A Weekend Getaway to Sun Mountain Lodge

By Jennifer Coleman

Fall might just be the perfect time to visit the Methow Valley (pronounced met-how) in North Central Washington. Warm sunny days give way to cool crisp nights, where it is dark enough to see dazzling stars in the night-sky and breathe in fresh mountain air.

There is a special place in this valley, perched high upon a mountain and away from the bustle. As soon as you round the last bend on the road up to Sun Mountain, it feels like you are entering into a place where time slows down and you can throw your to do list out the window. Sun Mountain Lodge is a classic mountain getaway, complete with rustic décor and a welcoming stone hearth situated among exposed timber. The Lodge welcomes visitors with cozy accommodations and few distractions from the natural beauty of the Methow Valley. It is very easy to stay in the present here, relaxation is at hand.

There is lots to see and do at Sun Mountain Lodge. Accessible in every season, it is a perfect getaway for couples, families or even a girlfriend’s getaway. The outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs offer a relaxing respite after a day exploring the miles of hiking and biking trails that start right on the Lodge’s property. The trail network becomes a winter wonderland once the snow starts falling, with visitors enjoying cross country skiing on expertly groomed trails during winter months.

The Cowboy Dinner is a must-do dinner experience! This culinary adventure takes you back to the original homestead meadow, steeped in rich history and authentic charm. A horse-drawn wagon ride, guided by seasoned wranglers, offers a glimpse of the beautiful valley, as you amble along the trail above Patterson Lake. As you make your way down through a thicket of pine trees, the old homestead area opens with a covered outdoor kitchen and a chef prepared cowboy-inspired dinner on the grill. The food is fantastic, and is prepared with locally sourced meat and produce, and is paired with local wine and beer options.

Ali McGuirk serenaded guests on a recent Friday night on the bluff, part of Sun Mountain Lodge's new monthly concert series.

If you happen to be staying on a Friday night, prepare to be entertained with live music on the bluff overlooking the Methow Valley. Artists of every music genre have been booked to play at Sun Mountain in their monthly concert series. Concerts are held on the bluff unless weather brings guests indoors to sip and savor the sounds. This month, the Lodge is hosting an evening with Jeffrey Foucault who plays music influenced by blues, folk, and rock. This year's New Year's Eve celebration will be headlined by Brennen Leigh, who most recently played at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville! Many well known country artists have been inquiring about playing at this stunning location.

If you bring the family on your getaway, plan to visit the petting zoo down at the horse stables to see some friendly farm animals. Goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits happily doze and lounge near the horse enclosures and kids enjoy feeding and interacting with them. If you are interested in a trail ride, book a guided horseback ride that takes you out among the 1,500+ acres of wilderness surrounding the Lodge.

Sun Mountain Lodge offers luxury at the edge of the wilderness. This recreational paradise is perfect in every season – from hillsides bursting with spring wildflowers, to autumn leaves of gold dotting the hillsides in fall, then the cool blanket of snow that softens the sights and sounds through winter.