Lost Mountain Lodge

Secluded in the sunny meadows of its namesake mountain, Lost Mountain Lodge is a Northwest style getaway set a surprisingly short drive from lavender farms, Olympic National Park and beach walks at Dungeness Spit. Large ponds, a waterfall and natural creek attract wildlife to the Lodge, including bald eagles, blue heron, bobcats and black-tail deer. Its location is inviting for a weekend on the Olympic Peninsula.

Owners Dwight and Lisa truly appreciate the outdoors-they spent their honeymoon on a sailboat! An avid adventurer, Dwight is an award-winning designer craftsman whose work has appeared in magazines. Originally from the East Coast, Lisa has worked for Microsoft, Nordstrom and her own marketing firm. She happily left corporate life behind with the birth of their son, who is the inn's official "cartographer," helping guests put pins in their world map.

Naturally Calm

The bright, airy and artfully simple interiors of the Lodge mirror the colors of the surrounding landscape. Common rooms blend artisan furniture pieces in exotic woods with down-filled, pale cream sofas and chairs. Original artwork and sculpture create a serene and relaxing environment.

The great room has 27-foot vaulted ceilings and an inviting two-story Pennsylvania fieldstone fireplace. We enjoy breakfast al fresco on the deck during summer, taking advantage of the sunny exposure and natural views.

State of Relaxation

The Lost Mountain Lodge offers lavish suites in the Lodge and several large, fully equipped private cottages. The Lodge offers uncluttered, Zen-like interiors and furnishings, as well as a dual-waterfall hydrotherapy spa. Three suites provide comfortable king beds with European duvets, hand-pressed linens and contemporary en suite baths. With deep soaking tubs and steam shower rooms, it's tempting to never leave. Weekend packages include hot stone and aromatherapy massage by the wood-burning fireplace in your suite.

Cottages include the two-bedroom Guest House, three-bedroom Summer House, and The Hideaway on Quail Lake. The Hideaway is the largest suite and provides a setting for romance. It includes a nursery with crib, changing table and rocker-ideal for new parents-while honeymooners will enjoy its huge fireplace, jetted tub, and French doors opening to a covered loggia.

Families may be interested in the four-bedroom 1916 Farm House, a Craftsman bungalow three miles away from the main property, with dramatic views of farmland and the Olympic Mountains beyond. The building appears on the National Historic Register as the site of the last World War II Aircraft Lookout Tower in the United States.

The Guest House and 1916 Farm House have private six-person spas, and the Summer House has a vaulted great room with gas fireplace and patio. All cottages provide opulent comfort with king beds, fireplaces, gas grills and beautiful views.

A Full Spread

When staying in Lodge rooms, the sumptuous breakfast begins with fresh fruit, breakfast breads, gourmet cereals, yogurts, juice, coffee, tea, mochas and cappuccinos. I enjoy the Dungeness crab and leek quiche, and Mardi's favorite is peach Amaretti, which is baked peaches stuffed with biscotti, nuts and brandy. It's well worth returning in time for hors d'oeuvres between 4 and 6 p.m. The owners use "farm to table" foods and ingredients from organic farmers in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley, so guests appreciate the wonders of the Olympic Peninsula even more.

Now this is escaping in style!