Catharine Gallagher | Your Host ~ In Her Own Words

Catharine is an artist. Everything she touches has artistic flourishes. Some small. Some large. Some subtle. Some bold. Often whimsical; even surprising. Always beautiful. 

Several years ago, I stayed for the weekend in her art studio before it was a "cabin". The first morning, I woke to that lovely weekend feeling of "I have no place I have to be." "I have nothing I have to do." 

I lay there contemplating the room. An art studio is a highly personal space. Whenever I have the opportunity to visit one, I am reminded art is the mind made manifest. 

Catharine's "Art by the Yard" studio was no different. From my bed, snuggled in its pleasantly disarrayed down comforter, I began my visual exploration. Her easel stood near a window. A canvas work in process, interrupted. The palette on a nearby stool. The room flooded with morning light. Tubes of paint filling a box. Paint brushes upturned in a jar, drying. A handmade bowl filled with pebbles. The feather of a bird tucked in a book marking the end of a read. A high-tech embroidery machine with large spools of thread in many colours. A stack of hoodies ready to be embroidered for the gift shop. A completed one folded and tagged. Sketches of preliminary designs for note cards. Several works in progress; a creative mind at work.

There is finished art on the walls; handmade tile on the floor under the Franklin stove; a small kitchen with a jar of whole bean coffee. The room is interesting and filled with personal elements. Wonderful!

Now, you can stay in the Art Studio. It's still as beautiful and interesting as it was when it was a working studio. Catharine’s art is on the walls. Her easel is standing in the corner waiting for you. 

As Catharine says: This charming one room cedar cabin is still full of creative energy; a place of much joy and happiness. Try your hand at the easel. Or, for your own art-filled stay, bring a project of your own to work on. Take your sketchbook outside to sit by the creek. Write in your journal. Work on your needlecraft. Relax. Refresh. Breathe in the fresh mountain air. Listen to the sound of Copper Creek as it tumbles over the rocks on its way to the sea. I hope the spirit of this creative little cabin inspires you as it has inspired me!

Grateful every day to have creative, artful people in my life.

King 5 and Evening Magazine ~ Voted Best Cabins 2 Years in a Row!

Reserve Now! Art Studio cabin at Mount Rainier

More about Catharine and her art

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.
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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

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