Bear Den Log Cabin, tucked by Billy Creek in Welches, Oregon, is a PNW log cabin through and through. Built from rough-hewn logs, the cabin is secluded for real as it is at the end of a quiet dead-end road. Yet, it is only minutes away from Mt Hood and its year-round recreational activities. The trickling creek at the property is a natural soundscape that lulls the visitors into a trance, a place very much meant for taking things easy.
There is much to see by simply looking at the cabin’s exterior. The rich-textured logs change their color according to the time of day, the covered deck by the creek even extends the interior space towards the water. In fact, guests probably won’t be able to resist the porch, be it with their morning coffee while watching mist rise off the creek, reading their book in the afternoon with the sound of the water in the background, or talking in the evening when the fading light of the trees makes the perfect setting.
The place is an exceptional find on many counts: it’s remote and private enough to be miles away from the main road, and yet you can get to Government Camp or Rhododendron for skiing, hiking, rafting, or dining within 15 minutes.
The vaulted great room is where you find the lungs of the cabin. The massive floor-to-ceiling river-rock fireplace with a wood-burning stove commands attention, not only does it give a gorgeous visual focus, but it’s also a great source of heat during the colder nights. The living, dining, and kitchen areas flow into one another with ease because they are all open plan. In this way, even a small group of people can be comfortably accommodated here without feeling cramped. The log walls and ceiling beams that are left exposed are a testament to the rustic character of the cabin, but they do not prevent the rooms from being light and airy.
The kitchen is not just a place for heating up, but very much a place for cooking! Full-size appliances, plenty of work surfaces, and regular cookware give the visitors the opportunity to prepare any meal as if they were at home, whether it be for a weekend stay or a whole week. The dining area next to it looks out over the creek through big windows. So, even the most ordinary meals feel like they are part of nature.
Next to the kitchen is a dinning area that reflect rustic luxury elegance of a typical log cabin.
Flexibility in sleeping arrangements is what two full bedrooms provide. The main-level master bedroom has a king bed, and from there, you can go straight to the jetted whirlpool tub in the bathroom that is attached. Hence, after skiing or hiking, the luxury of a soak in the tub is quite indulging. The second bedroom is downstairs, which has a queen bed and adds the loft sofa bed that can accommodate two more people. Thus, a party of six can all be sleeping comfortably.
Two full bathrooms help to avoid the rush in the mornings, and it is pretty much like home when you have a washer and dryer, especially for longer stays.
Cherish the cabin’s outdoor space, and that’s basically a touch of nature all year round. Regardless of weather, the creekside deck is where the living room can virtually be moved to, and at the fire pit area (that comes with grill grates), you naturally get around the fire in the evening. Plus, there is nothing that is quite as charming as being able to take your dog with you, the furry friend(s) can wander off and discover the safe and secluded outdoor area or just laze about on the porch with their people. What’s more, the cabin’s setting right along Billy Creek is such a gift giving a continuous stream of music that the water makes. Most guests have recorded this as one of the most relaxing elements during their stay.
To a large extent, the value of the location speaks for itself. Welches is located almost exactly midway between Portland and the Mt Hood ski areas, therefore, the cabin is perfect for weekend trips to the city and at the same time, you feel as if you are miles away from urban life. Mt Hood Meadows, Timberline, and Skibowl come closest to your door during the winter season, in the summer the hiking, berry picking, fishing and the swim holes at the Salmon River and the nearby Zigzag River become your options; fall shows off with the colors and the mushroom hunting; and in spring we have the flowers and the return of the migratory birds. The cabin is a quiet basecamp all year round for getting out and about in one of Oregon’s gorgeous places.
Placed in a picturesque area by the creek, this paddle cabin has an unusual charm being an authentic log house built and combining the modern touch of conveniences and also being dog-friendly. In short, Bear Den Log Cabin is the perfect choice if you want the genuine rustic cabin feel, yet still, have all the comforts you are used to. The cabin never fails to be highly rated for its tranquil setting and attention to detail whether it is a couple’s romantic weekend, a family vacation, or a small group getaway.
Mt Hood Rentals has listed this beautiful creekside log cabin as a vacation rental and you can contact them directly for availability, rates, and more details: Mt Hood Rentals – Bear Den Log Cabin
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Sleeps | Up to 6 |
| Size | 1,866 sq ft |
| Amenities | Creekside deck, wood-burning stove, jetted tub, dog-friendly |
| Location | Welches, OR – Billy Creek |
Source: Mt Hood Rentals – Bear Den Log Cabin