2022 Summer Guide to Suncadia
One of my family’s favorite summer traditions is spending time in Eastern Washington to swim, soak up the sunshine, and simply relax in the great outdoors. I’m not a big fan of camping, but I do enjoy being out in nature so spending time at Suncadia is the perfect compromise. Located in Cle Elum just 90 minutes east of Seattle, Suncadia Resort is an easy road trip and makes for a beautiful drive over Snoqualmie Pass. We first started visiting Suncadia back in the summer of 2010 and it’s been captivating to watch the property evolve over the years. The resort is now home to 3 swimming pools, a golf course, multiple restaurants, hiking trails, bike paths, a full spa, playgrounds for kids, and many other amenities that make it a great place to visit.
Last year many of the traditional on-site experiences at Suncadia were modified due to the pandemic, but this summer the resort is back in full swing and the property is buzzing with a variety of activities and activations. According to CNN Money, taking a break from work is when people come up with their best ideas. Translation: you'll basically be multi-tasking. Here’s my 2022 summer guide to Suncadia:
WHERE TO STAY
We love the Lodge at Suncadia and it’s a great place to stay if it’s your first time visiting. There are a variety of room types available including rooms with kitchenettes, washer and dryer units which are great if you’re staying for a full week, and even a few select rooms with hot tubs. The rooms with balconies are great for star gazing at night and you can’t beat the convenience of having on-site dining and coffee. The Lodge is a great home base if you want to visit the spa, enjoy a glass of wine at Portals, or be within walking distance of the Swim & Fitness center.
Earlier this spring we stayed at The Inn at Suncadia for the very first time and really loved our experience. The rooms were spacious and the property felt like a rustic boutique hotel. The Inn overlooks the golf course which was fun for spectating and is also home to Stovehouse restaurant which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week. I also like that there’s a mini parking lot next to the Inn which makes it easy to load in your luggage.
For those craving a little more privacy and space, you can also rent vacation homes at Suncadia. Many of them have game rooms, hot tubs, large kitchens, and plenty of space for larger groups to spread out. You can book these directly through Suncadia or through private owners but note that not all privately owned home rentals come with access to Suncadia facilities. So if you really want to swim, make sure you check on pool access before booking.
WHERE TO EAT
Portals - Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this restaurant is located at The Lodge and serves classic Pacific Northwest cuisine. FIFTY 6° is the bar attached to the restaurant and serves the same menu as Portals if you prefer a more casual dining experience or an easy takeout option.
Swiftwater Cellars - This family-friendly restaurant is our go-to at Suncadia and is perfect for lunch, dinner, and wine tasting. The menu features whipped honey ricotta served with flatbread, tenderloin served with whipped potatoes, and chicken confit served with sauteed spinach. They also have a great kids’ menu. Reservations are recommended during the peak summer season and they are often booked well in advance. If you visit Swiftwater, don’t miss the gift shop in the lobby. It’s brimming with great home decor, fashion accessories, and gifts.
The Stovehouse - Located in The Inn at Suncadia, Stovehouse is a smaller restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features a range of salads, sandwiches, pasta, and steak, plus a full selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. For dessert, they offer boozy shakes and root beer floats.
Coal House Caffe & Market - If morning coffee is a must, head to the Coal House Caffee at The Lodge where you can quickly get your morning coffee fix and pick up anything you may have forgotten including sunscreen, hats, snacks, and drinks.
Base Camp - Located just 10 minutes from Suncadia, Basecamp is a great place to grab a bite in downtown Roslyn. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and also have a gift shop and bookstore. This is one of our favorite places to grab lunch with the kids because it’s fast and you can sit outside to enjoy the sunshine. They recently added QR codes to the outdoor tables so that you can sit down, order your drinks/bites, and have them delivered to you.
Brick Saloon - Located just next door to Basecamp, The Brick is the oldest continuously operating bar in Washington state, established in 1889. The menu features beer, wine, and pub fare, and they also have a full calendar of LIVE music and events. Kids are welcome in the family dining area until 9:00 pm.
Banzai Teriyaki - Seattle foodies got very excited earlier this year when celebrity chef Shota Nakajima announced that he would be opening a restaurant in Cle Elum. Although he’s no longer involved with the restaurant, it remains a delicious dining option within a 10-minute drive of Suncadia. On the menu at Banzai Teriyaki, you’ll find gyoza, edamame, fried rice, miso soup, and a full range of teriyaki combo plates.
WHAT TO DO
Pools - In addition to a swimming pool and hot tub at The Lodge, you can also splash around at the Swim & Fitness center or at the Nelson Dairy Farm Pool. The Swim & Fitness center pool is a great place for littles who are just learning how to swim and for grown-ups who want to relax. The Nelson Dairy Farm pool is high-energy with a lazy river, splash pad, and large jacuzzi.
Spa - Glade Spring Spa at Suncadia is excellent and offers a full range of facials, massages, and body treatments. They also have hot outdoor mineral baths, a rustic sauna, and cozy relaxation rooms.
Park - There are multiple parks on-site at Suncadia but our favorite is Dawson Park. It features a playground for kids, tennis and pickle ball courts, lush green grass, and even a fenced dog park.
Hiking - Suncadia Resort has multiple trails on the property where you can hike and get out into nature. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or you prefer a paved path, there’s something for everyone.
Activities - Located near the Swim & Fitness center, Suncadia’s Rental Pavillion offers bikes and scooters, mopeds, kayaks, stand-up paddle boarding, kid activity kits, and more. If you like golf, you’ll be pleased to know that Suncadia offers two scenic championship golf courses.
Entertainment - Suncadia has a full line-up of free outdoor summer concerts and movie nights. Visit the concierge for a current calendar of events. You can also check out the 2022 Suncadia Activity guide.
WHAT TO PACK
The summer days get hotter in Cle Elum than in Seattle but the evenings can get chilly and the wind is also a factor, so you'll want to pack all of your usual summer attire plus a sweatshirt or light jacket for when the sun goes down. You’ll also want to pack sunscreen, bug spray, slides for the pool, and sturdy shoes for hiking and activities.
Suncadia is great for family trips, romantic weekends, and getaways with the girls. It’s an easy 90-minute drive from the city yet it feels like a world away. If you’re looking for a relaxing destination this summer, this is it.
Suncadia Resort 3600 Suncadia Trail, Cle Elum, WA 98922
