Sitting on the bank of the South Fork of the Skykomish River (aka the “Tye River”) with a sweeping view of 5,000' Beckler Peak and the Wild Sky Wilderness, it’s immediately obvious that Sky River Chalet was built by an artist for her own wlarge family. With 15’ cathedral ceilings, a massive granite fireplace, custom stone and woodwork throughout, comfortable leather and log furniture, and views of the mountains, river, or trees from every room, Sky River Chalet is the kind of rustic mountain lodge people dream of. The Chalet is perfect for a couple looking for a romantic getaway, or for larger family groups or friends who want plenty of room. The Chalet includes all of the modern amenities, a large riverbank deck, outdoor furniture and BBQ for those sunny days, and a huge basement game room with ping-pong, foosball, and a fireplace and sauna to enjoy on stormy days. The bookshelves are loaded with interesting reading material and displays, and the unique furnishings and décor emphasizing natural history, alpine and winter sports, and historic themes will make your stay unforgettable.

Sky River Chalet is located 75 to 90 minutes from Seattle in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in the small community of Timberlane Village, off U.S. Highway 2 two miles east of Skykomish thirteen miles from Stevens Pass. Of all the westside communities with modern amenities (plowed roads, electricity, TV & high-speed internet), Timberlane Village is nearest to Stevens Pass. The Chalet is a perfect base for year-round outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, mountain-biking, whitewater kayaking and rafting, downhill skiing and/or Nordic skiing at Stevens Pass (December to mid-April), birding, wildflower and mushroom forays, or watching the wild critters from our river bank deck. There are five separate wilderness areas within a twenty-five mile radius of our Chalet, and if the maps and guidebooks at our cabin aren’t sufficient, the Skykomish Ranger Station of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is a half mile away.

Sky River Chalet was designed for outdoor enthusiasts. The stone Entry Hall has beautiful hardwood benches and racks where a group can store boots, skis, packs, and other outdoor gear, or hang it up to dry after the outing. While charming in its own right, this functional area is enhanced by historic climbing and skiing pictures, an antique handmade kayak used by the owners’ son as a young boy, and a special memorial to the 10th Mountain Division in which so many northwest mountaineers and skiers served with distinction during World War II.

After stowing your gear in the entry hall, the stone passageway leads past the master bedroom and bath to our Living Room with its 15’ cathedral ceilings, four skylights, and massive two-story granite fireplace. With its beautiful woodwork, comfortable leather furniture, and unique alpine and wildlife décor, the Living Room is the center of life in the Chalet. The shelves are loaded with interesting books about natural history and the outdoors, and the 60” flat-screen TV, Blueray/VHS players, stereo, and our small video library provide ample indoor entertainment. The Living Room has lots of glass with a view of the birdfeeders on our deck that provide unending entertainment as the birds, squirrels and raccoons come and go, and a view across the river to the mountains beyond. A sliding glass door allows access to the deck, a comfortable table and chairs outside, and our Webber gas BBQ.

Opposite the Living Room is our Dining Area with a hardwood table that comfortably seats 10 guests, and can also be used for work, study, or after-dinner board games a few feet away from (but still near) those guests who prefer to read, converse, or watch a movie in front of the fire.

The large modern Kitchen is light and bright with windows affording views of the river and trees outside, and connected to the living and dining areas so those preparing the feast won’t miss out. The Kitchen is stocked with everything you’ll need to prepare meals, including an assortment of spices and a few staples. Modern appliances include a Microwave, a Dishwasher, a Cuisinart Griddler-Grill, a Blender, a Toaster, rice cooker, and a Drip Coffee Maker, and we have sufficient dishes and silverware for even a large group.

When weather permits, the Living Room and Kitchen each open onto a huge Riverbank Deck, and BBQing and outdoor dining can be wonderful! There is a glass table with umbrella, 4 comfortable swivel- recliners, and extra chairs to accommodate 6 or 8. From our river bank deck we have a splendid view of 5,000' Beckler Peak and occasional views of local wildlife (otters, dippers, ducks and spawning salmon at different times of the year) in the creek immediately in front of our cabin.

There are two Bathrooms on the main floor. The one near the entrance has slate floors, a sink, a toilet, and a shower, as well as a washer and dryer.

The Master Bedroom on the main floor has a vaulted wood ceiling, two skylights, a faux antler chandelier, hardwood floors, rustic log furniture, mountain décor, and its own newly remodeled bathroom crafted with beautiful travertine stone tile. The queen bed has a massive log frame that matches the other decor, lots of pillows and a down comforter.

On the second floor are a bath and three more bedrooms : (1) the “River Room” with a double bed and a private balcony overlooking the river and Beckler Peak, (2) the “Sun Valley Room” with a queen bed and a view upstream, and (3) the “Racer Room” with a double bed, a work/study desk, and a private balcony with a local view. Each bedroom is attractively furnished with down comforters and mountain décor. The private balconies each have chairs for sitting out.

A winding staircase leads up from the second floor to our huge carpeted Loft on the third floor. Measuring sixty feet in length, with a private balcony on each end and carpeted there is a TV/VCR and a few toys, books, and movies for children. Our loft is a kids’ paradise but many adults have also spent comfortable nights there.

A unique and distinguishing feature of the Chalet is the huge Basement Game Room where guests can play ping pong, foosball, other games, or watch a movie separate from the group upstairs who may be conversing, reading, playing board games, or watching a different movie. There is another fireplace and a stereo downstairs, as well as a Sauna and double shower.

Sky River Chalet is unlike any other cabin you’ve ever visited. It is warm and cozy, and able to accommodate small or larger groups equally well. And if your group is even larger and needs another three bedrooms, consider reserving our other nearby property Sky River Cabin (VRBO 93656) as well.