Where Welch Cabin’s forested hillside meets one of Washington’s most iconic fly‑fishing rivers. For anglers who love wild fish, moving current, and the quiet challenge of reading a river, the stretch that runs beneath Welch Cabin is something special.

Shinrin yoku, or forest bathing, began in Japan as a gentle reminder to slow down and reconnect with the natural world. As cities expanded and daily life sped up, people were encouraged to return to the woods, breathe deeply, and rediscover a sense of calm. The idea was simple and beautiful: when we feel restored by the forest, we feel more connected to it, and more inspired to care for it.

A spring cabin stay offers the perfect balance of adventure and rest. Spend your days wandering wooded trails, sitting riverside, or simply soaking in the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves.

Join professional photographer Patrick Aalto and expert guides from the Mount St. Helens Institute (MSHI) as you explore the serene, snow‑covered southern slopes of the volcano.

Winter has us buried in gray skies, freezing rain, and days that end far too early. But your mind? It deserves to be somewhere warmer... somewhere wilder... somewhere along the Kalama River.

Exclusive Holiday Packages at Welch Cabin

Make It Foundation accepted the gift of Welch Cabin in 2019. The 19 acres include old-growth forest, private Kalama River access, and a restored mountain cabin under a full conservation easement with the Columbia Land Trust that limits future development. Our mantra is Protect, Promote, Preserve.

Boots and Bow Ties was a lot of fun and devoid of the usual chewy chicken and stilted speeches.  And best of all the wonderful auction was blessedly brief and produced a $162,000 return.  A stay at our Welch Cabin was donated during the auction paddle raise and added $3,400 to the total! 

Check out our updated website and watch for photos, news, events plus updates about our beautiful cabin and area.

Our Welch Cabin is near Mt. St. Helens and you can learn more about the volcano, exploring the mountain, hiking conditions and events through their informative website.