Are you looking for an escape from the constant commotion of city life? Do you love the peace and tranquility of being in the forest? Do you like goats?!? If you said yes to any of these questions, then you’ve got to check out the Forest Island Yurt in Estacada for glamping at its best. Here, you’ll feel like you’re on a tiny island of your own since the yurt is encircled by a babbling creek.
This luxury yurt is nestled in the woods on a 22 acre working farm outside of Estacada, roughly 30 miles southeast of Portland. The space is ideal for two people who can snuggle up on the comfortable queen size bed together, but there is a pull out two-person cot that can be used to accommodate up to four people. This is also a great place to bring small kids as they'll love exploring the nature around them.
The Forest Island yurt is the right mix of rustic yet luxurious camping. There’s no electricity or wifi, but you will have access to a camp stove and a charcoal stove for cooking, lots of extra blankets to stay warm at night, and plenty of battery-operated lights including string lights in the yurt. This is “cold” camping so there’s no heat source in the actual tent, so be prepared to bundle up depending on the weather. Also, the only bathroom is a very clean porta potty located in the parking area. At night, you can sit around the propane fire pit outside to warm up on a chilly night, roast marshmallows, and look up at the evening stars. And when you go to bed, the gentle sounds of the creek surrounding you will lull you to sleep. A few reviewers have mentioned the dogs at the neighboring farms can sometimes be heard at night, so if you’re a light sleeper you may want to bring earplugs.
One of the coolest features of this yurt is that it’s located on a working farm which means you can make some animal friends! There are rescue chickens and ducks as well as two lovely goats, Lilly and Sunny, who always want pets and snacks from visitors. The owner (and Airbnb superhost) Jessica, is extremely friendly and responsive so if you find yourself in need of anything, she’s only a phone call or text away.
During your visit, you may just want to speed the whole time at the yurt since the area is so clean and well kept and far enough away from the main house you’ll feel like you’re on your own private oasis. There are a couple cute bridges going over the creek to get from the main driveway to the yurt or over to your private picnic table. However, it’s close enough to give you easy access to restaurants and shops in Estacada, or just a short drive to world class recreation on the Clackamas River or Mount Hood.
The hosts have kayaks you can borrow to take to nearby Tiber Park (about a 10 minute drive) where you can explore gorgeous Estacada Lake (that doesn’t allow motorized boats so you’re sure to have a relaxing time). Or, head over to Milo McIver State Park on the banks of the Clackamas River for fishing, swimming, playing the awesome 27-hole disc golf course, or hiking the beautiful 4.7 mile Rivermill Loop trail.
The yurt is reasonably priced, easy to get to from Portland and doesn’t have a ton of extra fees like some other vacation rentals, making it the perfect weekend getaway for anyone who needs some time away in nature.
