Has anyone stayed in Freestone inn or Sun mountain lodge. We are planning a trip in mid sept or early oct. for 3 days. Not sure which one to pick. Is three days too much for that time of year. We walk but not really hike. Are there pretty days trips from that area.
Any input would be great.
Thanks
Joan

Hi Joan -- I went to the Freestone Inn twice last year. Stayed in a two-bedroom cabin one time, and in one of the lodge rooms the second time. I loved it both times. In the cabin, there were deer right outside in the evening. A creek runs nearby (some of the cabins overlook the creek) and there is a nice shared outdoor hot tub for the cabin residents.

The lodge rooms are very Northwest-style, and the one we were in had a jacuzzi tub with 'doors' that opened so you could look outside past the room through the sliding glass doors to the lake view. Similar to the Salish Lodge, if you've ever stayed there.

Freestone Inn is a much smaller, more secluded lodging than Sun Mountain (at least according to friends who have been to both -- I haven't stayed at Sun Mountain myself). At Freestone you can rent bikes to ride on their trails or beyond, or just walk around the property, swim (in the pool), fish (in the lake) and just relax in the beautiful setting.

A nearby trip that we took was on Washington state's "highest driveable road". The folks at "Jack's Hut" -- the onsite activities center -- can give you a map to it, and tell you about other activities in the area too, or arrange outings for you, such as horseback riding, rafting, hot-air balloon tours, etc. The restaurant at Freestone is wonderful too. (I have heard not such good things about Sun Mountain Lodge's food -- at least one friend thought it was too fancy for her tastes.) Even if you end up staying at Sun Mountain, stop by the Freestone Inn restaurant for a breakfast or dinner sometime during your trip!

Unless you are really into outdoorsy-activities, or content with simply relaxing for a few days, there are not lots of things to do in the area. We drove to Lake Chelan one time. Visiting the touristy cowboy-themed town of Winthrop is fun but probably won't take more than a couple hours. The Seattle P-I did an article yesterday in the "Short Trips" section about the nearby town of Twisp -- at the least it sounds like there is a great bakery there!

I wrote more about the Freestone Inn in the new book (published by Fodor's -- woo hoo!) "Escape to Nature Without Roughing It". You can find that book in the general travel section of major bookstores (I've seen it at B&N), since it covers all 50 states and Canadian provinces. Find a copy and just read the Freestone Inn entry if you want more info. Another place I recommend and wrote about in the book, is near Mt. Rainier and just about 90 minutes from Seattle -- Alta Crystal Resort. Very cool place!

Have a fun trip!

Shelley in Seattle

I didn't read everything seattlewriter had to say about Freestone Inn. I've checked the place out a couple times and I can tell you it is nice. However, it does not have the FABULOUS views of the Gardner and Mount Robinson rooms at Sun Mountain Lodge.

Also, the dining room at Freestone seems to be one half of the lobby, whereas the dinning room (and even the bar) at Sun Mountain Lodge have spectacular views.

As a town, Mazama seems to be nothing more than a gas station. Winthrop is a cute, funky, Western themed town.

Sun Mountain Lodge is closer to Wintrop and it is closer to Twisp, where there is a restaurant I want to try (but I've forgotten the name).

The drive to and from Sun Mountain Lodge is always a treat.

Gardner rooms have a small fridge in which you can stock snacks and stuff for breakfast.

Suggestion: Stay at Sun Mountain Lodge and have lunch or a drink at Freestone Inn on a day outing to Washington Pass.

Another vote for Sun Mountain. In addition to Jim's comments about location and view, I just love the rooms. They're relatively large with big comfortable log furnishings, usually (always?) fireplaces, a deck.

thanks for all the input!!!!!
Joan