10 Cabin Getaways for Seattle-Area Families for Fall and Winter

The lowdown: Functional, no-frills cabins nestled among majestic Douglas firs at 25-acre Bay View State Park offer easy access to the saltwater shoreline and the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Want to bring Fido along? Bay View is one of the few state parks with cabins that allow pets.

The stay: Six basic log cabins, each with a double bed and bunk to sleep four, overlook Padilla Bay and the San Juan Islands. Two cabins have private bathroom facilities, while the rest make use of the park’s public restrooms nearby. Outside, a fire ring, pedestal grill and a sweet porch swing make for easy lounging; pets are allowed in five of the cabins for a nightly fee. Note that linens are not provided, so bring your own.

The fun: Water play ranging from sailboarding, waterskiing and paddle sports to fishing awaits along the 1,285-foot coastline. The 11,000-acre National Estuarine Research Reserve borders the park; here you’ll find a diverse habitat that is home to countless marine species. Half a mile away, the Breazeale Padilla Bay Interpretive Center offers families a chance to get up close and personal with critters through exhibits and hands-on activities.

Next stop: Chevy Chase Beach Cabins

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