ARLINGTON — The old nomads of Asia would be proud.
The modern adaptation of the ancient shelter used for centuries by Central Asian nomadic communities has earned a popular place among outdoor enthusiasts.
In fact, six new yurts have been added to the camping facilities at River Meadows County Park near Arlington. They had their first campers as of Saturday.
The River Meadows yurt village features two of the structures spanning 20-feet and four 16-foot yurts. The total cost of the village, with yurts, restrooms, showers, a new septic system, parking and sidewalks, is about $680,000, county parks director Tom Teigen said. However, of that amount, about $200,000 was spent for the yurts, their pads and decks, he said.
The yurt village makes River Meadows a destination park and should help boost the economy of the Arlington area, Teigen said.
Made by Pacific Yurt of Oregon, the county’s new yurts are much stronger and more weather-tight than most tents, park ranger Erika Miranda said. The circular structure of a yurt has a wood frame, rafters, a framed door and an insulated long-lasting fabric cover.
One of the big yurts at River Meadows is downright fancy. Miranda calls it the honeymoon suite. It features a deck, a queen-size bed, linen service, tea and coffee. If you aren’t honeymooning, the suite has room for two others on a futon.
The other big yurt at the park can sleep eight on bunks and futons. The smaller yurts hold as many as five campers each. Fees range from $45 to $80 a night in the winter and $50 to $90 from April 1 to Sept. 30. Restrooms and showers are located in the yurt village.
River Meadows County Park is a great place to get away without driving a great distance, Miranda said.
“It’s a beautiful park, with access to the Stillaguamish River, great hiking and great birdwatching,” she said. “It’s a real family-oriented park.”
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427, gfiege@heraldnet.com.
Reserve a yurt
To reserve a yurt or a campsite at River Meadows County Park, go to www.snocoparks.org or call 425-388-6600. The park is at 20416 Jordan Road, south of Arlington.
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