why do we call it
the west's best nest?
Because Bear Flag Lodge is a 4,000 square foot log cabin settled within 40 wooded acres and fronts the mighty Middle Fork of the Cosumnes River. Wine tasting is minutes away in the famed Shenandoah Valley wine country featuring award-winning Zinfandels among other varietals. Massive granite boulders frame a cove with a shallow wading area that flows into a picture perfect, Olympic pool-sized swimming hole. Further upstream, gather some friends and ride the river's gentle current on old school inner tubes. Ping pong, billiards, foosball, and bocce are all in play as well as an extensive library awaiting those seeking quieter pursuits. Hiking promises a workout and lively conversation amid sweet-smelling cedar and pine trees - you bring the boots, we'll bring the trails.
“Between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life.”
bear flag lodge
Sticks
& Stones
Sure, there's more to Bear Flag Lodge than sticks and stones - there's water with 50 cubic feet per second (cfs) flowing past in late summer and as much as 12,000 cfs in the winter. There's also deer, ringtails, dozens of bird species, praying mantises, pollywogs and, once a year, a patch near the river that's a ladybug hatchery. When you get down to it though, Bear Flag Lodge is logs and granite (70-foot Douglas Fir logs from Canada at that). Outside, the Sierra Foothills' signature giant granite boulders provide a perfect base to clamber over, sunbathe on, and jump into the river from.
View of the river from the west deck.
outside
Portraits hanging in the third floor water closet. Seriously.
Inside
The river calls.
fun
Detail from hand-painted chair.
hand made
Thanks Allison!
Nature
Location
Fair Play
Obviously, we have a fondness for the very small town of Fair Play. It's heyday was during the Gold Rush in the 1800's when it boasted of hotels and a post office. Nowadays, Fair Play (elevation 2329 ft) features the excellent The Pub at Fair Play as well as several fantastic wineries, some great neighbors, the middle fork of the Cosumnes River and... Bear Flag Lodge!
“The earth laughs in flowers”
