Unique Stay: Relax at Washington's Wanapum Retreat for Hikes, Concerts, and More
Views of the Columbia River from your patio, exclusive hiking trails through the bush, live music nights, and all the wine you could possibly drink: This is what's in store for travelers who spend a few nights at this gorgeous, modern-industrial home, smack in the middle of Cave B Winery's stunning vineyards. Sold? We were. And, needless to say, it was a magically relaxing week.
This post is in partnership with The Wanapum Retreat and contains affiliate links. As such, I will receive commission upon purchases made through these links. All opinions, ideas, content, and recommendations are always my own.
Table of Contents
Packing List
Windbreaker: The wind picks up quickly in the high desert. Here's my go-to windbreaker/raincoat.
Hat: The sun can be intense out here, especially during the summer. I like to wear a baseball cap or a wide-brim hat for protection when I'm out hiking. Here's one from a brand I'm obsessed with.
Hiking boots and socks: You all know how much I love my Timberlands! Find them here.
Layers! The wind picks up QUICK in the high desert. Make sure you have extra layers to bask in the sun during the day and bundle up at night!
Swimsuit
The Wanapum Retreat
There's a cafe light strewn entrance to Cave B Estate Winery just before you enter the famed Gorge Amphitheater (a lively couple purchased both properties in the 1980s and built both businesses from the ground up. However, the Gorge is now owned and operated by management company Live Nation). After a short drive down a tree-lined road, Cave B Ridge appeared and our unique one-bedroom getaway (The Wanapum Retreat) sat pretty on the hillside overlooking vineyards, and further, the Columbia River Gorge. The unique home's main area, set aglow by the sun sliding behind the hills in the distance, shared its square feet with a fully stocked kitchen, a dining table, a pull-out couch and two comfortable-as-all-get out chairs, a TV with included streaming platforms, and a few games for quiet evenings in.
On the porch, a BBQ and a table and chairs are available for guests. You better believe I was out there every morning sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee (and swapping it out for wine in the p.m.). It just seems to taste better when it's accompanied by sun and a glorious view, am I right?
Pro Tip: Mention me (Eva) at the time of booking to receive a FREE Cave B wine tasting!
Read more: Glamp in a greenhouse on a 67-acre farm in Oregon!
Cave B Estate Winery
A short walk through vineyards and between yurts lead us to the poppin' spot among Cave B Estate Winery's 100+ vineyards. Surrounding a beautifully manicured lawn is a stage deemed the "little gorge" that hosts concerts, events (like 5K's), pre-Gorge Amphitheater activities, an event space, and the tasting room, which features a super cool cave-like interior that's literally carved into the rock. We picked up a bottle of their Blanc de Blanc to accompany the Tempranillo that Amanda (the host) kindly left for us in the Retreat, and strolled the vineyards, glass in hand, for a little wine tasting adventure of our own.
If you could use an extra dose of relaxation, The Spa at Sagecliffe will do the trick. Think lavender body wraps, hot stone massages, facials, and more. Then, walk over to the Cave B Inn for dinner and a view at Tendrils Restaurant.
Activities
Concerts, DUH
One perk about this awesome secluded hideaway is that it's a stroll away from the Gorge Amphitheater's epic live music venue. I don't know about you, but ending a full day of dancing, eating, drinking, etc. with a nice warm bed in an air-conditioned private home would be a BAGILLION times better than sweating through the night in a tent at the Gorge.
Pro tip: Book your concert weekend wayyy ahead of time. This hot spot is in high demand!
Hiking Trails
One of my favorite activities is just a walk from your patio. How cool is that? There's a trailhead available only to those staying on the property that guides hikers down into the canyon, past a year-round waterfall (located directly under the Amphitheater), and connects to what's considered one of the best hikes in the area: The Ancient Lakes Trail.
Pro tip: Go at sunrise to get shots like those below!
Read more: Gather oysters from your tree house's private beach on Salt Spring Island!
The Old Vantage Highway
Who knew this scenic byway even existed? I sure didn't, and my jaw basically fell off my face and hit the dirt when I saw the sheer beauty of this desert canyon completely hidden from the rest of the world. I'm also not a rock climber, which is probably why this place is so new to me. It was crawling with the sport – seriously, every basalt column had climbers dangling off its face. Everyone seemed to know each other. We'd hear plenty of, "Oh hi, George! Beautiful day!" as they made their way up the hill. It made me want to give the sport a go!
There are plenty of trails in the area – a few went down into the canyon and up to a waterfall while others ventured up onto the plateau. Follow the road all the way down to the French Coulee Dam for a waterfront park you'll love.
Pro tip: Bring LOTS of water and try to get out there in the a.m. to beat the heat! It gets steamy in the basin of those dry, windless canyons.
Wine Tasting
You're probably thinking, "Didn't we already cover that?" NOPE. Well, technically yes, but there are SO many other wineries in the area, you could spend your entire getaway sipping at all of Quincy's grape varieties at each tasting room, chatting with the owners, and coming home with a few cases of your favorites. Definitely swing by Beaumont Cellars for a tasting if you can (tell Riley that Eva sent you). Then end your day with an ice cream cone from Whiterail Produce.
I love me some lavender, and this quaint little lavender farm is a great stroll on a sunny summer day. Swing by the shop for lavender infused everything!
The Wild Horses Monument
Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies, more commonly known as the Wild Horses Monument, can be spotted from the main highway. The 0.4-mile round-trip hike is part of the Washington Trails network and is a bucket list item for many making the drive across the state. Go ahead and cross it off your wish list – the views from the top are worth it alone.
Quincy
The closest town with a grocery store, gas station, etc., is Quincy, about 25 minutes north of Cave B. If you do head into town, don't miss the Quincy Public Market for tons of awesome local goods, gifts, food, you name it from Quincy Valley. There's also a golf course and a motorcycle track that sees plenty of visitors throughout the year. On your way home, swing by Jake's Meats to purchase carnitas by the pound (freaking delicious), but as far as tacos go, Tacos Jacob's al pastor tacos are what's up. Trust me.
How to Book The Wanapum Retreat
Book here and don't forget to mention me (Eva) to receive a FREE wine tasting during your stay.
Want to know more about your hosts, Amanda and Kevin Brown, and their love for beautiful homes (and each other! So cute.)? Visit their website!
Did you visit this epic desert getaway? I'd love to hear how it went! Shoot me a message and happy wandering!
