I’ve got a thing for Puget Sound islands. I love driving up that clanky ferry ramp, then feeling the Northwest wind whipping around me as I get out of my car and head up to the top deck for a coffee. I love sipping my drink as I watch the mainland drift further and further away. Soon, Ciscoe is talking to me over the ferry loudspeaker about the whereabouts of those trusty lifejackets, should they ever be needed, and all is right with the world.

I’ve visited quite a few of these emerald gems. Vashon. Fox. Orcas. Lopez. Camano. San Juan. Lummi. Whidbey. Bainbridge. And boy, do I envy the “residents.” They’ve got it made, I think to myself, with their fresh brown eggs and their farmer’s markets and their cottage gardens and their pottery studios. Someday, I think, I’m going to be one of them. I will! But for now, I’m a visitor. And in my experiences, a welcome one.

My family just spent a fantastic weekend on friendly South Whidbey, one of those quick, hassle-free weekend getaways that got us well out of the city without so much as an hour of driving. Tourist season was still officially around the corner, but we had a one-ferry wait nonetheless (not a prob with Ivars right there at the Mukilteo dock for all of our dinner needs.) Anyway, the hassle with a getaway such as this often comes before you even leave your house, when you’ve got to find a great place to stay. Well, next time you’re headed to the south end of Whidbey Island, go ahead and check that one off your list. You see, I’ve found the perfect place for you, whether you’re on a family getaway or a romantic weekend. It’s Carol Lee’s Attic, just north of the town of Langley on Saratoga Passage.

First of all, let’s dispel this notion of what you might encounter in an “attic”…  things like darkness, low ceilings, small windows, spiders; Carol Lee’s Attic is nothing like this. In fact, if I were Carol and Roy Bingman, I think I would rename the attic to loft, or even sanctuary. This entire second story of Carol and Roy’s detached garage building (that’s the “attic” in the photo above, on the right) is a beautifully-furnished apartment, tastefully-decorated in the style of English Country. The space is huge and full of light, with high ceilings and grand windows and lovely views of the Bingman’s cottage garden and Saratoga Passage beyond. As soon as we stepped into the guest house, I knew we’d stumbled upon a place that was very special.

Some B&B hosts have a real talent for anticipating a guest’s every need. Carol and Roy could write a book on this! They knew we’d have a toddler in tow, so Carol had thoughtfully placed a safety screen around the gas stove, and set out a stack of kid’s books. The bookshelves are stocked with a variety of books and magazines, and there are plenty of DVDs to watch, from comedies to documentaries. We always travel with music for Isaac to listen to– always, except for this time. Fortunately the attic’s CD collection included a Pink Martini CD. In other words, the guest house is fully-stocked with pretty much anything a guest might need or desire, from chamomile tea to dental floss.

Carol Lee’s Attic is a B&B, and the guest house kitchenette (sink, microwave, fridge, toaster oven, coffeemaker) was stocked with breakfast items, from delicious quiche and fruit to milk and cereal. We loved this arrangement – it allowed Brian and I to enjoy a leisurely breakfast without having to keep Isaac entertained. We let the DVD player do that!

And then, there was the bathroom.

See that awesome tub? That’s a Jacuzzi. And that view out the window? Yep, that’s the water beyond those towering Douglas fir. Bald eagles and Great Blue Herons swoop by on a regular basis. I spent a fair amount of time in here.

Carol Lee’s Attic welcomes children and pets by pre-arrangement. The guest house has a king-size bed and a trundle bed that can be made into two twins. Four guests maximum. The daily rate is $95 plus tax (add $25 for a single-night stay, add $25 if you use the trundle bed). Info: 360-730-1955 or email info@carolleesattic.com.

Disclosure note: We were charged half price the two nights we stayed at this B&B.

I was probably the last person to know this. But it happens sometimes, even to me.

Here at Northwest Cheapsleeps, we’ve gone on and on for years now about great yurts at state parks in Oregon and Washington. And all along there have sat six shiny yurts in a King County Park just 30 miles or so from my very own home in Seattle. This adorable cluster of yurts are at Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground in Carnation along the west shore of the Snoqualmie River.

The yurts at Tolt are great for families or small groups because they sleep up to seven people. Each has two double futons, a double/single bunk bed, night stand, heat, electricity, deck, picnic table and fire ring. Two of the Tolt MacDonald yurts have wheelchair accessibility. All yurts are located on the west side of the park across the Snoqualmie River. The park provides wagons to haul your stuff to your yurt across the 500-foot suspension bridge that spans the river.

If you haven’t stayed in a yurt, or haven’t even heard of a yurt, you’re probably scratching your head about now. What the heck is a yurt? Hopefully the photo above, provided by King County parks, will give some clarity. These circular, domed tents are made of extra-heavy, durable canvas. Yurts evidently served as traditional shelters for nomadic people in Asia. Now, they’re a comfortable, semi-affordable way to “glam camp.” (Yes, I just made that term up. Please forgive me.) In other words–stay in a yurt, rough it a little less.

Affordable? Certainly. The yurts at Told MacDonald Park are $50 a night. And like I said before, I am obviously one of the last people to know about the existence of these domes. Helen from King County Parks tells me that all weekend dates from now until Labor Day weekend are fully booked already. There are weekday slots available, but reserve soon. For reservations call 206-205-5434 or email regional.scheduling@kingcounty.gov.

I know an awful lot of hikers.  After all, this is my day job. To many of these hiker types, a “cheap sleep” is their tent. And in truth, a tent is probably the cheapest sleep of all. But it’s not a top choice for everyone, all the time. Sometimes after an exhilarating, sweaty hike I want nothing more than a hot shower, a cold beer and a soft bed. You with me?

There’s perhaps no better way to experience the natural splendor of our incredible outdoor landscapes in the Pacific Northwest than hiking.  And the good news is, even a soft-bed enthusiast can hike a mountain or enjoy a beach stroll without ever setting foot (or head) in a tent. Last month I penned an article for Washington Trails magazine titled Cheap Sleeps and Day Hikes. You can read it here. For three of the state’s great hiking regions (Mount Adams, the Methow Valley and the Olympic rainforest) the article divulges spectacular spring day hike suggestions paired alongside good and even great cheap sleeps nearby. Check it out.  And just for you, just right here, I’m adding a fourth region–the state’s best springtime hiking destination for wildflowers, wildlife and vistas– desert landscapes of Central Washington.

Both Washington and Oregon have large swaths of desert steppe country east of the Cascades. Colorful in places and intensely stark in others, these canyons and sagelands have lightly-treaded trails that provide much-needed relief for spring fever. This time of year, the steppe is warmer, drier, and under far less snow than the Cascades and Olympics. If you’ve not experienced the immense beauty of the steppe, you’ll be dazzled by the colorful wildflowers, musical migratory birdlife and mild temps. Go from now through mid-May for the best displays of wildflowers.  I particularly like some of the trails south of Ellensburg and north of Yakima. Oh, and an added bonus of hiking in this region? Wine tasting after your hike!

Where to Hike

Black Canyon L.T. Murray Wildlife Area southwest of Ellensburg. 7 miles RT, 1250 feet gain.

Avid birdwatchers probably wish they could keep this special trail all  to themselves for the nesting Western Bluebirds, Yellow-breasted Chats and occasional Lewis’ Woodpecker. But the word has gotten out about this stunning canyon, with its hillsides of colorful flowers and black basalt cliffs. As with all of these desert hikes, tread carefully to protect the vegetation and avoid stepping on a rattlesnake. Oh, and check for ticks when you return to your car. For more information on this hike, visit WTA’s online hiking guide.

Umtanum Canyon L.T. Murray Wildlife Area south of Ellensburg. 6 miles RT, 700 feet gain.

A perennial favorite of mine, the trail into Umtanum canyon starts across a huge suspension bridge over the gently rushing Yakima River and slowly winds its way up along Umtanum Creek. Look up the steep hillsides for possible sightings of Prairie Falcons (they nest here) and bighorn sheep. A handful of tent sites make an overnight hike a possibility.  For more information on this hike, visit WTA’s online hiking guide.

Whiskey Dick Washington Dept Fish & Wildlife land northeast of Ellensburg. 8 miles RT, 1750 feet gain.

If you’ve never seen the brilliant and fluorescent fuchsia-hued flowers of the hedgehog cactus, this is your next hike. If you hit the blooms at the right time, wildflowers carpet the desert floor before you, from the top of the ridge down to the coulee bottom. Blooms to spot include balsamroot, phlox, lupine, daisies and rock penstamon. For more information on this hike, visit WTA’s online hiking guide.

Where to Sleep

Ellensburg makes a great base for exploring these three desert trails. You’ll get the most warm hospitality for your money at the quaint Wren’s Nest Bed and Breakfast, a 1912 beautiful craftsman home right in the heart of town. Marcia’s gourmet breakfasts are legendary and bring visitors back again and again. Rates are $95 – $110 nightly, no kids under 14 and no pets. Contact: www.wrensnest.com or 509.925.9061.

For the more adventurous, choose yourself a uniquely-themed room at the Inn at Goose Creek in Ellensburg. Are you a sports enthusiast? You’ll feel right at home in the sports fan room, complete with basketball hoop, tennis balls and trophies. Are you a Christmas fanatic? There’s a room for you, too, complete with a decorated tree, Santa and holiday music. Rates are $89 – $129 nightly and your stay includes a continental breakfast. No pets, but children are welcome. Contact: www.innatgoosecreek.com or 509.962.8030.

Near Yakima, check out the Apple Country Bed and Breakfast on the Old Naches Hwy. During harvest season, your delicious breakfast is likely to include a special treat made with one of the several varieties of apples grown on the property. Rates are $79 – $95. Contact: www.applecountryinnbb.com or 509.972.3409.

Looking for a kid-friendly B&B? Head to Orchard Inn B&B set in a charming cherry orchard in Yakima, in full bloom in April. Your fabulous breakfast is served in a sunny room overlooking the orchard–enjoy dishes like baked French toast stuffed with apricots from a tree right outside your window. Rates are $109 – $129. Contact: www.orchardinnbb.com or 509.966.1283.

Photo credits: Hiker on Umtanum Ridge by Rik_C. Balsomroot in bloom by Eldan. Hedgehog cactus flowers by brewbooks.

Last week we found ourselves weighing our intense need for a weekend getaway against taking a tantrum-throwing, teething toddler away from his home and routine. We drew curly straws, the weekend getaway won, and I was soon searching for a destination that was relatively close to Seattle with lots of fun things to do and pretty things to look at.  So, off we went northward to Bellingham–a smallish city by the sea with a big reputation for livability, cultural attractions, kid-friendliness and outdoor fun.

Bellingham’s charms are many, but its cheap sleeps are surprisingly few. Save for a handful of no-frills motels, there just aren’t many rooms to be found for under $100. Most people I know who travel here end up at the Fairhaven Village Inn, where even winter rates for the most basic rooms start above our cheap sleeps ceiling of $150 a night.  Bed and breakfasts are sparse here, and strict county regulations for operating a B&B may explain why. Still, there are a few we can afford, and we were pleased as punch with the one we chose.

The Axton Road Bed and Breakfast has only been open for business a year, but you’d never know it; hosts Sandy and Barb made us feel right at home without any of the fussiness I’ve sometimes experienced with new B&Bs. Axton Road is a real B&B–this isn’t an inn, it’s the hosts’ beautiful, custom-built home. Semi-retired physicians and recent empty-nesters, the couple converted their three childrens’ former bedrooms into comfortable guest rooms with lots of warm wood, tasteful country finishings and gorgeous views out to the pastures and mountains. We were in the “oak room,” complete with an iPod deck and daybed for the kiddo. Through our window we took in the territorial view of goat pasture and gardens framed by the Cascades. The bath was just outside our door.

Here is a picture of the “maple room.”

Barb and Sandy’s main living room radiates comfort and warmth, and Barb made sure to let us know that we were welcome to hang out there, whether it was to browse the library (including a shelf of kids’ books), play a game of scrabble or just chat by one of the  stone fireplaces.

Axton Road B&B sits just north of Bellingham on twenty pastoral acres that comprise a native tree nursery, vegetable gardens, goat pasture, a vineyard, and an orchard.  A couple of short trails take you through the woods and meadow around the property. I was drawn in by the descriptions of wildlife and nature on the B&B’s website (tell any birder in western Washington they might see a barn owl and you’ve got them!) and Brian and Isaac looked forward to feeding the goats.

When we arrived early Saturday afternoon, Sandy was busy in the carpentry shop and he came to greet us and show us our room, graciously making no mention of the fact that our arrival was very much on the early side. We settled in, baby Isaac dozed for a bit, then we headed out to check out the six resident goats, the star attractions as far as our 1-year old was concerned. While the goats enjoyed a sampling of peanuts, I watched a nearby Cooper’s Hawk stalk some unsuspecting songbirds.

After an afternoon drive, we ended our evening back at Sandy and Barb’s with cups of hot chocolate. Breakfast on Sunday morning was spinach quiche, fruit and toast, which we took turns eating as the other contained the toddler, who was hell-bent on destruction.  I regretted not bringing along our portable high chair. (By the way, if anyone ever tells you that the “terrible twos” actually begin at 18 months of age, believe them!)

Before leaving Bellingham, we enjoyed a long walk around the marina at Squalicum Harbor, a beautiful spot for a morning stroll. It was pretty quiet on this Sunday morning, and we watched as a few fisherman prepared their gear on the dock and a handful of sailboats departed the marina. After that we checked out the Whatcom Museum’s new Family Interactive Gallery (FIG), a collection of interactive art and activities that was fun and engaging, as promised.

We’ll be back, Bellingham!

More information:

Axton Road Bed & Breakfast, $135 a night. (360) 398-9196 or www.axtonroadbedandbreakfast.com.

Check out kid-friendly Bellingham over at Cascadia Kids.

Discover more about Bellingham and its environs at the Whatcom County Tourism Bureau.

]]> http://nwcheapsleeps.org/2010/03/22/bellingham-a-city-by-the-sea/feed/ 3 http://nwcheapsleeps.org/2010/02/28/why-tourism-matters/ http://nwcheapsleeps.org/2010/02/28/why-tourism-matters/#comments Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:52:14 +0000 Lauren http://nwcheapsleeps.org/?p=1214

In my state of Washington, the economic recession has hit state budgets extremely hard.  Our state legislature is currently grappling with fixes to fill a $2.6 billion budget gap; this is on top of a $7 billion budget shortfall they dealt with last year. These are big numbers, and they’re resulting in big, deep cuts across the board to pretty much any cause or program you could care about, from education to health care to state recreation lands.

Last week, I learned that they’re seriously considering deep cuts to the agency called Washington State Tourism. In some proposals, the cuts are so deep that the agency would be eliminated; the Senate supplemental budget includes a more than $3 million cut that would close the office of tourism through 2010, at least.

When I learned of this, I was floored. Let’s talk about tourism in Washington state for just a moment, shall we?

Last year, tourists spent $14.2 billion in Washington. That was $1.2 billion less than in 2008, a sign of the recession and the “staycation” trend, no doubt. But still – $14.2 billion. In the Seattle area alone, tourism employs over 60,000 people.  Statewide, tourism provides 147,600 jobs — nearly 4 percent of all jobs in the state. Statewide, tourism generated about $958 million in local and state tax revenues.

With the nationwide economy poised to begin its long road ahead to recovery, it would behoove our state to make smart investments in areas that can benefit quickly from that economic recovery as it happens, especially in areas that can immediately bring in new revenues and create jobs statewide. Statewide tourism tops that list, and it is senseless to make deep cuts to it, and plain idiotic to eliminate the engines for it.

What can you do? Contact your legislators, and do it today, as soon as you read this. Find your legislator here. It’s easy to write a quick message to them.  Tell them how much tourism matters to our state and how short-sighted it is to bite the hand that feeds us. We need tourism to grow our state’s revenue and get out of this budget hole–it’s that simple. Do it for the independent B&Bs nestled among vineyards of the Yakima Valley, the bike rental shops along the shores of Long Beach and the art vendors at Seattle’s Pike Place Market.

Thank you.

Have you ever been on a hiking trail and thought, “I wonder how this got here?” Look at the trail the next time you go on a hike–really look at it, and notice the footbridges, boardwalk, rock steps, and switchbacks. Whether you’re at Mount Rainier or the Hoh rainforest, that trail under your boots was built by someone, probably several people, and is likely maintained regularly by hard-working volunteers in brightly-colored hardhats.

Last year, volunteers with the Washington Trails Association (WTA) logged over 90,000 hours building and maintaining hiking trails on public lands. Many of those generous volunteers spent their vacation–yes their vacation–helping these trails. WTA hosts Volunteer Vacations all over the state.

Inexpensive? Check. Beautiful location? Check. Totally unique? Check. Incredibly rewarding? Check!

Imagine taking a Volunteer Vacation to a place like this: the trail to Hart Lake in the Glacier Peak Wilderness near Lake Chelan.

WTA’s Volunteer Vacations are extended trail maintenance work parties, lasting a whole week.  The first of 42 Volunteer Vacations scheduled for this summer begins March 27 on the Hoh Rainforest Trail in Olympic National Park. Enormous towering trees, rich moss-covered forest canopy, perhaps some dappled sunlight and the gentle calling of the Hoh River. Does it get any better?

So, what can you expect on a WTA Volunteer Vacation? There will be great meals, chats by the campfire, and llamas for companions. You might find yourself lingering over your lunch on a sun-drenched granite ridge top, awed by the natural scenery around you. Maybe you’ll form some friendships with kindred spirits that last a lifetime. Perhaps you will encounter a wild animal you have longed to observe, or make great strides in your plant identification skills. Oh, and you’ll probably want to hike a little, too. They give you a whole day off just to do that, like these folks did on a Volunteer Vacation to the Upper Stehekin Valley in North Cascades National Park.

And you will most definitely be making a difference, a contribution to hiking trails that will serve generations of hikers to come. That’s right, there’s some work involved– the “volunteer” part. Your crew might be responsible for building a new bridge across a stream, or restoring a damaged alpine meadow. You might be logging out a trail littered with downed trees after winter storms, or building a rock wall to support a slumping portion of trail. And after all that work each day, you’ll be ready to eat.

It’s a real community out there on a WTA Volunteer Vacation, and everyone contributes. In the morning and in the evening, everyone takes turns sharing in-camp chores like helping the cook, washing dishes and pumping water. But there will be plenty of time left over to sleep under the stars, eat and eat some more, explore, and relax.

No prior trail experience is necessary to take a Volunteer Vacation with WTA. There are variety of trips to choose from. Some are strenuous (vacationers backpack in to the work site carrying their own tent, sleeping bag and other personal gear.) Some are car camps.  WTA packs in the food, tools and other supplies on horses or llamas. A Volunteer Vacation with WTA costs only $165 ($125 for WTA members) and includes all your food, tools, and training.

So, where will you be spending your summer vacation?

More information: http://www.wta.org/trail-news/volunteer/vacations

Volunteer Vacations for youth: http://www.wta.org/trail-news/volunteer/youth

All photos are courtesy of Washington Trails Association.

By now you’ve probably heard about the wildly-popular cedar cabins for rent at Cama Beach State Park on Washington’s Camano Island. They’re such a hot commodity that if you don’t already have reservations to rent one this summer, you probably won’t be going. A Cama Beach employee recently posted on Northwest Cheapsleep’s Facebook page that “there are only a handful of one night stays during the summer left.” Hmmm….I guess now is the time to book your autumn or winter 2010 stay at Cama Beach State Park! Note that rates just inched up once again; 2010 rental rates range from $23 – $95 per night.

For those of you lucky enough to have an upcoming trip planned to Cama Beach, we’ve got some tips to help you make the most of your cabin stay. My sister Lesley just returned from a quiet, peaceful three-night stay in a waterfront cabin, and has shared her impressions and practical tips with us. Thanks, Lesley!

My overall impression of the cabins at Cama Beach State Park? They live up to the hype. This is an incredible escape during the off-season months.  The value is simply sensational (our deluxe waterfront cabin was just $41 a night–about half the price we’d have paid in the summer months).

This is not luxury living; a basic cabin stay at Cama Beach is just a notch or two up from a deluxe camping trip, but the amenities sure feel like luxuries during the winter months compared to winter camping:  an actual roof over your head, heat, on-demand hot water, electricity, and refrigeration. If you’re looking to keep a few more of the conveniences of home, the Deluxe cabins offer a great value at just a few additional dollars per night over the Basic cabins.  In addition to all that the Basic cabins provide, the Deluxe cabins have a bathroom with a shower, a phone, and internet access. 

We were blessed with mild and mostly dry weather during our February visit. We also enjoyed plenty of solitude–there were only a handful of other visitors there during our stay. The cards and board games we brought along came in handy, and we spent a lot of time sitting outside, taking in the views and the water, or stargazing at night.  Even in poor weather, we would’ve had an excellent vantage point for the view; the kitchen table looks out the front window right onto the beach. I wished there were a covered front porch large enough to sit on, though.

The price of these cabins literally doubles in the summer months, which slightly diminishes the value for me.  The park is far more crowded then, too.  Personally, I’d rather camp in a tent in the summer. I think Cama Beach is particularly attractive to families in the summer because  your kids will have other kids to play with, the Park sponsors educational programs, and you can grill out. And to stay on the beach an hour from Seattle, what more can you ask for, really?

If you go, here are a few practical tips.

• There are no cars allowed near the cabins. You’ll park your car at one of several parking lots up on a hill above the waterfront. There is a shuttle van available during “business” hours (ending at 6pm) that will cart you and your stuff down to the beach.  To get the shuttle, you may have to call a number provided to you in your check-in materials, and it will pick you up at the upper parking lot with your luggage and take you to your cabin.
• Will you arrive after 6pm? Be prepared to carry your luggage down a steep, possibly wet hill, possibly in the dark, to your cabin.  Luckily, we didn’t pack a lot and were able to fit everything in the provided cart (kind of like a giant wheelbarrow) and on our backs, but we were tempted to bring more, which would’ve required two trips.
• Be sure to bring warm bedclothes and warm pajamas in the winter and shoulder seasons.  Though there is electric heat in the cabin, the heat is in the living space and in the bathroom; there is no heat wall unit in the bedroom.  And, the cabin is not insulated in any way, as far as I could tell.
• You may want to bring earplugs to sleep, especially during a busy time of year.  The walls are just thin wood and actually seem to resonate the noises inside.  We were clearly able to hear our neighbors in the cabin next door as they talked, walked, and scooted chairs across the floor.  Also, keep this in mind when you are making noise yourself.
• You are expected to clean the cabin upon leaving, which includes wiping off surfaces and sweeping and mopping the floor.  Be prepared and allow time to do this.  Cleaning supplies are provided.
• If you don’t want to use a microwave to cook, you are limited to eating cold food, grilling outside, using your campstove outside (though there aren’t a lot of places to set it up), or being more creative.  That’s right – the cabins have no stove. We brought our trusty electric tea kettle and were making tea and coffee, instant oatmeal, instant soup, etc.  There are some strict rules about appliances you are able to bring. Though electric kettles are not on the forbidden list, they may be looked down upon.  We kept ours under wraps! There is a rather large refrigerator in each unit with a real freezer.
• What is there to do? There are board games available to check out at the Welcome Center. In the summer, there are boating workshops, boat rentals, horseshoe rings, and educational programs for kids.
• Camano Island State Park next door is a very beautiful excursion if Cama Beach State Park is feeling too limited.  The beach there is much longer and there are plenty of hiking trails.

Contact Cama Beach State Park at (360) 387-1550, or visit their website.

Valentines Day weekend is nearly upon us, and the Presidents Day holiday provides a rare opportunity for a romantic three-day getaway. Which of course means that romantic procrastinators everywhere are scrambling to plan a passion-filled, fun escape for themselves and their sweetheart. Not that I personally know anyone who procrastinates when it comes to Valentines Day. But just in case I do, I’m here to help.

First, check out my self-proclaimed sappiest post ever from last year, Recipe for a Romantic Getaway – Five Key Ingredients. Then, choose your romantic destination below from my nine Northwest favorites. And don’t forget to send me a thank you postcard! Oh, and can someone please forward this post to my husband? Thanks

Victoria (British Columbia)

Why it’s romantic: Honeymooners flock here for good reason–fabulous parks and museums, charming neighborhoods, high tea, cozy restaurants, and flower gardens that bloom all year long. All of this in a postcard-perfect city that hugs a charming harbor and faces the gorgeous snow-capped Olympic Mountains.

Where to stay: Romantic bed and breakfast are the lodging of choice in Victoria. Carberry Gardens is one of the best, and it’s affordable (for Victoria). The B&B is housed in a beautifully-restored 1907 heritage home near Craigdarroch Castle and Antique Row. $100 – $175 Canadian. Contact: www.carberrygardens.com or 1.877.595.8906.

Mount Adams (Washington)

Why it’s romantic: Snow! Trout Lake makes a great base for cross-country ski trips from SnoParks on the Mount Adams Ranger District, and an easy getaway for folks in Portland and the Columbia Gorge.

Where to stay: Enjoy truly warm hospitality and wake up to a delicious breakfast of huckleberry pancakes at Kelly’s Trout Creek Bed and Breakfast, where the recent economic downturn has lowered rates to $50 – $70 a night. Your dip in the hot tub beside a roaring creek will relieve tired muscles from your excursion. Contact: (509) 395-2769 or www.kellysbnb.com.

Lasqueti Island (British Columbia)

Why it’s romantic: This is where eco-conscious romantics can really get away from it all. In fact, just getting to the Gulf Island of Lasqueti (foot passenger ferry only) is part of the fun. The island’s 400 self-sufficient residents live simply and sustainably, from growing their own food to chopping their own wood. Lasqueti lies about 50 miles northwest of Vancouver in the Strait of Georgia.

Where to stay: Snuggle up in the simple, new cabin at Squitty Bay Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast where the ocean view is amazing, the wood-fired sauna is hot and your ecological footprint is low. $110 Canadian. Contact: 250.333.8566 or visit their website.

Willamette Valley Wine Country (Oregon)

Why it’s romantic: This lush valley of green, rolling hills dotted with oak trees hosts patchwork vineyards that produce wonderful wines like pinot noir and pinot gris. You’ll also find lots of hazelnuts, fresh fruit, and charming farms. Take a romantic hike in the nearby Coast Range. Small towns like McMinville and Dundee are great for antique shopping and have surprisingly excellent restaurants, many featuring Northwest seasonal cuisine and serving local wines.

Where to stay: There’s no place like Gahr Farm, situated on a 350-acre conservation farm and forest, which is managed as a native plant and wildlife reserve. Accommodations are two private, charming guest cottages, one that is built to be “green” (and is, in fact, painted green) and uses low-energy. $80 – $115. Contact: www.gahrfarm.com or 503.472.6960.

Methow Valley (Washington)

Why it’s romantic: Recreation lovers will swoon over the plethora of outdoor pursuits to enjoy together, from hiking trails to cross-country skiing to river rafting.

Where to stay: A bed and breakfast just one block from Twisp’s main street, the Methow Valley Inn has modest-size rooms that are well-kept and nicely detailed. $89 – $119. Contact: (509) 997-2253 or www.methowvalleyinn.com.

Olympic Coast (Washington)

Why it’s romantic: Ponder the longevity of the rainforest’s ancient trees. Explore seastacks and count seastars as you stroll hand-in-hand on the scenic coast of Olympic National Park. It’s a wild coastline framed by mossy, wet rainforest– need I say more?

Where to stay: Indulge in warm hospitality and a fantastic breakfast delivered to your room at the Misty Valley Inn near Forks. $95 – $130. Contact www.mistyvalleyinn.com or 1.877.374.9389

Crater Lake (Oregon)

Why it’s romantic: Sheer proximity to the deepest lake in the U.S. is sure to deepen your love. Snow is also deep and generous here for great snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Where to stay: West of Crater Lake is the Union Creek Resort, where simple cabins set in the Rogue River National Forest provide a cozy, rustic backdrop to your romantic getaway. Some cabins have full kitchens, or eat at the cafe at the lodge. $54 – $130 Contact: www.unioncreekoregon.com or 1.866.560.3565.

Central Coast (Oregon)

Why it’s romantic: The Central Coast boasts dramatic seaside bluffs of basalt looming over beaches and tidepools waiting to be explored. And when it comes to making out, there is no soundtrack more romantic than the pounding Oregon surf against these bluffs.

Where to stay: Ocean Haven in Yachats is perched on a particularly scenic stretch of coastline. Big corner windows give way to panoramic ocean views. Beach blankets and walking sticks are provided for your beach ramblings, and comfortable beds, a beautiful tiled shower, and a well-stocked library of nature books await you upon your return— all lovely touches that make Ocean Haven an extra special place to stay. $95 – $165. Contact: www.oceanhaven.com or 541.547.3583

Sunshine Coast (British Columbia)

Why it’s romantic: One of the most stunningly scenic coastlines in the Northwest draws lovers to the Sunshine Coast’s sheltered bays fringed with fir-scented forests. Plus, the 100-mile coastline enjoys more sunny days than anywhere else in western British Columbia.

Where to stay: For the best view from a hot tub anywhere, you must book the beautiful suite at the Starfish Studio Bed and Breakfast in Sechelt. $115 – $149 Canadian. Contact: www.starfishstudiobb.com or 604.885.7112.

Now, it’s your turn! What’s your favorite romantic destination in the Northwest, and where should we sleep when we go there?