Welcome to your Mazama adventure base!
Mazama is a very special and beautiful place, but it is not a rural version of city amenities. So, before we do anything, let's get some of the potential downsides (depending on your pov) out of the way.
This place is in the boonies, and in some ways it is about as close as you can get to being off grid, without being off the grid. One of the things that means is that the internet/wifi is not good here. That means that often the signal is weak and it is pretty common for the internet to be down completely. By booking this property you are saying that you understand this and are prepared for there to be very poor or no internet. If it's down or slow that is just how it's going to be. Also by booking this property you are saying you have read and are okay with all the information for this VRBO listing which includes, but is not limited to, weather and fire details.
We are on the waiting list to get better internet with a different company but that probably won't happen until late 2026 at the earliest. Our suggestion is that you embrace the opportunity to be untethered from your devices. If you must have internet for work or you need to binge Netflix etc, then Mazama probably isn't the place for you. P.S. the password for books, board games and jig saw puzzles is FREEDOM, all upper case.
This ground-floor studio apartment opens onto wooded grounds and lawn below towering Goat Wall, at the base of the North Cascades Mountains. Attached to the separately rented Big House rental, with its own, separate entrance.
Near the wonderful Mazama store with its local ambiance and delicious food that is popular with locals and visitors alike. Also very close to the Methow Valley trail system for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and hiking. There is also rock climbing in the area and a popular spot for this just down the road towards Mazama Store.
Just a short drive from miles of mountain biking, hiking and Nordic ski trails. Ski and hike out your door! North Cascades Nat'l Park is ~45 minutes drive, accessed by Highway 20 in the summer.
Your Cozy Nook
Get ready to kick back in our charming studio, attached to the main house but private with its own entrance. You'll find a comfy queen bed and a full-size sleeper sofa, a full bath, and a kitchenette ready for action. We've got a coffee maker, full fridge, toaster, dishes and cutlery. Want to roast a small turkey? Our countertop convection oven can handle it! There's a plug-in double burner/hot plate for your stovetop needs.
Heads up: No full stove, oven, microwave, or laundry here. Just a heads up so you can pack smart!
Also know that someone else may be renting the attached main house with a separate entrance (unless you've booked that as well yourself).
Outdoor Fun & Frolic
Step outside your door to an outdoor table and gas grill – perfect for summer BBQs! (Sorry, no grilling in winter, folks!). After a day of exploring, unwind on the garden benches, soak in the views, or wander down the trail that skirts our property. In winter, a groomed cross-country ski trail literally crosses the driveway, connecting you to over 100km of trails – a skier's paradise! Snowmobiling? The Yellow Jacket Snow Park is just a few miles away. And for a chill day on the slopes, a local ski area is about 45 minutes out.
Mazama Magic & More
You're just a hop, skip, and a jump (about 1.5 miles) from the legendary Mazama Store – your go-to for delicious local eats and good vibes. Plus, you're practically on the doorstep of the Methow Valley trail system, perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and those epic cross-country ski sessions. Rock climbing? Yep, that's nearby too, with a popular spot just a short stroll towards the store. And if you're into fly-fishing or just fancy a dip, clear, cool swimming holes are only a few minutes away.
The (Slightly) Wild Side & House Rules
This is a rural wonderland, so embrace the quiet and the critters! You might spot a marmot (they're a bit messy this year, sorry!), or even a bear. And yes, more bugs than you're used to – it's nature's way of saying hello! Occasionally, summer water pressure can be a bit shy, as we share a well.
Winter Warriors, Listen Up! Prepare for snow, ice, and the possibility of getting gloriously snowed in. Our plow service is busy, so heavy snow means they might take a bit. No special plow call-outs, so you'll need winter driving experience, snow tires, 4x4, and/or chains (and some sand!). Don't be surprised if you need to shovel yourself out of the driveway – there's a shovel waiting for you!
A Note on Neighbors: Our main house is also a short term rental, so you might have friendly folks next door. We ask everyone to be respectful of quiet hours (9 pm - 8 am), but sound does travel. If you need ultimate privacy or have a bigger crew (more than 4 people), consider renting the "Big House" – it sleeps 13!
The Not-So-Fun But Important Stuff:
* No parties, events, pets, smoking, or fires. Let's keep things chill and respectful!
* Wi-Fi: We'll say it again, internet is not good out here as in very spotty, and outages are common. We're on the list for an upgrade, but for now, don't count on super-fast, reliable internet that has a connection. Plan accordingly if you need to be connected!
* Check-out is a firm 10 AM. Our cleaners are on a tight schedule, so no late departures or early arrivals, please!
* Cancellation Policy: Please read it! We highly recommend travel insurance. We can't be your insurance policy, but if you cancel and we rebook your dates, we'll refund that portion.
Summer Smokes & Bear Buddies
* Wildfire Season: Just a heads-up, fires are a regular feature out West. In summer and fall, smoke from regional or Canadian fires can sometimes affect the air. Again, we highly recommend travel insurance to protect your trip!
* Garbage & Our Beary Neighbors: We're in bear country, and they're quite the curious bunch when it comes to snacks! Please, all garbage must go into the cans in the garage – nowhere else outside. This keeps our bear friends safe and healthy, and prevents any uninvited guests from making a mess. Let's keep our wildlife wild!
* Driveway Etiquette: Our driveway needs to stay clear for vehicles passing by, so please ensure it's always open for passage, especially in the winter for snow plow access.
A Few More Quirks & Charms to reiterate!
* Winter Warriors: Our plow guy won't show up for less than 6 inches of new snow, so be ready for some serious winter driving! You'll want snow tires/AWD/chains, and there's a shovel on the porch if the snowplow leaves you a "snow fort" at the end of the driveway. (No SOS calls for that, sorry!) Oh, and the outdoor grill and furniture are taking a well-deserved winter nap.
* Smoky Skies (Sometimes): Western summers and falls can bring smoky air from wildfires. We highly recommend travel insurance – just in case Mother Nature gets a bit fiery!
* Digital Detox Zone! Our Wi-Fi is more "rustic cabin in the woods" than "fiber-optic freeway." It's consistently inconsistent (and sometimes completely absent!). Cell service? Not much better, unless you drive to the Mazama Store for a quick signal fix. Consider it your official invitation to unplug, unwind, and actually talk to each other! (Netflix binges might be a no-go.)
* Bears Love Snacks! We're in bear country, and they have a serious sweet tooth for unsecured trash. Please, all garbage goes in the cans in the garage – no outdoor buffets for our furry friends!
* Driveway Dance: Keep the main driveway clear for vehicles to pass, and so the snow plow can do its thing in the winter.
* Quiet Time: 9 PM to 8 AM – let's keep the good vibes respectful!
Ready to book your fun-filled escape?
