In Washington State, Choose Your Adventure and Accommodation at This 6,000-Acre Resort

Sweeping views of forested mountains catch my eye first, followed by the fireplace, strategically placed bar, soaring wooden beams, and modern-rustic, sink-in-me furniture. Next to the lobby, there’s a small market and coffee shop, a billiards room, and an on-site restaurant. Walk through the lobby and you can stand on the terrace to see views of the Yakima River, next to a fire pit, the outdoor pool, and the steep staircase down to the river. This is no children’s summer camp, but I quickly suspect that it’s a place I’ll become nostalgic about when I leave.

Photo: Suncadia Resort

There are more than 250 rooms at the Suncadia’s Lodge alone, ranging from simple rooms with two queen beds to a three-bedroom penthouse suite. The king studio has a small kitchen, fireplace, large bathroom with a soaking tub, and incredible views over the mountains and river. Some rooms come with a small patio or balcony, but there are plenty of options to sit and enjoy the views from any room and throughout the Lodge.

While the Lodge provides the best access to Suncadia’s amenities and activities, you can also stay at the Inn at Suncadia for a more boutique hotel experience. The Inn at Suncadia has 14 rooms and four suites, all overlooking one of the resort’s golf courses. Suncadia also has an array of vacation homes around the property and in nearby Cle Elum, including the Trailhead Condominiums.

Accommodations at Suncadia Resort start at $215 per night.

Photo: Suncadia Resort

It stands to reason that a Washington State resort with as much acreage as Suncadia Resort puts a premium on outdoor recreation. Guests not only get access to incredible nature but also tons of amenities to help them enjoy it all year long. To start, the resort has 40 miles of trails (some paved) and offers bike rentals (including e-bikes). You can also rent kayaks to paddle on the small pond near the Pavilion, as well as boats, stand-up paddleboards, and mopeds to get around the property. Farther afield, look into arranging a fishing trip or rafting ride on the Yakima River.

For golfers, Suncadia Resort plays host to 36 holes spread across three courses, which you’ll need to book a tee time to play. There are also multiple pools on the property, including one at the Lodge that’s a great place to watch the sunset and two (one indoor and one outdoor) at the Swim & Fitness Center a short walk from the Lodge. There, you’ll find waterslides and a food truck, as well as fitness classes ranging from Acqua Fit to pilates. Swim lessons are available for the little ones.

Photo: Suncadia Resort

Not all of the outdoor fun at Suncadia Resort is reserved for sporty types, however. Some is more casual, like playing lawn games or bringing a s’mores packet from Source Mercantile to one of the property’s two firepits (one in the forest, one overlooking the valley). Even more amenities await at Nelson Farm, a Suncadia property that’s a 10-minute drive or shuttle from the Lodge.

There, you can try your hand at archery, ax-throwing, or art experiences such as tie-dye, acrylic pouring, and photography sessions. The farm also has a lazy river, gel blaster range, and pump track, as well as events like live local music, the occasional movie night, and season-specific activities. Note that most experiences and rentals aren’t included with a Lodge stay and require an extra fee, starting at around $20.

Finally, when it’s time to relax, don’t overlook Suncadia’s Glade Spring Spa. Try a massage or facial, then follow it up with a soak or sauna in the outdoor glades, secluded in the forest. After a rejuvenating treatment, head to the Sanctuary, where you’ll find multiple fireplaces, the requisite cucumber water, dozens of cozy chairs, relaxing forest views, and even a small menu if you’re inclined.

Photo: Suncadia Resort

There are several dining options at Suncadia Resort. The Source Plates & Pours is the Lodge’s restaurant. It serves Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine, including produce from Suncadia’s own gardens, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The standout dishes I had there were the steak with chimichurri and huckleberry forest cake, as well as the experience of enjoying your morning coffee with a view. Outside the Source is a casual bar, which is ideal for happy hour for creative cocktails (and even more views).

My favorite meal at Suncadia Resort started with a short walk from the Lodge to the Inn’s beautiful Stovehouse restaurant. (You can also drive to the Inn from the Lodge, but the trail is peaceful and lined with lights.) I started with a summery watermelon drink and croquettes, followed by a coffee-rubbed flank steak and a slice of decadent chocolate cake that my server convinced me to bring home.

Other dining options at Suncadia Resort include room service (serving selected dishes from the Source), the Source Mercantile (serving espresso, snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and small salads), Mulligans on the Prospector Golf Course, and the Taste of the Cascades food truck (located at the Swim & Fitness Club in the summer). Also on the property is the Swiftwater Cellars Winery, which has a restaurant and lounge that’s open for lunch and dinner (and, of course, tastings).

Photo: Ian Dewar Photography/Shutterstock

Suncadia Resort is so expansive, entertaining, and beautiful that you could happily spend your entire stay there. But if you want a change of pace, or slightly cheaper dining options, head to nearby Roslyn, a historic mining town about two miles from the resort. There, the Brick Saloon is the oldest bar in Washington, and many of the storefronts look just as they did when the town was founded in 1886. For a bigger city feel, head to Cle Elum, a former mining and logging town that’s now home to a historic downtown and plenty of restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Photo: Suncadia Resort

It’s easiest to reach Suncadia by car, as it’s about a two-hour drive east of Seattle and about one hour west of Yakima. The resort also offers a shuttle service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and while you’re on the property. I didn’t have a car while staying at the resort, and I was able to walk or catch the shuttle with minimal fuss between the Lodge and my various activities.

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