Sun Mountain Lodge. All Season Washington Treasure



Sun Mountain Lodge, September 2010

 Taking the what seemed to be the most beautiful drive across the North Cascades until we hit the Diablo Dam, then the true spirit and beauty of this area came to light.  We stopped at the overlook and marveled at the spectacular beauty of the Glacier Waters colored as if it were designed to be an Emerald to be worn with your best evening wear.  It left me speechless and in awe at some of the wonderful places we so often miss when visiting an area.  Now access to this wonder is only open during the summer months, as the pass is closed during the Winter leaving us wanting to see the area with snow and ice covering the ledges and mountain tops but just having the opportunity to see it at all makes up for the missing snow.  A Winter visit to the lodge will be in order for sure now, you can access this from Seattle across the southern routes, according to the lodge staff the roads are kept in good shape even in the deepest of snows. 

The lodge is for sure the most luxurious lodge I've stayed in for many years, the rooms by far exceeded my expectations and the "spa like" bathroom each room offered was outstanding and a nice surprise.  As in most lodges there aren't T.V.s in the rooms (which is okay as your window becomes the T.V. screen to the world) watching the deer and wildlife roam the property is better then any sit com these days.  Speaking of Spas, the property offers an extended Spa and two pools along with two heated pools.  There are many "living areas" open to the public, a game room, T.V. room, Library, Lobby area with two huge fireplaces, a small living room with a fireplace and of course a view lounge and restaurant the is very nice indeed. 

What to do once your here?  Well during the winter months this is a huge Snow Boarding or Cross Country area and it is very evident this is a perfect location for such activities.  I enjoyed the Summer Trails taking in the mountains and vistas along with an occasional wild animal to add a little excitement along the way. I spent time in the main lobby and out on the decks taking in the smells of the wood burning fireplaces and crisp air.  There is no need to do anything at this resort, my only regret is not spending an extra night at the lodge!

Where to eat and have a night cap?  This is where the Sun Mountain Lodge exceeds its own expectations (I think anyway), first the lounge and casual restaurant is great, service was friendly and efficient, the bartenders were great and the drinks tasty and worth every penny.  Not that they are over priced, but the staff pours an honest drink, not a drink you would get at a normal resort.  The food in the lounge area is also of the highest quality, you may dine near one of the many windows or by a fire place that is not only heart warming it makes for a nice setting for friends and family.  The main dining room is nothing less then spectacular, as I'm not a food critic I will say the reviews of the past couple of years about the food is all truths and maybe not enough mention of the greatness!  My dinner was served to me (a single diner) as if I was sitting with others, the server was not in my business nor was he trying to engage himself to see if I was lonely or bored - he knew I was there to enjoy a dinner like no other and he performed 100% perfect.  I ordered two different appetizers and no salad, it was coursed out with style, fresh local baked breads from Winthrop (another story in the future), I ordered Ice Tea sweetened and it was served with a side of simple syrup to unsure it was to my liking.  Then the ultimate experience came when I ordered fresh salmon, grilled to perfection and when I say perfection I mean PERFECT!  It is rare to have such a wonderful luxury as fresh salmon, the waiter came to see how I was doing and I said to him "could this salmon be any fresher?" At first he looked stunned then I went on to say, I feel like a Bear sitting in the river catching wild salmon and having the meal of a lifetime, now that's fresh on all accounts! I don't know if it was the wonderful food or the wonderful atmosphere or even the spectacular service that makes me wanting more and more but I do know one thing, Sun Mountain Lodge is on my list of things to do in 2011, this time I'll stay longer and bring more friends.

Please visit them and tell them how great they are so they will continue to offer stellar services, I might suggest a late March or early April to avoid the crowds and get the snow along with a relaxed visit, our visit was after the Season in September but was perfect because the crowds won't be back until the snow comes to attract the outdoors type visitors.