Stay in these tiny homes with world-class architecture in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
You know a place is special when you don’t want to leave. The place? Rolling Huts in Washington State’s incredibly beautiful Methow Valley on the edge of the North Cascades mountain range. Rolling Huts is the perfect launching point for endless, all-season, outdoor pursuits.
Accommodations
Rolling Huts, designed by renowned Seattle architect Tom Kundig, claims to be the “ultimate camping experience.” It doesn’t disappoint! The six modern huts are situated on a beautiful piece of property along the Methow River. Each hut has a stunning view of the mountains and a large meadow dotted with aspen trees. Architecture and design buffs will appreciate all that these beautiful huts entail – angled ceilings, vaulted glass accents that bring the outside in, plywood-clad walls, modular furniture, and heavy steel beams. While the footprint of the hut is small – approximately 200 square feet – a slider door at the end of the hut opens to a large, back deck that makes the space feel larger than it really is. My young son just wanted to be outside – hanging out on the back deck, playing ball in the field, and gathering kindling for the fire. The property inspired him to be a true outdoor explorer!
And remember, this is “glamping,” so there’s no fancy bathrooms or running water. That’s right – a private porta-potty sits right off the porch on each hut and your own water spigot is at the bottom of your hut’s steps. Not into the sweet scents of a port-a-potty mixed with hand sanitizer? Don’t worry; hot water, soap, flushing toilets, and nice clean showers await you in the washroom barn, a short walk across the field from your hut.
Our family of four and dog slept incredibly well at Rolling Huts. The main sleeping area is separated by an open partitioned wall. There’s a double bed with a bottom sheet cover and pillows; bring your own sleeping bag, sheets or blankets to complete the equation.
Modular furniture by day converts into extra sleeping platforms by night; two extra sleeping mats are provided for more than the double bed. Remember, it’s the “ultimate camping experience,” so the sleeping can feel a bit cozy at times, but you’re technically camping.
KidTripster Tip: Bring your four-legged friend to Rolling Huts! The place is extremely dog-friendly, has an easygoing leash policy, and convenient bag depots throughout the property. There is a one-time fee of $25/dog with a maximum of two dogs.
Rates for Rolling Huts start at $145/night (2 people); $10/each additional adult (4 people max/hut); children under age 12 stay free.
Activities
Play outside: hiking, trail running, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, water sports, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, sledding, tubing, ice skating, backcountry skiing, alpine skiing, and snowboarding. Methow Trails is the local organization that promotes all-things-outdoors in the area and is the top resource for information on trails, events, and maps. We found the hiking to be very kid-friendly. There’s something here for all levels and interests.
KidTripster Tip: Grab a copy of Methow Trails printed publication at many of the local restaurants and outdoor retail shops for all the expert tips on where to go and what to do outdoors. If you forget any gear or need bike or ski rentals, head to Goat’s Beard.
When the trails are done calling for the day, head into the cute little Western town of Winthrop. One can easily spend an afternoon exploring all the charming shops along the boardwalk. Pop into Trail’s End Bookstore; it has a fabulous kids section.
Dining
In the heart of Winthrop, you’ll find Three Finger Jack’s Saloon, the oldest legal saloon in the state of Washington. Traditional pub food and very friendly service make this spot a great lunch or dinner stop. We were very pleased with our burgers, so much so that my husband wanted to come back to check out the breakfast menu that boasted a mean chicken fried steak. Old School Brewery serves great craft beers and more upscale pub food. The fish and chips were a hit with my son, and I enjoyed a garlicky caesar salad. The best breakfast? Head to the Mazama Store. This cute store has a “little bit of everything good,” and its cafe offerings are the stars: great breakfast sandwiches, delicious pastries, and excellent Blue Star Coffee. Our morning coffee and pastries were almost as good as the friendly locals that we met who were eager to give recommendations on kid-friendly hikes and picnic spots. We absolutely loved Mazama Store!
KidTripster Tip: When you stop at Mazama Store, grab provisions for the perfect picnic. And don’t leave without picking up some of the fresh-baked sea salt baguettes from the bakery counter. Delicious!
Getting to Rolling Huts
Rolling Huts is located nine miles southeast of Winthrop, Washington in the Methow Valley. The huts are a 3-1/2-hour drive from Seattle. While getting there may feel like a trek, it’s a beautiful drive, and oh, so worth it!
Writer Julie Connell and her family live in beautiful Bend, Oregon. She thought that she lived in the outdoor person’s Shangri-La until she visited Washington’s Methow Valley.
This writer received a complimentary stay for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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