DIY: Design a Stock Tank Pool
TRIP PLANNER: OLYMPIC PENINSULA PG. 62
Edible Flowers
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ROAM Beyond As a migratory company that changes its locations both with the seasons and to accommodate the most desirable experiences, ROAM Beyond has kept Olympic National Park as a cornerstone of its concept. “After evacuating from wildfires at our River Canyon site in 2020 and launching in Montana outside Glacier National Par, we knew it was just a matter of time before we returned to Washington,” Weathers said. “We are excited to launch new opportunities for experiences around Olympic National Park!” The team worked with Homegrown Trailers to perfect sustainable, handcrafted mobile dwellings that offer an off-grid experience with a focus on conservation and responsible travel. The cabins run on solar energy, and each has its own 29-gallon water tank, private shower and cartridge toilet. Small luxuries enhance the stay, like down pillows and comforters, an under-counter fridge and freezer, a two-burner stovetop, plus dual climate-control fans (for summer) and electric space heaters (for winter). The newest location, situated just outside Olympic National Park, means direct access to nature and countless opportunities for nearby adventure, plus spaces built as a gathering ground for friends and family. While it may be tempting to simply stay put at the inviting site, movement and beauty can be found throughout the surrounding park, along the shores of Ruby Beach or the trails of the mystical Hoh Rainforest. “With the ability to locate in truly remote and off-the-grid destinations, ROAM Beyond provides guests with incredible comforts in locations inaccessible to traditional lodging providers,” Weathers noted. “Our team supports the entire journey with the goal of helping travelers find their best selves while deepening connections with travel companions, fellow guests and the beautiful soul-stirring surrounds.” 42
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Lakedale San Juan Island’s Lakedale resort presents 82 acres of tranquil space on which to unwind among the trees and three fresh-water lakes. Located between Roche and Friday harbors, the property has unique accommodations such as cozy log cabins and 225-square-foot canvas cabins that satisfy all cravings for camping with a tinge of luxury. Lakedale’s seven glampworthy yurts are especially enticing in any season, with newly installed heating and cooling systems that add even more year-round comfort. Highlights of the light-filled, 450-square-foot, luxury yurts include a king-size bed with flannel duvet cover, full-size sleeper sofa, flat-panel TV, wet bar, mini-refrigerator and bathroom. Watching shadows dance across the yurt’s raised roof and sun-dappled walls prove the perfect way to wake up among the towering trees. Then there’s the private wrap-around deck— ideal for an evening BBQ or night stargazing session—complete with hot tub, additional dining table and chairs, Adirondack chairs and grill. The island can be reached via ferry from Anacortes or float plane from Friday Harbor. The property lends itself to an abundance of outdoor fun— biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, row boating and even SUPing. During spring and summer months, kids also enjoy activities like tie-dying, bird house-building and playing games of giant chess. The resort’s guest experience was recently enhanced with updates to the bathhouse, new outdoor games and improvements to the volleyball court and activities tent. If lucky, guests might enjoy sightings of bald eagles, otters, foxes, deer, owls and trumpeter swans during their stay. Off property, the whole family can enjoy the gems this Pacific Northwest island is best known for—crabbing, farm-to-table dining and whale watching, too.
Lisette Wolter-Mckinley/Lakedale
Jason Hummel Photography/Washington Tourism Alliance
Photos: Guemes Island Resort
FROM TOP One of Lakedale’s seven yurts in the San Juans that is surrounded by trees and lakes for swimming, canoeing and kayaking. A canvas cabin at Lakedale.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Guemes Island Resort just off the coast of Anacortes. One rare amenity is the wood-fired Dutch soaking tub. The lodging ranges from yurts to historic beachfront cabins.
Guemes Island Resort A small piece of land in western Skagit County, Guemes Island can be reached by taking a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it (five-minute) ferry from Anacortes. First established in 1947, this small, family-run business welcomes guests of all ages and their furry friends, too. Resort manager Jan Neel thinks this “little piece of paradise” is compelling since lodging options range from yurts, located equidistant from a beach stroll or a trail walk through the woods, to historic beachfront cabins. Amenities include a wood-fired Dutch tub, and guests have access to boats and paddle boards at no extra charge. “We also have a wood-fired sauna for those brave enough to do the polar plunge.” said Neel. “Whale watching season in the area starts in the spring, and we have excellent crabbing right off of our beach beginning mid-July.” With the property’s northeast facing location, Mount Baker remains a focal point of the site’s seasonal splendor. “Another pleasure of the resort is that when visiting Guemes, you aren’t one of the many,” Neel said. “You’re one of the few.” The staff is also excited about the Guemes Island General Store bringing back live outdoor music to the island. “From Earth Day to Labor Day, the weekend music is a must!” Neel said. APRIL | MAY 2022
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Mount Rainier National Park
WILD WASHINGTON photography by Raymond Stiehl
THERE IS NO shortage of scenic spaces around Washington. As the weather warms and the flowers bloom, now is the time to experience them for yourself. Photographer Raymond Stiehl takes us along to a few of his favorites.
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Second Beach in Olympic National Park
trip planner
Olympic Peninsula in Spring
Hearty hikes, cozy cabins, shellfish and chenin blanc written by Fintan O’Rourke
Mt. Ellinor in spring. Depending on snowpack, this can be one of area’s perfect hikes.
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Nick Lake/TandemStock.com
trip planner
FOR THOSE WHO can make it work for their schedules, spring is a great time to visit the Olympic Peninsula. Yes, the Olympic National Park is known for rainfall, especially in spring, but many visitors assume that the peninsula is uniformly wet. The west side of the peninsula receives more than 100 inches of precipitation per year, but the east side benefits from the rain shadow effect and receives far less precipitation, including Port Angeles, which sees only 25-30 inches per year. In this itinerary, however, getting out for spring’s charm, getting wet and then getting cozy is exactly the point. We wanted to build a romantic getaway weekend that brings together wildflower hikes, local shellfish, light white wines from Washington and cozy cabins with views for you and your partner. Getting wet is virtually guaranteed. You can reverse Day 1 and Day 2 if you want to go a different direction.
Day MT. ELLINOR • HAMA HAMA OYSTERS The trailhead for Mount Ellinor, one of the southernmost peaks in the Olympic Range, is approximately 15 miles northwest of Hoodsport. The trail is a 6.2-mile roundtrip from the lower parking lot with a hearty amount of elevation gain. The lower trailhead is on Forest Road 2419 and 4.9 miles from its junction of Forest Road 24. The upper trailhead is nearly 2 miles further on 2419. Depending on the snowpack each year, you can easily hit snow the higher your hike takes you. Bring plenty of water and stay within your cardiovascular comfort zone. The full round trip can take five hours. In the lower segments of the trail, Olympic National Park will debut its spring colors with the tasselheaded Green Hellbore, purple lupine bending in the breeze, cloud-white dogwood and the brilliant gold of Fan-leaf Cinquefoil. Bring a wildflower guide book with you and make it more sporting. See how many types of flowers you can identify along your hike. When you’ve put in your day on the mountain, it’s time to get back to town for Hama Hama oysters paired with a crisp, light Washington white wine. Hama Hama APRIL | MAY 2022
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