10 BEST Things to Do at Suncadia Resort

Suncadia Resort is a 90 minute drive east of Seattle, in the spectacular Cascade Mountain Range near the charming town of Roslyn.

It's the perfect getaway in all seasons, with an abundance of recreational activities. Guests can take advantage of the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a gym and exercise classes, and 40-miles of biking and hiking trails.

During winter it's fun to hang out at the ice-skating ring with a hot chocolate, or glide down the snow-tubing hill. You can also rent cross-country skiis and explores miles of groomed trails. The luxury spa is a short walk from the lodge, and a great place to unwind after a day of activity.

The accommodations at Suncadia are luxurious but rustic, designed in the distinctive northwestern lodge style. The main lodge is the centerpiece of Suncadia, with 245 rooms and spectacular mountains views. The smaller Suncadia Inn is a 5 minute walk away. It has just 18 rooms and overlooks the golf course. There's also condos and vacation homes throughout the Suncadia property.

There are three restaurants on the Suncadia grounds. The Source Plates and Pours is at Suncadia Lodge, The Stovehouse at Suncadia Inn, and The Hoist House at Swiftwater Cellars. The main lodge also has a convenient cafe that serves coffee, snacks and pastries.

10 best things to do in Suncadia

1. Hang out in the lobby of the Suncadia Lodge.

I was impressed by the beautiful lobby in Suncadia Lodge, complete with vaulted ceilings and magnificent views of the Cle Elum River valley. I found it particularly beautiful in Christmas with the festive decorations and roaring fireplace. I noticed plenty of people just hanging out here playing games or reading, and savoring the atmosphere. The lobby is also adjacent to The Source Plates and Pours restaurant, and a short walk to coffee and treats at The Source Mercantile.

2. Stay overnight in Suncadia Lodge's beautiful rooms.

My favorite place to stay at Suncadia is the main lodge. Suncadia Lodge has 245 renovated rooms, many with views. Room options include studio, one or two bedroom suites, some with a kitchen and spa.

The lodge is on a spectacular ridge, overlooking 6,400 acres of protected forest in the Suncadia Conservancy. When looking out across this remote forest it feels like a million miles away from the city.

An 1,000 step staircase leads directly from the lodge, down to the Cle Elum River. I also discovered a forested trail north of the lodge that leads to the river.

The lodge has a grand lobby with a dramatic stone fireplace, and floor to ceiling windows that frame the incredible views. This is the perfect place to cosy up with a book or board game. There's also a restaurant, and casual cafe for coffee and snacks. The best feature is the outdoor heated swimming pool and spa. I also enjoyed toasting s'mores at the huge firepit while chatting to other visitors.

3. Take a dip in the lodge's heated swimming pool.

This outdoor heated swimming pool is open in all seasons, including winter, even when it's snowing! It's just steps from the main floor of the lodge, out to the pool, with racks full of clean towels. The views from the pool are incredible, overlooking the stunning mountains.

4. Enjoy drinks in the lodge's casual bar.

There's a more casual bar directly off Suncadia Lodge's lobby. It then leads to the more formal restaurant, The Source Plates and Pours.

5. Reserve a table at the lodge for dinner.

The Source Plates and Pours is the formal restaurant at Suncadia Lodge, with booths and tables overlooking the mountains.

6. Book a room at the smaller Suncadia Inn.

The charming Suncadia Inn is a 7-minute walk from the lodge, and has a smaller, cosier feel, with just 18 rooms. There's a restaurant and gift shop on the main floor, and seating area beside a stone fireplace. The inn is across the road from the outdoor ice-skating rink, where skate rental includes a hot chocolate.

The inn is also close to the large Swim and Fitness Center. I was dazzled by the size of the outdoor pool there, which is a stunning sight in winter when the snow is coming down. The indoor pool gets busy, and has the added bonus of two water slides.