If you’re looking for a quiet, nature-filled escape just a short drive from Portland, you’ve found it.
Tucked into the woods of Castle Rock, Washington, The River Cabin sits directly on the banks of the Toutle River, offering a cozy and private retreat that feels a world away. It’s a place where time slows down — you can sip coffee on the deck or soak in the hot tub while bald eagles fly overhead, watch deer amble through the yard, or spot an otter slipping into the water just before dusk.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, an adventure with friends, or simply need a solo recharge, this peaceful spot delivers exactly what your soul’s been craving.
🏞 Why Castle Rock is the Ideal Weekend Getaway from Portland
Just about 90 minutes north of the city, Castle Rock is one of Southwest Washington’s best-kept secrets. It’s the gateway to Mount St. Helens, surrounded by forest, water, and sky — without the tourist crowds.
Our riverfront cabin puts you in easy reach of:
- Steelhead fishing on the Toutle River (yep, right down the steps to the riverbank)
- Hiking in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
- Swimming holes, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows nearby
- Spirit Lake Highway (one of the most scenic drives in the PNW)
It’s a nature-lover’s dream — and when you’re ready to relax, the hot tub, wood stove, and sounds of the river are waiting.
🏡 Inside the River Cabin
The cabin has a welcoming, woodsy vibe — rustic where it counts, but clean and comfortable throughout. It includes:
- Private riverfront access with a deck and stone steps down to the water
- Hot tub with a view of the river and towering trees
- Main Level + loft (sleeps 6 comfortably)
- Full kitchen and dining space
- Wood stove and cozy living room for chilly evenings
- Fast Wi-Fi, Movie Projector, board games, books
- Heated bathroom floor for those cold winter nights
💬 “This is one of the best Airbnbs we’ve ever stayed at. Hanging out on the large, clean and bug-free porch was absolutely lovely with a beautiful view of the river and wildlife — we even saw river otters! … The host really goes above and beyond what a lot of other hosts do.”
— Jenna, April 2025
🧭 What to Do While You’re Here
We’ve built a custom local guide just for our guests — you’ll find ideas for every season and interest, including:
🎣 Fishing: The Toutle is known for steelhead, and local guides are available for booking.
🥾 Hiking: From the easy Hummocks Trail to the more challenging Lava Canyon, there’s something for every skill level.
🌊 Swimming: Some of our favorite swimming holes are just minutes away — check the guidebook for exact spots.
🌋 Day Trips: The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center is just down the road. You can also explore Coldwater Lake, Johnston Ridge Observatory, or make the full drive up Spirit Lake Highway.
🍔 Local eats: Grab a burger at C&L Drive-In, or hit the coffee kiosk in Castle Rock for a cozy latte and pastry.
💬 “We spent hours out on the deck enjoying the comfortable furniture, convenient fire table, and gorgeous views of nature and wildlife. Hot tub was clean and the perfect temp.”
— Kandice, June 2024“My wife and I had a really nice, relaxing stay… we really enjoyed sitting on the porch overlooking the river and watching the hummingbirds come and go all day.”
— Tyler, March 2025
Need inspiration? Browse our full guest guide here:
👉 River Cabin Airbnb Guidebook
🦅 Wildlife & Wonder
Nature is part of the experience here. Eagles nest nearby and often soar directly overhead or perch in the tree directly across the river from the back deck. Otters sometimes splash in the shallows in the early morning or just before dusk. Deer graze in the yard. In winter, you might even catch the sound of elk bugling in the distance.
There’s a certain stillness to the place — not empty, but alive in all the right ways.
💸 Book Direct and Save
Booking through rivercabin.us means:
- No platform or service fees
- Direct communication with us — the owners
- The best available rate for your stay
And we’re happy to help you plan your trip.
🛶 Ready to Unplug?
If you’re feeling the pull to unplug, slow down, and be near water — The River Cabin is for you. We’ve hosted hundreds of guests over the years, and the most common thing we hear is: “We wish we stayed longer.”
So whether it’s for a weekend or a full week, come experience the stillness, the stars, the river, and the comfort of a space made for rest.
👉 Book your stay here
📩 Questions? Just reach out — we’re happy to help.