Who doesn’t want to get away from the ordinary, hectic daily routine and take a break from the city, technology, and work from time to time? How does it sound to escape to a tiny cabin in the woods, surrounded only by nature, fresh air, and your loved ones? Getaway Portland offers you exactly this opportunity to explore the Pacific Northwest from a cozy base, where you can disconnect and recharge at the same time.

Especially in uncertain and stressful times, I find a lot of relief in the woods. Packing the car, driving somewhere remote, and sleeping in the middle of nowhere has become a very welcome routine to unplug and recharge my batteries.

I love being outdoors surrounded by nature and enjoy the benefits of total flexibility and mobility while sleeping in our car or tent, waking up to the sound of birds, and watching the first sunrays lighten up the trees. But who wouldn’t like the idea of relaxing in the woods and at the same time enjoying all amenities that a cozy cabin brings? For sure it made me feel really excited about this concept.

What is the Getaway House all about?

Getaway House is a pretty smart glamping concept: Fully-equipped tiny cabins in the woods invite you to unplug and disconnect from everything distracting around you. As dispersed camping and road-tripping can become exhausting from time to time – glamping is a trend that doesn’t only attract well-equipped happy campers but also brings inexperienced urban kids closer to nature.

For everyone who is looking for a stylish experience in the woods the tiny Getaway cabins come in super handy: At Getaway House you get a taste of the great outdoors without the hassle and stress. No need to find a camping spot, pitch your tent, and cook outdoors while being attacked by mosquitos.

The intimate hideaways are nestled in nature. Even though other guests are around, the Getaway cabins are far enough apart from each other so that you won’t be bothered by your neighbor’s presence or noise. No matter if you are looking for a romantic getaway with your partner, a weekend getaway with your friends, or an adventure in the woods with your family or furry friend(s). Getaway House got you covered.

Getaway House destinations

Getaway House is an expanding concept of allowing people to disconnect and bring them closer to nature across the US. They offer so-called Getaway “Outposts” across the country. Each Getaway can be reached within 2 hours by car from the respective major city you make your booking for, so the Getaway promise.

These 12 Getaways in close range to the following US cities were the first 12 outposts:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Austin + San Antonio, Texas
• Boston, Massachusettes
• Charlotte + Raleigh, North Carolina
• Dallas, Texas
• Houston, Texas
• Los Angeles, California
• New York City (2 Outposts)
• Pittsburgh-Cleveland, Pennsylvania, Ohio
• Portland, Oregon
• Washington DC

In summer 2022 Getaway House has already doubled its outposts across the country.

Weekend Getaway from Portland, Oregon

Getting away from Portland takes you to Getaway Mount Adams, the first Getaway in the Pacific Northwest. The Outpost is located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Portland.

It might sound irritating that the Getaway Portland isn’t located in Oregon but in the adjacent Washington State. However, looking more closely at the map you’ll realize that getting to this outpost in Washington won’t take you more than 2 hours from Portland.

At Getaway Mt. Adams 40 tiny cabins are nestled in nature: 30 cabins for 2 people and 10 cabins for up to 4 people. The location at the foot of the volcano Mount Adams (12.280 ft /3.743 meters) gives the outpost its name.

In every Getaway, each cabin is lovingly named after the grandparents of Getaway House team members and guests. This gives the concept a very individual character. We stayed at Outpost “Helen” for 2 nights, one of the 2-person cabins.

Getaway House Portland – Amenities

Like all Outposts, Getaway Mount Adams is stocked with everything you need and nothing you don’t for a smooth and relaxed outdoor adventure. Everything is presented in minimalist decor with lots of love for details. Just bringing your personal belongings will do, everything else is taken care of, without having to sacrifice on stylish interior or modern convenience.

What makes the Getaway House absolutely special and unique is the huge panorama window that doesn’t only let a lot of natural light into the cabin, but is literally your window to the woods. Enjoy the first sun rays sneaking through the trees while you are still snuggled up in the fluffy pillows and soft bedding without unzipping your tent first.

Every Getaway cabin is equipped with:

• 1 queen bed (cabin for 2) / 2 lofted queens (cabin for 4) next to a panorama window
• AC and heat regulator
• Electrical outlets
• Private bathroom with toilet and hot shower, biodegradable body wash & shampoo
• Running (drinking) water, towels, and toilet paper
• Two-burner stove
• Small fridge
• Pot & pan, kettle, silverware, and dishes
• Simple provisions like pasta, soup, oatmeal, coffee, and snacks for purchase
• Books, board games, radio

Private outdoor space

Every Getaway cabin comes with a private outdoor space, a fire pit and grill grate, two wooden chairs, and a picnic table for an outdoorsy camping feeling. This is glamping at its best: Camping, just with the amenity of sleeping in a comfortable bed and having your private toilet and hot shower.

No reception, no WiFi – Space to unwind

All Getaway Houses have very limited (to no) cell phone reception – on purpose. Your Getaway House won’t offer WiFi either. Instead, a cell phone lockbox is provided, inviting you to lock away your mobile devices to fully disconnect and unwind without getting distracted.

Safety first

No worries, for emergencies, you’ll find emergency phones in the Outpost area. Each cabin is equipped with a landline phone. If you have any concerns or need to contact the Getaway staff, you can reach out to their field team.

Packing list for a romantic Getaway near Portland

Clothes and personal belongings

Pack light and leave everything behind you wouldn’t bring on a camping trip. Just what you need to sit outside in the evening, go for a hike and swim in a lake or river. In short: Bring clothes and your personal cosmetics, but nothing else.

Food and drinks

Leaving your tent, sleeping bags, and camping cooking utensils at home creates lots of space for food and drinks. Getaway House offers provisions for purchase, but it doesn’t hurt to bring your preferred food and drinks.

Thanks to the kitchenette equipped with a fridge, cooking stove, and dishes as well as the fire pit outside, the sky’s the limit in terms of preparing a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So why not cook something extraordinary and prepare a meal you would never consider during a normal camping trip?

Firewood and charcoal

Getaway sells firewood and charcoal, or you can bring your own. Just be aware that Gifford Pinchot National Forest is mostly under a fire burn ban during the summer months. Depending on the conditions you might not be allowed to have a campfire, but could still BBQ with charcoal.

What to do at Getaway Mount Adams?

A 1-mile (1,6 km) long nature path starts directly at the Outpost. And there are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities within driving distance for a day trip.

Your options to explore the natural surroundings of Getaway Mount Adams are diverse. Traveling through the Pacific Northwest on a road trip? Then check out the Columbia River Gorge, one of Oregon’s 7 Wonders. The Gorge with its breathtaking viewpoints, countless waterfalls, and hiking trails waits for you about 1 hour South of Getaway House Mt. Adams.

1 hour driving up North takes you into Mount Adams Wilderness with gorgeous mountain views, hiking trails, and lakes. With 12.280 feet (3.743 meters) this volcano is Washington’s second-highest peak.

Treating yourself with a weekend getaway from Portland? Then you might wanna focus on the surroundings of your Getaway House and explore the trails less known:

Willard Springs Trail

This easy 2 miles (3.8 km) loop trail in Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge is the closest trail to Getaway Mount Adams (15 minutes by car). The walk takes you around Conboy Lake and you’ll walk half the way through shaded forest and the other half over meadows.

Watch out for birds and other wildlife. Elks or even bears might cross your path. But don’t get confused when trying to actually spot the lake. Conboy Lake itself is only visible during springtime. In summer it’s overgrown and in winter covered with snow.

Guler Ice Cave

Have you heard of Guler Ice Cave before? I haven’t until I stayed at Getaway Portland. Located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest this cave offers underground ice formations and tubes, a result of lava flows. Make sure to bring warm clothes (even in summer) and a headlight, if you plan to explore the cave.

Natural Bridges – trail along natural bridges, created by collapsed lava

Goose Lake

Want to combine your weekend getaway in the woods with a day by the water? Then Goose Lake is your closest option to Getaway Portland. The lake is fed by several streams and was dammed by lava flows from Big Lava Bed. Goose Lake is popular for fishing and floating.

There’s a boat ramp and a simple campground. Be aware: The unpaved road is usually only snow-free by late June. So don’t expect too hot temperatures, even during summer.

Panther Creek Falls – 30 meters long waterfall in Wind River Valley. A short in and out trail takes you to the viewing platform

Ready for a day trip from your Getaway House? You can conveniently combine the Guler Ice Cave, Natural Bridges, Goose Lake, and Panther Creek Falls. All sights are located off Forest Road 60 (Carson Guler Road) and Forest Road 65.

Backwoods Brewing Company, Carson

If you decide to make it all the way down to Carson (located at the Columbia River Gorge), the Backwoods Brewing Company is worth a stop. The family-owned, local-operated craft brewery offers delicious pizza, sandwiches, and their very own selection of beers of course.

Book your Getaway

Caught the ‚cabin-fever‘ and want to get away from your city?

Prepare your stay at Getaway House

You don’t need to plan much ahead as the Getaway website offers many useful articles in their journal section, featuring a packing list, amenities, location, and activities around your Outpost. They’ll also send you a reminder with your dates, check-in and check-out times, and remind you to download offline maps as well as the Outpost map. So you can conveniently find the way to your private Outpost.

Arrive at Getaway House

After arrival you simply unlock your cabin with the lock code Getaway has sent you the morning of your arrival day. With this secure and easy check-in process, you don’t have to worry about how to get your keys safely or be in touch with other people in general. Especially in times of social distancing, this concept worked out perfectly. Getaway House also has special cleaning procedures in place in response to Covid-19, which you can find on their website.

Save $25 with my Promo Code SMILE4TRAVEL

What are you still waiting for? If you live in Portland or any of the 10 cities named above, your Getaway is a 2-hour drive away. The best part: With my Getaway House Promo Code SMILE4TRAVEL you get $25 off your first booking, valid in any Getaway House across the US. Sounds tempting? Then check the Getaway House and find your dates to disconnect and unwind.

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DISCLOSURE

We were invited by Getaway House to stay at Getaway Mount Adams. As always, I only share things I absolutely recommend and think my readers will also love! Like all articles on this blog, this review only reflects my personal impressions and opinion.

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QUESTIONS & COMMENTS?

Have you been to Washington State and have recommendations for accommodation or general travel tips? Do you like the article, or still have any suggestions, feedback, or recommendations? Leave me a comment! If you like my content, please feel free to share this article with your friends!

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