photo credit: wikipedia.org
Sometimes, you just want to run away with your honey and take off for the weekend. Fortunately, there are several old historic lodges outside of Seattle within driving distance, and they are perfect.
Lake Quinault Lodge on the Olympic Peninsula
Lake Quinault Lodge, built in the 1920s, is near the Olympic National Park and sits in a mossy rain forest on the banks of a serene lake. The weather can be glorious if you catch this place on a sunny day, but usually Lake Quinault is misty because it’s in the same rainbelt that produced the brooding Kurt Cobain.
Lots of people take their kids to Lake Quinault on the Olympic Peninsula to get out of Seattle for a quick break, but I think it’s a better place for a couple to get to know each other… or maybe to get away from the kids.
The scenery is truly stunning and it’s nice to breakfast in the historic lodge watching the wildlife and imagining what life was like before the white man. Well, that’s easy because Lake Quinault is owned by the Quinault Indian Nation.
There are easy hikes nearby (get a map from the ranger) and it’s lovely to drive the 30-mile loop road around the lake. Some hearty souls bike it. And, Roosevelt Elk, deer, bears, bobcats, and cougars are found in the area.
If possible, rent a kayak and get out onto the lake. The place is like Alaska, only closer to work. Or, take a lake tour by powerboat in the high season. But, pack some kind of waterproof clothing because even in summer it’s still a rain forest. Bring chocolate and a good book.
I think you’ll like this place. It’s very quiet and sexy in a natural and exhilarating way.
Kalaloch Lodge on the Olympic Peninsula
Kalaloch Lodge is about as far as you can get from civilization in the lower 48. And, the weather can be wild and wooly here, but it’s worth the trip for nature lovers who can’t quite understand why normal people would go camping and sleep on the hard ground.
Kalaloch is not as fancy as Lake Quinault Lodge, but it’s fun to pretend that the little cabin is your own house on the cold and thundering ocean. There is just something good and primal about walking along the ocean’s shore.
Bring warm clothes here for any time of year. It’s not far from the mountainous areas of the Olympic National Park.
Rosario Resort Hotel on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands
The main building of Rosario Resort is the former mansion of an early Seattle mayor (1889). The Rosario guest rooms are in a newer part of the property, but everything about this location is primo. This hotel may be the most romantic place in all of Washington State. It is beautiful. Even the ferry ride to Orcas Island is spectacular.
It feels like another country, because it certainly can’t be part of the United States. Click here for the view from the Rosario webcam.
Rosario is on a rocky shore, like those in New England, but there are gorgeous sailboats moored at the marina, and there is a beautiful park on nearby Mount Constitution where you can see to Canada. And Moran State Park has a sweet little lake.
The only thing that would make the San Juans better, would be to make it warmer year round. Yet, that would ruin the setting. The green trees would wither. And, all of California would move there.
Oh, the San Juans are a miracle of nature. And, Rosario Resort has massages and friendly wild deer and true beauty. Fabulous.
The Paradise Inn and National Park Inn at Mount Rainier
Paradise Lodge (now called Paradise Inn) and Longmire (National Park Inn) are two extraordinary historic lodges. They don’t have spas or masseurs, but the setting will help you relax with no outside help. OK, the lodges have crappy rooms, with paper thin walls, but who cares? Maybe the neighbors, if you are on your second honeymoon, though no one has ever complained.
Now, when talking about these lodges, remember that it’s all about the setting. Paradise Inn is half-way up Mount Rainier. Yes, it can be cold. Yes, the weather is unpredictable, but no one should pass through Washington State without seeing the meadows at Paradise. (No, I shouldn’t say that. It’s already too crowded up there.)
Longmire Inn (National Park Inn) is nestled down in a towering forest of beauty. It’s really special, and I’m a jaded traveler. Walk down by the river and be prepared for magic.
Longmire National Park Inn is open year round. Paradise is open from spring until fall.
Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie Falls
One more place deserves a mention, and that is the Salish Lodge. It was a historical building but it was rebuilt. Now, it’s a Northwest style hotel, and it’s beautiful, but it’s no longer as historic.
Click here to pronounce Salish or Snoqualmie.
Everyone who has stayed at Salish says it’s great. And, having been to Snoqualmie Falls many times, as well as the Lodge’s restaurant, I can say that the food and the waterfall are spectacular.
Salish is only about 45 minutes out of the city. It’s really easy to get to, because it doesn’t require a ferry. So, I can give Salish Lodge a thumbs up even though it has a more corporate feel to it. Go give Salish a try, and you will feel like you are much farther out in the country than you really are.
Any of these Washington State Lodges is worth a romp with your sweetie. The only difficult part is picking one.
For more info:
Lake Quinault Lodge on the Olympic Peninsula
Kalaloch Lodge on the Olympic Peninsula
Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier
National Park Inn at Longmire Mount Rainier
The Best Place to Stay at Mount Rainier
Rosario Resort in the San Juan Islands
Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie Falls
Best Places for Washington State Camping
Best sites for Women's Travel Wear
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