Ten tons of river rock, plus ten marbles, are in the 20-foot-high fireplace at River Rock Inn. Now you know the answers to two of four questions Bob Watkins will ask when you’re a guest at his B&B, and if you get them right, you’ll win a prize. No, I didn’t win, but do I care? I’m far too relaxed, here in the peace and quiet of the North Cascades foothills, to fret over such things. River Rock Inn Bed and Breakfast and Retreat Center gives new meaning to “getting away from it all.” It’s only a few miles from the traffic rush of I-5, north of Everett, Washington, but after a few twists and turns through forest and countryside, at the end of a gravel road I find silence and a lovely hideaway.
Bob and Lisa Watkins began it several years ago by demolishing their existing home. Then, with the help of 
friends, they built their dream B&B. They used fir log posts, high beams, walls of windows, and the aforementioned ten tons of rock. The massive fireplace stands in the 1,300-square-foot Great Room, which overlooks a sloping lawn, trees, a pond, and the forest beyond. It’s a popular spot for weddings and group retreats. I’m staying in the Stilly Room, named for the Stillaguamish River and decorated with old-time fishing creels and rods, nicely combining rustic style with up-to-date luxury. My king-size bed is made from hand-hewn logs, but I have a TV, lots of DVD choices, wi-fi, a gas fireplace, and a deep whirlpool tub. Also, the sheets on the bed are silky smooth and incredibly comfortable. The other four suites are similar, each with a Pacific Northwest theme: Cedar, Woodland, Fern, and Homestead.
Out on the 5-acre woodsy property, Bob leads the way over winding, ferny paths to an enchanting surprise. 
Some call it the stump house, because it’s in the remains of an enormous tree that burned, but of course it’s really a fairytale cottage carved by elves. A light mist falls onto the 
mossy roof, lace curtains hang at little paned windows. I stoop and enter the hollow stump, and I’m in a tiny room where chunks of logs serve as a table and chair covered by checked cloths. Those elves must have had fun.
Every afternoon the hospitable innkeepers put out coffee, tea, and home-baked cookies. In the morning, they serve a multi-course breakfast. Here’s what Lisa, a terrific cook, serves today: fresh coffee 
cake, mixed fruit, locally made apple juice, and a light frittata with Swiss chard, basil, garlic, oven-roasted tomatoes, and cream. This is a fine start to a day of exploring an interesting area. Dinner is at Bistro San Martin, 7 miles away in the small town of Arlington, and that’s a special place that gets a post of its own.
By the way, that wolf skin hanging from the fireplace mantel came from a garage sale. The Watkins’ aren’t into killing wolves.
John Parkhurst
Marilyn McFarlane
susan troccolo
Great post on lovely River Rock Inn B&B in Arlington, WA. And guess what? I was also at the inn that evening as Marilyn and I were heading north the next day for some additional research in Bellingham. Lisa’s fresh coffee, on the sideboard by 8a.m. hit the spot. Then her delicious breakfast were just right before we said goodbye and continued north via I-5 to meet four other travel writer colleagues for two exciting days of culinary research in Bellingham, Fairhaven Historic District, Chuckanut Drive, and Bellingham Bay. Great story ideas all along the way!
We want to thank you from the bottom of are hearts for such an amazing story. Thank you. Bob Your Friendly Innkeeper
Thanks, Bob. And thank you for referring us to Bistro San Martin. It’s a fine place, and so is your inn.
Hey! It was a peaceful weekend at the beautiful River Rock Inn. We enjoyed meeting Myra & Marilyn & loved our time with friends Bob & Lisa. We especially appreciated our room with the patio as in the evening dusk a large owl flew by.. Awesome experience of nature! Highly recommend this B & B!
Thank you Leila and Dan. It was a pleasure meet you, too. River Rock is a lovely place, and seeing an owl fly by in the evening is very special. You’re in the heart of nature.