10 Hot Spots for Toasty Retreats
Summer is behind us. Even autumn is waning with the persistent push of winter. Face it: Cold nights are upon us. Snow comes soon to the high country. Sigh. But... here’s a romantic notion: nestle yourself away in a snug little cottage in the midst of a wooded forest, with no TV, no phone and the call of the winter upon you. So why not go? Winter rates are in effect! Here are 10 toasty retreats east of the Cascades to melt the harshness of chilly wind and weather:
1. Clear Lake Resort offers a truly rustic experience during the winter season. The lake, formed 3,000 years ago from volcanic activity, is stunning in color and clarity and supports fishing year-round. Lava beds frame the north and east shores, feeding the lake from underground springs. Snowmelt and mountain creeks help make year-round water temperatures a chilly 35-43 degrees. Clear Lake Resort offers three cabins in the winter, all equipped with propane heat, cook stove and lights. In this quiet corner of the Willamette National Forest, you can still rent a boat, go fishing, and snowshoe in the winter. Rustic cabins range from $64-117 per night. http://www.campingfriend.com/ClearLakeResort
2. Cold Springs Resort is in the heart of the Metolius River Wildlife Preserve and Recreation Area – one of the most pristine and diverse regions in Central Oregon. A wooden footbridge leads guests to the conveniences of Camp Sherman: post office, country store and – for those who like to mix rustic living with fine dining – the Kokanee Cafe. Hoodoo Ski Bowl is just 20 minutes away for those seeking groomed cross-country trails, alpine skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Five charming yet modern cabins create a unique little village. Rates range from $120-152 per night during the winter season. www.coldsprings-resort.com
3. Crescent Lake Lodge & Resort is a snowmobiling hub when the snow flies, featuring dramatic and picturesque trails that run from Crater Lake to Mt. Bachelor. The lodge is open year-round with a full-service restaurant and lounge. They also have a well-stocked grocery store and tackle shop, laundromat and gasoline pumps on both land and water. Anglers will find year-round fishing and the cozy cabins offer comfortable living rooms, kitchens (most stocked with utensils) and bathrooms (bring your own towels, though). Prices range from $110-250. www.crescentlakeresort.com
4. Diamond Lake Resort: Jonesin' for the deep, light powder reminiscent of Utah and the British Columbia interior? Looking for 6,000 acres and 20,000 vertical feet of it? Check yourself into a mental institute. Or check into the Diamond Lake Resort and cat ski nearby Mt. Bailey. The snow pack is deep (averaging 600 feet of annual snow fall), stable and rivals the best in North America. Guest cabins accommodate up to six guests with living room, kitchen with cooking utensils and table settings, bathroom with shower, TV, woodstove or fireplace, microwave oven and toaster. They range in cost from $189-559 per night. www.diamondlake.net
5: Elk Lake is situated in the towering shadows of Mt. Bachelor and the South Sister along the Cascades Lakes Scenic Highway. You can’t drive there in the winter, as the highway is closed. Not to despair. The lodge owns a snow cat and will come get you. You can also snowmobile in or, for the truly hearty, cross-country ski your way to this winter oasis. And when they get three feet of snow, they’ll be back open. www.elklakeresort.net
6: Lake Creek Lodge is located amidst the Ponderosa pines of Camp Sherman, where the creek gurgles outside your window, wild geese set their wings for landings on the pond and mule deer meet you on your walks through the woods. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in the lodge dining room from a menu that changes daily and includes fresh steaks, wild northwest salmon, and grilled halibut and chicken, taking advantage of seasonally fresh ingredients. There are 18 cabins to choose from ranging in price from $145-390 in the winter season. www.lakecreeklodge.com
7: Lonesome Duck is in South Central Oregon, 25 miles north of Klamath Falls, along the Williamson River. You can rent one of three guest houses on the property for two nights or by the month. Choose from two log homes, each with 1,500 square feet of charm, two bedrooms, loft, wood-burning stove and barbecue. The smaller Arrowhead Cottage (1,000 square feet) is the original ranch house on the property, recently renovated and including a massive stone fireplace. www.lonesomeduck.com
8: Metolius River Resort in Camp Sherman is tucked among the Pine and Aspen groves that line one of the most beautiful rivers in Central Oregon. Eleven charmingly-appointed cabins offer the quintessential “northwest cabin experience.” This is a quiet winter retreat, perfect for winter walks, catnapping and romantic gourmet dinners at the Kokanee Cafe, on site. The cabins feature fully-equipped kitchens, bed linens, and kitchen and bathroom towels. Duraflame logs are provided, as wood fires are not permitted. Winter rates are $235 per night, double occupancy. www.metoliusriverresort.com
9: Odell Lake is located in the Deschutes National Forest off Highway 58. From your rustic cabin nestled in the trees you can cross country ski straight from your front door to any of their groomed trails. These quiet paths lead to high lakes, mountain peaks and nearby meadows. Willamette Pass is located six miles away for downhill snow riders. The restaurant at the resort overlooks the lake and is known for homemade soups, meals and pies. All twelve cabins have a warm, rustic character and the largest can accommodate up to 16 people. Cabins range from $95-265 per night. www.odelllakeresort.com
10: The Lodge at Suttle Lake, hidden in the heart of the Deschutes National Forest, provides an enchanted escape just 45 minutes from Bend. A large stone fireplace welcomes visitors to the Great Room of the lodge. Loaded with charm and amenities, The Lodge at Suttle Lake has three historic cabins, five waterfront cabins, six rustic cabins and 11 lodge suites. Cabins range from $89-449 a night, can accommodate up to six people and some include a stone fireplace and – if you must – satellite television, high-speed Internet and telephone service. www.thelodgeatsuttlelake.com
