen TV/DVD/VCR in the living room. While there is a handful of DVD's in the cabin, you will want to bring your own DVD's if you want to watch movies. TV reception is not good in the mountains. 

The inviting hot tub, under a gazebo, is just steps from the river.

So, whether you are skiing alone or planning an outing with friends, you'll find what you need at Grey Fox where up to six can stay comfortably. Includes a BBQ grill with propane, a picnic table on the deck and, if you have an electric car, there is a complimentary electric vehicle charging station. 

Enjoy all your outdoor activities: 

fishing, rafting, skiing, biking, hiking, rock climbing. 

Grey Fox. It's private and beautiful in all seasons. 

Reserve Now! Grey Fox Cabin at Stevens Pass

Grateful every day for my friend, Kim.

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

Catharine's original art throughout Great Getaways lodging.