by Melissa Wynn
Winter is a spectacular time to visit the Sierra. The towering pines are frosted with snow, the air is crisp and the mountains beckon, “come and play”. I usually enjoy the winter hustle and bustle of our neighborhood’s many ski areas, but this trip was all about finding a quiet getaway and scoping out a new place to ride our snowmobiles. We decided to take a meandering drive toward Tahoe along Hwy 89 and see what kind of hideaway we could discover. The drive along Lake Almanor’s East Shore was mystical on that clear November afternoon. The lake was a touch warmer than the air causing the water to steam like a giant bathtub awaiting the return of Paul Bunyan. The tower on the West Shore was peeking through the vapor like a long forgotten castle nestled in the clouds. I watched it disappear in the rear view mirror as we turned on to Hwy 89 heading for nostalgic Indian Valley. From the sprawling meadows just outside Greenville to the storybook railroad bridges in the rugged terrain of the Feather River Canyon, the view was breathtaking and ever changing all the way. After a quick stop in the friendly community of Quincy we decided to see what was open year round in Graeagle. We hit pay dirt right on the edge of town at the very warm and homey River Pines Resort. Although they scale down their services a bit in the unpredictable winter months, River Pines was just the snowmobiler and family friendly kind of place we were looking for.
I smiled at the three happy scarecrows sitting on a bench on the front porch under the waving American Flag as we pulled into the parking lot. Long rows of motel rooms and several cabins lined the pine cone dotted lawn beneath old growth pines that covered the hideaway. As soon as my companion pointed out the large area perfect for parking several snowmobile trailers, I knew we had found our snowmobile base camp. Graeagle is surrounded with miles and miles of managed riding trails complete with staging areas and warming huts. With all that and the wind in our faces, speeding through pristine forests with panoramic vistas from the top of the world, how could we go wrong?
The neighborly, hand written “be right back” note on the door gave us a chance to wander and discover the inviting steaming hot tub that is open on weekends all winter long, just what the doctor ordered after a long day on a snowmobile. The jungle gym and play area around the corner are the perfect diversion for the children while you soak. Cha Ching!
By the time we finished our look around, charming owner operator Leslie Ross was back from her chores along with her winter season mascots, Tess and Charlie, two adorable white boxer dogs. Leslie and her husband Tad were the second generation to offer top notch hospitality at River Pines Resort having purchased the homey mountain retreat from her parents who still come and help out during the summer season. Tad has traveled to the other side, but the plaque in the garden, dedicated by a group of regular guests was a touching testimony to his contribution to making this the home away from home for countless return guests.
A huge flat screen T.V., plenty of comfy seating and a crackling fire burning in the hearth make the cozy lobby a great location to assemble your entire group for a football game or winter evening game of cards. Off sale liquor is available at the front desk….need I say more?
We checked into our very spacious room and put our bags into a walk-in closet bigger than most motel bathrooms. Brewing a fresh pot of in-room coffee and watching the evening news, stretched out on the nice firm king size bed, was a great way to settle in. When the anchor man bid us goodnight, my tummy reminded me that dinner time was half an hour ago. I dressed in front of the large vanity after a massaging shower with endless hot water.
Coyote Bar and Grill shares the grounds of River Pines Resort making it a no-brainer for a quick dinner. But Mountain Valley Living’s own Kim Poggi had mentioned a new Italian place called Cuccia’s so we were off to visit (and this month are also featuring) both. You only live once after all. Needless to say we returned to our simply decorated winter haven stuffed and sleepy. I flopped on the huge bed with the guest book and my laptop and caught up on a few chores. Before I knew it, I had wiled away two hours, never interrupted in the almost musical silence of the foggy winter night. I slept like a baby, dozing off to the sounds of a light wind scraping dry fallen leaves across the ground. Fresh hot coffee and a pleasant morning visit with Leslie and the dogs wrapped up our wonderful visit. I am eager to return with the snow.
Leslie and her crew will be around the fire awaiting us all. Give her a call at 530-836-2552 to make a reservation. Room rates are great, starting at $75 a night for one Queen or two double beds and topping out at $270 per night for the Three Room Suite that sleeps six. The WiFi and continental breakfast are free. Photos and a full description of lodging options for all seasons are available on the River Pines Resort website at www.riverpines.com.
