Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Cabins in Oregon (and afar)

When camping with kids, we've decided that if it is raining or if there is a chance of rain (when is there not in Oregon) , and when our budget allows, we will stay in cabins. Mark and I have explored this state for many years, first with our siblings and parents, and then with each other, and now with our kids. The cabins that we would recommend to others are as follows:

Leaping Lamb Farms: Charming cozy cabin located on a small Oregon farm featuring a meandering stream and farm fresh eggs and produce available for purchase. When you stay here breakfast is provided. After enjoying local nourishment and walking the perimeter of the farm, take off your shoes and dangle your feet in the creek. Cocktails and appetizers on the deck complete a lazy summer day. Escape for a relaxing weekend, or even month. Call 541-487-4966 for more details.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park: These cabins are ideal for several families. You can reserve a block of them, 1/family. Look down the ridge and out toward the coast range mountains over a crackling, wind whipped fire. Enjoy evenings, sitting around a fire, roasting smores, watching kids race bikes down trails. For an adventurous day trip follow one of the newest "Track to Trails" renovations. This trail stretches for 20 miles from Vernonia to Banks with the campground located 1/2 way between these two communities. If you head down to Banks, you literally don't have to pedal for 7 miles. Once you turn around it can be a difficult for children to pedal the entire distance back to the campground. Or you can do what I did and stay at a rest area, hit up strangers for wine, and let your husband hustle up the hill to the van, coming back to retrieve you once you're fully "relaxed" (or you could do a shuttle, but eehhh...I like the husband option, granted he's willing). Call 1-800-452-5687 for reservations.

Suttle Lake Yurts: Although we didn't have a pleasurable experience when we went (thanks to buckets of rain and no wood), a magical weekend could be had if you had plenty of fire wood and snow was plentiful enough to snowshoe/cross-country ski around the lake. It could actually be quite magical and peaceful if weather conditions cooperate (which they usually do at this elevation). Makes a wonderful mid-winter getaway.

Harstine Island: This is the one structure not in Oregon, but it is a great destination if you want to spend time on Puget Sound. It is remote and best if you bring all of your food for the entire time. If you correlate your trip with a minus tide the amount of sea life to explore and observe is absolutely breathtaking. Kayaks and canoes are great for the experienced but must be used with caution (Puget Sound can be dangerous and cold-hypothermic inducing 45 degree water). Great views, enticing decks, and right on the beach, this house is a great location for isolated time with family and friends. Call 503 936-3664 for more information. Also if you could mention my name if you do make a reservation I'll get a little monetary reimbursement.

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