An eco-conscious retreat on Icicle Creek, blending historic CCC cabins, local organic dining, and hidden Chihuly glass art.
Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort occupies a historic 67-acre property along Icicle Creek, just outside Leavenworth, Washington. Long before it welcomed overnight guests, this land served as a seasonal fishing and gathering site for the Yakama and P'squosa (Wenatchi) tribes, who called the narrow valley Na-sik-elt, meaning Narrow Bottom Canyon. In the 1930s, the site became Camp Icicle, hosting the 983rd company of the Civilian Conservation Corps, before transitioning to a private ranch and later a Catholic youth camp called Camp Field, run by Father O'Grady. Philanthropist Harriet Bullitt purchased the property in 1991 to protect it from overdevelopment, preserving 18 of the original structures and opening the eco-conscious resort in August 1995. Following Bullitt’s passing in 2022, the resort’s business and land were consolidated under the stewardship of the non-profit Icicle Fund in 2024, with operations managed by Columbia Hospitality to ensure that 100 percent of the net profits continue to support regional conservation and the arts.
The resort’s design and layout harmonize with the surrounding canopy of ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. Guest accommodations are arranged in clustered cabins of six to ten rooms, built using locally sourced stone and timber to resemble an extension of the natural landscape. To foster a deep connection with the environment, none of the 58 guest rooms feature televisions. Instead, rooms are outfitted with rustic log furniture, down comforters, private bathrooms with heated towel racks, and views of the forest or the dramatic granite face of the Sleeping Lady mountain profile. For larger groups or intimate getaways, the resort offers specialized stand-alone cabins, including The Rookery, which features a bunkroom that sleeps up to eight guests, the romantic Eyrie cabin with its private whirlpool tub, and the spacious Osprey's Nest.
Culinary and artistic experiences are central to the resort's identity, reflecting Bullitt's passion for cultural enrichment. Kingfisher Restaurant, the primary dining venue, has transitioned from its historic buffet format to an elegant a la carte menu under Chef Micah Windham, showcasing ingredients harvested from the resort's own two-acre organic garden and local Cascade purveyors. Guests entering the restaurant pass "The Icicles," a striking outdoor glass art installation created specifically for the property by Dale Chihuly. More than 40 other artistic treasures are scattered across the grounds, including the whimsical "Evil Eye Tree" adorned with hanging glass spheres. For casual bites, O'Grady's Pantry offers espresso and light lunch options, while The Grotto Bar serves tapas, Northwest wines, and craft cocktails around an outdoor fire circle.
Recreation on the property emphasizes slow-paced, sensory engagement with the landscape. Guests can swim in the natural, rock-lined pool and hot pool, or visit the Aspen Leaf Spa for treatments utilizing regional botanicals. The Play Barn provides indoor entertainment with table tennis and billiards, while the adjacent Icicle Creek Center for the Arts hosts concerts and theatrical performances at the Snowy Owl Theater. A network of walking trails winds through the property, offering direct access to the rushing waters of Icicle Creek and quiet spots for reflection among the ferns and granite boulders.
Look for Dale Chihuly’s 'The Icicles' glass installation mounted on the granite rock face outside Kingfisher Restaurant, then head to the cozy, stone-walled Grotto Bar for a local cider or craft cocktail by the outdoor fire circle.
Where to Stay — Curated accommodations hand-picked by Basecamp West. Glamping, boutique hotels, historic lodges, and unique stays across the American West.