If you are looking for a quiet getaway for two in the midst of the beautiful forest in a gorgeous National Park, Drakesbad Guest Ranch in Mt. Lassen National Park is an amazing choice for summer romance.
PLOT YOUR ESCAPE
Sometimes you just have to make your escape. Amidst household chores and honey-do lists, it might be hard to plan your departure but this romantic getaway is worth planning ahead for and planning ahead is always a good idea at Drakesbad. Open only during summer, you can make a reservation online for your step back in time to a land of beautiful meadows, forest, lakes and streams. On your adventure, you can take part in a variety of activities. Take a horseback ride. Get a massage. Enjoy the pool. Take a hike or go fly fishing. Stay in one of their rustic cabins or in the lodge. Everyone here loves Drakesbad; it was a unanimous vote for our BEST ROMANTIC GETAWAYS edition. Read about our trips to Drakesbad at MountainValleyLiving.com Excerpts from our article in August of 2008:
THE CEMENT POND – SOOTHING HOT SPRINGS WATER
Just off the deck of our little cabin was a path leading past acres of snow cabbage and roaming deer to a sparkling hot springs pool. To look at it, one would not notice much difference between it and the pool at a fine, major hotel chain. Stacks of towels and several dressing rooms are ready for guests as are plenty of lounge chairs on thick green grass. The difference: The pool is fed by a continual stream of hot springs water. In the evening, the temperature of the pool is kept much warmer and the steam through the darkness of night seems to provide extra doses of tranquility. From the pool, you can hear the quiet rumble of little waterfalls along Hot Springs Creek, which runs beside the pool area. The water in the creek is not warm.
HIKING TRAILS, FISHING AND TRANQUILITY
There are several marked trails and wonders to see including Boiling Springs Lake and Devil’s Kitchen. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses just above the pool. Drakesbad is the near midway point for hikers traveling between Mexico and Canada. The original sign on the dining hall reads, “Mexico: 1348 miles; Canada: 1410 miles.” There are several hikes to choose from at Drakesbad and plenty a view along the way.
DINING AT DRAKESBAD
“Clang, Clang”, goes the dinner bell. Both guests staying at the ranch and those lucky enough to get meal reservations begin meandering back towards the dining hall. Indoors, knotty pine paneling and picturesque window views set the scene. A bouquet of fresh golden lilies, yellow daisies and red carnations add color to each table. Gas lanterns hang high on wooden walls. Pine green, ruffled curtains sit below shelves lined with mementos of life here since the 1860’s. Outdoors, a patio is set with more tables. Saddles are mounted nearby for restless children. Menus are planned in advance and sack lunches are available for the trail. Accommodations at Drakesbad include all of your meals.
Reservations can be made by calling 530-258-9702. When we visited, the phones were not yet up, in which case you can contact the office at 530-529-1512 (Ext. 120). Find them online at www.drakesbad.com.
