Published September 2005

Community support
made River Rock Inn
unique success

By John Wolcott
SCBJ Editor

The new River Rock Inn in Arlington has people talking. Good talk. And lots of it.

Nothing like this unique, secluded, half bed-and-breakfast and half mountain lodge has opened before in North Snohomish County, or in the rest of the county for that matter, and Bob and Lisa Watkins are seeing their longtime dream coming alive faster than they had imagined.

Interest rose rapidly as word spread that the couple had torn down their 2,200-square-foot home and moved into a small outbuilding for several months while they built their new 5,000-square-foot bed-and-breakfast “dream” that would become their future business enterprise, livelihood and residence.

Taking such a “step in faith,” as they both call it, must have inspired others, too. And the word continues to spread.

Since it opened in March, literally thousands of people have experienced the Watkins’ generous northern hospitality through chamber meetings, business retreats, weddings, anniversary celebrations and stress-free getaways at the five-suite, five-acre venue.

Already, the long-planned from-the-ground-up project has become a significant addition to the county’s growing variety of recreation, celebration, meeting and conference venues, with a niche of its own.

“One of the most common reactions when guests come through the front door and step into the lodge area for the first time is ‘Wow!’ and by the time they leave the most common thing we hear is that they’ve never been to a place like this that is so close and yet seems so far away and so relaxing,” Lisa Watkins said.

Bob agreed, adding that some guests enjoy their visits so much that they offer to contribute some of their own historic county logging photos to the decor, offer a favorite book for the library or add a new fishing lure to decorate the popular Stilly suite with its fly-fishing theme.

And, on their next visit, the guests remember to bring their gifts, he said.

“One guest gave us a stuffed deer head for our great room. Another guest said he had a bigger one, and brought it to us,” Bob said. Both are now on a wall opposite the river rock fireplace.

Perhaps those feelings of wanting to be involved personally in the River Rock Inn and its success comes from so many of the guests understanding how much community involvement has already been contributed. Even in the midst of Arlington’s rapid population and business growth in recent years, from Smokey Point to “Old Town,” residents share many close-knit groups and are used to getting immersed in common causes.

Although the Watkins’ inn project is their own business venture, that hasn’t stopped others, including residents, family members, neighbors, friends and even the contractors who helped build it, from wanting to contribute something of their own to help the couple’s unusual effort succeed. Some have even contributed favorite rocks for the fireplace, the centerpiece of the “great room” decor.

Part of the reason, too, is that the Watkins have been involved in their business and church communities for years, helping others. Many in the community now want to extend their own helpful hand. Even though the new inn keepers have hired workers and bought materials and furnishings from many local merchants and contractors, the extra help and involvement from those people has been over and above contractual agreements or the size of an order.

The comfort and quality of the facility and the enticing hospitable environment created by the innkeepers make this venue something very special, their guests tell Bob and Lisa. Their vision has come to life in ways they never dreamed.

“It’s really just all about a sense and feeling of community, here and in our town and in our church community,” Lisa said.

Related: River Rock Inn a secluded venue for business, relaxation

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