Getting you settled
Everything worth knowing before you get here — the amenities, where to eat, what to hike, and who to call if something goes sideways.
Read this first
If you like 5-star ratings, read the house guide. More importantly, it will get you acquainted with the amenities so you can fully enjoy your stay.
Read the house guide Watch the how-things-work videos
The guide prints to two pages, or saves as a PDF straight from your browser.
Please feel free to use
TV, Wii, Xbox, DVD player, and Apple TV with Amazon, Netflix, Showtime and more. Cast your phone to the TV if you like — just don't log out of the streaming accounts.
Towels, sheets, linens and pillows. Fans, blankets, hair dryer, and an iron.
All the appliances and baking supplies. Cook a real meal — guests say the kitchen is one of the best parts.
Both are yours to use. Please shut the gas off at the line when you're done grilling.
Indoor and outdoor games plus music equipment. Yard games live in the twin bedroom, boardgames under the dining room side of the counter. Please put back what you use.
"Turn living room to 69°" · "Play top 20 Country" · "Turn off TV" · "Turn deck to 50%". Unplug the speakers if you'd rather — just plug them back in when you leave.
Please do not
- Put anything but water-based liquids down the sinks or toilets. The house is on septic — this is the one that causes real damage.
- Throw unwanted food outside. It brings mice, and it brings bears.
- Leave the house unlocked while it's unattended.
- Smoke in the house.
And if anything breaks, let me know as soon as it happens. Tell me and we're good. Genuinely — I'd far rather hear it from you than find it later.
Where to eat
Options thin out fast once you're up the pass — worth stocking up on the way in. For everything open right now, ranked by rating:
Live results, sorted by rating, covering Baring, Index, Skykomish and Gold Bar.
Brendan's local picks
In Skykomish. The grown-ups' option for a meal and a drink.
Down in Gold Bar — called out by name in more than one guest review.
The Bigfoot coffee stop in Index. Good coffee, Bigfoot memorabilia, and the Harry and the Hendersons filming site.
Seven miles east — beverages and snacks. Der Baring Store may be closed for good, so this is your closest option.
The last gas station heading east. Fill up before Stevens Pass.
Across the street from the Whistling Post. The kids will love it.
Two things that matter
Since flooding in December of 2025, the path to the river has been washed out. I know you're bummed because I am too.
Children should still never be left unsupervised near the water.
And let's hope they do the same. Don't leave food out — inside or out.
Need more than relaxation?
Baring may be small, but its proximity to some of Washington's best outdoor attractions makes it a hidden gem for adventure and natural beauty.
Washington Trails Association has every trail in the area, with conditions reported by hikers. Grab the Trailblazer app too.
White-water rafting and guided trips on the Skykomish with Outdoor Adventure Center or Alpine Adventures.
Stevens Pass is a short drive east. Snow sports in winter, chairlift rides and bike trails in summer.
stevenspass.com → 🎣FishingThe Skykomish runs right past the house. Check current WDFW regulations before you cast.
WDFW regulations → 🦅BirdingEagles, deer, and plenty more. The local eBird hotspot list shows what's been seen recently.
eBird hotspot → 🥨LeavenworthThe Bavarian village east over the pass — festivals, breweries, and shops.
leavenworth.org →Should the worst happen
You're in the mountains, and cell service is patchy. Worth knowing before you need it.
- Emergency — call 9-1-1. The full street address is in your check-in instructions; have it ready to give the dispatcher.
- Brendan — (206) 669-0590, cell. If you're struggling with anything in the house, call. Don't let it ruin the trip.
- Water or power out? Watch the troubleshooting video first — it covers nearly everything, and it's faster than waiting on me.
Around Baring
Baring is a small community nestled in the Cascade Mountains along the Stevens Pass Highway, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Here's what's around you.
Stevens Pass Ski Resort
Just a short drive east from Baring, Stevens Pass is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. In winter the slopes come alive with snow sports, while summer offers mountain biking trails and scenic chairlift rides.
Hiking Trails
- Barclay Lake Trail — a moderate hike to a beautiful, serene lake with stunning views of Mount Baring. About 4 miles round trip, perfect for a day out in nature.
- Heybrook Lookout Trail — shorter but steep, leading to a fire lookout tower with sweeping views of the Skykomish Valley and surrounding peaks. Around 2.5 miles round trip.
- Wallace Falls State Park — about 20 minutes west, known for stunning waterfall hikes with trails at varying lengths and difficulty.
Download the WTA app for current trail conditions.
Skykomish River
Flowing right past the chalet, the Skykomish is perfect for fishing, tubing, and even white-water rafting. Plenty of scenic spots to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Index Town Wall
If you're into rock climbing, the nearby town of Index offers one of Washington's premier climbing destinations — the Index Town Wall, featuring challenging granite for experienced climbers.
Deception Falls
A few miles away, Deception Falls is a scenic area offering a quick walk to a beautiful waterfall. Easily accessible and a great stop for a picnic.
Scenic Drives
The Stevens Pass Highway (US-2) offers some of the most scenic driving in the state, especially in autumn when the foliage turns. Endless opportunities for photography and beautiful roadside stops.
Outdoor Adventures
Besides Stevens Pass, the area around Baring offers plenty of terrain for snowboarding in winter and mountain biking in summer, with numerous trails and backcountry routes.
Wildlife and Bird Watching
The Baring area is rich in wildlife, making it a great spot for bird watchers and nature lovers. Look for eagles, deer, and other local species in the forests and along the river.
Leavenworth
A short drive from Baring, Leavenworth is known for its quaint Bavarian-themed architecture and lively downtown. Stroll the village for unique shops, local eateries, and boutiques. The town hosts festivals year-round including Oktoberfest, the Christmas Lighting Festival, and the Leavenworth International Film Festival. River rafting, hiking, and the nearby Icicle Creek area round it out, along with breweries and wine tasting rooms.
Bigfoot Coffee Shop
Down the road from the cabin, this charming coffee shop is not only a great place for a cup of coffee but also offers an array of Bigfoot merchandise and memorabilia. A perfect stop for a souvenir and some local lore connected to the filming of Harry and the Hendersons.
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