We were a bit unsure about our choice when we drove down the meandering dirt driveway toward the main house. We anticipated a rustic experience but really didn't know how rustic.
This is what we used to refer to as cottage country, for sure. The property is quite overgrown with salmon berries (as Tara taught us) as well as blackberry and a variety of cedar and maple trees. You will definitely feel you are in the wild.
We were earlier than the check in time and Tara was not really prepared for us (I think we surprised her) and we were more than willing to head to Ganges for a couple of hours but Tara was more than accommodating and showed us around, with Canyon close by.
The cabin is nestled in the trees. The photos don't lie, but also don't do it justice. It is charming and cozy. The covered boardwalk between the cabin and driveway (and "no flush toilet" - aka outhouse) increased the feeling that this was more a "tree house" than a cabin in the woods.
The cabin itself was spotless and nicely decorated. The bed nook was super cozy, but being a bit high might pose a challenge for more senior guests or others who may have some mobility issues. We also found the bed a bit uncomfortable the first night (very firm) but adjusted to it and slept extremely well the second night.
The cabin is outfitted with a wood stove-like propane fired heater controlled by a thermostat on the wall, and given that it was a bit cool the nights we were there, we did use it. We also used it to warm up the room for after our hot baths.
Yes, the large, outdoor claw-footed bathtub is fantastic. It's a bathtub, not a hot tub, so hours-long soaks are not an option, but boy, is it great to be able for a couple to enjoy the quiet night in the woods. It is very private and secluded and we were very comfortable using it.
We are early risers and quite frankly I was regretting asking Tara to bring breakfast at 8. Obviously a bit early for her, but she was a trooper. Blueberry pancakes ("Please, sir, I want more"), melon, yogurt and coffee the first day; granola, yogurt, grapefruit and coffee on day 2. Probably the best granola we have ever had.
Ultimately, we didn't want to leave. Tara was welcoming, warm and gracious and provided a delightful stay.