The Best Resorts & Spas

Lake Crescent Lodge (Olympic National Park west of Port Angeles; tel. 360/928-3211): On the shore of Lake Crescent, a landlocked fjord in Olympic National Park, this lodge is the best base for exploring the park's north side. It has simple rooms in the old lodge building, larger rooms in newer buildings, and rustic cabins.

Lake Quinault Lodge (Lake Quinault; tel. 800/562-6672 or 360/288-2900): This gracefully aging lodge on the shore of Lake Quinault has the most character of any of the lodges scattered around the perimeter of Olympic National Park. It's a cross between a mountain lodge and a classic lake resort.

Sun Mountain Lodge (Winthrop; tel. 800/572-0493 or 509/996-2211): Perched atop a mountain and overlooking the remote Methow Valley, this is the premier mountain resort. Luxurious and rustic, it's a base for cross-country skiing in winter and hiking and mountain biking in summer.

Freestone Inn (Mazama; tel. 800/639-3809 or 509/996-3906): This impressive log lodge beside a small trout lake at the west end of the Methow Valley is not as extensive a place as nearby Sun Mountain Lodge, but the guest rooms are among the most luxurious in the state.

Mountain Home Lodge (Leavenworth; tel. 800/414-2378 or 509/548-7077): Set in the middle of a large pasture high on the slopes above the town of Leavenworth, this lodge enjoys a breathtaking view of the Stuart Range, and in winter it's only accessible by snow coach (complimentary transport provided by the lodge).

Sleeping Lady (Leavenworth; tel. 800/574-2123 or 509/548-6344): Although primarily a conference resort, this place on the outskirts of Bavarian Leavenworth is far too pleasant to be reserved for those in town on business. With the feel of an upscale summer camp, the lodge is tucked amid granite boulders and ponderosa pines.

Salish Lodge & Spa (Snoqualmie Falls; tel. 800/272-5474 or 425/888-2556): Perched on the brink of Snoqualmie Falls near the town of North Bend, this elegant country lodge is a favorite weekend getaway for Seattleites who come to be pampered at the spa and to enjoy the nearby farm country, mountain trails, and ski slopes.

Paradise Inn (Mount Rainier National Park; tel. 360/569-2275): Perched high on the slopes of Washington's Mount Rainier, this classic mountain lodge was built in 1917. Because the lodge is only open May through October, it books up early in the year and stays packed throughout the summer. You just can't beat the location. Unfortunately, this inn will be closed for major rehabilitation and structural improvements in 2006 and 2007.

Skamania Lodge (Stevenson; tel. 800/221-7117 or 509/427-7700): Set amid the grandeur of the Columbia Gorge, this modern mountain resort makes the ideal base for exploring the gorge. The resort's golf course has a very distracting view of the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge.

Bonneville Hot Springs Resort (tel. 866/459-1678 or 509/427-7767): Tucked amid the trees not far from Bonneville Dam, this hot springs resort has a traditional elegance. There are no great views, but the spa and warm-springs-fed pool make up for it.

The Best Waterfront Resorts & Lodges

Woodmark Hotel on Lake Washington (Kirkland; tel. 800/822-3700 or 425/822-3700): Set on spacious grounds on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, this luxurious hotel is the Seattle area's finest waterfront hotel and has a resort feel.

Friday Harbor House (Friday Harbor; tel. 866/722-7356 or 360/378-8455): This one isn't right on the water, but it still has the most luxurious accommodations on San Juan Island, and guest rooms have views of the water and distant island peaks.

Rosario Resort & Spa (Orcas Island; tel. 800/562-8820 or 360/376-2222): With an elegant, historic mansion as its focal point and activities and amenities to keep you busy for a week's vacation, this is the premier resort in the San Juan Islands.

La Conner Channel Lodge (La Conner; tel. 888/466-4113 or 360/466-1500): Set on the shore of the Swinomish Channel, this inn is steeped in Northwest styling. River rocks and weathered wood siding lend an air of age to the exterior, brightened by lovely perennial gardens. Guest rooms have balconies and fireplaces, fir accents and slate floors, for an unexpected sophistication.

The Inn at Langley (Whidbey Island; tel. 360/221-3033): The setting alone, overlooking Saratoga Passage, may be enough to rank this place firmly among the best small inns in the region. However, Japanese-influenced styling, soaking tubs with water views, and fireplaces are all uncommon luxuries at this romantic retreat.

Semiahmoo Resort (Blaine; tel. 800/770-7992 or 360/318-2000): On a spit of land across the water from Canada, this is Washington's premier golf and beach resort. Its long stretch of beachfront makes it a great place to escape, whether you want to play golf or tennis or just take a walk on the sand.

The Captain Whidbey Inn (Whidbey Island; tel. 800/366-4097 or 360/678-4097): This unusual inn was built in 1907 of local madrona-tree logs, which give it a thoroughly unique appearance. The island's seafaring history is evoked throughout the inn, and the seat in front of the lobby's beach-stone fireplace is a wonderful spot to spend a gray afternoon.

The Resort at Ludlow Bay (Port Ludlow; tel. 877/805-0868 or 360/437-7000): Located a few miles south of Port Townsend, this small, luxury inn offers all the best aspects of the San Juan Islands without the hassles of the ferries. An adjacent golf course adds to the resort's appeal.

Kalaloch Lodge (Forks; tel. 866/525-2562 or 360/962-2271): Comprised primarily of aging bluff-top cabins overlooking a wild and windswept beach, this is Olympic National Park's only oceanfront lodge. Although rustic, it is extremely popular due to its beachside setting.

Alderbrook Resort & Spa (Union; tel. 800/622-9370 or 360/898-2200): Although it's way off the main tourist routes, this recently opened waterfront resort on Hood Canal is the most luxurious lodge in the Olympic Peninsula area.