The Sun Mountain Lodge combines elegance with ruggedness and privacy with convenience. Although it’s an hour or two from Lake Chelan, the resort is basically a destination in itself. Each season brings new things to enjoy — from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to fishing and swimming in summer, hiking amid brilliant sunflowers in the spring to enjoying the showstopping reds and oranges in autumn. And this lodge makes an ideal place to enjoy them all. Families can choose a queen/queen or king/twin/twin room in the main lodge, plus cribs or extra rollaways if space permits.

Accommodation options outside the main lodge include Gardner Lodging, which features rustic-modern decor; Mt. Robinson Lodging, the most luxurious guestrooms; and the 16 Patterson Lake Cabins, which feature full kitchens, gas fireplaces, and front porches, and fit between two and 11 people. Families will be particularly enthusiastic about the loft suite cabins.

Children 12 and under stay free with their parents, and babysitting is available for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is accessible at the main lodge, but otherwise, be prepared to disconnect, because most rooms have no TV and most cell carriers won’t have service. That’s a good thing, though: instead of sharing your family with screens, you’ll spend quality time together. Swim in one of the two pools, watch the kids play on the jungle gym, go on a guided nature hike or Beaver Pond Scavenger Hunt, have ping pong tournaments in the activity center, or head outside for badminton or croquet. There’s also horse riding, boating, fishing, hiking, and (in the winter) even sleigh rides. Boredom is not an option.

Dining options onsite include the Wolf Creek Bar & Grill, open for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is available in the Dining Room. Both offer a children’s menu. Depending on when you visit, you may also be able to book a “cowboy dinner” or “sleigh ride dinner” experience.