Where can you stay on the Washington state coast for under $70 a night? Ok, besides your tent!
Cape Disappointment is a fabulous Washington State Park at the south end of the Long Beach Peninsula, situated where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Its location is absolutely stunning, and the nearly 2,000-acre park has 7 miles of hiking trails to keep you in great shape during your visit and get you truly dramatic views. And, every little seaside town you pass through on the way there sells saltwater taffy. Ahoy!
Imagine my joy, then, to discover that Washington State Parks are following the trend that has brought yurt-lovers to Oregon State Parks for years — Cape Disappointment has yurts!
Just what is a yurt? These circular, domed tents are made of extra-heavy, durable canvas and have spacious, heated interiors. (Though come prepared with blankets and warm clothing as nights here can get quite cool.) There’s no roughing it here — you’ll feel right at home with the yurts’ warm furnishings and electricity. Each yurt is 16 feet in diameter by 10 feet high and furnished with bunk beds that sleep three, full-size futon, floor lamp, small end table and heater. Skylights and screened windows bring the outdoors in, and the yurts have hardwood floors and locking doors. You will love relaxing outside on the ADA-compliant deck, eating at the picnic table and building a cozy fire in the fire pit.
Yurts evidently served as traditional shelters for nomadic people in Asia. Now, they’re a comfortable, affordable way to visit stay at some of our state’s fabulous natural areas. Bring your friends because they sleep up to six people!
The yurts at Cape Disappointment are within walking distance of the beach, where you can watch waves pound steep cliffs or stroll along a sandy beach. Once you’ve had enough of that, peruse the newly expanded Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Cape Disappointment also has cabins tucked in an alder forest on the shore of Lake O’Neil. Each cabin is 13′x13′ with a covered porch, and is furnished with a bunk bed that sleeps three, a full-size futon and small end table. Like the yurts, you will have your own picnic table, electric heat, lights, fire pit with grate and locking doors, with bathrooms and showers nearby.
Here are the basics (rates updated for 2011):
Up to six people per yurt/cabin.
$70 (plus tax) per night per yurt/cabin May 15 – Sept. 15;
$60 (plus tax) per night per yurt/cabin from Sept. 16 to May 14.
Reservations: online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.
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Time to update this post!
2009 Rental fees: $60 (plus tax) per night per yurt/cabin May 15 – Sept. 15; $55 (plus tax) per night per yurt/cabin from Sept. 16 to May 14.
Ouch! $60 for a campground rental suddenly doesn’t sound like such a cheap sleep anymore.
Washington State Parks are hurting this budget cycle, while demand for these types of rentals has never been stronger. Similar increases can be expected at all Washington state park yurt and cabin rentals this year.
And to update them again:
2010 Rental fees: $70 (plus tax) per night per yurt/cabin May 15 to Sept. 15.
$60 (plus tax) per night per yurt/cabin Sept. 16 to May 14.
Jeezus!
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