Whistlin’ Jack Lodge (25 miles northwest of Naches (Na-CHEEZ) on Highway 410, 509/658-2433 or 800/827-2299, www.whistlinjacklodge.com [1]) is on the sunny side of the mountains, with just 15 inches of precipitation annually and over 300 days of sunshine. Open year-round, the lodge includes a motel ($110), cabins ($160–265), restaurant, lounge with live music on weekends, gas, and groceries. If you are already hungry heading over Chinook Pass [2], be sure to stop at the diner here—it is a long haul to Yakima on an empty stomach and the choices in Naches are sparse.
Choose between classic motel rooms or cabins with fireplaces and kitchens at Squaw Rock Resort (20 miles northwest of Naches on Hwy. 410, 509/658-2926, www.squawrockresort.net [3], $85–140 s or d). Situated along the Naches River, this resort has a heated pool, hot tub, restaurant, store, and public showers.
Stay in one of two guests rooms in a small mountain cottage at The Cozy Cat B&B (12604 Hwy. 410, 509/658-2953, $70 s or $80 d) Rooms include private baths, and a full breakfast is griddled up each morning. The location is close to a small pond and offers fine mountain vistas.
Closer in to Naches and Yakima, Apple Country Inn B&B (4561 Old Naches Hwy., 509/965-0344, $79–95 d) is a remodeled 1911 farm house and working ranch positioned perfectly between Rainier and wine country in the Yakima Valley [4]. Two guest rooms have private baths, a continental breakfast is served, and kids are welcome.
Links:
[1] http://www.whistlinjacklodge.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/south-cascades/chinook-pass-and-highway-410/chinook-pass
[3] http://www.squawrockresort.net
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/columbia-gorge-and-wine-country/yakima-valley