Creekside Bunkhouse: Historic Cabin, Trails & Skiing

Summary:

Creekside Bunkhouse is one of local legend, Jack Wilson’s, historic cabins, completely refurbished with modern amenities, offering creekside serenity on Early Winters Creek. The studio cabin features a galley kitchen, a studio-style living area with king bed, new queen size pullout sofa, and a classic stone-built gas fireplace anchoring the room. The cabin is steps from the year-round trail system. Pets are welcome.



The Space:

Stay in an original. Creekside Bunkhouse is a studio cabin located on the Wilson Ranch property. The bunkhouse offers a unique chance to stay in one of six cabins originally built in 1948 by late ranch owner and hunting guide, Jack Wilson, a well-known Methow Valley personality after whom Wilson Ranch is sentimentally named.



The cozy, historic cabin has been updated with modern touches and features a studio-style bedroom and living space with a king bed, new queen size pullout sofa, a classic stone-built gas fireplace, dresser, Smart TV, comfy chair, and a small table with seating for two. The front door opens into the galley kitchen which has a two-element electric cooktop, under counter refrigerator, microwave, sink, coffee maker, crockpot and useful kitchen utensils and equipment. There is a compact bathroom with a shower.



A separate door off the main room opens onto a small deck equipped with propane BBQ grill and a pair of adirondack chairs with a picnic table nearby. The cabin is a few short yards from the Early Winters creek, making this an idyllic place to relax while listening to the peaceful crickling water after a day on the trails.



The cabin is steps from the Methow Trails year-round system (recognized as one of the finest trail systems in North America for Nordic skiing, mountain biking, trail running and hiking). North Cascade Heli Skiing operation is also located on the Freestone property making this cabin a convenient option for heli-skiers (do expect to see and hear helicopter take off and landings during ski season).



Pets are welcome.



The Neighborhood:

MAZAMA

Wilson Ranch is located 2 miles (10 minute bike ride) from the Mazama Store and the Methow Trails trailhead (for access to hiking, mountain biking, cross-country ski and snow-shoe trails). In addition to the store with its renowned bakery and groceries, Mazama is home to the Goat’s Beard outdoor store (with mountain bike and fat bike rentals), the Mazama Ski School for cross country ski lessons and rentals, and the popular Mazama Public House for local brews, food and music. Please be aware that the Sandy Butte Bistro at the Freestone Inn is not currently operating, and Jack's Hut may or may not be open on a very limited basis.



NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK

The Creekside Bunkhouse is also conveniently situated for easy access to the North Cascades and the trailheads to many of the Park's world-class hiking trails. It’s under a 20-minute drive to the Cutthroat Lake trailhead, 25 minutes to Washington Pass and 30 minutes to Maple Pass trailhead. It’s an ideal location for beating the crowds and snagging a trailhead parking spot during peak seasons.



WINTHROP The Bunkhouse is also just 14 miles down the road from the old west town of Winthrop, with it’s popular shopping and art galleries, the Shafer Museum (lots of local history), bakeries and dining establishments. The Winthrop Rink boasts one of North America’s only NHL-sized outdoor rinks, hosting ice-related activities for the entire family in winter, and active sport and pickleball courts in the summer months. Winthrop’s annual calendar of events includes the Rhythm and Blues Festival, Vintage Car Rally, Memorial and Labor Day Rodeos, and Christmas At The End Of The Road (check the town’s website for details).



Getting Around:

Getting Here: May to November, from Seattle and the westside, you can drive over State Route 20 and Washington Pass, also known as the scenic “American Alps” (check WSDOT for closures). Alternate and winter routes from Seattle are via I90, Snoqualmie Pass and Blewett Pass, or via highway 2 over Stevens Pass (check WSDOT for driving conditions). Combined, these routes make up the scenic Cascade Loop. The nearest major airports are Spokane International Airport at 180 miles (year round) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (190 miles in summer / 260 miles in winter). Regional flights are also available at Pangborn Memorial Airport in Wenatchee, located 102 miles away.



Getting Around: Nearest winter trail is the Methow Community Trail. The Mazama Store is 2 miles / 10 minute bike ride. Winthrop is 14 miles / 18 minutes drive. Okanogan County Transit Authority’s Trango service provides Mon – Sat transportation to/from Twisp to Mazama from roughly 7AM to 7PM.



Other Things to Note:

Creekside Bunkhouse has a Starlink WiFi network allowing you to stream movies from the Samsung Smart TV or connect your PC to the HDMI cable to stream from your laptop.



Creekside Bunkhouse is a privately owned studio cabin located on the Wilson Ranch property in Mazama.



Guests of Creekside Bunkhouse have access to the seasonal pool and hot tub at The Freestone Inn; guests do not currently have access to The Freestone Inn main lodge unless dining (if Sandy Butte Bistro is open).



Heating is provided by wall heaters and the gas fireplace. There is a window mounted air-conditioner provided during the summer.



Please note there is NO dishwasher.



Up to 2 pets are allowed for a fee of $50 per pet, per stay.



For winter stays, a local snow plowing service takes care of the Wilson Ranch roads. Please be patient after snow storms as they have many properties to clear. You will need to shovel the entryway area.



A short drive down the road, The Inn at Mazama offers private offices, available for rent by-the-day if you need a separate space to work with high speed internet during your stay.



PRICING

Nightly rates vary by season and day of week. Enter your proposed dates for an accurate quote. A 5% weekly discount is automatically applied to stays of 7 nights or more.