Freestone Inn occupies a 120-acre expanse in northern Washington. The business is open year-round for visitors to reserve one of the rooms, suites, or cabins. Many of those who have stayed at the establishment consider Freestone Inn to be an attraction or destination in and of itself, as recreational activities can be undertaken at the property year-round. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are a couple of popular winter activities that people can engage in on-site, while the summer season provides opportunities for hiking along the Methow Trail system or river rafting in the Methow River. Additionally, a swimming pool is available on the premises for guests to utilize over the course of their stay.
Located in the northern region of Washington at the base of the North Cascade Mountains, Freestone Inn offers a total of 18 units, which are divided into the following types of accommodations: 12 inn rooms, 4 suites, and 2 cabins. Each is equipped with either a patio or a veranda deck, as well as a coffee station, a mini fridge, TVs, robes, a propane fireplace, and a full bath with a separate shower. According to the facility manager of Freestone Inn, Jaime, the most popular units tend to be the King Room and the Deluxe King Room on account of the King Room having more inventory space and the Deluxe King Room supplying a few more amenities, namely a semi-wrap-around porch, a small seating area, and a jetted jacuzzi tub.
In addition to the accommodations that are available for visitors to occupy, those who stay at Freestone Inn are also given access to several of the establishment's common areas. An on-site restaurant operates occasionally. There are multiple seating areas that are found in various parts of the property. For those who are hoping to gather and socialize with one another, the suite wing contains a living room common area where people can lounge. It should also be noted that an on-site pool constitutes a fraction of the grounds as well.
The property itself encompasses 120 acres of forested land. A particularly notable characteristic is the on-site lake where patrons can go fly fishing, though fishermen are solely permitted to engage in catch-and-release fishing. Jaime reports that a variety of fish species inhabit the lake, more specifically, different types of trout. Freestone Inn also offers activities during the winter, as cross-country ski trails wind directly through the acreage. Jaime remarks that "these trails are part of the largest maintained trail system in continental North America." Snowmobiling and snowshoeing are other winter activities that can be undertaken on-site. Jaime notes that Methow Trails manages the routes, maintains the trails, and clears the paths of any trees that may be potentially dangerous to skiers.
Beyond the acreage, however, there is a relatively high quantity of attractions for people to explore. Jaime suggests traveling to the Winthrop Rink, an ice rink that provides the means for ice skating and hockey tournaments. This ice rink is located near the trail system. As such, when cross-country skiers are done on the trails, they can stop by the ice rink for more winter activities. During the summer season, this establishment allows visitors to come and engage in pickleball or basketball tournaments, among other pastimes. Furthermore, river rafting tends to pique the interest of those who visit Freestone Inn, as the property is situated just off the Methow River. A selection of river rafting tours is available, many of which vary in terms of duration. As for nearby dining options, Jaime recommends visiting Arrowleaf Bistro, East 20 Pizza, Sheri's Sweet Shoppe, and Old Schoolhouse Brewery.
Jaime, the facility manager of Freestone Inn, hopes that guests will regard the inn as a "home away from home." She further explains that she and the staff intend to create a family-oriented atmosphere. Jaime says that the inn's motto, "Your home in the North Cascades," is a reflection of the goal that she, the staff, and the owners strive to reach concerning the quality of everyone's experience at Freestone Inn. In the past, the owners and manager have been told by patrons that they felt as though they were treated like family. Others have said that they enjoy the fairly "private feel of the location" and how it did not feel overcrowded to them, as mentioned by Jaime. The owners intend to give their visitors time to themselves while also making an effort to be available should they have any questions or concerns. "We're more than happy to have any interactions that people are willing to have with us, but we also honor when they want to be left alone," Jaime affirms.
Freestone Inn operates year-round, and the business typically experiences its busiest season from mid-June to mid-September. They also receive a fairly high number of travelers between December and mid-February due to it being a winter destination for some people. With regard to the demographic of those who stay at the establishment, Jaime reports that they receive "a variety of everything." She also says that over the course of her occupation at Freestone Inn, she has observed that the demographic has shifted from elderly individuals to young couples, as weddings are often held on-site. The inn also sees several repeat guests who, according to Jaime, have been traveling to Freestone Inn since they were kids.
As previously mentioned, Freestone Inn can serve as the setting for weddings as well as retreats, private events, and other similar celebrations. The property utilizes its old bistro space on the lake for weddings, and Jaime says that they can accommodate more than 100 attendees outside. However, it requires extensive coordination with the client. A multi-use suite is available to those who are hosting smaller gatherings, such as a birthday party or business meeting.
Future guests should be aware of a few policies that are in place at Freestone Inn. Generally speaking, the owners and manager encourage everyone to avoid damaging the property in any way. Aside from this, a prohibition on pets is enforced in the lodge and the suites. Children are welcome to stay at Freestone Inn, though parents are expected to accompany kids under the age of 12 at all times. There is also a quiet time that is implemented every night starting at 10:00 p.m., as Freestone Inn belongs to an HOA. Lastly, smoking is not permitted inside any of the buildings on the premises.
Jaime believes that one of the most unique aspects of the inn is its capacity to provide both a connected experience—whether with the community or the surrounding nature—and a more private experience where one can have time to oneself. Patrons seemingly find enjoyment in their own way at Freestone Inn, as one previous visitor commented in a review about their experience, saying, "We loved sitting in the hot tub after a hard bike ride all day and having a cocktail." Another person remarked, "The views are breathtaking, the cabin we stayed in was roomy and comfortable, and the staff was pleasant. My kids loved swimming and playing in the lake."
In the 1940s, what is now known as Freestone Inn was formerly rural low-lying land that was purchased by Jack and Elsie Wilson, the original owners. Twelve of the acres that Jack and Elsie gained ownership over were utilized for a ranch business that became the Wilson Ranch Planned Development. The couple built three cabins plus the Helli barn, and they created a one-acre lake on the grounds. Jack himself was an outdoor enthusiast who would take people on packhorse trips, hunting and fishing outings, and camping trips in the North Cascades. As such, his dream was to build a lodge and open a ski resort on the property. The year-round resort that Jack had hoped for eventually became a reality in 1996 when Freestone Inn was constructed. Throughout the early 2000s, a few updates and additions were made, leading it to become the present-day Freestone Inn.
The current facility manager, Jaime, was led to enter the lodging industry as she discovered a job opening in the community. She took the opportunity to "try something new," and reports that she soon after "fell in love with the place." When Jaime first entered the inn, she says that "it felt relaxing and homey." Jaime has discovered that her favorite part about being the facility manager of Freestone Inn is "learning as [she] work[s] on the job." She expresses, "I can grow professionally while learning on the job, and I have the support to try new things and grow as a person. I'm part of such a special place."
31 Early Winters Drive
Mazama, Washington 98833
United States
Bed and Breakfast
RD Merril Company
Jack and Elsie Wilson
