Forest Service offers new yurt rentals

Something new has been added to the outdoor recreation menu at Suttle Lake.

In an effort to provide a variety of outdoor experiences, the Forest Service has provided and established yurts at selected campgrounds. Link Creek Campground at the west end of Suttle Lake is one of those to be selected.

Last year, a regional Forest Service representative broached the idea with Chuck Shepard of Hoodoo Recreation Services. Hoodoo manages campgrounds under a contract with the Forest Service.

"I thought (the yurts) would work best in campgrounds that could be open year-round, and if possible had access to power," Shepard said. "We started by putting three into Crescent Lake Campground next to our resort, Crescent Lake Resort. That started well, but he wanted to try another campground as well. We thought Link Creek could be open year-round; and, since it was close to the ski area, we thought there might be a pretty good demand."

Thus far, publicity about the new service has been limited.

"It has started slowly," Shepard said, "but we probably have at least one yurt reserved each week. We have not gotten the word out yet because it has been new to us as well."

He said that, if the concept is successful, the Forest Service may install similar yurts at other National Forest campgrounds in the Northwest.

The Suttle Lake site currently has three yurts available for rent. Each yurt has a bunk bed with a double bed on the bottom and single on the top, plus a double fold-out futon. There is a table with chairs and a wood stove, but wood must be purchased or provided separately. Bedding and cooking supplies are not provided.

Link Creek is billed as the most popular of the three Suttle Lake campgrounds. Its flat campsites and easy access to the lake make it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Link Creek Campground has its own boat ramp, waste water sumps, vault toilets, and a pressurized water system. It is open from late April to late November, but current plans call for the yurts to be available all year. Hoodoo does note, however, that in the event of a "giant snow storm," access might have to wait until the road is plowed.

The yurts rent for $30 per night ($40 during the winter months) and can be reserved online at http://www.recreation.gov. If vacancies exist, last-minute same-day reservations are also available through Hoodoo at 541-822-3799. Further information can be obtained at http://www.hoodoo.com.