Finding vacation rentals - and offseason bargains

For a winter getaway, here are some Washington areas that have many vacation rentals, from cabins to fancy waterfront homes.

In the winter offseason, there are substantial discounts at beach and island destinations. Another advantage: Some vacation homes on San Juan Island and Whidbey Island that require a minimum rental of a week in summer reduce it to a two- or three-night minimum in the offseason.

If you're comfortable renting through a private owner, instead of through a vacation-rental agency or resort, check the Web sites of HomeAway (www.homeaway.com) and Vacation Rentals By Owner (www.vrbo.com). They're major clearinghouses with vacation rentals throughout Washington.

Besides Lakedale Resort on San Juan, here's a sampling of other places to hide out. If you like what you see on the Web site, it never hurts to phone and double-check for more discounts.

San Juan Island

Lonesome Cove Resort: A dirt road leads to this tranquil, old-fashioned resort of a half-dozen log cabins. The small, simple beachfront cabins are so popular that much of next summer already is sold out; www.lonesomecove.com or 360-378-4477.

Harrison House Suites: This historic house in Friday Harbor offers suites with separate bedrooms and full kitchens, including one that can sleep up to 10; www.harrisonhousesuites.com or 800-407-7933.

Vacation home rentals: Find dozens of links to vacation rentals on San Juan, both agencies and individual owners, through the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, www.sanjuanisland.org/visitoraccommodations.html.

Windermere Vacations Rentals manages dozens of vacation houses on San Juan, Orcas and Lopez islands. Most are luxurious second homes, with commensurate rental rates, but rates can drop by 25 percent or more outside the summer season; www.windermerevacationrentals.com or 800-391-8190.

Langley area: Get listings for vacation rentals, from cottages to farmhouses and big beachfront homes, at www.visitlangley.com/lodging. For a real splurge, the Inn at Langley, a luxurious hotel, has 1,500-square-foot Master Suites with kitchens and living rooms. See www.innatlangley.com.

For upscale waterfront rentals around the island, see www.whidbeyretreats.com.

Natapoc Lodging has five cabins/houses along the Wenatchee River outside of Leavenworth, including one three-story house that can sleep up to 18; www.natapoc.com.

Kahler Glen rents homes, condos and townhomes on a golf course (cross-country ski trails in winter) outside Leavenworth near Lake Wenatchee State Park; www.kahlerglen.com

This rural valley of north-central Washington is loaded with second homes, from cozy log cabins to sprawling homes, that are rented to vacationers. Some are listed through the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce, www.winthropwashington.com, or through Central Reservations, www.centralreservations.net.