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Welch Cabin <A License to Chill> ~we LOVE dogs~

Photo gallery for Welch Cabin <A License to Chill> ~we LOVE dogs~

Terrace/patio
Terrace/patio
from parking to the cabin... an easy trail.
Property grounds
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 664.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
kalama, WA
  • Place, Upper Kalama Water Access Site
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Place, Modrow Bridge Water Access Site
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Place, ilani Casino
    ‪41 min drive‬
  • Airport, Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.)
    ‪69 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Double Futon

Common area 1

1 Double Sofa Bed, 2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Single Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Welch Cabin <A License to Chill> ~we LOVE dogs~


We are a 501c3 ... ALL income goes to local environmental and health-related causes... AND we love dogs!

Welch Cabin is built on a purpose-driven mission to protect, preserve and promote—opening its doors to the public as a place of healing, connection, and education. Welch Cabin serves as a model for sustainable living and land stewardship, from showcasing resource efficient bio-toilets and greywater systems to protecting our wild steelhead habitat.
Welch Cabin is rooted in the belief that time spent in nature restores the spirit and inspires care for the landscapes we share.
Welch Cabin is perched 90 feet above the pristine Kalama River on 19 acres of preserved forest. This secluded retreat blends wilderness charm with modern comforts like creek-processed water, hot showers, bio-toilets, internet, and a full kitchen.
Just 10 miles from Kalama, WA, Welch Cabin is completely private with no neighbors in sight. Surrounded by towering firs, cedars, wildflowers. and sounds of songbirds, rushing rapids, and the whisper of a mountain breeze. Relax on the sun deck or explore the untouched beauty of this one-of-a-kind getaway.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
This is not a place to let the kiddos run free...
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Refundable deposits may be required for pets
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outdoor flames, smoking is seasonal-FIRES

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

Frequently asked questions

Is Welch Cabin <A License to Chill> ~we LOVE dogs~ pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Welch Cabin <A License to Chill> ~we LOVE dogs~?

As of 6 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Welch Cabin ~we LOVE dogs~ on 12 Apr 2026 start from AU$341, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Welch Cabin <A License to Chill> ~we LOVE dogs~?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Welch Cabin <A License to Chill> ~we LOVE dogs~?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Welch Cabin <A License to Chill> ~we LOVE dogs~?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Welch Cabin <A License to Chill> ~we LOVE dogs~ located?

Nestled on the beach, this Kalama cabin is 11.4 mi (18.4 km) from Upper Kalama Water Access Site and 11.9 mi (19.2 km) from Beginners Hole Water Access Site. Modrow Bridge Water Access Site and Haydu Park are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jordan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible spot and amazing hospitality from Tim and team.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Feb 2026
We hope you come back for a summertime visit! Returning guests get a special price and that doesn't mean larger!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The perfect getaway: private, surrounded by woods, dog friendly, and with both a view and access to the river! The hosts are helpful and welcoming. Plenty of firewood provided. There is so much we are excited to come back to experience on a hot sunny weekend!Fyi: Can't accurately rate skiiing since we didn't go.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jan 2026
~thank you Stephanie... It means as much to me that you guys had a good visit, but your pups reported they LOVED it (Woof, Ruff, RUFF, Wooof!) google translation: (let's go back and we bet we can get a discount too!). Dan gives you all a 5-star plug too. clean, neat tidy and appreciative!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

J. C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property next to a river.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Aug 2025
JC... great guest, neat and clean!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is an amazing cabin in the woods. Dan was wonderful with communication and showing us the ins and outs of the place. It was incredibly clean and our dog LOVED the location. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug 2025
Mike, life is fast and short... make it a point to spend a weekend a part of your next biz trip. dan says he could hardly tell you had been there, and Bo, he left a mark on dan. think he's shopping for a canine bro!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kurt

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Listing says, "sleeps 6", unless people are sleeping on the floor, this is not possible. Listing also says that there is A/C and TV with Cable, also not true. The hike down to the river takes 3-4 minutes and is not for smaller kids. Ownership and Manager were very nice!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful retreat

Appreciated the remote location of the cabin situated above the clear-flowing Kalama River and part of land trust conservation area. A good place for self-reflection and writing in a setting of natural beauty.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Aug 2022
Michael, thank you for your 5-stars, generous in view of the weather issues that made the visit less than ideal. I hope you will take us up on the offer to return using the substantial discount we set up. Visiting the Welch Cabin in that heat is worse than visiting the Mona Lisa in the dark!! That was a meta-five!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erica R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer Bliss

We had a great stay at Welch Cabin! This is a great place to get away and slow down. We enjoyed relaxing on the big deck as we listened to the river and birds and we had a great time cooling off by the river. We saw an otter family swimming in the river, frogs, deer, eagles, a shooting star and lots of smiles. We'll be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 July 2024
Erica, thanks for taking your break at Welch Cabin... in this day and age we could all use a time and place to experience what if feels like to be back to square one, a place of peace and solitude. come again come again... Tim and Dan
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

Really beautiful place, right on the river, fabulous view, private, warm and cozy. This place is really incredible we will be back. Not a fan of the outdoor bathroom but worth it. Bring a book. No TV.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 19 May 2024
Michelle, thanks for staying and thanks for your comments. No TV is a feature! But internet bandwidth is great for streaming whatever! I like to think you will return to take a lesson in fly fishing, and maybe land a salmon or steelhead! Beginners luck works like that! You were a great guest and we welcome you back! Dan and Tim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Recharge your soul

Beautiful getaway to recharge your soul. Just a rushing river, birds calling in a lovely native habitat, and a fire crackling in the fireplace. Just one word of caution - the trail down to the river is steep. Thank you to the wonderful hosts!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 May 2024
Cheri, thank you for your kind words and we agree the trail to the river is tricky... but traversable. Just be cautious, use a walking stick, and give it the respect that any black diamond ski run warrants, and know it is for the bold among us! Thank you for staying with us, and come again... we will give you a deal you will not want to refuse!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Iurii K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved every minute!

Absolutely loved my stay in the cabin. Had so much fun and slept like a log! Dan and Tim were awesome hosts, and I appreciate the great experience they’ve provided. The cabin was impeccable clean and had a lot of personal touches that added to the character. My dog loved the gourmet selection of sticks and pinecones tastefully left around the property. The river was close and amazing. Even though I didn’t catch any fish, I did catch lots of memories with my pup.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 July 2024
Orion dog wrote ; Woof! Woof! Whimper! howllll? GOOGLE translation : Holy bunny rabbits! Why don't we go again before I get too old to swim in the river?
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kristi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
I loved this little cabin in the woods. If you want to get away from it all and love camping, but also like to shower this is the place for you. Somewhere between rustic and glamping. A perfect balance. A wonderful river view high atop a cliff side. Spotted a lot of Bald eagles and fell asleep to the sound of the river. My family loved it. We will absolutely visit again🙂
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

John Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Truly chill

Had a great long weekend at this peaceful, charming cabin. You can really feel the love that was put into this place. If you pay attention you'll see vultures and bald eagles fly the river valley in the morning and evening. Stay up late to enjoy a spectacular display of stars. Don't let the biolet scare you off!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug 2022
It's a great thing when a dude can feel the love! I know it's four stars and I wonder what we might have done to get that fifth one! I'd love to hear from you about that. Thank you for staying with us John.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing

An amazingly beautiful cabin sitting on a gorgeous hillside. The roaring of the river and absolute silence of the night had me taken a back. Nightly campfire or fireplace going made this retreat very peaceful. This cabin has everything you need and some extras such as the hot shower, WiFi, and electric. Everyone involved with this cabin has been amazing and truly care about your experience. Don’t waste your time looking for another place and book now!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kodie h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden paradise!

In my 39 years have never experienced true peace, serenity and joy like I did the moment my feet hit the earth of this secluded mountain paradise. The entire experience from the clean, fresh air to the sounds of the river and the birds on the deck to the mossy trees in every shade of green restored my soul and sent me home with a gratitude for life that will stay with me forever. We will be back every year for as long as we’re able. Thank you Tim, for sharing this hidden bit of heaven on earth.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Sept 2023
Kodie, if anyone asks or accuses you of being my sister or daughter or BFF, that being the reason you said those kind words, please tell them it is for real, and that I say you REALLY get the point of the Welch Cabin Thank you so much for staying with us.. tim and dan Cabin Team.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lyle J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and Quiet Place

This a beautiful piece of property. It's very quiet, with just the gentle flow of the river that seems to sooth the soul. It's very private which, for us, made it really nice. My puppy loved it too. She's generally uncomfortable in new places but seemed to ease in wonderfully. To be honest, I was a little worried about the composting toilet but it's not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Both Tim and Dan are really nice and accommodating Will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2022
Thanks Lyle... heck, they are even composting bodies now, and THAT's something I am leery about. The green potty is here, and I think we are getting some of the less pleasant attributes worked out so it is a much more reasonable way to do our duty. Please DO come again! Dan and Tim
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Baine T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little place!!

Great cabin for getting back to basics. It has an amazing cliff side view of the river. I’ve looked for years for a basic cabin on the river and this one definitely fits the bill. It’s a very cool setup with amazing and peaceful surroundings. I loved building a fire in the pit and chilling on the deck and looking at stars. There are a few great swimming holes just down the hill from the cabin. Water is pretty cold but totally worth it. We were sad to leave 😞 but we’ll be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2022
Baine, thank you for your comments and support. This tells me you really get the point of a place like this... it's about reconnecting to our spirit, heart, mind and body! Not to be too tree-hugging, but we love this spot enough to give it to the world via a conservation easement... all 20 acres, so others will find what you found here last weekend.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mimi F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful summer stay

The property itself was beautifully situated. The property manager greeted us warmly and showed us all the tricks for a successful stay. We used the barbecue, fire pit, and wood burning stove along with the fantastic gas stove. The weather for our weekend was nothing short of spectacular, so there was that too. We took our young springer spaniels and needless to say they wasted no time in jumping in the river and teaching themselves how to fetch sticks and doggy paddle. Relaxing on that hammock was by far my favorite part. If your family needs a place to unplug and unwind, this is it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 July 2023
thank you for staying with us. you are welcome to visit again 😎
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique river perch

I've traveled a fair amount, and stayed in all kinds of places, but this cabin is truly unique and special. The character of the cabin is what really makes it stand out - you can tell that everything was put together with a lot of care and meaning. You can feel that you're staying in a real place with its own history, that was built specifically to exist for this location. The river is magical, and seeing the neighborhood bald eagle perch across from the cabin deck is truly special. For being a remote cabin, the amenities are surprising - the shower is hot, the wifi is strong, and the kitchen is well equipped.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept 2023
Christopher, we have been pretty lucky that our guests are people who understand this is something special and unique in many ways. I feel really blessed to be able to share it with you and others. I hope to see you again and thanks for staying at the Welch cabin
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquility and ombiance

A magical place to rest and rejuvenate, host was prompt and friendly. Felt like we had the whole woods to ourselves. The hammock and outdoor shower with instant hot water were my favorite. We will be back. Kitchen had essentials and much more. The oven was new and great for cooking with 6 burners. Plenty of firewood on hand for indoor wood stove and outdoor fire pit. So many little quirky touches it made the place feel like home. Did I mention the flannel sheets and large soft towels?
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Apr 2024
Jennifer, head on back this summer and we will throw in some fly fishing lessons... casting, not catching. That will be up to you and luck alone. I appreciate you appreciate the subtle things that make Welch Cabin so special. It is a labor of love and a License to Chill!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexander Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Piece of Heaven on Earth.

My husband and I stayed at Welch Cabin last weekend to celebrate our 19th anniversary and words fall short to describe our experience. Both Tim and Dan made sure we had all the details of our stay at the cabin. The day we arrived Dan greeted us at the entrance with a big smile and showed us around the property and all the important details we needed to know, especially how the bio-toilet works (we had no idea how it was used. Hey don't judge! LOL) From the moment we arrived we could feel the peace that comes from this piece of heaven on earth. I explored the cabin, and I found a harmonica and we started the party. After that, I found a BB gun and I can't remember since when we didn't laugh so hard. We not only reconnect with nature, but we also reconnect with ourselves. This place is for anyone who wants to take a break from this busy life and enjoy the creation God created for us. We are so grateful to God for allowing us to spend the best anniversary of our lives in this beautiful place that exceeded our expectations and made us remember why we made the decision to share our lives 19 years ago. If you're still thinking about booking...Just do it!! Don't think twice, this is the place. You will be completely in love, and you will not want to leave there. We will be coming back very soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Megan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A License to Chill!

This is a must-try experience for nature lovers. A quaint and beautifully warm cabin sits atop ancient breathtaking cliffs. We arrived at the peak of a late December storm and were met by Dan, longtime Caretaker. He walked us through the quirks of operations. He had a fire going and Sharon his wife made floral arrangements for that extra touch. This property has been lovingly cared for. The trails maintained for easy access to the river. Though the Kalama was too high for fishing, we will certainly be back when conditions are right. We would come back with or without the bonus fly-fishing holes. Rockhounders may also enjoy the variety of metamorphic deposits. Though the property is in a conservation trust, so taking anything is not ethical. Just being here and enjoying the majesty of it all is enough. Wood stove was very easy to use, efficient and beautiful to watch. There was plenty of wood on site. Kitchen was stocked with everything we needed. The gas stove with cast iron skillet was an added bonus. Please take care not to scrub the cast iron. This surface can be easily ruined by soaps and scrubbing. We simply used hot water while still on to break down food debris, then wiped off with a paper towel. Then a little avocado oil to season. While some couples may be discouraged by 2 sets of bunkers, don't knock it til you try it. I highly recommend you bring your own blankets. Pillows and mattresses are comfortable. This is an ideal destination for a group of buddies and a romantic getaway for the wilder sort of people. They have an amazing mantra however, welcoming everyone regardless of where you're from, how you worship or who you love. And this mantra shines true in the spirit of the people who built and operate this slice of heaven on earth. You MUST be ok with walking outside to take a shower and do your business. Give this experience a chance. Have you ever sat down on a toilet while bald eagles fly by? It's pretty rad. The shower and toilet is enclosed just enough to feel private but open enough to feel one step closer to the forest. The wildlife won't judge. Thanks again to the Welch's & Davis's
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Dec 2022
Megan and Josh, your review is almost embarrassing. I am always worried we will get a guest that doesn't get it about the cabin and the Kalama River. I hope you will share this experience with others who will appreciate the very special 'space to chill'. Thank you and please come again!! /Tim and Lee and Dan and Sharon/

About the host

Hosted by Timothy Peter Welch

Host profile image
Purpose and Impact
All income from Welch Cabin (501c3) goes directly to local environmental and health-related causes. Our mission is to protect, preserve, and promote the natural world, all while being a dog-friendly space.

Welch Cabin is a place for healing, connection, and education, showcasing sustainable living practices like resource-efficient bio-toilets and greywater systems. We serve as a model for land stewardship, working to protect our wild steelhead habitat and preserve the landscapes we all share.

A Secluded Retreat
Perched 90 feet above the pristine Kalama River, Welch Cabin is a private, 19-acre retreat that blends wilderness charm with modern comforts. The cabin offers a secluded experience with no neighbors in sight, surrounded by towering firs, cedars, and wildflowers.

Enjoy modern amenities like hot showers, a full kitchen, internet, and creek-processed water. Relax on the sun deck and take in the sights and sounds of rushing rapids, songbirds, and the whisper of a mountain breeze. Welch Cabin is a one-of-a-kind getaway, just 10 miles from Kalama, WA, that will restore your spirit and inspire a deeper connection to nature.

============================================
Lee and I are 80-something retired professionals... she a rancher and I a book and software publisher. Our BnB properties have garnered 214+ five star reviews, along with an occasional grumpy 4.8 review. This is a labor of love, and we employ local help at above minimum wages. As a not-for-profit biz 100% of our earnings go to local causes. Our love for our homes and the 40+ acres upon which they sit demonstrates our heartfelt affection for our serene part of the world. Come and share it with us!

Why they chose this property

INCLUSION AND RESPECT

We are a BnB where people from every background feel welcome. Our guests to feel comfortable here regardless of how they feel about us old folks!

Tim, Lee and Dan the Man

Team Welch Cabin

What makes this property unique

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!

~~A NOT-FOR-PROFIT 501C3 ORGANIZATION~~

100% of income goes to local health and eco-centered foundations...
And PETS allowed! We ask pet owners to follow the protocols of good pet hygiene: clean up after Roscoe, keep him off the furniture, and NO puppies please! Kittens are OK because we know a cat will do whatever she wants.

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