A Spa Among Mountains: Salish Lodge

riving east on I-90, toward the Cascade mountain range, the dazzling scenery is only one of the pleasures travelers experience. The awesome approach seems to have been paved especially for the Salish Lodge & Spa, nestled in the Cascade foothills at the base of Mount Si.

A definite highlight of the spa is the wonderfully relaxing heated therapy soaking pool area . . .

And in truth, the lodge, established in 1916 as a wayside inn for automobile travelers, is one of the longest standing icons of these magnificent mountain surroundings. It is the perfect complement to the majestic 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls whose riverbanks, rocky cliffs and thunderous roar give refuge to spa guests. The award-winning Spa at Salish Lodge, a more recent addition to the resort, was introduced on Valentine s Day 1996, completing the mountain retreat that was entirely remodeled and reopened in 1988.

Humble, comfort-invoking beginnings have quietly brought the Salish Lodge and Spa entrance to the world s stage. Celebrated recently by readers of Conde Nast Traveler s 2004 Readers Choice Awards, the resort was the lone Northwest property named to the esteemed top-100 list of travel experiences. MSN.com readers recently ranked the Lodge as one of the country s most romantic hotels. Not bad grades for a wayside inn!

General Manager, Sam Johnson, who brought out the new Lodge in 1988 and returned in 2001 marshaling world-class accolades for the resort, expressed the desire to acquaint intrepid spa-goers, both nationally and internationally, with Salish. A stellar following by Pacific Northwest natives who revere the Salish name lends credence to this hidden treasure tucked away only 30 miles east of Seattle, a mere 40 minutes drive from Sea-Tac International Airport and just three hours from Vancouver, B.C. and Portland, Oregon. It is no wonder high-end automakers choose the Lodge as the perfect launch pad for their luxurious roadsters.

Though Salish is hugely popular with locals as a day-spa, an overnight stay provides the perfect mountain camp-out. As the valet whisks away your connection to the daily hassles of life, you enter the Lodge s double whitewood and glass doors and step firmly onto a bed of Montana slate. The gorgeous slate, which originated from one quarry which is now closed, is repeated throughout the entire lodge and surrounds the immense wood-burning lobby and library fireplaces as well as the bed-side fireplaces found in each of the 91 guest rooms, including four suites.

Camping experts or novices are equally accommodated with the flick of a match as fireplaces are furnished with Duraflame logs, as well as kindling and seasoned fir. Nearly every room in the lodge looks over the Snoqualmie River and Falls, and boasts a two-person whirlpool tub, a goose down comforter, feather bed, a signature pillow menu with 10 varieties of pillows, and a balcony or window seat.

Northwest natural is the overriding d cor in the guest rooms and throughout the spa and lodge. Spa Director Joan Southon explained how several years ago, the spa treatment menu was re-stylized in order to incorporate woods, stones and water the integral elements upon which Salish s foundation sits. These native elements are coupled with an Asian flair to create a Zen-like state of calmness and simplicity throughout the spa. Hand-crafted shoji doors welcome spa visitors into an environment of wellness and healing, while the spa staff members radiate a warmth and familiarity that instantly puts you at ease.

A definite highlight of the spa is the wonderfully relaxing heated therapy soaking pool area with an aromatic cedar ceiling, natural inlaid slate, and two-story tall windows which create and inside-outside effect. Spa-goers are encouraged to come early to decompress in this restful atmosphere. Also in this area are lounge chairs, water and a tea hydration station, showers (with fabulous mint conditioner), a eucalyptus steam room and dry sauna.

The treatment areas include a Tutami Thai massage mat and an Oasis massage room, three Japanese-style massage rooms, two skin-care treatment rooms, a Hydrotherapy Rain room, a Duet massage room for two and finally, a premier Couples Fireside treatment room. The services run the gamut, with skin care, massage, body, seasonal and organic treatments and feature Salish Signature Experiences. Selective rebalancing therapies such as Reiki Energy work, Shiatsu Meridian Massage, Soma Neuromuscular Integration and Manual Lymphatic Drainage integrate the latest in pro-active health advances and the Asian influence.

The spa menu is extensive and features a number of skin care treatments, body treatments, massage options, treatments for two and various packages.

The Essential Salish Facial ($99 for 50 minutes), which provides a good introduction to skin care, includes a gentle cleansing, exfoliation and a head and neck massage,  followed by a nourishing mask and moisturizer.

The Alpine Purification Body Polish ($109 for 50 minutes) is a skin refining treatment that features a gentle exfoliation with sea salts and oils to smooth, soften and revitalize the skin.

The Heated River Rock Massage ($109 for 50 minutes), a Salish favorite, uses smooth stones and rich oils to penetrate fatigued muscles. The therapist glides the heated stones over large muscle groups with smooth sweeping strokes. The heat and pressure of  stones eases tension and soothes aching muscles.

Couples who want to share the spa experience have a number of options. The Rekindle Ritual ($199 per person for 100 minutes) takes place in the fireside couples treatment room with side-by-side massage tables. The experience begins with a relaxing foot bath and continues with Lemongrass Body Elixir, Shared Shower, and Heated River Rock Massage.

Whatever the treatments chosen at Salish, there is one experience that shouldn t be missed. Wander over to the lookout point at the adjacent Snoqualmie Falls State Park. The simple stroll yields a return view is so spectacular it s impossible to imagine.

Insider Tip: Even if you go during the day, make sure to also do so in the later evening when the tourist throngs have moved on and the Lodge guests have this little slice of heaven to themselves.

P.O. Box 1109
Snoqualmie, WA

800-826-6124
www.salishlodge.com