Images courtesy AirBnb
Tucked into the misty evergreen forest of Clackamas County, Oregon, near Mount Hood, is a retreat that captures the true essence of Pacific Northwestern living. It’s called the Cedarwood cabin, and this rustic rental is an affordable escape for up to four guests from the nearby crowds and urban environment of Portland.
Built by hand in 1922, Cedarwood was recently restored. But make no mistake, this is a rustic one-room cabin, not a luxurious glamping experience. With its separate outdoor bathroom, and lack of digital entertainment (no television or internet), a stay at Cedarwood is a return to a simpler way of life (at least for the duration of your visit). In the mornings, you’ll want to light a fire in the woodstove to take the chill out of the air. And once you’ve had your breakfast (prepared in the modest kitchen), the cabin will be the perfect jumping-off point for the nearby national forest trails. A selection of books on local hiking trails, wildflowers, and history will keep you entertained and help you plan your days exploring the surrounding area.
Things to Do Nearby
While the Cedarwood cabin is a great place to unwind and recharge, it’s also an excellent base camp to explore the Mount Hood National Forest, which is just minutes away. Here are some ideas for things to do during your stay.
Hike to Owl Point – From the town of Zigzag, Oregon, head northeast on East Lolo Pass Road to the Vista Ridge trailhead. From here, a 4.7-mile round-trip hike takes you to a rocky outcropping (Owl Point), where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the north face of Mount Hood. For more information on this hike, click here.
Visit the Sandy Glacier Ice Caves – Also accessible from the town of Zigzag and East Lolo Pass Road are the somewhat recently-discovered (circa 2010) Sandy Glacier Ice caves. This extensive network of tunnels (over 7,000 feet of them) has formed below the Sandy Glacier during its retreat, leaving behind a labyrinth of icy passages. Read more about this adventure here.
Visit the Mount Hood Brewing Company – Head east on US Highway 26, and eventually, you’ll come to the town of Government Camp, where you can stop off at Mount Hood Brewing Company’s original brewpub. Their signature beers are crafted from glacial meltwater, local barley, and hops—the perfect way to end a day of hiking or skiing.
Book your stay at the classic Cedarwood cabin here.
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