Earlier this summer, we hosted Photographer, Josephine Rohrbacker, at Postcard Cabins St. Francois outside of St. Louis through our Artist Fellowship program. She used her escape to nature to reconnect to her love of photography and get some rest in nature. Read on to hear more about her stay.
I have always had an eye for nature and for photography. I received my first camera on my 9th birthday, and I’ve been taking photos ever since! In high school, I joined the yearbook club and used my school’s DSLR to play around with portraits and action shots, which was a lot of fun, and it taught me a lot about how to mess with the camera settings to achieve the shot I was going for. Once I graduated, I started playing around with different settings, lenses, angles, lighting, and techniques with my own DSLR I purchased. It’s grown to be something I really enjoy and something I take a lot of pride in, and I learn something new every time I pick up my camera. I love photography because it’s the creator’s perspective and what they find beautiful, and it’s an expression of what the creator sees and what the creator wants to show others, and I love being able to share that perspective and that vision with others.
Being in nature is the only time I feel 100% at peace. It’s my favorite way to spend my free time, to unwind and to spend time with friends and family. All my favorite hobbies are spent outside (photography, paddle boarding, swimming, hiking, reading, running, kayaking, and taking walks). I love taking photographs in nature because I love all the different perspectives you can capture. I am amazed every day by God’s creation and the beauty of the outdoors. I would say my favorite types of shots are close shots and low angles, but there are so many ways to capture the beauty of nature.
My Getaway was so much fun! This was my 4th time being at Getaway, and I always look forward to stepping into that wooden cabin for the first time in a while (usually after a busy week) and taking it all in. Getaway never fails to relax and rejuvenate me. My free time in my cabin always sparks creativity, and because I don’t have service in my cabin, the distractions that otherwise would get in the way of my creativity are limited, so I have free reign to experiment with my DSLR and to try new things and teach myself new things with it.
You can keep up with Josephine’s work on her VSCO.
Our Outdoor Suites offer our most immersive experience yet and are now available at some of our top locations. Enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and nature—relax in a hammock, prepare a campfire cookout at a chef’s station and set the mood with string lights.
Experience this nature upgrade at Postcard Cabins Eastern Catskills and Postcard Cabins Machimoodus near New York; Postcard Cabins Shenandoah near DC; Postcard Cabins Starved Rock outside Chicago and Postcard Cabins Talladega Valley, near Atlanta. Here’s what awaits you when you book an Outdoor Suite.
Spa Robes
Wrap up, stay warm and enjoy the full experience with our spa robes, complimentary during your stay. Upon your departure, please leave the robes in your cabin with the rest of the linens.
Campsite Fire Pit
Our modern fire pit and cooking grill are designed to elevate your campfire experience. Additionally, you’ll find a food prep cart, replete with grilling utensils, to make fireside cooking fun and easy.
Nature Hammock
When the sun is out and the winds are calm, we’ll prepare a bonus area featuring a cozy hammock so you can soak up every outdoor moment.
Heated Soaking Tub
Currently only available at Postcard Cabins Starved Rock outside Chicago.
Cleaned and freshly refilled before your stay, your cedar tub should reach an ideal soaking temp by around 5PM on the day of your arrival. When not in use, please cover the tub to keep the water warm and clean. To reheat the water, just press the “jets” button on the control station along the fence. Please note, the soaking tubs are not considered safe for children under 5 or women who are pregnant to use the tub.
Outdoor String Lights
The perfect mood setting, our outdoor string lights can be turned on and off by using the cable switch. As a courtesy to your fellow nature lovers we ask you to turn them down after 10PM and let the night stars take over.
Ready to immerse yourself in nature? Book an Outdoor Suite today.
Your escape to nature is about finding time to disconnect in order to reconnect – whether with family, friends, or nature. After or en route from Los Angeles to a restful break at one of our cabins, there’s plenty to explore in the Big Bear Lake area, whatever may pique your interest.
Here’s our guide to nearby attractions and things to do along the way:
Getting There
Nestled in the woods of Running Springs, your secluded escape is easily accessible from Los Angeles. Driving is the quickest way to travel to your cabin—parking is easy, just pull up right beside your tiny cabin. If you don’t have any wheels, you can take a Greyhound bus to San Bernardino Depot, then hop in an Uber or Lyft for the remainder of the journey. In the winter, you may see snowfall at Postcard Cabins Big Bear; be sure to check local weather conditions and plan your safe journey to the location accordingly.
Walks in the Mountains Near Our Cabins
Lake Gregory Trail Distance: 2.3 miles Difficulty: Easy Dogs allowed on-leash This shady loop around Lake Gregory is a favorite fishing spot and features gorgeous wild flowers and lovely scenery. There’s a small park and drinking fountain bowl for dogs.
Heaps Peak Arboretum Distance: 0.8 miles Difficulty: Easy Dogs allowed on-leash An easy walk for everyone, grab a map from the kiosk before starting the trail to read up on the types of local trees and wildlife that surround the area.
Keller Peak Distance: 12.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate Dogs allowed on-leash + horse-friendly Along the way to Keller Peak are a children’s garden and a Ranger Fire outlook at the peak for stunning views. For a shorter hike, you can drive part of the way and walk to the summit.
Arrowhead Pinacles Trail Distance: 4.6 miles Difficulty: Hard Dogs allowed on-leash Arrowhead Pinacles Trail is a steep, difficult trail that will keep you puffing. Enjoy the boulders and panoramic views throughout, especially the 360-degree lookout from the top. There’s not much shade, so get hiking later in the afternoon or in the early morning to avoid the heat.
Sustenance and Snacks Near Our Cabins
Jensen’s Food, 31987 Hilltop Blvd, Running Springs, CA 92382 ~ 5 mins away A friendly local market near the cabins where you can stock up on fresh veggies, baked goods (try the donuts), sandwiches, and drinks. Visit on the weekend for a BBQ.
LuluBelle’s Coffee House and Bakery,31621 Pleasant Drive, Running Springs CA 92382 ~ 5 mins away LuluBelle’s Coffee House and Bakery is a café and bakery using local organic foods with some of the best pastries in Running Springs. If you’re heading to our cabins to celebrate a special occasion, this is a great place to stop to grab some treats to bring into nature with you.
Stater Bros. Market, 28100 CA-189, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352 ~ 15 min away Stater Bros. Market is a full supermarket along Lake Arrowhead with everything you’ll need for your stay.
On the Local Menu
Hortencia’s at the Cliffhanger, 25187 CA-18, Crestline, CA 92325 ~ 15 mins away Munch on Hortencia’s Mexican cuisine and ogle at the panoramic view of the San Bernadino Valley. Stay for the sunset or visit on a weekend for live music.
Belgian Waffle Works ~ 15 mins away Family owned and operated along the docks of Lake Arrowhead, this waffle house is open for breakfast and lunch, serving huge portions and unique waffle combinations, such as Mud-Pie, S’more, and Peanutty.
Lou Eddies Pizza ~ 10 mins away Lou Eddies offers gourmet pizzas or create-your-owns inside a 100+ year-old building. The beer served at its quaint bar is home-brewed, and seating spills onto outside patios where you can eat a pie and enjoy live music.
Old Country Coffee Shop and Diner ~ 5 mins away Breakfast at this cute little diner is split between American and Mexican plates, and both options are delicious. The quick, friendly service and cozy interior have made this eatery a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Located in Mount Vernon, Washington, Postcard Cabins Skagit Valley, is nestled in a bustling town with plenty of spots to explore. Here are a few of the spots we’d recommend you check out:
Walks in the Woods
Little Mountain Park Loop Distance: 4.8 mi Difficulty: medium Dogs allowed This loop trail through the forest in Little Mountain Park starts at the top of Little Mountain, and features viewpoints of Mount Baker, the Skagit Valley, the San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains and even tulip fields.
Nature Trail, Cairn and Sidekick Loop Distance: 2.3 mi Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This trail is a great hike for families or novice hikers, and promises a beautiful view once you’ve climbed to the top of Little Mountain.
Craft Island Trail Distance: 1.8 mi Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This short but scenic out-and-back trail can get muddy, but the trek through the marsh features beautiful wildflowers, and the views from Craft Island can’t be beat. Make sure to check the tide charts before you go to ensure the island will be accessible.
Centennial Trail Distance: 30.5 mi Difficulty: easy Dogs allowed This paved trail established in 1989 in honor of the Washington State Centennial, follows the original route of the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway.
Sustenance and Snacks
Skagit River Produce ~9 minutes away Make a stop at Skagit River Produce to support local farmers and artisans and stock up on essentials before your weekend away.
Big Lake Grocery ~8 minutes away Stop at Big Lake Grocery for “Groceries, Grub and Beer.” This spot has some delicious diner food, the best local beers on tap, and many quick grocery items, so it’s the perfect stop to grab some lunch and those last minute items you may have forgotten for your escape.
Mount Vernon Red Apple Market ~16 minutes away For any extra grocery items, Mount Vernon Red Apple Market is the best last stop before heading to your cabin.
Things to Do Around the Outpost
Strawberry Field for Rover ~26 minutes away Head to this off-leash dog park to let your pup enjoy a free afternoon of running and playing with other four-legged friends.
Bertelsen Winery ~15 minutes away This winery is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon tasting local wines while chatting with those who matter most.
Skagit River Brewery ~16 minutes away Skagit Rivery Brewery offers 24 taps and delicious bites so you can gather with friends and family to reconnect over a local brew.
We know our guests usually have a lot of questions about Postcard Cabins. To make sure you’re as prepared as possible, we’ve put together a list of our most frequently asked questions, along with some answers.
Q: Where are your Outposts? A: We are located within two hours of major cities, including Boston, New York, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, DC, Atlanta, Birmingham, Greenville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando, Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Portland, Los Angeles and Seattle.
Q: Is there cell service? A: Many of our locations have little to no cell service to help you embrace the spirit of disconnection. However, there is a phone in every cabin in case of emergencies. Check out our tips for making the most of your disconnected cabin stay.
Q: Do the tiny cabins have bathrooms? A: Every cabin comes with its own private bathroom, complete with a toilet, hot shower, towels, shampoo, conditioner and body wash.
Q: When is check in and check out? A: Check in is at 3 pm and check out is at 11 am.
Q: Can I bring my dog? A: Of course, we love pups. We charge a pet fee of $50 + tax per booking, and we ask that you stay with your furry friend at all times.
Q: Can I bring my cat? A: While all our cabins are dog-friendly, we can’t accommodate our feline friends at our cabins at this time.
Q: How do I book? A: We’re so happy you asked. Book your escape now. You can always contact us at with any questions or bumps along the way.
We’ve gone ahead and answered your most commonly asked questions below.
Q: Is there heat and air conditioning in the cabins?
A: Yes, our cabins are heated in the winter and equipped with air conditioners in the warmer months.
Q: Who are the cabins named after?
A: All of our cabins are lovingly named after the grandparents of our team members and guests.
Q: What is the bathroom situation at the Outposts?
A: One of the best features of Postcard Cabins is the en-suite bathroom in every cabin, thoughtfully equipped with all the essentials—including a hot shower and plush towels. We even provide biodegradable shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for your convenience.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Our cabins are kept safe and secure with the use of a lock code. Your code is texted to at 2 PM on the day of check-in for both optimal security and an easy arrival process.
Q: Is there cell service?
A: Our cabins do have limited cell service. We encourage you to use your time with us to unplug and disconnect. That’s why we offer cellphone lockboxes in every cabin. Don’t worry, though, each cabin comes equipped with a landline telephone for emergencies.
Q: Can we bring cats?
A: While we love all furry friends, currently we only accommodate dogs.
Q: Who does the cleaning of the bedsheets and the inside of the cabin?
A: Our field team takes care of everything at our locations. From cleaning the cabins to answering questions, the PC team is there to help.
If you have any further questions, be sure to read our FAQ, or get in touch with us here.
People often ask us what to pack for their stay at Postcard Cabins (formerly Getaway). We usually say ‘not much’ because we believe in the simplicity of just getting away to enjoy the great outdoors or great company.
Our tiny cabins also include all the essentials you’ll need—fresh linens on a queen bed with pillows and blankets, towels and a hot shower with shampoo, conditioner and body wash from Pharmacopia, kitchen cooking supplies and provisions for purchase. For the chefs and foodies, keep in mind that bringing large cooking appliances may over-complicate things and take up precious space. See the full list of what’s in our cabins here.
As for the rest, here’s what we recommend to pack, with a few different options based on how you like to get away.
The Bare Essentials For the no-frills minimalist, this packing list will keep you light and your trip focused on doing nothing but living.
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Pajamas and a change of clothes for however long you’re staying
Good walking shoes for outdoor terrain
Anything you can’t live without for a night or more away (medications, etc.)
Rain jacket and an extra layer, it’s usually colder than in the city
Bug spray for the warmer months
The Adventurous Type For those who like extra-adventure, this packing list will ensure your explorations into the wild are well-prepped for.
A good headlamp if you like quiet night walks in the woods
Canteen for water, soup or tea
Bug spray
Your own hammock to hang on the trees outside
The Cozy Type For those who just want to enjoy the tiny cabin life, here are a few ideas to make your stay even cozier.
An extra pair of thick socks
A good book
Your favorite board game
The nice thing about packing minimally is that it really makes you stop and think: what is truly essential in your life? In Marie Kondo speak—what brings you joy?
Share with us what you’re packing for your escape to nature using #postcardcabins.
We hope you think of our cabins as a day off for the always on — the perfect place to disconnect and recharge in nature. While there’s plenty of exploring to be done around our cabins, here are a few of the spots we’d recommend you check out:
Getting There
Just over the state line into Washington, your new favorite escape is easily accessible from Portland. Only two hours away from downtown, the fastest way there is by car. Take Highway 84 east to the Hood River Bridge (toll bridge), cross the bridge, and turn west on Highway 14. Turn north on Highway 141 toward BZ Corner. Pass BZ Glenwood Highway and continue up towards Trout Lake. As you approach the gas station, bear right onto Mount Adams Road, then take a right onto Sunnyside Road, which becomes Trout Lake Highway. Turn right onto Main Street, go through town, then take a left onto Mount Adams Highway. The entrance will be on the right. There may be some snowfall in the winter, so be sure to check local weather and plan your safe journey accordingly.
Walks in the Mountains Near Our Cabins
Dog Creek Falls Hike distance: 0.6 miles Difficulty: Easy Many people pass by this quick and easy walk without even noticing it. Stop on your way to the cabins and see a 25-foot cascading waterfall.
Weldon Wagon Road Trail Hike distance: 5.4 miles Difficulty: Relatively Easy This trail starts in the Columbia River Gorge, but quickly ascends out of the gorge as you get further along. From there the trail becomes less of a trail, and more of a path through an open meadow with views of the mountaintops all around. Part of this trail also goes through the White Salmon Oak Natural Resources Conservation Area, so you can explore the area and see all the different oak trees during your hike.
Monte Cristo Trail Distance: 3.7 miles roundtrip Difficulty: Moderate This out-and-back trail near Granite Falls, WA is a great one for history buffs. By following this trail, you get to follow the route that was taken by miners to get to Monte Cristo where they would mine for ore. Monte Cristo is a ghost town today, but you can head out and explore what remains.
Junction Lake via East Crater Trail Distance: 4.9 miles Difficulty: Easy This out-and-back trail lets you head out to Junction Lake from east side of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Several trails intersect with East Crater Trail including the notable Pacific Crest Trail, so if you decide to explore the area a bit more, there are plenty of trails that will allow you to do so. A note to keep in mind is that the road to get to the trailhead may be closed between December 1st and April 1st.
Willard Springs Trail Hike distance: 2 miles Difficulty: Easy This two-mile trail loops around the Conboy Lake Marsh is an easy hike with great views of Mount Adams. As you hike, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for signs of wildlife, as there are many kinds of wild birds often found here.
Sleeping Beauty Trail Hike distance: 2.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate This is a short trail near Trout Lake, which takes you through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It’s great for both hiking and bird watching. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but they must be kept on a leash.
Guler Ice Cave Hike Hike distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy This walk to the most visited cave features beautiful underground ice formations and tubes that are results of lava flows. Remember to bring snow gear though in the winter months, cave temperatures can drop pretty low.
Lyle Cherry Orchard Hike distance: 5 miles Difficulty: Moderate Recommended for early spring, this hike features wildflowers and beautiful gorge views on both sides of the trail. While there aren’t as many cherry trees on the hike as there used to be, some can still be found on the eastern edge of the property.
Dog Mountain Loop Hike distance: 6.9 miles Difficulty: Hard This hike boasts beautiful gorge views and wildflowers from April to May. The trails can be quite steep, but if you’re willing to try, the trail is relatively short for some pretty views.
Sustenance and Snacks Near Our Cabins
Glenwood General Store ~5 minutes away Visit this store for groceries, food, beer, and wine. In the summers, check out the burgers made by the owner, and maybe even try tasting some wine.
B Z Corner Grocery Store ~33 minutes away Visit this corner grocery for a little bit of everything, from groceries to chicken tenders. Located right near locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking, it’s a great place to pick up supplies after these activities.
Harvest Market ~48 minutes away Harvest Market is a great staple spot to grab everything you’ll need before your escape to nature. Their website also has recipe ideas and coupons you can print and bring with you, and they even have a flower ordering department—so if you’re headed to our cabins for a special occasion, you can make it extra special and celebrate with the colors that nature provides.
Backwoods Brewing Co. ~55 minutes away About an hour’s drive from Postcard Cabins Mount Adams, you can find Backwoods Brewing Company, which is a family-owned and local-operated craft brewery. They source all of their ingredients from the North West, and their Carson, WA location is also famous for its delicious pizza.
Side Trips Near Our Cabins
Zoller’s Outdoor Odyssey BZ Corner, WA
As the longest running whitewater enterprise in Washington or Oregon, Zoller’s is the local go-to for the adventurous type. Check out one of their several options for a whitewater adventure.
Goose Lake
For a day spent near the water, you can head out to Goose Lake, which is about an hour’s drive away. This is a great spot to go for families, as you can swim and fish in the lake, which is sure to delight the little ones.
Panther Creek Falls
These falls are hidden in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest along an easy out-and-back trail down to a viewing platform. The falls are well worth the walk, which is equally as gorgeous as the falls, as it allows you to hike along the side of the creek. The trail is a little under half a mile long, and dogs can be brought onto the trail as long as they’re on a leash.
Natural Bridges
The “natural bridges” in display along this trail were created by collapsed lava tubes. This is a great trail for families and children, as it’s relatively easy, but incredibly interesting to explore—these natural formations are an exhibit of how nature carves and changes the landscapes we call home.
Columbia River Gorge
If you’re looking for some scenic views, the Columbia River Gorge boasts more than a few as the river creates a canyon as it cuts through the cascade mountains. There are many scenic lookout points and scenic byways for you to explore the canyon, view waterfalls, and spend time in nature with your loved ones.
Mount Hood Meadows
Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort is a great day trip for skiiers and snowboarders of all skill and experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this resort has terrain that will challenge and delight you with its views and the thrill of riding down to the base of Mount Hood.
