Portlanders love the outdoors. Sure the winters can get a little wet and cold, but that doesn’t stop us from donning our warm, waterproof gear and heading out. While your family may not be down for camping during the Pacific northwest’s chilliest season, chances are they’d love to go glamping! Take your crew’s winter adventures to the next level and head to one of these fantastic luxury cabins where you can spend your days playing outdoors and the evenings warming up in style. Read on to find out where you should book your next winter escape!
photo: Mt Hood Vacation Rentals via facebook
Cedar Creek Hideaway in Mt. Hood
Only an hours drive away from Portland, Welches is home to this unique mountain hideaway. The giant domed building has three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and is suitable for a group with up to nine members. Located on seven private acres, your family can enjoy quick access to two seasonal creeks and the Mt. Hood National Forest. Just outside the front door a trail leads to a nearby waterfall, where you can watch the local wildlife while you sip your morning coffee.
The geodesic dome gives this cabin plenty of personality and is sure to captivate your young adventurers. Inside, you are surrounded by a vaulted ceiling and giant windows that allow for extra light. The kitchen is fully equipped and there is a wood stove and comfortable furniture to warm up on after a day spent playing in the snow.
This cabin is truly kid friendly with a designated kids’ space on the first level that has a pool table, internet and television. If you have brand new family members, you can rent booster seats and Pack n Plays for the duration of your stay. Your furriest family members are welcome too.
Parents haven’t been forgotten. Relax your aches away in the indoor jetted soaking tub in the master bathroom before you drift off to sleep.
Insider Tip: The driveway is steep. Bring traction devices to get you up the incline during the winter months.
Prices starting at $160/night. Minimum 2 night stay required
Welches, OR
Online: mt.hoodrentals.com
photo: Sunriver Resort via facebook
Sunriver Resort Vacation Rentals
Central Oregon is a stunning year-round retreat for families looking for big outdoor adventures. Mt. Bachelor is close by for for skiing and snowboarding and the area is crisscrossed with cross country ski trails to explore. Sunriver Resort has a variety of Caldera Springs Luxury Vacation Rental Homes for families to choose from. These custom cabins are part of an exclusive community with access to a lake house for gatherings. Each custom home has multiple bedrooms and fully equipped luxury kitchens. Rent one with a bonus room for the kids and a fireplace to get cozy next to at night.
The Caldera Springs Amenities are a big bonus for families that rent one of these luxury homes and include access to the Quarry pool at Caldera Springs, The Cove at Sunriver Resort, Sage Springs Club and Spa, and concierge and transportation services. These cabins offer the respite from the masses with the perks of a resort setting.
Sunriver, Or
Call for pricing
Phone: 855-420-8206
Online: destinationhotels.com/sunriver-resort/oregon-vacation-rentals
Dancing Bear Lodge
Mt. Rainier near Ashford, Washington is only a two and a half hour drive away. With access to to Mt. Rainier National park it makes for a dream family winter getaway. Bring the whole brood—including the extended family—and stay at Dancing Bear Lodge. This deluxe lodging option can accomodate up to 18 people and has 5 king beds, 3 queen beds, and two twin beds. Located on two private acres there’s onsite playground equipment, an outdoor hot tub, and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows.
Inside, a large, fully equipped kitchen comes with a complementary waffle breakfast and coffee. After you are done soaking in the hot tub, there’s a fireplace to sip wine by. Or, head to the attached bonus area for a game of pool or to watch a movie. When mealtime comes, feeding the hoards is easy with the 16 person table located in a large, gorgeous sunroom.
Worried about keeping the kids entertained? The second floor of this luxury lodge is equipped with an XBox, Foosball table, board games, toys, and children’s movies! There’s something for everyone and the list of amenities goes on and on and on and on.
Ashford Wa.
Prices: start at $220/night
Online: rainierlodging.com
photo: courtesy of Rainier Lodging
Lazy Bear Creakside Cabin
Just outside the back door of this cozy Mt. Rainier cabin, you’ll find a gurgling creak perfect for sipping your morning brew beside. With four bedrooms and a detached game room, there’s plenty of room for family fun in between bouts of snow play at Mt. Rainier National park. Soak the cold away under the stars in the cabin’s outdoor hot tub. Roast hotdogs over an open fire pit outside, or just enjoy the true log cabin experience of this rustic, but elegant location.
This is an ideal location for group of under 10 individuals. The detached game room has a pool table and two bench seats that convert into twin sized beds— great for tweens or teens who need their own space but who still enjoy hanging with the tribe. The kitchen is stocked with coffee and waffle making supplies. Just bring what you need for the rest of your meals.
Ashford Wa.
Prices: start at $240/night
Online: rainierlodging.com/cabins/class/lazy-bears-creekside-cabin
Does your family have a favorite place to go glamping in the winter? Share it with us in the comments below.
—Annette Benedetti