Escape to the Woods
Escape back to a simpler time in a fairly remote location. No cell service. Limited WiFi (we were pleasantly surprised that it was fairly consistent during our stay). Rustic cabins. In need of updating, yes. But the basics are there. We are 3 season pop up tent campers, so for us this was upgraded winter camping! Our first time there was 10 years ago, in a small cabin. This time we brought family and rented a 2 BR cabin with fireplace, wood stove, full kitchen, laundry (this we did not use).
Cabin 11 was pet friendly (we had our dog with us). Living room very comfortable, sofa, loveseat, 2 chairs, coffee table. Heater was a bit loud but worked well. Wood stove in dining area, we used this a lot to take the chill off the kitchen/dining area. Basic cooking utensils. Full fridge with freezer. Gas stove worked fine. Coffee was a one cup pod maker. For four people that's a lot of pods. We brought coffee but couldn't use it. I'd suggest bringing a french press or pour over set up if you don't like using pods. They were great about refilling our supply, though. Bring your food with you, as there is no place nearby for groceries. That said, Beckie's Cafe was right outside our door. Winter schedule is lunch/dinner only, open 11- pm. We had burgers one night, and soup/chili/pie for one lunch. Good OR beer on tap. Don't skip ordering pie.
Beds were comfy. Nice sheets, plenty of pillows. One queen in BR1, 2 Q in BR 2, which also had an electric heater. Stairway to upstairs bedrooms was steep, but had rails. Not for anyone with mobility issues!
The staff is friendly and helpful. Had one issue with toilet flushing/tub drainage. Staff responded immediately, with an older resort, there are tree root problems. Good to know it wasn't our fault! They had it fixed in a jiffy. Hot water very hot. Cold water very cold (and delicious). The unit we were in could use new bathroom sink (it was cracked, worn, had no drain cap, had toothpaste tops down the drain), new ceiling tile in kitchen where there had been a leak plus repair of the inset lights in that area that don't work). The rental fees are not cheap. I do hope Aramark will invest in some updating!
Hiking trails right from the resort. Close to Crater Lake, though in winter it's a roll of the dice. We were not lucky this time, the rim was socked in with fog.
The resort has a few games and puzzles you can borrow. You just have to ask at the desk. They also have coffee, which is handy when the restaurant doesn't open until 11 and you are out of pods!!!
All in all, restful, time for hiking, reading, games, puzzles, and being together with friends and family. This place could be grand with some maintenance and remodeling investment in the units, and would more aptly be called a 'resort'. Their website could use a little work, as well, to give people a better idea of exactly what they are renting!
