This historic getaway offers rustic relaxation by the ocean

By Allen Leister / The Daily World, Aberdeen

For many Washingtonians, the coast is a traditional destination when the rainy weather subsides. They flock to popular spots such as Ocean Shores and Seabrook.

Tucked between those iconic tourist-laden locations along coastal Highway 109 in Copalis sits a hidden haven with decades of history and a rustic atmosphere known as Iron Springs Resort.

When visiting Iron Springs these days, it’s hard to believe it’s been in operation since the late 1940s. What was once a small eight-cabin, one-lodge vacation property on the edge of the Pacific Ocean grew into something special under the dedicated ownership of Olive Little, the resort’s founder.

For more than 60 years, Iron Springs Resort became a popular attraction with the masses due to its affordability, rural atmosphere and placement of cabins that not only allowed guests to bask in the spectacular views, but also enjoy a sense of seclusion. With time, 17 new cabins were added, along with the expansion of the lodge.

While it doesn’t take a geographical genius to notice there aren’t any nearby bodies of water with the name Iron Springs, several legends exist about the origin of the name. The most popular claim holds that the name comes from the orange, iron-filled cliffs that line Copalis beach and the iron-filled water of Boone Creek, which runs alongside the resort.

With the 25 cabins all located practically within arm’s reach of the water, Iron Springs Resort served as a memorable and scenic vacation destination, hosting families, newlyweds, reunions, bonfires and clam digs. However, when Little died in 2007 at 91, upgrades and modernization were needed at Iron Springs.

To the rescue rode the True family, long-time Iron Springs patrons. They purchased the property in 2010 and went straight to work.

Having spent the past 45 years visiting Iron Springs Resort as kids and eventually parents, the True family, led by Seattle-area brothers Doug and Bill, knew the resort well. Iron Springs was closed for a year, allowing time to update the cabins and property and making necessary renovations to give the resort a few modern-day comforts.

“When we started the rehabilitation at Iron Springs, there were almost too many good ideas,” Doug True said. “We really had to focus on restoring the resort to its original charm. It is in many ways a timeless place and we had to respect that.”

Twelve years later, the Trues’ investment paid off. They rebuilt and repaired all 25 cabins on the original footprint, using as much wood from the old cabins as possible, and transformed the lodge into a private laundromat for guests. With the addition of three more cabins a few years ago, all 28 cabins now feature a deck with stunning views of the coastline as well as a flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi in every room. Each cabin comes equipped with a fully stocked kitchen and outdoor barbecue as well as a wood stove to keep warm during the chilly stretches.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Iron Springs Resort is that it only benefits the customers who stay in the cabins. With no stores or restaurants located in the immediate vicinity, guests aren’t out of luck like they might be in other secluded vacation spots. Seabrook is located just 10 minutes away to the north, and Ocean Shores is about 20 minutes to the south.

However, travelers hankering for a quick snack will be more than accommodated. The little general store, which also serves as a check-in/check-out for guests, has a surprisingly wide selection of food and an even better supply of goodies for people’s four-legged friends.

For travelers who enjoy bringing their dogs on vacation, Iron Springs Resort is the destination. Every cabin has a hose outside to wash the beach sand off dogs and a special set of paw print towels to dry them off. The resort also has multiple disposable bins with free doggie bags available scattered around.

Perhaps what makes Iron Springs Resort the true rustic description bestowed upon it by the guests is its highlighting of guest interaction over nearly eight decades. Each cabin has a leather-bound book of blank pages in which guests have written reviews, tributes and poems.

“My parents spent their honeymoon at Iron Springs in 1955 and the family has been going back ever since. No matter how much the world has changed over the years, that magical stretch of ocean is always the same. This is one of Washington’s true treasures; you can’t find a more beautiful, secluded stretch of beach on the Washington coast,” wrote Justin Murphy in the guest book of one of the cabins.

If you go

While no two cabins are the same at Iron Springs Resort, all have a maximum occupancy of two to 10 people. Prices range based on two categories, group number and season. Each of the five groups of cabins has a different price depending on whether it’s low season, mid-season or high/holiday season. With most of the spring season, outside of Memorial Day weekend, considered to be part of the mid-season pricing, guests can expect to pay anywhere from $269 to $389 per night.

Address: 3707 Washington 109, Copalis Beach

More information: www.ironspringsresort.com; 360-276-4230