Friends,

First of all I’d like to thank those of you who spent time at the guesthouse this past year and invite you to come again in 2015. If you did come over you know how beautiful the weather was. I remember summers when we had some hotter days but never one when we had sunshine day after day with temperatures consistently between 70 and 80. Combine the rainforest with perfect weather and it feels a lot like paradise. If you didn’t drive over last year it’s a good time to think about the coming year so that you’ll be able to get the dates you prefer before someone else is first in line, especially for July and August when things can get a little crazy.

While 2013 was reserved for painting the guesthouse, 2014 was the year we devoted to gardening, firewood and rehabbing the 50’ mobile home on the southwest corner of the property. It was a big job and without some expert help, it would still be unfinished but with a little luck and some very generous helpers the mission was accomplished-at least the part of it that involved the mobile itself. By the way, while the mobile is rented to a couple of anglers who used to stay at the guesthouse, it will now be available from June through September for any party that would like to have a summer place. There will be a one month minimum rental but the entire summer period is in play. The mobile is 50’ X 12’, has two bedrooms, all appliances and is semi-furnished. Those of you who have stayed at the guesthouse may not have known that it was part of the property as it is well-separated behind trees and shrubs. Let me know if you have any interest in renting and we’ll discuss things.

We’re beginning to have a few problems with deer and elk again. I came home from fishing one day this fall to find about 40 Roosevelt Elk wandering through my yard. They didn’t stay long once they spotted me but it was a good thing the garden season was about done or they would have cleaned me out. We’ve also had a rather strange deer in the yard this past year, “strange” because it has shorter legs than a normal deer along with a much darker coat. Must be some genetic quirk. Regardless, it pretty much wiped out the roses in front of the kitchen window so next month I’ll be looking for some new ones to plug in. Living on the edge of the rainforest is great provided you know who’s boss and don’t lose sleep over predation. Even the greenhouse couldn’t protect my prize tomatoes. Chipmunks tunneled in and feasted on both the green and ripe fruit. I suppose there were some two-legged varmints that “borrowed” some from time to time, too, but they’re forgiven. We have plenty.

The salmon fishing this past fall was the best I’ve ever seen for coho. Any day the rivers were fishable (and there were some when they weren’t) was a good day for beginners, experts and those of us in between. It’s not always that way but when it is it sure puts a smile on your face.

Steelheading, though decent was spotty due to weather problems. And, this past December has been tough since the Queets, in particular, has been out of shape most of the time. Pray for some cold, clear weather so that it can drop into shape before too long.

Clamming has been nothing short of spectacular for just about everyone but you’ll have to drive down to Moclips (50 miles) because Kalaloch remains closed until a better population makes it sustainable.

After the very dry summer we all thought that mushrooms would be anxious to pop. Wrong! This was one of our poorest seasons, possibly because it took too long for the rains to come. Maybe, some of you have inside information on this phenomenon…

It was a great year for growing things at Clearwater. I was even able to have a small stand of corn which ripened at the end of September just when other sources were drying up at the market.

Reservations can be made at the website beginning January 1^st and we hope we’ll see you again this year. Questions? Just email me or give me a call (253-759-8738) and we’ll do our best to give you some answers. In the meantime, thanks again for visiting and may 2015 be the best ever for you and your family.

2015 Rates

*Labor Day through April 15:

2 nights: $110
3 nights: $155
4 nights: $200
5 nights: $245
6 nights: $290
7 nights: $335

April 16-June 10: (3 nights for the price of 2) Spring Special

3 nights for $110
6 nights for $220

June 11 through Labor Day:

2 nights: $120
3 nights: $170
4 nights: $220
5 nights: $270
6 nights: $320
7 nights: $370

*Rates are based on parties of 4 or fewer visitors. Additional visitors add $10 per night. Returning visitors receive a 10% discount on total charges. Cleaning fees ($40) are not included in these prices.