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Welcome to the Grey Wolf Retreat, a wonderful cabin nestled in the stunning East side of Island Park. This Island Park rental is situated on five acres of pristine wilderness and offers visitors an unparalleled experience of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a cozy retreat all rolled into one.  

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Property Walkthrough: Grey Wolf Retreat

Property Walkthrough: Grey Wolf Retreat

As you step inside the cabin, the open floor plan and great spacious room welcome you with warmth and comfort. The decor is rustic yet elegant, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by natural wood and stone, a perfect blend of modern amenities and classic cabin charm. With its large windows, the great room provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wilderness, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your stay. 

The Grey Wolf Retreat features a bunk area ideal for up to ten kids to have their own space, making it a perfect choice for large families or groups of friends. The cabin’s bedroom and bathroom layout includes a queen bed on the main level and four bedrooms on the upper level, including one bedroom with a queen bed, a single over a single bunk bed, and three bedrooms with queen beds and single over single bunk beds. The loft area, which we consider the sixth bedroom, includes two single over single bunk beds, making it a cozy spot for kids or teens. 

The cabin’s commercial kitchen is large, fully equipped, and designed to inspire your inner chef. Whether cooking for a large group or a cozy dinner for two, the kitchen has everything you need to create a delicious meal. And if you’re in the mood for outdoor cooking, fire up the barbecue and enjoy a cookout on the back deck. After a day of snowmobiling or ATVing in the stunning mountain ranges, you’ll love hanging out on the back deck and patio area. With a large fire pit nearby, it’s the perfect spot to sit around the fire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the company of your loved ones. 

The Grey Wolf Retreat was originally a Bed and Breakfast, and it’s easy to see why. The cabin’s layout and amenities make it the perfect place for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the good life. Whether you’re snuggling up by the fireplace, enjoying a movie in the great room, or exploring the great outdoors, the Grey Wolf Retreat is a place to build traditions and memories that will last for years. 

An Unbeatable Location

Island Park, Idaho is a hidden gem of the West, tucked away in the shadow of the mighty Teton Mountains. The town is located in Fremont County, Idaho, and boasts some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the region. The average weather in Island Park is characterized by mild summers and cold winters. The summer months typically see average temperatures in the mid-70s, with occasional heat waves pushing temperatures into the 80s or even low 90s. Winters are much colder, with average temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The area is also known for its abundant snowfall, which can make for excellent winter sports activities like snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing. Despite the cold, Island Park’s pristine natural beauty attracts visitors year-round. From the stunning vistas of nearby Yellowstone National Park to the crisp, clear waters of Henry’s Fork, there is no shortage of outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re an avid fisherman, a hiker, a photographer, or a nature lover, Island Park offers an unforgettable experience that will keep you coming back time and time again. 

Tasty Dining Options

Island Park, Idaho is a destination that offers more than just outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery. It also has a thriving dining scene that can satisfy any appetite. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite after a long day of hiking or a gourmet meal to celebrate a special occasion, you can find delicious food in town. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a dedication to quality, the dining options in Island Park are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. From juicy burgers to fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere, dining in Island Park is not just about the food, it’s also about the experience. So, whether you’re a local looking for your next favorite spot or a visitor exploring the area, be sure to check out the many dining options Island Park offers. 

Contact Us Today

Book Your Island Park Getaway Today

The Grey Wolf Retreat in Island Park, Idaho is a one-of-a-kind cabin that offers visitors an unparalleled experience of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cozy relaxation. With its rustic yet elegant decor, spacious great room, and fully equipped commercial kitchen, this cabin is the perfect choice for large families or groups of friends. So, what are you waiting for? Call us today to book your stay! 

The holidays will be here before we know it! What’s better than a bit of time away from the office, a break from routine, and a great time to relax with our friends and family? How about a little shakeup?  Let’s plan a getaway that is sure to be filled with happy holiday memories! 

Holidays with friends and family are what make the time special and create unforgettable memories. A getaway with new memories will provide the holiday joy and cheer that everyone needs. Take a look at some great places we’ve highlighted to enjoy this season.  

Hurricane, UT

There’s no end to the number of amazing things you can do when you’re in Hurricane! The wider region offers plenty of opportunities to have fun outdoors. So why not get your trip to Hurricane off to a great start by taking a look at some of our top tips? 

Fun Year-Round

Winter Events:

Yellowstone Area (Island Park, ID)

Covered in a dense forest of pine and wildflowers, Island Park, ID is popular for many outdoor recreational activities for all ages. Here are some of the activities around the place.

Fun Throughout the Year

Winter Events:

Alpine, WY

As an outlying community of Jackson, the town of Alpine is considered home to locals and visitors alike.  Not only is there spectacular scenery, but Alpine and the surrounding areas offer endless access to outdoor adventure for the whole family. Regardless of the season, enjoy easy access to miles and miles of wilderness and outdoor recreation. Popular activities include:

Fun Throughout the Year

Winter Events:

Make this holiday season one that you’ll never forget, with a trip to a Kabino in one of your favorite destinations.  Just CLICK HERE to jump over to Kabino.com and pick out the perfect place for your stay!  Happy holiday memories are ahead!

Trees are blossoming, and flowers are pushing through the earth. The snow is melting, and the weather is getting warmer, too! Spring is the perfect season to enjoy all sorts of activities and attractions in so many of the destinations that are a part of the Kabino landscape.

Where to go? We have some great options for you.

Arizona. Hawaii. Idaho. Minnesota. Utah. Washington. Wyoming. No matter the location, we have the perfect place for YOU to stay. Build out your itineraries, pack your bags, and off you go with Kabino! We will make sure your stay will be as incredible as you imagined it to be!

Take a trip to Arizona! Visit the Grand Canyon, or bask in the grandeur of the majestic falls in the region. Or, drop by to appreciate the blooms at the Desert Botanical Gardens….a garden in the desert! The flowers will surely make you reflect on the beauty of life and might even make you amazed at how these blooms manage to show a burst of colors right in the center of the desert!

Are you going to Hawaii? There is so much to do during the spring! From farm tours to coffee-tasting to snorkeling in the bay, there will never be a dull moment. Thirsty? Drop by one of the state’s many breweries! For the more active and adventurous travelers, an ATV tour will be a true adventure to remember in the islands!

Want a taste of history in Idaho? You can go on an adventure ride at the Argo Mill and Tunnel. This historical 4.5-mile tunnel was formerly used for the transport of ore. While you’re in Idaho, do not miss out on the world-class fishing that the state is known for in the spring. The beautiful weather, cool breezes, and abundance of fish are something everyone is sure to enjoy.

Are you planning a trip to Minnesota? Enjoy some time at Whitewater State Park.  Trout stream run among limestone bluffs in this 2,700 acre park that also features some great hiking trails!

Have you decided on going to Utah? Bring your mountain bike and explore the Wasatch Front with your loved ones! You can also swing by the reservoir, go for a hike, or make it more challenging by learning how to sail!

What about Wyoming? Spring Break is a time to break from routine and break free! The entire state has lovely weather during the springtime. This place defines spring as a break between skiing and whitewater rafting. There are great trails to explore, incredible natural wonders to visit, and plenty of relaxation to be had.

Spring is the PERFECT time to be outdoors!  Dust off your fishing rods, tune-up the bikes, break out the binoculars and cameras, and prepare to seize any kind of day spring gives you! You can go camping, wildlife-watching, hiking, fly-fishing, road biking, spring skiing and snowmobiling, and so much more during this epic season.

Offering rentals in various incredible locations, Kabino is ready to help you with your vacation plans! We know you set out with plans of making the most of everything during your vacation, and we are your go-to place for a warm fireplace, friendly faces, and to make one of our stunning rentals your home-away-from-home!

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Island Park, ID and Yellowstone National Park then we’ve got some great ideas, no matter which season you visit! With a plethora of fun activities, incredible sights to see, and so much more, there’s no wonder that so many come back again and again to discover the beauty and charm.

Cool Fun Awaits In Winter

Did you know: Island Park and the West Yellowstone area have earned the nickname “Snowmobiling Capital of the World!” Once you visit, it will be easy to see why. You’ll be amazed at the landscape and the miles and miles of trails.  It’s the perfect destination for those who are fans of endless exploring in fresh powder! Plus, there are several snowmobiling tours and guides if you’re a novice and looking to learn more.

For those who love fur babies, the Dog Sled Race is also held here during winter. It is an exciting experience with events for mushers, spectators, and all kinds of dogs! This is one of the only spots to view this within the United States as well. 

Spring Has Sprung … Fun New Activities

As the snow begins to melt, new activities abound in the area! Put your worries away and get ready for some fun. In the area, you will love trying your hand at some world-class fishing, ATV riding through unique terrain, horseback riding, boating, white water rafting….the list goes on and on!

Yellowstone National Park is America’s first national park, established in 1872. Some of the wildlife living within the park are grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Yellowstone National Park is also where you will find Old Faithful and a collection of the world’s most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, as well as Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon.

If you plan on going geyser-watching and you are with your kids, have their eyes peeled for bald eagles in the trees and trumpeter swan on the river. The spotting doesn’t usually get good until about 6 or 7 miles in, where the Madison River starts running right beside the road. You will also likely see elk and bison!

Summer Sun and FUN!

Around July, a round of activities are available leading up to the Fourth of July. It includes a hot air balloon rally, craft fair, antique show, rodeo, parade, community breakfasts, barbecues, and of course, fireworks! This 4-day event is perfect for families and good bonding activity for the whole family!

What better way to start a fishing season than with an excellent hot breakfast of pancakes with syrup and butter, hash browns, sausage, and various beverages?! Best of all, it’s FREE! This is an annual event from 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. the Friday before the fishing season begins. Anyone is invited to participate in this free breakfast paid for by the St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce. There is also a program and special guests for the kids like Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear.

FALL for Yellowstone and Island Park

With thinning crowds and colorful foliage, fall is a spectacular time to visit Yellowstone. Plus, many of the park’s iconic animals tend to be more visible in the autumn, when cooler temperatures prompt them to move to lower elevations.

While Yellowstone can’t claim New England’s fall foliage fame, the park’s landscape does dazzle with golden aspens, yellow grasses, and red-leafed shrubs. In a typical year, the peak time for viewing color in the park is from the last week of September through the first week of October. Some of the most colorful spots are Mammoth Hot Springs, the Lamar Valley, Blacktail Plateau Drive, and Lewis River near the falls and the Lewis River Canyon.

Hiking a trail is a great way to enjoy panoramic views of the fall foliage. Just make sure you’re prepared for widely varying temperatures or inclement weather. Bicycling enthusiasts can also take advantage of Yellowstone’s fall bike season, which begins when park roads close in early November. 

There are so many amazing things to do in Yellowstone and Island Park all year round – it’s worth visiting multiple times!  We’re here to help you plan your escape!  So pick out your favorite Kabino to serve as home base…and let the fun begin!

If you’re like many families across the globe, work and school look a little different this year. With more employees and students working and schooling remotely, offices and classrooms have been traded for screens and video calls. 

The challenges of virtual working are obvious, but there are plenty of benefits, too! The biggest one being that you now have the flexibility to work and school from just about anywhere. That makes this the perfect opportunity to take the family on a trip to your biggest dream destinations – without ever having to burn through your coveted vacation time!

If you haven’t thought about taking work and school on the road this year, you definitely should. Traveling opens the door to priceless life experiences, introduces you to new cultures, and brings the whole family closer together. We have Kabinos in tons of great vacation destinations that act as the perfect home base to mark items off your to-do list and your bucket list. Here’s how:

A Private Office with a View

One of the best things about working and schooling virtually is that you can go just about anywhere with an internet connection. Why not check off your to-do list from a secluded mountain cabin, the balcony of a private beachfront oasis, or a luxurious hi-rise condo? You’ll have the privacy you need to focus and can escape from home’s many distractions (like that pile of laundry calling your name).

Depending on the destination you choose, you can also treat yourself to inspirational views that make working remotely much more pleasant. Work from your private balcony as you gaze at the mountains in Wyoming, or be serenaded by the lapping ocean waves from your rental in Hawaii. Who needs a tropical zoom background when the real thing is right outside your front door?

Gourmet Lunch Hour

They say you are what you eat – and that’s not always a good thing. For many families, a normal lunch hour consists of whatever is closest to your office or served in the school cafeteria. When working and schooling at a vacation destination, you can trade blah food for brain food! Many of our Kabinos are conveniently located near the best restaurants around, guaranteeing a delicious and nutritious lunchtime meal. So, when it’s time to get back to the grind, you feel fulfilled instead of just full. 

Better Break Times

Whether it’s a quick trip to the company break room or endless loops around the track at recess, most people don’t use their allotted break times to their benefit. At a vacation destination, beautiful scenes and fun activities are often right outside your rental door! Instead of staring at the company fridge, you can gaze on mountain peaks. Rather than walking through the school halls, the kids can hike down a nearby nature trail to enjoy the fresh mountain air and scenic views. 

Fun Field Trips

We all remember how excited we were for a class field trip day. At a vacation destination, field trips are easier (and better) than ever before! Explore a hidden beach to search for life in vibrant tide pools, take in the trails and sights at one of the country’s best national parks, or visit a local museum or art gallery to learn about new cultures. Best of all, many vacation destinations have a variety of great options right near your rental, so you can finish early and spend the afternoon getting in some hands-on learning and adventure.

Family Bonding

After spending a long day staring at a screen, the evening hours are yours to do as you please. Too often that means piling on the couch to watch TV or going to your separate rooms to veg out. When staying at a great vacation destination, the opportunities for family fun and bonding are limitless! 

You can visit a park, try out a nearby attraction, or just stroll through town taking in some new sights. Whatever you choose, you’ll build lifetime memories and strengthen your family bond in ways you can’t achieve at home. 

Are you ready to turn work and school into a fun-filled workcation? Browse our great destinations and book your trip today! 

With accessible roads and trails offering breathtaking views of Salt Creek, rivers, forests, and the incredible Wyoming Ranges, the Grey’s River Trail is one you cannot miss. This fantastic trail is a perfect mix of trail and off-trail adventure.  You would feel like you have the wilderness to yourself with its heart-stopping views! 

The best time to visit is during the summer.  The days are not so hot, and it gets nice and cool as the day ends…just perfect to gather around a bonfire with your friends! But, it’s truly a wonderful place to experience year-round!

Driving through the main road is by itself a feast for the eyes; you get a view of the Salt River Range to the west and the Wyoming Range to the east.

Some of our favorite trails to take note of:

Bring a map and choose your adventure! Whatever the season, the Greys River and its excellent trails are sure to offer you an unforgettable outdoor experience! Be it with your family or with your friends, time spent in these surroundings is sure to fill your heart and your soul for that much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle!  And we’ve got the perfect Kabinos to serve as home base for your adventures!

For many travelers, a vacation begins when you reach your destination. When it comes to the Pacific Northwest, miles upon miles of unspoiled wilderness create a stunning scene through every window, turning your vehicle into a moving stage. Best of all, our conveniently placed rentals provide easy places to stop, start, and rest on your quest for scenic seclusion. 

For a journey that’s as fun as the destination, here are four great pacific northwest road trips you can’t miss! 

The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway

Distance: 105 Miles

Driving Time: 3-4 Hours

This scenic drive takes you on a stunning journey around the edge of Mount Hood, the highest point in Oregon and one of the most iconic landmarks in the Pacific Northwest. The route winds along the OR-35 and OR-26 highways from Hood River to Wood Village, offering mesmerizing views and fun activities every step of the way. Gaze at the vibrant fruit orchards and vineyards in the Hood River Valley, journey to Timberline Lodge for jaw-dropping views of Mount Hood’s soaring glacial peaks and descend into the surrounding Mount Hood Wilderness. 

The full drive takes about four hours, but is so packed with history and activities that you’ll want to stay awhile. Rhododendron, a historic village about halfway along the route, is a perfect place to stop for a stretch or a night. Here, you can visit the West Barlow Tollgate, the site of the final Toll Station on the original Oregon Trail, before heading to Eagle Falls Lodge for a rejuvenating rest in rustic splendor!

Seattle to Leavenworth

Distance: 117 Miles

Drive Time: 2 Hours 19 Minutes

While not the fastest route from Seattle to Leavenworth, I-5 to US Highway 2 is by far the prettiest. This scenic drive follows the original route of the Great Northern Railroad, winding through the Cascade Mountains via Stevens Pass before ending right at your destination. Along the way, you can stop in charming communities like Gold Bar and Index, enjoy panoramic views of Wallace Falls and the Skykomish River, and stretch your legs at one of several popular trailheads that span the route. 

Your journey ends at Majestic Pines Lodge, a cozy home just minutes from Stevens Pass on the Wenatchee River. This elegantly appointed lodge offers peaceful tranquility near all of the convenience and recreational activities Leavenworth has to offer!

Cannon Beach Drive

Distance: 5.8 miles

Drive Time: 10 minutes

Although not a long trip, the coastal drive from Arch Cape to Cannon Beach is as scenic as they come. Beginning at your Sunset Retreat rental, you’ll head north on US Highway 101, passing miles of pristine coastline and charming oceanfront communities. You’ll also wind near the best beach landmarks in the area – Hug Point, Arcadia Beach, Jockey Cap and Silver Point, and of course, the legendary Haystack Rock. It’s a great way to see everything the Cannon Beach area has to offer – without getting sand in your shoes! 

At the end of your drive, stay coastal at Ocean Villa, a sprawling hilltop retreat at the end of Ecola Park Road. You’ll enjoy unimpeded oceanfront views from your spacious deck and be just ½ mile from the beach and downtown!

Saanich Inlet to Victoria

Distance: 29.6 kilometers

Drive Time: 32 Minutes

This fun expedition lets you explore the vast array of natural and historical attractions that dot the southern tip of Vancouver Island. From your Otter Rock rental on Saanich Inlet, head south on Patricia Bay Hwy/BC-17 until it reaches downtown Victoria. Along the way, you’ll ride along the east coast of the island, skirt the Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, and pass through the charm of Saanich before arriving in downtown Victoria. There are days of endless fun to be had in this vibrant city, so drop your bags at Beach Drive Manor before venturing out to explore its many parks, attractions, restaurants, and more! 

Known for its stunning landscapes and fun outdoor adventures, the Pacific Northwest is at its best during the fall. The weather is cool, the foliage is fantastic, and the summer crowds are gone, making autumn the perfect time to get out and explore this pacific paradise. From fall fun events to seasonal outdoor tours, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the autumn season across the area. Here are the best fall activities and virtual events in the Pacific Northwest! 

 

Leavenworth

Like any self-respecting German town, Leavenworth celebrates the autumn season with good food and better beer. During the fall, head to the Leavenworth Community Farmers Market any Thursday from 4-7 to browse vendors full of locally-grown produce, arts and crafts, local brews, and more. Best of all, it’s just minutes from Bavarian Mountain Suite, your lavish downtown condo rental!

Whistler

Fall is a great time to visit Whistler for several reasons. One of the best is the chance to view the area’s famous black bears and cubs in their natural habitat on a guided Bear Viewing Tour! Explore the wilderness and get up close and personal with the resident bears as they forage for the winter season – from the safety of a rugged 4X4 vehicle, of course! You’ll be just steps from the Olympic Plaza in our Tyndall Stone #206, a private downtown condo with sweeping views of Rainbow Mountain. 

Victoria

There’s no better time to soak in Victoria’s year-round foliage than during the fall. A trip to Beacon Hill Park during autumn finds its 200 acres awash in glorious hues of yellow, orange, red, and gold. Stroll along the water beneath orange-tinged willows or find a bench to admire the park’s many Japanese Maples bursting with crimson leaves. You can even walk to the park from your Beacon Hill View Condo, a spacious and sunny rental in the heart of downtown Victoria!

Cannon Beach

While fall is hardly peak beach season, it’s a popular time to visit Cannon Beach thanks to the Stormy Weather Arts Festival. This annual event celebrates the area’s vibrant cultural scene by packing as much live music and local artists into the weekend as possible. Stroll through the charming downtown streets as you take in live demonstrations, jamming sets from local musicians, and even a fun fashion show. You’ll be just steps from the event’s Coaster Theatre Playhouse at Cozy Cottage, a charming rental boasting coastal style and ultimate convenience!

San Juan Island

During the fall, San Juan Island comes alive with fantastic foliage and plenty of fun fall events to celebrate the harvest season. To get a real taste of the island’s fall flair, stop by the San Juan Islands Museum of Art to view their seasonal exhibitions. Fall 2020’s exhibition is “SPACE, MUSES, etc.”, a curious collection of works by Samuel Stubblefield.

Virtual Events

Don’t miss these virtual events for 2020, then put the 2021 versions on your agenda to return for next year!

The Port Townsend Virtual Film Fest

Date: September 24-October 4, 2020

Cost: $120

Screening more than 100 films in over eight venues, the Port Townsend Film Fest is “a film lover’s block party celebrating great films and filmmakers.” The festival attracts industry professionals and film buffs alike, culminating in a big screen event like you’ve never seen! This year’s program is fully virtual, allowing you to scope out the best new and noteworthy films without ever leaving your jammies. 

Filmmaking In The Wilderness: How To Tell Your Adventure Story

Date: September 23, 2020

Cost: $22.50

This fun workshop hosted by The Mountaineers is led by Alex Maier, an experienced documentary filmmaker and long-distance hiker. In an interactive seminar, you’ll learn practical ways to document your hiking experiences by exploring the best tools and tips in the business for adventure filming. It’s a perfect lesson for new and noted Pacific Northwest adventurers!

One of our favorite seasons is here – it’s spooky season! There’s nothing better than telling a great scary story by the campfire. And, there’s no place better for a wonderful campfire and some downtime with your loved ones than at the Kabino!

But, there are so many great ghost stories out there – how do you find the right one?! We’ve put together some of our favorite ones to tell by the fireside and put them right in this blog. One that is a bit innocent, then a couple that are a little more frightening!  We hope you enjoy them and are able to spin some tales by the fire this fall at the Kabino!

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The Impish Ghost

My neighbor Diane and I had a playful poltergeist for years, and we called it Billy. I’d come home and find something put in a weird place: milk in a cupboard, toilet paper in the fridge, laundry detergent in the bathtub.

Diane once called to ask if Billy had been around, because she couldn’t find a gallon of milk.

We finally found it outside on her back steps. And sugar … darn sugar! Every morning, my sugar bowl was empty.

When I had enough, I’d point to Diane’s home and yell, “Go see Diane!” Within five minutes, I’d get a call from her, and she’d say “Thanks a lot,” because he’d gone and pulled shenanigans at her place.

This occurred for the entire two years we lived there. No one believed us – not even our husbands. My mother thought someone was stealing from us when we were sleeping or out of the house. My sister believed something was going on but didn’t know what. I still can’t explain any of it.

The Eerie Attic

A few years ago, I moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Melbourne, Australia; it was my first time living on my own. The apartment block had been built in the 1930s. I’d been there for a few months when I came home from work one day and went into the bathroom.

I saw something strange: The wooden board covering a hole in the ceiling that led to a small attic space lay broken in two pieces on the ground. I examined the broken pieces. The board was an inch thick, and it would have taken a Bruce Lee to break it. I thought the landlord had sent someone to work on the attic. I was frozen stiff with fear. I thought someone was up there for sure.

I e-mailed pictures to the landlord asking if anyone had been there (with an undertone of annoyance, since she hadn’t warned me). Her reply read, “Please call me as soon as you are able to.” I called, and she explained that her last two tenants had said the same thing happened. She promised to replace the board, and she did. A month later, I woke up one night around 4 a.m. I had so many goose bumps, it felt like someone was rubbing his or her hands on me.

Everything was silent, but then I heard this sound coming from above my bed. It was a dragging sound, like someone pulling a sack of potatoes. I was frozen stiff with fear. I thought someone was up there for sure. There is no way an animal could make that sound. After five minutes, I managed to work up the courage to turn on the light and walk to the bathroom. I was armed with a baseball bat. When I looked, I saw that the new board covering the hole was broken in two! I felt sick. The dragging sound had stopped. But I heard something else—whispering.

The sound was clear and coming from the attic. It sounded like children’s voices, and I could hear one sentence repeated over and over:

“It’s your turn … It’s your turn …” I switched on every light in the apartment to make things feel normal. It was 5 a.m. and dark outside.

I watched TV to try to unwind. Then a fuse blew. My pet budgie, Dexter, whom I kept in the kitchen, usually never made a sound at night, but he started squawking like he was being strangled. I’d never heard him make those sorts of noises – he was screaming. I grabbed my car keys, ran out, sat in my car, and waited there until the sun came up.

When I saw people walking their dogs, this comforted me enough to go back in. The front door was open, but I thought I hadn’t closed it when I’d run out. I went to the kitchen to check on Dexter, and he wasn’t in his cage – I felt sick again. All my windows were closed, so I looked everywhere inside. When I walked to the bathroom, I heard splashing. Dexter was in the toilet! I 

took him out, washed him, and dried him. I was so confused.

At 8 a.m., I called the landlord and gave her a watered-down version of the night. “Oh, wow, you heard the whispering too!” she said. I stayed in that apartment for another 18 months. I heard the whispering on a few occasions, and twice the board covering the hole in the ceiling moved. Although I moved away, the landlord recently called me. She said that her new tenants had begged to speak with me about some of the stuff that’s been going on there. Seems that whatever was with me in that place is still hanging around!

The Boy With No Eyes

One night when I was ten, I was awakened by my bedroom door opening, followed by someone sitting on my bed. I felt my leg grazed and the bed sink under a person’s weight. Thinking it was my mom, I opened my eyes to see an eyeless boy (he had black empty sockets) about my age sitting at the foot of my bed. He extended his hand, and in it was a little box.

I was startled but reached out. He pulled back. I reached again and said, “Give it.” Then I blinked, and when I reopened my eyes, he was gone, but the imprint of someone sitting on my bed was present.

Fast-forward a few years. My girlfriend came over to do homework. After she finished, she took a nap while she waited for her parents. When they arrived, I tried waking her up. She opened her eyes suddenly, looking up at a corner where the wall met the ceiling. She pointed there and went back to sleep. I shook her again. She came to full consciousness, and I explained what she’d done. She said, “Up on the wall, I saw a little boy with no eyes. He was there in a Spider-Man pose, staring at me.” I freaked out and told her my story about the same kid.

Fast-forward another few years, and now we had a two-year-old. We were living in my parents’ house, in my old room. My daughter started waking up at the same time every night, and she’d talk. After a while, I noticed she had almost the same conversation every night. I playfully asked her once whom she was talking to. She said, “It’s a little boy. He’s nice. He’s lost and looking for his mommy.  And there is something wrong with his eyes.”  

Chills shot down my spine, as I knew that she too was experiencing the same thing I had so many years ago.  We moved to another place soon after, and the “visits” ceased at that point.  But still, to this day, probably every couple of months I’ll sit straight up out of a deep sleep and catch my breath, afraid that the little boy will be on the bed again.  

The Pacific Northwest is brimming with famous national parks and treasures that top the bucket-list of brave explorers across the globe. While the popular attractions should definitely rank high on your to-do list, the area also boasts plenty of hidden gems that are off the beaten path, but no less enjoyable than their famous neighbors. In fact, their lower crowds and undisturbed wilderness make them even better! 

If you’re planning your Pacific Northwest vacation, be sure to include some of these lesser-known landscapes in your itinerary. 

Hoh Rain Forest Loop, Olympic National Park

You might not immediately think ‘Washington’ when you think ‘rainforest’, but the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park says you should. This temperate jungle has everything you’d expect for a magical rainforest adventure: giant conifer trees, vibrant plants and flora overlapping in splendid color, along with plentiful wildlife. 

The Hoh Rain Forest Loop Trail is a short, family-friendly stroll through three popular trails in the Hoh Rain Forest. You’ll begin on The Mini Trail, a short-paved loop that gives a nice introduction to the forest and provides access to several other trailheads for deeper exploration. When you reach the junction, head right to access the Spruce Nature Trail, an easy 1.2-mile loop that takes you through lush old-growth forest and along the Hoh River before winding back to the Mini Trail. When you return, take the opposite loop for the .8-mile Hall of Mosses Trail, where you can explore the towering trees draped in thick sheets of dense, vibrant moss before returning to The Mini Trail and the parking lot. 

Capitol Reef National Park

Overshadowed by the nearby Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem in southern Utah that should be high on your itinerary. This natural treasure features amazing geological wonders like the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline where a wrinkle in the earth almost 100 miles long has formed deep canyons and interesting formations across the surface.

Hiking, canyoneering, and rock climbing are popular ways to explore the diverse landscapes of the park. Head to the small town of Fruita inside the park to stroll through vibrant fruit orchards (and grab a fresh snack of their abundant limbs), view the ancient petroglyphs left by the native Fremont people nearly 1,000 years ago, and hike to the Capitol Dome to see the amazing rock formation that looks just like the U.S. Capitol. 

The Skyline Trail Loop

This 5.5-mile loop in the Mount Rainier National Park takes you through the best scenes in Paradise, the park’s southern hub. Your journey will take you through subalpine meadows brimming with wildflowers and along the majestic Nisqually glacier before climbing to Panorama Point. Here, you’re treated to stunning views of Paradise Valley all the way to Mount Hood. The second leg of your journey will treat you to such icons as the Stevens-Van Trump Memorial and the impressive cascade of Myrtle Falls before winding back to the trailhead. 

The trail can be completed in either direction from the trailhead behind the Jackson Visitor Center. A clockwise direction quickly offers impressive views and lots of ancillary trails to explore, while a counter-clockwise loop has a slower elevation gain and a more tranquil beginning. 

Maple Pass Loop (Wenatchee, WA)

A few miles south of Maple Falls, this classic loop is the epitome of a perfect Washington hike. Its diverse landscape changes with the seasons, boasting vibrant ridges coated with colorful wildflowers in the summer, tranquil lakes framed by golden larches and resplendent foliage in the fall, and of course, plenty of stunning views of the snow-topped Cascade peaks. 

The 6.5-mile loop can be hiked in either direction. Both ways will bring you to the same sights: serene Lake Anne in her dramatic talus field, and Heather Pass, the starting point for several auxiliary trails that wind into the Cascades. But the crowning jewel is Maple Pass, a 7,000-foot high-point that offers unmatched views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains in all directions.

The Crescent Beach Hike, Cannon Beach

This short, but moderate, hike leads to the ultimate reward: a hidden beach featuring a small waterfall, teeming tide pools, and intricate caves to explore (when the tide is low). Though the wildly popular Cannon Beach isn’t far away and is easier to access, the journey to Crescent Beach from Ecola Point is well worth the effort for its picturesque seclusion.

The trail begins at a clearly marked trailhead just off Ecola Point. You’ll meander through dense forests of spruce and alder trees, across lush gullies and trickling streams, and along towering cliffs that offer stunning views of the coastline and beaches below. After traversing a series of switchbacks in and out of the forest, you’ll follow the sign to Crescent Beach and begin a harrowing descent toward the shore. Shed your shoes and explore the beach, but don’t lose them – you’ll need them for the trek back! 

Note: The Crescent Beach Trail is often muddy and has some seriously staggering switchbacks, making it a challenging trek suited to experienced hikers.

Mount Grant Preserve, San Juan Islands

The Mount Grant Preserve may be San Juan’s best-kept secret. This 250 acres of protected landscape offers nearly 5 miles of hiking trails through native forest, vibrant meadows, and sky-high ridges. If you trek all the way to the ridgetop summit, you’ll be rewarded with a striking view of three of Washington’s five volcanoes in the distance: Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and Glacier Peak. 

The preserve is still under construction, and visitors are strongly encouraged to stick to the designated trails to protect the fragile ecosystem. Each trailhead can be accessed from the parking lot at West Valley Road.