Run of the River Inn and Refuge

A luxurious Northwest lodge, deemed among the top 100 Wilderness Lodges by Outside Magazine Run of the River Inn & Refuge offers guests the allure of its natural alpine surroundings coupled with all the comforts guests seek today. Perched on a seasonal high-water channel of the Icicle River and surrounded on two sides by a wildlife refuge, the well-situated inn begs to be shared and appreciated.

Owners Karen and Monty are former teachers with a love of the Northwest and the Icicle Valley. They enjoy hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and an occasional round of golf, and they take particular joy in helping guests find the best places to find any activity they would like as part of their experience at the inn.

In fact, the inn's best amenity may well be its active innkeepers providing accurate recreation and tourism information. They'll also provide outdoor equipment to help you get the most from your stay: mountain and tandem bikes, snowshoes, day packs, hiking sticks, and complimentary trail passes.

Wing It in the Cascades

Run of the River's breakfast area is an ideal spot to view wildlife from the large picture windows looking over the refuge, which is managed by the state of Washington. Though only a mile from the Bavarian-styled town of Leavenworth, guests feel far removed and wrapped in nature.

A touch of whimsy adorns the Run of the River in the collection of classic bicycles, wooden skis, snowshoes and sleds.

Six suites, beautifully decorated in classic Northwest lodge style welcome guests in the main lodge. Each "adventure suite" is spacious and private, with fireplaces, double whirlpool bubs surrounded in river rock and hand-hewn log beds. The private decks allow for bird-watching from the comfort of your own room and each deck features a double swing and a "Jay Tray" on which to place the peanuts provided to attract wildlife. Conveniently, the owners provide binoculars and birding guides in the rooms.

Separate and adjacent is the new Ravenwood Lodge, built in 1992 and completely remodeled in 2006. It is an ideal getaway nest for two with its picture-perfect views of the Enchantments, river rock fireplace, full kitchen, and an overwhelming feeling of Northwest bounty.

The views are right out to nature: squirrels, chipmunks, and many different kinds of birds. The unblemished view is of the Enchantments, which beckon guests to a hike or at least a relaxing few minutes lingering on the log swing in the sunshine or the cedar hot tub on the deck in the night time.

From Washington's Fruit Basket

Breakfast begins with a freshly whipped organic yogurt, and then follows with platters of fresh fruit. The breakfast entrees are healthy and fresh-in fact, the cookbook is the inn's number one take-home piece. The menu takes advantage of the seasonally available fruit.

Run of the River delivers a special combination of privacy and nature. Because it's a smaller inn, guests quickly get on a first-name basis-and they return year after year to reconnect with the Valley, themselves and each other.

Monty and Karen have created such a warm and welcoming place that we try to return in a different season each year so we do not miss anything.