When we moved to Spokane in the summer of 2018, we were on the hunt for a good local nudist resort near us to check out.
We have two about the same driving distance from us, Kaniksu Ranch which is located in Loon Lake WA and Sun Meadow in Worley ID. We opted to try Kaniksu and gave them a call.
The weekend we randomly chose happened to be their open house weekend with no gate fee for non-members, and was busier than normal; however, from the initial call through the check-in and to our departure it was a great time with really friendly staff and members. Not only was it their open house, it was the “National Skinny Dipping Day” so of course we had to get in the pool and do our part to try to help set the world wide Guinness Book of World Records skinny dippers.
To say we really enjoy the place is an understatement. We have enjoyed it so much that we haven’t tried Sun Meadows (although we will for sure), we just continue to go back to Kanisksu over and over.
We only went a couple of times in 2018, however, in 2019 we managed probably 4-5 day trips, as well as a overnight stay in the main lodge. It is a cool rustic feel and very affordable. The only issue I have is that at 6’5 it can be tight height wise, but that is about it. You can tent camp or bring an RV, but since we don’t do hard ground anymore, it was a stay in the lodge.
Kaniksu is located about 3 miles down a dirt road and is nestled deep in nature. They have hiking trails (which you have to check out with the staff, so they know when you go out and come back due to the potential of seeing bears or other predators), 2 pools, a hot tub and some other activities. You have the option to tent camp, bring your RV or stay at the lodge. They often have a dinner, or BBQ lunch, that you can pay for which is really inexpensive. If not, bring food as you can’t just leave and drive around the corner for something to eat, hell you may waste an hour or more in a round trip commute. Up by the main office they do have some items like drinks and ice cream bars 🙂
In the lodge (which they are currently redoing) there is a TV to watch movies and few couches and tables on the main floor. Upstairs there are rooms, both small and large. This is also where they ring the bell and serve dinner and breakfast (although check before you stay to see what they are offering). When they do the BBQ’s for lunch it is down by the pool and is usually (or the times we have ate) is burgers, chips and a drink. We found it a cool time to meet new people and hang out as most of the time by the pool it is fairly quite, unless there are people in the pool chatting.
With it being tucked in nature it is quite. Real quiet. It is relaxing to lay by the pool and watch the beautiful Pacific Northwest clouds roll by and not hear a car..ever. At night, you don’t get light pollution so it you can see a million stars.
The members and guests are awesome and have never had a bad time in the 8 or 9 trips we have made. The great thing is, like most nudist resorts or events I have been to, be ready for people to say hello, welcome, maybe engage in small talk and make sure your needs are taken care of. To say the least, they are super people!
They are also home to the original and world known Bare Buns Fun Run, a 5K walk/run event every year, as well as the Survivor Games. We haven’t attended either one but everyone we have talked to raves about them, so maybe one year we will get out and enjoy them.
If you are in the greater Eastern Washington area, or travel up this way I would highly recommend you take a visit and stay the day or night(s). There are families there with kids of varying ages, so be warned if being around minors makes you uncomfortable…but don’t worry, they are well behaved.
And if you see us up there make sure you say hello. Hard to miss the 6’5 guy with tattoo’s all over. Would love to meet you and hang out.
If you have visited would love to know your thoughts about the ranch so please comment below and let us know what you think.
Make sure to check them out at https://www.facebook.com/Nakation/ or their website at https://www.kaniksufamily.com/
Hope to hang naked soon,
R