We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the Bear Den log cabin. It is tucked away in the deep woods near a pleasant babbling brook. We enjoyed reading and watching the stars on the huge deck and barbecuing on the wonderful new gas barbecue. The fireplace was well equipped with wood and starting neccessities which we enjoyed several times during our stay. The well equipped kitchen was the highlight of our stay where we found a food processor, waffle iron, crock pot and coffee grinder to name a few. Dishes and glassware are in good supply. One suggestion might be to add a couple rubber scrapers and a large mixing bowl or two. We loved the garden jet tub in the master bath, too. The reason for the 4 stars under the property's condition is that we had to change a light bulb in the master bath on arrival and the outlet did not work at the sink. The toilet in the downstairs bath is a bit wobbly as well. Thanks for the enjoyable stay and we hope to be back in the future.
Bear Den was great for two couples. Wonderful to rent a property with a king bed. The hike down to the river was a bit challenging in sandles but worth the effort. The hill driving up to the property and driveway down to the house could be difficult in snow. Property manager was very helpful, friendly, and anticipated our needs including a great collection of materials for the area.
I've never slept better. Two days back home and I'm having restless nights already. Sitting on the deck playing cards and listening to the birdsong and Johnny Creek is worth a month in Hawaii - without all the hassle of getting there. Bear's Den is a wonderful find for us. I hope we return again and again. Weve already stayed for four years now. Celia and the entire staff are delightful and immediately address whatever is required. Bravo!Most Sincerely,Barbara Stellman
This has to be the easiest review ever. My wife and I had the most enjoyable time at the cabin. She loved it so much and asked if she could stay a couple more days although I had to return to my Construction Business. I called and asked Carrie at the Office of we could have it for 2 more days and there wasn't a problem with that ( actuallly, we had a discount on the next day and a free one after that so everything worked out perfect ! ). The cabin is located just as I would have built it, along a stream with waterfalls and in the woods of course. This had to be the best getaway we have had since traveling back to Guam a couple years ago. We would love to schedule a stay there again if there are any specials.
The property ws clean and squared away as always. The Mt. Hood Rentals team makes it easy and pleasant.
We continue to enjoy the Bear's meets our needs and more!
This is a very charming and comfortable cabin. We had everything we needed for a great weekend. Even though this is a pet friendly home, it was very clean with no sign (like dog fur on the furniture) of past pet visits other than a chewed area rug. We loved the fireplace, forest and creekside setting, and convenience of washer and dryer and equipped kitchen. We will definitely try to stay here again.
This was our first visit to Mt. Hood (and Oregon generally). This property exceeded every expectation, despite a near-perfect description on the website. Also a terrific value. The only possible suggestion I would make is to provide (or a means to rent) tire chains for driving in the snow...our rental car company didn't provide them, so we had to buy a set.We will be back, and would not hesitate to recommend this property to our pickiest friends.
The Bear Den Log Cabin is one of our favorites, too. It is a classic log cabin. Regarding chains for rental cars, some of the car rental companies do provide chains, so you need to ask when renting. When visiting in the winter, we suggest renting a 4 wheel drive vehichle. They will still won't have snow tires, but the 4WD will help you get better traction. If you need chains, the Les Schwab Tire company will sell you chains and if you end up not using them, they will buy them back. You can buy them in Sandy about 20 miles down the road. Also Page's Mt Hood Tire, just around the corner from our office sells and install tire chains. You can return those as well if you do not use them.
the matresses could be upgraded. otherwise everything was fine and acceptable. The general lighting in the cabin is not very good and the lack of a bedside table (there is no room) on one side of the bed in the downstairs bedroon is a bit awkward, if there was a walllight on that side it would be better. The strainers in the kitchen need to be replaces. The white mesh is rusty at the bottom. We were impressed with the firewood, plenty of it and very dry and nicely stacked. We had a great time.
The king mattress upstairs was just replaces, so you must be referring to the queen downstairs. We will work on getting a new mattress for downstairs. We are looking for a nice wall mounted light fixture for the over the bed downstairs, too.
It was a beautiful stay and I had a great time. I would love to go back.
We look forward to seeing you during your next visit to Mt Hood.
Some of the dishes from the cupboard needed to be cleaned better. Other than that, everything was spotless. It's a great house to stay in and relax.
We enjoyed our time in the forest the cabin was lovely. We have a young baby having the large bath upstairs was lots of fun...she is a little water baby!!! The downstairs bathroom exhaust fan is very loud... expecially when using it in the night
We had three days to retreat to the mountain. From the get-go the property management was both professional and very accomodating to our needs. When we arrived we were delighted by Bear's Den perfect setting- in the beautiful forest, next to a stream. Opening the door to our retreat the Bear's Den delighttful theme was carried throughoutthe rooms. All amenities were within the immaculate home, ready to enjoy. We felt at home and enjoyed every day. THe staff was extremely helpful in directing us to sites and hikes to enjoy. Each day was an event. We would rate this mountain retreat a perfect 5.
This was our first trip to Oregon. The rental staff was very helpful at finding house that met our requirements. We spent most of our time out touring the area and enjoying the outdoors, but the house was very functional, clean and well located to the major Mt. Hood activities. Cabin is a little dark and cool because of the shade, but this can be a plus on the hotter days when the house stays very cool.
Great location, very nice cabin, well equiped. We had a great time and will return again. Only issue was an odor near the couch.
We have used Cascade Property Management several times and have always found Cecilia to be warm, friendly, and VERY helpful. That said, I suggest the employees like Cecilia buy and run the company from the owner who needs to take a lesson from her employees on customer service. We asked for an early check in the night of our arrival. We called the day before our arrival to confirm this. We were told that we needed to call back the day of our arrival to check it;s availability EVEN THOUGH the cabin was empty. The owner who was telling us this, could not be bothered to go check the cabin that day and would send Cecilia to check it the next day. She was borderline rude and if she answers the phone in the future, I would recommend hanging up and calling back until you get Cecilia. Other than that, the cabin is GREAT!
FYI-We always prefer to inspect a rental home the same day of arrival to be sure everything is functioning properly such as electricity, water, heat, etc. And if the weather is cool, we will turn on the heat and we will always leave a few lights on, so you can find your way around an unfamiliar home. However, we will always try to accommodate an early check in and we were able to do so for you.
My wife and I enjoyed our stay tremendously. There were 2 bats in the cabin on our second night but we got those out and it was a minor issue that lent a unique memory to the weekend. The staff at the office were very personable and helpful. At this time we plan on coming back and I have already recommended the cabin to several friends.
The bed in the master bedroom was broken which made our sleeping arrangements kind of funkie but other than that we loved the location(very Private), the home, the area of mount hood...We would recommend this lodging to anyone.
Hi-We are in the process of purchasing a new king matress set. We apologize that the master bed was not as comfortable as it could have been. During your next visit, there will be a brand new bed. Betsy
I plan on being there again someday soon!
Everything was taken care of -- very professional crew. No question left unanswered. You guys are great.
The cabin was just as it was described. Accommodations were great and it was wonderful falling asleep to the sound of the rushing water.
Beautifully designed, spacious cabin right on the rushing creek- perfect location, still close to town when we forgot our Stumptown coffee for the espresso machine. Walk thru old forest to the Salmon River was magical! Sitting on the porch over Billy Creek, I could just feel the stress of the past year leaking out. Just a few maintenance issues that Don gave a list of to the management staff were graciously received- the biggest being that the phone line had been cut so there was no phone line, and no free wi-fi, but even that turned out to be a blessing so we wouldn't be on the computer instead of out on the porch de-stressing. Overall, a perfect cabin in a perfect location. (The low cleaning is because all the cute little lamps are covered with layers of dust, the LR throw smelled months beyond a good wash, and the huge carpenter ants (alive and dead) were in the LR throw, on the kitchen counter, in the baths, in the jacuzzi tub.)
I was amazed at how well equipe the kitchen was. Everytime I decided to make something, there was the tool I required -kitchen could be organized more sensibly, but it's a mute point. We felt that our experience would have been enhanced if the shower inserts were a higher grade for the current ones are obviously at the lower end of the spectrum. One other thing... we both were very happy to get home to our own, comfy beds.
My husband and I wanted a quiet place to get away to for our anniversary. We found the Bear's Den was just what we were looking for. It's secluded spot offered quiet from city and people. The flow of Billy Creek provided the sound of water we so like when relaxing. The house is well furnished with all the modern appliances while setting the ambiance of a rustic cabin. It was the perfect weekend that did not last long enough. We plan to return again in the fall for another weekend and maybe take an extra day or two. We cannot thank the owners enough for making this setting available to us and others who will certainly enjoy the location. The weather was not the best but Sunday did afford us an opportunity to get out a bit and hike around and then just sit and enjoy the expansive back deck in the summer sun.
Absolutely loved our time there. Very relaxing location with beautiful scenery of the cabin nestled in a river, creek, and forest setting. Truly was a much-needed getaway for my wife and I and we would definitely stay there again.
Just a great place to unwind, relax and enjoy the old growth woods with in minutes of golf, great food and more. I even got great cell phone reception. You hear the creek from anywhere in the house.. sooo relaxing! A true log house with plenty of room and great floor plan - so complete with thigns to use in kitchen etc. WOW! It was a bit dusty here and there in out of the way places.. top of the huge mantal, some of the logs of the wall.. but otherwise just perfect!!
we had a wonderful time there and will be going back
This cabin was great. The only request we would make is better lighting in the main living area. I wish our stay could have been longer so we could have gotten more into "mountain time".
we have truly enjoyed our 2 stays at hood river...price of gas becomming an issue for travel, but you would be first on our agenda for next vacation...we shall return.
We had a wonderful weekend! Peaceful away from the hustle & bustle of everyday life, yet close enough to run to the store for those 'oops, I forgot' items. Very compfy & cozy, yet spacious for us to spread out and scrapbook all weekend. We had a fabulous time and we're hoping to make it an annual event! :)
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Particularly impressed that when the downstairs toilet was backed up upon arrival, you found us a plumber ASAP.
Excellent lodge. I was skeptical to give such a positive review, knowing it will book up this popular lodge even more and make my future visits more difficult! But kudos to the staff and the property for an excellent getaway!
The cabin is unique and fun to stay in. The location is perfect. My only suggestion is that an overhaul of the stove and dishwasher be done. Only half of the stovetop worked and the dishes had to be washed by hand as the dishwasher (no matter how much rinsing was done) did not seem to clean the dishes. We also had to wash all the dishes in the cupboards before using as there was food residue on many of them. Overall a perfect getaway though and I hope to rent this cabin again in the future.
We really enjoyed our three day weekend here. The rooms are comfortable and the place was clean. The location--just a few steps to the river and a creek, was beautiful and our kids loved exploring. My one concern was that the lighting was very poor. There were few decent reading lights (the bedside lamp in the master was so dark I had to use a flashlight with it). Also, there was no lighting in the upstairs game area. Other than that, we really enjoyed it.
I gave my specific concerns in writing at the time of checkout. Major things - old, flat pillows, dirty dishes.Overall we loved the place. Lots of firewood, other than noted, very clean.
This was our fifth stay at Bear Den and we love the location and the cabin's design. But this year we noticed quite a few details that need attention: 1) Driveway is so rough as to be unsafe.2) Holes and sagging frames in all screen doors meant that we had to leave doors closed during the heat wave. 3) Living room sofa & love seat are the same as in 2001 and are showing their age -- faded and too soft. 4) Internet connection was so poorly attached that it fell out, taking phone connection with it. We were able to re-connect. 5) TV, though new in 2008, is smaller and harder to see than the one that was there in 2007. However, we still really love the cabin, especially the large bedroom with trees visible from three sides. Also we like the well-equipped kitchen. And, of course, Billy Creek by the deck is a continued delight. We hope that some of these areas for improvement will be addressed before our next visit.
Should I have the chance to come and visit the area again, I would love to stay in the cabin. The spots of the carpet did bother me,(that is the way I am), sofa and loveseat cushions were well worn and a bit soft for my comfort.The propety management could not have been more helpful and personable. Thank you for a great stay for our family reunion. Loved the area.
Everything was great except for the beds were really uncomfortable and the walk down the driveway was a bit treacherous (I'm 8 months pregnant with a 1.5 yr old)because it hadn't been plowed.check in at 4pm is a bit late because by the time you get to the rental, it's almost dark. other than that, we had a lovely time. thank you.
With the crazy winter storm, and record-breaking amounts of snow fall in a short 2 weeks, it was really difficult for our contracted snow plowers to get to all of the homes on the mountain, not just ours, as frequently as everyone would have liked. We will be looking into the mattress situation.
The cabin was very nice. It was set on a nice piece of property and was comfortable and pleasant inside We enjoyed having our dogs with us and over all had a really nice stay.
loved the cabin but it was very dark--poor lighting for reading. Tub jets didn't work, TV/dvd was glitchy. Great BBQ and deck! Master bed was too soft. Nice stay, however
We apologize for the inadequate lighting; the darkness of the logs does not reflect light as well as white walls. We will look into providing a few more lamps in the living room. The tub jets can be turned on and off with a switch and timer that are on the wall at the opposite end of the spiggot for the tub. If that does not work, then we just need to flip a reset button. And you always need to be sure the water level is above the jets. The TV/DVD was not working properly because someone before you had disconnected the cords in the back. We ask people not to do that, but it seems that at least once a week, we need to reconnect electronics. The master king mattress set is brand new; you were the second guests to use it, so it must be less firm than you prefer.
We loved staying in this stunningly beautiful log cabin home. It was cozy, inviting, and relaxing.The only upgrade we'd suggest is a more comfortable bed in the upstairs master, maybe a pillowtop, and nicer linens & quilts. Loved the river rock fireplace, wonderful kitchen, open floor plan, and soaring ceilings. We'd return anytime!
Hi-a brand new mattress set was put in the master bedroom right after your departure. so it should be very comfortable for your next visit.
All good. The master bed was a little uncomfortable and a bad smell came from the closet next to the downstairs bathroom. Other than that a great stay.
We are in the process of purchasing a new king mattress set now. By the time you visit the Bear Den Log Cabin next, there will be a new king bed. Not sure about the smell, but we will check that out. Betsy
My only negative comments would be that I had no reminder of the payment withdrawal before it came out of my account. I was expecting to receive paperwork to sign to verify banking info and didn't receive anything. The original reservation transaction was a long time before the actual payment and a reminder would have helped. I did cause a problem because I needed to move money to cover the cost and since I was waiting for something to sign (like I did the first time we rented) I had significant overdrafts. What would have happened if I had switched banks and the attempt by you would have bounced? I really think that a reminder and a check on bank info is a necessary courtesy that can save much hearache. The only other thing I would like to mention is that I had to rewash many of the dishes before using them. I know this is probably a really hard thing to manage since there are so many dishes but I needed to mention it. All in all we had a nice stay.
We do send our guests a reminder at the time of booking that indicates the payment policies and dates. It also states that we will use the credit card or debit card number you provided upon making your reservation unless you send us a check or provide a new credit card or debit card. I apologize if that was not clear in the correspondence that was sent to you. Betsy
We stayed at this location primarily to take our two dogs away from fireworks. They're older and are easily upset by the noise. We were told fireworks are illegal in the area -- unfortunately the neighbors across the street lit them off two of the evenings, which put a damper on the trip. I would recommend this vacation home to others only if they were not concerned about fireworks. We would very much like to rent from Cascade Property Management next year, but only if we could be assured that we would not have this same experience.
Hi Melanie- I fully understand your dissatisfaction with the fireworks that the neighbors were using. I am with you on this one and wish people wouldn't set them off here. Unfortunately, we cannot control the neighbors' behavior. Other pet-friendly homes that are more separated from other homes and hopefully from noises are Woodland Lodge, Deer Island Chalet, Riverwood Hideaway & Wy'East Log Lodge for future visits. Betsy
1. has developed a rodent problem...found one mouse inside and noticed droppings in kitchen...we'll have a problem in the future if this issue isn't rectified 2.missing the towel bar in master bath...came down apparently and never replaced? 3. mattress in master bedroom is nearing the end of its useful life
Thank you for your comments. We had a lot of mice around the mountain this year. We have set mouse traps and glue boards and we are working on finding & sealing the holes they come in on. The towel bar is back up. And there is a new mattress on order.
Beautiful log cabin. Photos don't give it justice. Would definitely recommend it.
The cabin was wonderful but was not in very clean condition. We had to do some cleaning ourselves, which isn't what you want to be doing when you're getting away from it all. Even so, we'd go back again just because we loved the cabin itself.
Feels like you're staying in a real cabin, but it's updated with all the amenities so that it feels like a home away from home. Our two dogs loved hanging outside on the back porch with us. The walk down to the river (behind the cabin) was just far enough for our 13 year old retriever to enjoy. I'd rent this cabin again with no hesitation!
We love the location, with Billy Creek bubbling by the deck and Salmon River audible from the bedroom. Great kitchen and master bath.
Overall we were comfortable at Bear Den but a few disappointments distracted from our total vacation experience. The property is not as secluded as it appears to be in the description -- other houses were in close vacinity (although the creek was lovely off the back deck). The first dissapointment was the spa/jacuzi upstairs bath -- my wife settled into a relaxing soak our first night when we discovered water seaping heavily thru the downstairs bathroom light fixture -- consequently, none of the family used the upstairs for bathing for fear of electical damage. Also, the upstairs toilet kept getting stuck -- the chain would get caught underneath the flapper and we would have to go back in to fix it. (particularly irritating during sleeping hours) -- Trails on the property were unaccessable because of "Private Property" signs. We had to drive 1 mile west to Wildwood Recreational Area to hike on overpopulated overgroomed paths. Whatever board games on the premises were in a locked cabinet -- we noticed them upon removing an upper drawer when trying to locate. And last but not least, we found trash under the upstairs bedroom end table and what looked like cotton candy stuck to the carpet under the pull-out bed from previous tenants during our final inspection before vacating the premises.