Story by Eva
Glamping Dreams on the Mountain Loop Highway
Adventure in Arlington, North Cascades, WA, US
Waking up in the fresh mountain air, cozied up in bed with a crackling wood-stove fire and a cup of hot coffee (complimentary coffee is such a nice touch!) keeping me warm is how I'd like to start every day. The south-facing wall can open all the way up via a pulley system – I felt super close to nature without having to leave my bed. Ideal.
Part of the privately owned campground, Camp Keyser is just off the Mountain Loop Highway, which is home to plenty of adventures. But first: breakfast. I swung by Moe's for a breakfast sandwich and an iced latte before heading to the river for a dip. I'd heard of a fire lookout nearby, and decided I'd watch the sun set from the top. It was a long but beautiful 30-minute drive up a well-maintained forest road, and a 2.4-mile round-trip hike to the restored lookout. The 360-degree views from Mt. Baker to Whitehorse Mountain were 100% worth the trip.
Back down at the Mountain View Microcabin, I warmed up around the campfire before climbing into bed for the night. It was such a peaceful escape, allowing me to totally unplug for a few wonderful days and spend some quality time with nature....
Part of the privately owned campground, Camp Keyser is just off the Mountain Loop Highway, which is home to plenty of adventures. But first: breakfast. I swung by Moe's for a breakfast sandwich and an iced latte before heading to the river for a dip. I'd heard of a fire lookout nearby, and decided I'd watch the sun set from the top. It was a long but beautiful 30-minute drive up a well-maintained forest road, and a 2.4-mile round-trip hike to the restored lookout. The 360-degree views from Mt. Baker to Whitehorse Mountain were 100% worth the trip.
Back down at the Mountain View Microcabin, I warmed up around the campfire before climbing into bed for the night. It was such a peaceful escape, allowing me to totally unplug for a few wonderful days and spend some quality time with nature....
Things We Did
- Food & Drink
- River
- Hike
Moe's is a must if you're ever in the Darrington area – locals and visitors gather here for coffee, beer, and company. They have a big and beautiful outdoor space with fire pits and lawn chairs, where they host outdoor movie nights every Wednesday in the summer, while the white and natural wood interior with adventure sport decor excudes chic mountain lodge vibes. Not to mention, the food and drinks are top notch....
The restored North Mountain Fire Lookout is an epic spot to catch sunrise or sunset. A 30-minute drive up a well-maintained forest road leads you to the trailhead, which is really just the last bit of road, open to foot traffic only. The hike is 1.2 miles to the top, and the views are insane. There are a few potholes and deep tire tracks in places (as with most forest roads, nothing crazy), so high clearance is recommended. That said, 2WD works fine!...
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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