Top 1% of guest reviews in this areaTop 1% of guest reviews in this area
Highlights
Made for relaxation
Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Near Forks of the Sky State Park
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 2
Popular amenities
Hot tub on site
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Washer
Air conditioning
Barbecue grill
Explore the area
Index, WA
Forks of the Sky State Park
Place, Forks of the Sky State Park
6 min walk
Stevens Pass Ski Area
Place, Stevens Pass Ski Area
39 min drive
Evergreen Speedway
Place, Evergreen Speedway
44 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 2)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Bidet · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
About this property
Beautiful Riverfront Getaway in the Cascade Mountains
A Cabin On The Sky is a fully furnished, adults only, no pets, riverfront home located directly on the bank of the North Fork of the Skykomish River in the town of Index, WA. I accept a MAXIMUM OF TWO GUESTS. Please review my policies and house rules to be sure my property is a match for your needs. The cabin is located in a residential area on a dead end street on the upstream end of town. The nearest homes are separated by the width of the streets ensuring your privacy. There are no other homes upstream on the river side of the street, ensuring unobstructed views of the river, forest, and viewing the peaks of the Wild Sky Wilderness Area that makes up the eastern horizon.
The accommodations have been designed primarily to serve a couple looking for a comfortable, romantic place to get away to. Although there are two sleeping quarters that could accommodate more guests I limit the number of persons staying at the cabin to only two guests. I have found that I am sometimes faced with 5-6 loads of laundry and more cleaning than I wish to endure when more than two persons stay. Couples are asked to only utilize one bed. The second bed will accommodate guests who do not wish to sleep together. There is a $30.00 extra bed fee if both beds are used.
In addition to the unobstructed world class river and mountain views found at A Cabin On The Sky, we have provided our guests with an outdoor hot tub, fire pit, charcoal BBQ, picnic table, satellite beamed flat screen television with blu-ray dvd player, Roku, free WiFi connection, unlimited long distance telephone within U.S., stereo w/ CD and iPod/mp3 dock, washer/dryer, board games, and a propane fireplace for their comfort and convenience. All bed and bath linens are provided as well as bath soaps, shampoo and a hair dryer, iron and ironing board. Sleeping quarters for up to 2 persons are a master suite with a king size bed and an additional bedroom on the main floor with a queen size bed in the event that guests choose not to navigate the stairs or if 2 friends stay that wish to sleep in separate beds. There is a 1/2 bath in the upstairs master suite and a full bath on the main floor. Both toilets feature heated bidet toilet seats. In addition to the comfortably furnished living room there is also a dining room and a sun room, a cozy space where many guests spend a lot of their time while at the cabin. Sipping a hot beverage in the morning with the river flowing just out the window is a great way to start a day of relaxing. Fine art prints and paintings adorn the walls throughout the home as well as hand-crafted stained glass windows. The kitchen is fully furnished for our guests to prepare most meals. Kitchen amenities include a full-size refrigerator and stove, coffee maker, coffee grinder, French press coffee maker, pots and pans, flatware, dinnerware, microwave, blender, hand mixer, cooking utensils and glassware.
The 972 square foot home is on 150’ of riverfront. Views upstream from the property are some of the peaks in the Wild Sky Wilderness Area (before it was designated a Wilderness Area we supported that effort as a business when it was before the U.S. Senate and Congress). Downstream you will see Mounts Index and Persis. Looking south out from the living room to the tree line beyond the river is the newly developed Heybrook Ridge County Park. A 45 minute hike will take you to the viewpoint with in-your-face views of mountains and waterfalls. There is also an ADA trail named Erinswood under construction, and to the north is the Index Town Wall, a mecca for rock climbers located in the Forks of the Sky State Park and is also home to Peregrine falcons. Steven’s Pass Ski Area is about a half hour drive away. Other outdoor activities include river rafting, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing, photography, and plein aire painting. It is also a great place to just relax and renew yourself. In the Fall and Winter months resident bald eagles often perch in the trees across the river and snack on a salmon on the shoreline across from the cabin. In addition to our many local guests and those from throughout the U.S. others have stayed with us from all around the world including Europe, South America, Canada, Australia and China. Come and stay at this owner-maintained and cleaned home where you will feel hugged by the mountains and whispered to sleep by the river.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Smoking tobacco, cannabis or vaping are allowed outside only. Consume edibles if you feel the need to be goofed.
Do not leave me your dirty dishes. Either load the dishwasher and start a cycle before leaving or wash by hand and put away.
If both beds will be used you will be assessed a $30.00 extra bed fee per stay, plus tax, to cover the cost of that service.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 470748
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No parties or gatherings on the property.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Index
Located in Index, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The Reptile Zoo is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Forks of the Sky State Park and Wallace Falls State Park. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and rafting nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and cycling.
Evergreen State Fairgrounds - 44 min drive - 46.6 km
Restaurants
Espresso Chalet - 4 min drive
Zeke's Drive In - 8 min drive
The Sand Bar Tavern - 3 min drive
North Fork Kitchen - 6 min walk
Mt Index Sand-Bar - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Beautiful Riverfront Getaway in the Cascade Mountains pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Beautiful Riverfront Getaway in the Cascade Mountains?
As of Jun 16, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Beautiful Riverfront Getaway in the Cascade Mountains on Sep 1, 2026 start from $266, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Beautiful Riverfront Getaway in the Cascade Mountains?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Beautiful Riverfront Getaway in the Cascade Mountains?
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Beautiful Riverfront Getaway in the Cascade Mountains located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Forks of the Sky State Park and within 3 mi (5 km) of Skykomish River and Lake Serene Trailhead. Salmon Run Park and Prospector Park are also within 12 mi (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
This was our second time staying at Cabin on the Sky. Incredibly beautiful views and quiet place to escape. Can’t wait to come back!
April W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 8, 2026
Thanks, so much, for returning to A Cabin On The Sky. I feel blessed to have been able to spend the past 50 years of my life in this tiny town in this beautiful valley. I look forward to hearing from you whenever you decide to return.
We absolutely loved our stay, we wished we could have stayed longer. The host was friendly and answered all our questions on places to hike. The pictures don't do it justice; this place is beautiful and peaceful with river and mountain views. We will be back
Lisa M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 15, 2026
Thanks for your kind words and so pleased you enjoyed your time here. If your travels ever bring you back to this area and you wish to stay again, you will be welcome.
As always, we had a spectacular, restful, and rejuvenating visit. Thank you David and Lynn!
Meg S.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 27, 2026
As always, it is a pleasure to host you two. So glad you found A Cabin On The Sky and that it has become a comfortable, restful place to come back to. One of these days I might even spend a night, but since I already live in Index I haven't really found the need, although staying on the river is a totally different environment than our home a block from the water. Thanks for being great guests.
This was my fifth stay in this truly awe inspiring paradise despite the long drive from Oregon. The wonderful local owners think of everything. The village of Index is very walkable, full of history, beauty and good people.
Donna A.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 8, 2026
Thanks for including the wonderful photos in your review! On the days when the skies are less than clear, it almost becomes more magical as the clouds form and then dissipate. Sometimes shrouding the peaks in clouds and then the mountains will lift their skirts to show what's been there for millennia. Though we live only a few blocks away, being on the river with those views is like being in a completely different world.
My sincere thanks to you for being such a consistent patron to A Cabin On The Sky and I hope to hear from you again.
Cozy cabin in an amazing location. I came looking for peaceful nature and I found it here. Will definitely be coming back!
J.R. K.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 26, 2026
I wish I could take credit for some of the beauty that Nature has endowed on this little valley. The best I can do is to have created a space that takes advantage of some of that beauty. I hope to hear from you again. You will be most welcome.
One of my favorite places in the world and a wonderful place to stay and visit all of this beauty! This is a well equipped, comfortable, perfect little cabin and the owner will provide you the best experience possible! Love it here!!
Laura J.
Stayed 17 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 10, 2026
It has truly been a pleasure hosting you over the years and I hope there are more to come. Some places on this planet just speak to us and provide a sense of home and comfort, although, I could probably sleep in a tent and still want to stay in this little valley blessed with so much beauty. Thanks for always being the best guest a host could ever hope for.
My favorite place to stay!! Always cozy for any weather situation, clean and hot tub is ready for soaking with the best views in town. I've noticed upgrades every stay!! The only thing wrong is having to leave. I keep enough pictures in my Texas home to plan the next visit as soon as possible with a very welcoming host.
Rachel R.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 30, 2026
It is always a treat for me be able to host you folks whom I fondly refer to as "The Texas Connection." I have forgotten how many years it has been since you first stayed and am so pleased that you always enjoy yourself enough to want to return. The gift of your continued patronage is much appreciated. Thank you.
So glad you folks dodged some pretty serious weather events in the week following your stay. The old adage "In like a lion, out like a lamb" held true for this month except it was closer to mid-month. Index is blessed with some pretty terrific mountain and river views and happy to hear you appreciated all that Nature has to offer.
Thanks for your kind words and happy to hear you enjoyed the cabin. I hope you consider returning if you are looking to get away for a spell.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Patti R.
May 26, 2026
Liked: Location
We loved everything about this cabin on the river! The location was ideal for hiking adventures. It had everything we needed for a three-night stay. (Wish we could have stayed longer!) The river is literally outside the front door, and you can hear and see the rushing waters from nearly every room in the cabin. What a treat it was to wake up to mountain and water views. Everything was clean and tidy when we arrived. The kitchen was well stocked. The host was responsive and friendly.
Patti R.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 26, 2026
This area has an awful lot to offer in regards to natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. It's nice to know that you were able to take advantage of nearby hikes. Thanks for leaving the cabin in nice condition. You are appreciated.
I absolutely LOVED this cabin! It had everything we needed, it was extremely clean, and the host was friendly and answered all of my questions. The location is absolutely beautiful and relaxing. I can't wait to come back! Thank you for making our wedding anniversary such a relaxing and beautiful getaway!
Bee E.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 26, 2026
Thanks for choosing A Cabin On The Sky for your special anniversary getaway. I hope you made yet more memories of your life together.
Perfect little getaway spot on the river. We will definitely be coming back in the future!
Sean D.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 25, 2026
Boy howdy, it sure did rain during your stay! Glad you enjoyed the cabin despite soggy conditions. If your travels bring you back to this neck of the woods I hope you consider staying with us. You will be most welcome.
We’ve had the delight of staying here a number of times and it’s always a wonderful experience. The house is comfortable, cozy, well-maintained; the setting and view are idyllic. The hosts are gracious and welcoming. We look forward to our next stay!
Mike D.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 2, 2026
I can also say that it has been a delight to be of service to you over the years. It is always nice to see a reservation come through from someone who has stayed in the past, especially a guest who has always treated my cabin with respect. I am also happy that the weather gods smiled on us folks in Index this weekend. These past few days have been absolutely stellar. I hope to hear from you again. You will be most welcome.
The cabin was perfectly lovely and comfortable. Well maintained and very clean with lots of thoughtful touches. Having that sound of the river was so relaxing, as well as the hot tub. We look forward to staying here again.
Shannon M.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 19, 2026
So happy to hear that you enjoyed your Winter getaway and even had some fresh snow. Snow has been unusually rare this Winter. Although, I don't miss hours of shoveling or trudging behind my snowblower.
My thanks to you, and all my considerate guests, for treating my cabin well. I hope to hear from you again.
We had a wonderful time at the cabin. It's obvious that a lot of care and intention has gone into making it a comfortable, inviting, and cared for space. It was incredibly peaceful and nearly silent, except for the sound of the river which amounts to a natural white noise machine. We look forward to returning later this year.
Hila K.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 7, 2026
So glad you enjoyed your stay. I completely understand that getaways are usually a special treat or to celebrate an event OR to just spend some quality time together away from everyday stresses and responsibilities. It is important to me that my guests feel that their dollars and time at A Cabin On The Sky have been well spent.
I hope to hear from you again.
Amazing stay, lovely cabin. Have not had unfettered access to views like that in my life and it was just the reset that we needed
Kameron B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 12, 2026
Having lived in Index for nearly 50 years I am still filled with awe that I can look out my windows and see all this beauty that we have been graced with. There aren't too many places where you can look out the back door and see the peaks of the Wild Sky Wilderness area. In many states this little valley would qualify as a park.
Glad you enjoyed your stay and I hope to hear from you again.
Wonderfully quiet cabin with beautiful views and close to some great hikes! Would love to come stay again.
Meri R.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 5, 2025
Glad you enjoyed your post-holiday stay at my property and got out to do some hiking. If you ever need another getaway that brings you up this way I hope you consider a return visit. Thank you.
David was an amazing host. He went out of his way to provide the best possible stay for us, evening dropping off laundry detergent so we could wash our rain-soaked clothes! His home was spacious and relaxing, and I highly recommend to anyone looking to visit the area. We look forward to our next getaway to his cabin soon!
Bobby Z.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 25, 2026
What a couple of troopers to get out and do some hiking on a pretty soggy day. Aside from being a geezer, I am a fair-weather hiker myself. I need a reward of some sort at the end of the trail. Living in this scenic valley is sometimes reward enough. All I have to do is step outside to see some great scenery. Thanks for being great guests and I hope to hear from you again.
Charming, cozy and spectacular river and mountain scenery!
Patricia M.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 5, 2025
I have been struggling to recall how long it has been since you folks first stayed with me. Know that return guests such as yourselves are very much appreciated and it is always humbling to know that what I have to offer keeps bringing guests back. Thanks, so much, and I hope to hear from you again.
Glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay. Also happy to report that the cabin was unscathed after the recent flooding event. The Sky was a different beast than when were here for a visit. I hope you consider returning some day, but if not, I hope you made some swell memories.
Beautiful property, would love to spend more time there! David was helpful and responsive!
Sarah M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 22, 2026
Sorry you were unable to stay longer, but happy to hear you enjoyed your time at A Cabin On The Sky. If you ever need a getaway I hope you will consider returning.
About the host
Hosted by David Meier/Lynn Chamberlain
Having pretty much grown up in the Skykomish Valley I, David, moved to the cabin in 1976 and eventually purchased the property in 1978. A Cabin On The Sky is not just a business for me, it has also been my home and that pride of ownership shows throughout the property. I have operated A Cabin On The Sky as a vacation rental since 2002. Lynn and I met here in Index in the late 1970's, fell in love, and eventually married. We currently reside a few blocks from the cabin with our canine companions Charlie and Benny. We both have extensive experience in the hospitality business in that Lynn worked as a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines for many years and we operated A Stone's Throw B&B out of our home for nearly 20 years. I worked in the timber industry for nearly 2 decades and after the sawmill closed in the early 1990's, I went back to school to become a cabinet maker. In addition to woodworking and remodeling, I also spent parts of my summer working as a Wildland Firefighter. I have since retired from those professions. Wearing these different hats allows me to live and work in this beautiful place. Lynn retired from the airlines and spends much of her time pursuing her interest in gardening and painting both here in Index and Santa Fe, NM. We have hosted plein aire artist workshops at the cabin and our home. We have traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Mexico and Europe and believe that Index is located in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Community is very important to us. I served in the local fire department as a volunteer and commissioner for nearly 20 years. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Index Historical Society and the Friends Of Heybrook Ridge, a grassroots organization that saved over 100 acres from being clearcut and is now a county park. We welcome our guests with the hope that they can come away with a taste of the life we have found in this beautiful valley.
Why they chose this property
I spent the first 14 years of my life in North Dakota fantasizing about mountains, forests and clear flowing water. These things were only available to me through the books of Jack London and Saturday matinees. My family moved to Gold Bar, WA in 1967. Even as a high school kid I would drive up the valley to Index to truly be in the mountains, hiking the hillsides and camping along the river. There are few places like this and when I had the opportunity to move here I jumped at the chance. Lynn moved here in 1978 from the Bay Area in California, immediately impressed by the beauty of this valley. Index is a small community, but has a strong core of civic-minded folks that are sometimes the envy of other, much larger communities. We have friends and neighbors that we have known for over 40 years. The river valley and mountains were carved from glaciers and are what limits the growth of this village to what it is today. Few places are blessed with this much beauty. We have another home in Santa Fe, New Mexico where Lynn spends much of the winter months. I try to fly down once a month while she is there. It had been a longtime dream of Lynn's to be able to spend part of her life in that vibrant city in the high desert and has named her home La Casa de Mis Sueños; The House of My Dreams.
What makes this property unique
The views were what brought us here. A strong desire to create comfortable, personalized homes keeps us happy and calms our spirits. The cabin was a very modest residence when I purchased it and then, with a lot of hard work, the carpentry skills of my late father, and a bit of imagination, have transformed it into what it is today. That ethic continues to this day. We are continually thinking of ways to improve our guest's experience. The same can be said about our own home except you would multiply that by several factors. Even though Index is off the beaten path it is located whereby a person can make the jump over Stevens Pass to Eastern Washington and beyond (We often feel like just driving on to Montana, and sometimes do). It is also close enough to the greater Seattle Metropolitan Area when we need a taste of art, culture, shopping and maybe a ferry ride to the Islands of Puget Sound. An hour or so either way will take you to another world. Index is about a half hour drive to Stevens Pass Ski Area and about an hour fifteen minutes to the Bavarian themed city of Leavenworth, a popular tourist destination and great place to lower the balance of your accounts if shopping is your thing.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests