What To Expect Each Season

Dates of Operation 2017

Spring & Summer

June.1-Nov.1

Fall & Winter

Dec.15-Apr.15

Specific times of operation are subject to yearly snowfall and snow melt and may change based on weather.

Transportation

The last 5 miles is an unmaintained county road so a high clearance vehicle (SUV or Truck) is recommended for this stretch of the journey.

Accessibilty

Spring & Summer

We are located 23 miles north of historic Roslyn, Washington. In summer the land is 2 hours, door-to-door, from downtown Seattle. Traffic at Snoqualmie Pass may add addtional time. If you have opted for the shuttle option from Roslyn, you can sit back and enjoy the scenic ride.

Fall & Winter

The winter adventure takes about 5 hours from Seattle, depending on road conditions and how long it takes you to snowshoe or cross country ski the 5 ½ mile trek. Since the dirt road is groomed for snowmobiles you are not “blazing” trail.

If you opt for the snowmobile shuttle express, it will take about 30 minutes from the beginning of the groomed road. If you bring your own snowmobile, it must stay parked outside the entrance to Cupping Hands and may be subject to “not being there” when you return.

Check Snoqualime Pass conditions if you are coming from Seattle.

Accomodations

May change with weather.

Season Talking River Treehouse Half Moon Yurt Camping Tents
Spring, Apr-June OPEN OPEN CLOSED
Summer, Jul-Sept OPEN OPEN OPEN
Autumn, Oct-Dec OPEN OPEN CLOSED
Winter, Jan-Mar CLOSED OPEN CLOSED

Spring, Summer & Fall

  1. A headlamp with extra batteries
  2. Shoes with grip
  3. River shoes (optional)
  4. Cooler with ice
  5. Drinking Water, Water containers for spring water, no plastic containers
  6. Sunscreen
  7. Day pack
  8. Hiking sticks optional
  9. Insect repellent

Winter

  1. Except for the yurt which has a wood stove, you will be essentially snow camping so it is imperative to prepare for snow activities and sleeping.
  2. Headlamp and batteries
  3. Water containers for spring water
  4. Candles
  5. Sub zero clothing

Sign liability waiver

Please complete and sign the following liability waiver per group before your trip. The forms are all digital to ensure that we reduce our usage of paper.

Sign Waiver

Shuttle service

Please let us know during booking, if you and your group would like to add a shuttle service.

Programs

Please let us know during booking, if you and your group would like to add additonal programs to your stay. Programs change based on season, instructors and availability.

Once you arrive at the land, there is an equipped outdoor kitchen, eating area, 2 fire pits, and outhouse all within easy access to your accommodations. During winter months the HUB area and fire pits will be shoveled for easy access and warmth.

The land is rugged and the river can “rage” during spring glacial run-off. Extreme care must be taken when exploring the land.

Rugged Terrain

Not advised for kids under 5 yrs. Small children need to be under supervision at all times.

Keep pets at home

The retreat is frequented by bears and wolfs. Please keep domesticated pets at home for their own safety.

Total no. of guests

In respect of the fragile ecosystem, the carrying capacity of this land is limited to 30 people at one time and during your stay it is imperative to walk on designated trails. Winter is amazing and adventures for small groups of up to 6 are also available but take a certain kind of rugged and a bit more preparation. It is a 5 1/2 mile snowshoe or snowmobile ride on groomed road.

Composting Toilet

The composting toilet is reserved only for solid waste. Please pee in the woods. This is more environmentally friendly.

BYOF and TBYT

Bring your own food and take back your own trash. There are no trash pickups or disposals on site. During your stay, please ensure that your trash is kept secured and contained at all times. Wildlife is attracted to trash.

Respect the river

Trashing the river will result in severe fines. Fishing is prohibited as salmon restoration efforts are underway in the region.