The area is not "touristy", yet attracts thousands of visitors due to the scenic and outdoor recreational attractions. Sky Cabin and Whispering Waters cabins are located just off Highway 2 which is is a National Scenic Byway winding through the beautiful rugged Cascade Mountains with numerous waterfalls and rivers with crystal clear water along the way. In addition to the abundance of evergreen trees there are many native evergreen plants that keep Western Washington green year round. The air is fragrant with the smell of cedar. We are also on the southern limb of the 440 mile scenic Cascade Loop Highway and the south fork Skykomish which is a Washington State Scenic River. Partly because of the protections provided by these desinations and partly because of the ruggedness of the land, development has been limited which makes it a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains.

Sky Cabin and Whispering Waters are located in Baring, WA 60 miles northeast of Seattle, 40 miles east of Everett, and 60 miles west of Leavenworth. The closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) 1.5-2 hours away (excluding travel during rush hours). The roads to the cabin are in very good condition-no need for 4WD. Located in the western northern-central Cascade Mountains, Baring sits at the foot of the magnificent 6,000 ft Mt. Baring which towers over the town . The unincorporated town has approximately 200 full-time residents, with the general store/deli the hub of activity where locals gather to visit and read mail over coffee & breakfast. The store also has homemade soup, pie & sandwiches, sells antiques, and hosts the Baring post office. Whispering Waters is on the "outskirts" of the town in a semi-private location within walking distance (less than a mile) of the store.

It is an easy drive (1.5 hours if you avoid rush hour traffic) to Seattle for sightseeing. Leavenworth, a Bavarian theme town with unique shops and good restaurants in a mountain setting is on the east side of the Cascades, 60 minutes in the other direction.

Nine miles east on Highway 2 is the larger town of Skykomish, which boasts a gas station/convenience store, deli/liquor store, tavern, motel, hotel B&B, antique stove retailer, and (of course) espresso stand/gift shop.

Like most of the towns in the "Sky" valley, both Baring and Skykomish began as logging and mining towns in the early 1900's along the Great Northern rail line. There aren't any operational mines now, nor much logging; but the trains still pass through and logging trucks are a common sight on the highway.

Local Activities: This area is known for its abundance of outdoor recreational activities during all seasons. Whispering Waters is located on privately owned land within the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Hiking is one of the more popular local activities and there are dozens of close-by hiking trails to choose from ranging from easy walks through the woods for the family to strenuous climbs for the more athletic. You can hike to waterfalls, trout lakes with crystal clear water surrounded by wildflowers, historical lookout towers, old growth forests, and to spectacular mountain top viewpoints. Go to the links page for descriptions of some local hikes. The normal hiking season is about April through October, but even during the winter there are some trails accessible and there is a list of these in the area information book available for your use while staying at the cabin. Hikes to higher elevations (above 4000ft) are usually snow-free by the end of July, but most of the trails will be hiked long belong then by eager hikers who pack the snow down. All trailheads can be reached by 2WD vehicles.

Abandoned logging roads make great mountain biking and 4-wheeling roads. 2 mountain bikes are available at $10/day/bike (drop-off and pick-up service available at times for a small fee).

For rock climbers there is the vertical 500 ft Index Town Wall, featuring some of the most technical rock climbing anywhere in the state.

Rafting/kyaking A little further west is Boulder Drop, class IV-V rapids, which thousands of rafters and kayakers conquer yearly during the spring, early summer, and fall. Spring and early summer are the best times for rafting, as the water level is usually too low by mid to late July, depending upon snow pack and current rainfall. There are also gentle family floats on parts of the Skykomish River. WARNING:  There are 3 sets of dangerous falls 1, 2 & 5 miles upstream of the confluence of the south & north forks of the Skykomish River (these are not in the immediate vicinity of Whispering Waters but ask for locations before floating downsream). Either bring your own equipment or go to links for a list of rafting companies that provide trips. Sorry, there are no outfitters that rent equipment.

Horses are available at Skyland Ranch in Gold Bar 360-793-2611.

For railroad buffs, the 7.8 mile Cascade Tunnel can be visited on the way to Stevens Pass, and the wheelchair accessible Iron Goat Trail retraces the path of the original railroad grade, avalanche sheds and the original 3-mile Cascade Tunnel. There is an interesting history of turn-of-the century mining endeavors in this area, and some of the mines can still be visited.

Sking: Stevens Pass Ski Area is 23 miles east of Whispering Waters, approximately 30 minutes if road and traffic conditions are good. AWD, 4WD or chains are required at times and good traction tires are recommended always. Miller River Road, half-way between Baring & Skykomish, is a good cross country skiing and snowshoeing destination when the snow level is low (2,000ft). Snowshoes and ski equipment can be rented in Gold Bar at The Hill Billies (360-793-0221), and the Nordic Center (Thurs-Sun) east of the pass. The closest snowmobile area is Foss River Road east of Skykomish - no rentals available.

Fishing: The fishing season is June 1-Nov. 30 for most game fish; but due to the falls (Sunset, Canyon and Eagle) there is limited fishing until the fish elevator goes into operation, usually late July through October, bringing up steelhead and spawning salmon (illegal to catch spawning salmon). The fishing season west of Sunset Falls ends Feb. 28. There is rainbow, cutthroat and bull trout in the river system, and the best fishing is mid-July through October. Depending on the water level you can walk downriver on the rocky beach opposite the cabin about a mile. Almost all of the river can be waded except after heavy rain or during snow melt that can last into early summer. You can fish west of Sunset Falls (6 miles west) anytime during the season. Lake fishing opens the last Saturday of April. A WA fishing license is required and there are frequent rule changes. Contact Dept of Fish and Wildlife http://wdfw.wa.gov/ for more information. Fishing licenses can be purchased on-line, or in Monroe at Fred Meyer or at Sky Valley Traders on Hwy 2. See the links for more fishing information.

Even with all these activities to participate in, some say the best thing about the area is the serenity. When you want to relax, it's ok to just sit and watch the river flow by and chairs are strategically placed for this purpose. The birdfeeders are kept stocked with quality seed to attract a large variety of birds for your entertainment. There are horseshoe pits/horseshoes.

Weather: With an elevation of 775 ft., Baring has limited snowfall; but snow is not unusual, especially in January, which has the lowest temperatures of the season. If the mountain forecast calls for a snow level of 1000 ft or below, it will probably be snowing at Whispering Waters . The average daytime temperature in winter is usually low-30's to mid-40's with the temperature dropping at night to mid-low 30's Snow removal on Hwy 2 is usually excellent. Stevens Pass, 23 miles east of the cabin, is occasionally closed for avalanche control and sometimes chains are required, so please come prepared for winter driving conditions, especially if you're planning to ski or drive to Leavenworth. The pass road report may be obtained by calling 800-695-7623. Summer weather usually remains mild, especially at night when the temp drops into the 50's. Day temps usually are in the 70's to low 80's, occasionally high 80's-low 90's. Anything over 80 degrees is considered insufferable by the locals, and that's when we grab our chairs and tubes and head for the 50 degree waters of the river to cool off. The rains that western Washington is famous for usually continue intermittently through June, with July and August being the driest months of the year. Fall colors begin in late August when the vine maples start turning red at the lower elevations. The best fall colors are usually the entire month of October with a succession of trees turning. The gold leaves are spectacular against the backdrop of the rugged Cascade Mountains. September and October are transitional months, weather wise, ranging from sunny and warm (60-70's) to rainy and cool (50's- 60's). The heavier rains and snow accumulation in the high mountains usually resume by early November.