 Comfort
in the Cascades
Nature
and Nurture in the Pacific Northwest
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Perched
at the edge of a tumbling cascade |
One
of the qualities that sets Seattle apart from most major
U.S. cities is the natural beauty of its setting. Neighborhoods
wind around a bay, sound and lakes, and if you drive less
than an hour from downtown, you can find yourself in the
San Juan Islands, Mount Rainier National Park or Woodinville
Wine Country. For those seeking more than a day trip,
inns, cabins and luxury hotels sprout among the evergreens.
Among our favorites: Salish Lodge & Spa.
In
harmony with its Northwest surroundings, the lodge sits
in the foothills of the Cascades, thirty miles east of
Seattle. Embraced by Douglas fir, western hemlock, Sitka
spruce and the steep slope of Little Si Mountain (popular
with local hikers), it is best known for its proximity
to the 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls. More than just a natural
wonder, the falls are the site of the Snoqualmie Tribe’s
creation myth, as well as a source of the spiritual mood
that permeates the area. The lodge perches at the edge
of it, and those rooms gazing over the tumbling water
are restorative, especially if you leave your balcony
door open to listen to its thunder at night.
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Cozy
Guestrooms |
Bedside
Fireplaces |
Although
Salish Lodge & Spa is luxurious, with its tastefully
opulent Craftsman design, this is no white-glove-treatment
crash pad. It’s comfortable, thanks to cozy public
spaces and the unpretentious personalities of its homegrown
talent, beginning with General Manager, Sam Johnson. The
lodge also appeals for its sense of history. Those fans
(mainly Japanese tourists, these days) who know it only
as a setting for the cult TV show, "Twin Peaks,"
might be surprised to learn that: A) the interior is not
a cauldron of kitsch, and B) the property is a local institution,
dating back to 1916 when it was built as an eight-room
inn. As the last stop for travelers heading over Snoqualmie
Pass to Ellensburg, it served a hearty breakfast that
is now a tradition. The breakfast still includes the lodge’s
famous steel-cut oatmeal, but certain flavors have been
refined: vanilla-infused whipped cream for your coffee
and fireweed honey from Redmond for the buttermilk biscuits.
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Seasonal
Menu |
Dining
Room |
Today,
all that remains from the original structure is part of
the fireplace in The Dining Room. Salish Lodge & Spa
has been completely rebuilt around the old plan, stair-stepped
into the hill so that you enter on the third floor. Attention
to quality and craftsmanship are evident throughout; floors
are made from Montana slate, and wood detailing comes
from straight-grain natural fir, free of knots. The abundant
use of wood serves as a kind of aromatherapy, as well
as integrating the indoor and outdoor worlds. The 91 accommodations,
which include four suites, feature bedside wood-burning
fireplaces, feather beds, two-person whirlpool tubs and
balconies or window seats. Décor in both guestrooms
and public spaces is equally respectful of the area’s
history and culture: vintage photos, native weavings,
copper chandeliers and lots of fresh flowers. Come in
the spring and you’ll find bouquets of tulips everywhere.
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Stunning
Setting |
Cascade
Views |
Under
the care of executive chef Roy Breiman, the reputation
of The
Dining Room has shifted from being a one-off for
special occasions to a favorite haunt for gourmet
nights out. We like the way the market fresh, seasonal
menu relies on the bounty of the region, incorporating
Pacific Coast seafood, Olympic Range huckleberries,
produce from Full Circle organic farm and wines from
the Okanogan and Willamette Valleys. We recommend
reserving a table in one of the private alcoves.
Along
with the Dining Room, a fabulous spa contributes to the destination value of the lodge, with
its soothing blend of Japanese and Northwest styles. This
is also a popular venue for conference-goers. Five meeting
rooms (all with fireplaces) attract T-shirt wearing executives
from Microsoft, Nike and other area companies. The Adventure
Center is available for both individuals and corporate
groups, to arrange fly fishing, biking, hiking and exclusive
access to Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Club; there are great
views of the lodge from the twelfth tee. In addition,
the Falls Terrace hosts its share of small weddings, particularly
second weddings.
When
asked about the unique allure of the lodge, spa director
Joan Southon goes straight to the source. "When you
walk to the bottom of the falls," she says,"
"you feel how sacred the area is." We agree:
The Snoqualmie Falls have a mystical effect on the Salish
Lodge & Spa. But while nature provides the captivating
environment, credit must also be given to nurture, which
ensures that guests find refuge in this divine place.
Going
to Washington? Check out our guide. |
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