It is a little-known fact. That Chief Joseph, famous for saying “I will fight war no more forever,” passed over central Washington State’s Blewett Pass stopping long enough to water his horses and buy provisions.
Chief Joseph Lodge has been named after this famous Nez Pierce Native American, one of the few who called for peace when the United States forcefully attempted to relocate his people from their ancestral homelands What a building it is. Have you ever been in a doctor or dentist waiting room and picked up one of those fancy travel magazines? The ones with sapphire blue water on the front, and articles describing private island getaways, downtown penthouses, or secluded mountain retreats. Chief Joseph is of that caliber. A magnificent and very remote Lodge with everything you would expect to find inside one of those
journals; an extra large 5-bedroom mountain lodge, miles from the nearest neighbor but with all the amenities you would expect. Located high above Blewett Pass, this home is only accessible by Snowcat in the winter (provided by us) or your own snowmobiles; though there is a good road in the summer. Built in 2003, the home is several miles away and several hundred feet above Blewett Pass and surrounded by tens of thousands of acres of Nation Forest land. There is plenty to do and fun to be had. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, and hiking are all accessible from your front door. Or if you’d rather stay just take it easy, and relax on the large
deck with a glass of wine and light up the barbecue. Or watch a DVD or play a video game on the flat-screen TV. Or even head down to the game room for some pool, darts, pinball, and more. This two-story home features mammoth log construction, 5 bedrooms that sleep 14, 3 bathrooms, and 2 river rock fireplaces to keep you warm on the chilly mountain peak. The top floor is made up of the master bedroom with king-sized
bed and private double sink bathroom, the main living room with large luxurious leather seating, and a wall of windows to let you take in the view. The full-sized kitchen has modern appliances, horse saddle bar stools, and a 6-8 person dining table. There is also a powder room by the entrance. Above the top floor is a loft used as a TV room with a large flat-screen TV. Downstairs is a game room, two more bedrooms with queen-sized beds, and two bunk rooms with double-sized bunks and full-sized bathrooms with double sinks. Breathtaking is what you will call the scenery. In the summer it can be a wonderful base from which to enjoy all the sights and adventures of the great outdoors.
The Bavarian Village of Leavenworth is within driving distance. The Roslyn & Cle Elum area is to the South. In the winter the lodge can warm you up from your snowy fun and let you and you’re whole family share games and food. The current Blewett pass was built in 1922 to serve as a connection across the cascades between western and eastern Washington. The old Blewett passes road dates back to the minor gold rush in 1860 and is possible
before that as a Native American trail. Today, the new pass sits 4,100 feet in elevation and sees less traffic than the other interstate highway passes, though it is situated roughly 30 miles from both Leavenworth and Cle Elum. So how did Chief Joseph come to traverse the pass? Eventually, the US Army came to forcibly remove the Nez Perce from their lands. While other Chiefs advocated for war, Joseph convinced them to flee to Canada. During their escape, it is documented that Chief Joseph came to the small town which had sprung up alongside Blewett’s pass to water his horse and buy supplies.
The 800 Nez Perce with Joseph traveled 1700 miles, in an effort to elude 2,000 US Calvary troops. They were eventually caught just 30 miles south of the Canadian border. As you enjoy Chief Joseph Lodge, please reflect on the man who steadfastly refused to allow his people to attack the settlers; who fled to protect his people, and how graciously made his famous vow “I will fight no more forever.”
