Story by Brandy
A Sweet Retreat
Adventure in Molalla, Willamette Valley, OR, US
The drive in took us down idyllic country roads lined with family-owned ranches and acres of farmland. Eventually, it transitioned into a dense forest on either side of a turquoise river. Situated along Trout Creek and Mollala River, S'Mores Tiny Home is an open-concept design and features a rope net connecting two loft spaces, making it the perfect place to hang out with friends and family. It's also part of the Trout Creek Wilderness Lodge, which is spread out across 250 acres of lush forest, rivers and streams, and even a few waterfalls!
This handcrafted cabin has two beds in the loft accessible by either ladder or stairs; each with its own skylight, ideal for stargazing before you drift off to sleep. Several other windows provide near 360-degree views of lush, moss-covered trees, and open to provide a perfect breeze on a hot summer day. Outside, facing the river, you have a deck along with a grill, bench, and handcrafted foot stool to kick back and unwind. You also have your own fire pit and chairs, but being only steps away from a bathhouse – equipped with a wood-barrel hot tub, clawfoot plunge tub and sauna – you don't have to go very far to take advantage of some of the many other amenities. Try starting your day with yoga on the river deck, or for more of a jolt, try cliff-jumping approximately 20 feet into the crystal-clear Molalla River below. You can connect with other guests in the beautiful communal lodge, magnificently crafted from a single tree, or enjoy a leisure float session on one of the kayaks, floaties or canoe that are available to guests.
For more adventures, you're not far from the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, or the quaint city of Silverton with ample boutique shops, restaurants, and even a retro one-screen movie theatre. Along the way, you can stop and take a dip at one of several river parks – Feyrer Park or Scotts Mills. If something more off the beaten path is your preference, be sure to plan a day hike to Abiqua Falls and enjoy swimming in a splash pool surrounded by huge basalt columns.
This handcrafted cabin has two beds in the loft accessible by either ladder or stairs; each with its own skylight, ideal for stargazing before you drift off to sleep. Several other windows provide near 360-degree views of lush, moss-covered trees, and open to provide a perfect breeze on a hot summer day. Outside, facing the river, you have a deck along with a grill, bench, and handcrafted foot stool to kick back and unwind. You also have your own fire pit and chairs, but being only steps away from a bathhouse – equipped with a wood-barrel hot tub, clawfoot plunge tub and sauna – you don't have to go very far to take advantage of some of the many other amenities. Try starting your day with yoga on the river deck, or for more of a jolt, try cliff-jumping approximately 20 feet into the crystal-clear Molalla River below. You can connect with other guests in the beautiful communal lodge, magnificently crafted from a single tree, or enjoy a leisure float session on one of the kayaks, floaties or canoe that are available to guests.
For more adventures, you're not far from the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, or the quaint city of Silverton with ample boutique shops, restaurants, and even a retro one-screen movie theatre. Along the way, you can stop and take a dip at one of several river parks – Feyrer Park or Scotts Mills. If something more off the beaten path is your preference, be sure to plan a day hike to Abiqua Falls and enjoy swimming in a splash pool surrounded by huge basalt columns.
Things We Did
- Waterfall
- Restaurant
- Yoga
Abiqua Falls is a short, dynamic hike located at the end of a rugged dirt road. Accessing the trail from the closest parking lot requires a 4X4 or a high-clearance vehicle, though there is an alternate trailhead, or you can drive down as far as you feel comfortable and park along the road at a few pull-off spots. After a short walk through the forest, ropes tied to trees help you descend the washed-out trail to the creek, from where you'll start making your way towards the main attraction. The stunning waterfall is surrounded by massive basalt columns and you can take a dip in the splash pool or even swim under the falls! There are no facilities or fees to experience this incredible landscape formation, but always practice leave no trace principles and pack out whatever you bring in.
After an afternoon of exploring local waterfalls, the Noble Fox in nearby Silverton is a classy cocktail bar featuring a beautiful wooden display case full of fine whiskey and bourbons. Their delectable happy hour menu is a great way to sample a few of the main dishes, including highly recommended fried chicken mac sliders, and crisp Brussels sprouts sprinkled with parmesan cheese. Afterwards, you can stop into one of the many boutique shops, get a coffee or dessert, or even catch a flick at the old-fashioned movie theatre.
Start your day with yoga on the river deck, located within walking distance from the cabin, and take in peaceful sounds of the river rushing below and birds chirping all around. It's not hard to find your zen and ground yourself after spending a few days on this beautiful property. Yoga mats are available for guests if you don't have your own.
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