Lodge By The Falls Contemporary Nw Styles Beckon You To Salish Lodge

Seattle is a great destination for a long weekend, but it’s a long drive to get there.

So a special way to break up the trip and pamper yourself is to spend a night at the Salish Lodge, a deluxe hotel that’s only a few miles off Interstate 90, about half an hour east of Seattle.

This lodge next to Snoqualmie Falls features contemporary Northwest style (lots of wood) with expensive antique furnishings and tasteful decorations. Rooms feature working fireplaces stocked with wood and fire logs, oversize whirlpool tubs, terrycloth robes and minibars. You can rent a video and player, or soak in the oversize hot tub; there’s also a complete fitness center.

The falls, 268 feet high, are spectacular, but you can’t see them that well from the lodge, since you’re almost directly above them. But a prime viewpoint is only a short stroll away - or you can hike down to the the falls’ base, a mile below. Their pleasant roar, muted to a whisper through the walls, makes it easy to drift off to sleep under soft down comforters.

The Salish Lodge is also famous for its breakfasts (weekends require reservations far in advance, unless you’re a hotel guest). On a recent visit, the fare included freshsqueezed juice, a stewed fruit compote, a nice selection of breakfast pastries (make sure to try the cranberry pound cake) and entrees that might include corned beef hash made with venison instead of beef; Dungeness crab and scrambled eggs, wrapped in phyllo pastry; or slices of venison sausage atop a creamy polenta. (Traditionalists can also find more straightforward fare like sausage and eggs).

That breakfast is $20 per person, or for $25 you can choose the Cascade Celebration breakfast that includes a sample of everything on the menu. Hotel guests also can order from a more inexpensive a la carte breakfast menu.

Room rates begin at around $165 per night, which does not include meals. But a variety of packages and corporate rates are available, so make sure to ask when you call for reservations.

At around $200 for a typical bed and breakfast visit, the Salish isn’t an economy hideaway. But it’s a luxurious way to begin - or end - a long weekend.

For information and reservations: (800) 826-6124, or (206) 888-2556.

MEMO: Do you have a favorite hideaway around the Inland Northwest, a secluded place for a romantic retreat? We’d like to hear about it. Write to: Travel Editor, The SpokesmanReview, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. Or fax (509) 459-5098.