Washington has a reputation for its rain, particularly on the west side of the state, so it’s no surprise when you’re looking for a place to stay along the waterfront that it might mean the Pacific, the banks of countless lakes, or rushing rivers. That includes the mighty Columbia, the largest in the Pacific Northwest which flows 1,243 miles through both Washington and Oregon before emptying into the ocean. There are all sorts of rivers of every size bringing opportunities to fish, splash around, paddle, and more. For the perfect base, book one of these riverfront vacation rentals.
Cozy River Cabin at Mt Rainier - Packwood, Washington
Overlooking the Cowlitz River just a short drive to Mount Rainier, the White Pass Ski Area, and a wealth of hiking trails, this scenic mountain Airbnb accommodates up to six with two beds in one bedroom plus a sofa bed. It includes a fully equipped kitchen, but when you aren’t in the mood to cook, there are restaurants close by in the small town of Packwood. Highlights include the large front and back decks where you can relax with a view, practice yoga, or gather around the fire pit. There’s a wood-burning fireplace inside, and the host has kindly supplied firewood too. A flat-screen TV with a DVD player and Netflix are also included.
Luxury Cle Elum Riverfront Home Bordering Suncadia - Cle Elum
Those seeking lots of space and plenty of luxuries will find it in this riverfront craftsman home. It sits on the banks of the Cle Elum River on an over 2-acre property that borders Washington State Horse Park and Suncadia Resort. You’ll have five bedrooms, providing accommodation for up to 16 spread through more than 6,000 square feet of space. It’s the perfect place to entertain, complete with a kitchen that has two ovens and two refrigerators. The amenities are too long to list, with some of the more notable including four fireplaces, a pool table, hot tub, and a seasonal heated outdoor pool.
Relaxing Riverfront Cabin - Monroe
This gorgeous riverfront cabin for two is less than 45 minutes from Seattle, overlooking the Snoqualmie River near Monroe. It includes a furnished deck where you can sip your morning coffee while gazing out at the water or you can soak in the hot tub while enjoying the same view. It accommodates up to two in one bedroom and has a kitchen with all you need to make your own meals along with a BBQ grill for cookouts. During the warmer months, there’s a dock for launching the complimentary kayak or canoe, or just leaping into the water for a refreshing dip.
Romantic Chalet with Full Kitchen, Private Spa & Mountain View - Index
The river and mountain views from this two-story A-frame cabin are magnificent, whether you’re on the deck, soaking in the hot tub, or waking up in the loft. Keep an eye out for wildlife that often passes by too. As the host notes, when the salmon are running you can even watch the eagles swoop down for their catch. It sleeps up to four with one bedroom plus a sofa bed and includes a cozy fireplace to warm up next to, a full kitchen, outdoor smoker, and BBQ grill, along with a 6′ marble bar that’s suspended from the ceiling. There is no Wi-Fi, but you will have a TV and DVD player for movie nights, along with the myriad of recreational activities available in the area during the day.
River's Edge Get Away ~ A Magical Retreat - Fall City
Ideal for a romantic couples’ stay, this beautiful one-bedroom home sits on five private acres with 500 feet of riverbank. It has a large covered outdoor patio that hangs over the water, ideal for relaxing while enjoying the peaceful sits and sounds. If it’s chilly out, you can come back in and warm by the fireplace, although there’s also a fire pit right next to the river fabulous to enjoy after dark under a canopy of stars. It includes a full kitchen with high-end appliances, cable TVs in the living room and bedroom with access to over 260 channels, including some premium channels, Wi-Fi, and a washer/dryer.
Hansel Creek Gust Tree House - Peshastin
Technically, this rental is on a creek rather than a river, but it still offers lots of serenity with the sights and sounds of the babbling water. It’s too good to skip, as a treehouse surrounded by incredible natural beauty while boasting timber-frame craftsmanship and custom log details that make it look as if it came straight from the pages of a storybook.
Rusty River Lodge - Granite Falls
Located in the western foothills of the Cascades, the Rusty River Lodge is a beautiful retreat that’s less than an hour’s drive from Seattle. It lies adjacent to the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River, providing access right out the back door. In fact, you can enjoy outstanding fishing and gold panning right here, in addition to launching tubes for fun floats on the water. Inside, you’ll have a kitchen with cooking essentials, a living room with exposed beams and a wood-burning stove, and a Smart TV you can connect your devices to. The striking spiral staircase leads to the second floor where you’ll find a loft with two beds and there’s another bed in the bedroom, providing accommodation for up to four guests.
Beautiful Lower Columbia Hamlet on the Water - Cathlamet
Located on Puget Island in the middle of the Lower Columbia River, connected to the town of Cathlamet with a bridge, this rental offers 850 square feet and a deck where you can enjoy views of the vessels that cruise up and down the river, a myriad of birds, and colorful sunsets. Accommodating up to six, it includes all the kitchen basics, and a Smart TV, while providing easy access to a host of activities on and off the water, including fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and hiking.
Sol Duc Serenity with Riverfront, Hot Tub & National Park Access - Port Angeles
The perfect getaway for escaping it all awaits at Sol Duc Serenity. A cottage for up to four guests, it has a private deck with the Sol Duc River lying just below. Another deck includes your own private hot tub with a view of the river and moss-draped trees. Inside, there’s a large window with views of the river and Olympic National Park, a bedroom, a full kitchen with a Keurig coffeemaker, a propane fireplace, and a washer/dryer. There’s no Wi-Fi or cable, but you will have a TV and DVD player while being close to all the top attractions in the park, just 10 minutes from Lake Crescent for even more fun on the water.
Resthaven Guest House on the Toutle River - Toutle
Located in a 20-acre family-owned campground with over a third of a mile of riverfront on the Toutle River 35 miles from Mount St. Helens, the one-bedroom Resthaven Guest House offers a picturesque view and access to the property’s private beach and swimming area. Once it warms up in the summer, the water temperature typically rises into the 70s or even 80 degrees or higher during a heatwave. There’s also a picnic area, hammocks, and a BBQ grill. You’ll have a deck for enjoying the serene sights and sounds as well as two TVs with YouTube Live TV and Amazon Prime Video in the living room and bedroom TV.
Basecamp Guesthouse - North Bend
Nestled into the Cascade foothills close to the town of North Bend, this rental is only a little more than 30 minutes from Seattle, providing the perfect escape close to the city. It lies along the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River adjacent to the Snoqualmie National Forest for easy access to year-round recreational activities. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, snowboarding or skiing, all nearby. The studio space accommodates two and includes a full kitchen, TV, Wi-Fi, and a washer/dryer.
Standing Bear River Haus - Leavenworth Riverfront
Right along the famous Icicle River, just an eight-minute drive to Leavenworth, this idyllic rental has its own beach area with short paths that will bring you to the water. There’s a fire pit for roasting marshmallows, and inside you’ll have two bedrooms, accommodating up to four, along with a full kitchen, and washer/dryer. If you can tear yourself away from the views, it has a 52″ HDTV with Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Netflix, premium cable, and standard channels.
