Visiting Cot’s Peak Coffee in Naches
Remarkable coffee is an essential part of any road trip. So, when Basalt Roasters popped up on my radar while planning a weekend getaway to Yakima Valley, a visit to the roastery landed on my itinerary. It’s located within Cot’s Peak Coffee in the town of Naches, just twenty minutes from downtown Yakima. Read on for more about our experience in the unique coffee house, and how to make the most of time spent in Naches.
Step inside Cot’s Peak Coffee
Upon entering the bright café, an interior window to the right offers a peek into the unassuming one-room roastery of Basalt Roasters. Sourcing beans sustainably and cultivating relationships with producers is key here. High quality coffee roasted in small batches on site? Yes, please! Be sure to buy some beans to take home. There’s even a coffee subscription for the convenience of home delivery.
All the classic coffee house drinks are available at Cot’s Peak and exude the heady aromatics one expects while delivering rich and smooth flavors. Henrik Pellicer, the general manager of the coffee shop attached to the roastery and Basalt’s primary production roaster, tells me the most popular drink is an Americano with white chocolate.
Delectable fresh pastries and breads, including donuts and bagels, come from a nearby local bakery. You can’t go wrong with a toasted everything bagel with garlic cream cheese.
The coffee house has a casual and welcoming vibe, designed to offer a comfortable gathering place. Guests might not ever be able to tell this was once a bank if not for the “merch vault” – a reimagined use for the vault. Light bounces off the lustrous metallic finish of the remaining safe-deposit boxes, making for a fun and unique shopping experience for mugs, logo t-shirts and other goods.
Would we visit Cot’s Peak Coffee again? Absolutely! The excellent coffee, thoughtful service, unique features and surrounding beauty are worth a stop.
Exploring Naches
According to the Naches website, “The Town is a small residential community of 805 with its roots in agriculture and logging and a multitude of nearby outdoor recreational opportunities.”It’s an easy side excursion if you’re in the Yakima Valley.
As for Cot’s Peak, it’s the tallest point on Cleman Mountain and can be seen from the coffee house. The real life “Cot” was a climber who got his nickname due to his apricot colored hair. Though, if you’re not up for hiking the hills, consider a leisurely stroll around the quaint town. There’s a pleasant walking path.
After that, if you’re in the mood for wine tasting or cocktails, head to the nearby scenic Wilridge Vineyard, Winery, and Distillery. Proprietor and winemaker Paul Beveridge grows twenty-three grape varieties that yield exciting wines with European character.
Nancy Croisier, a Seattle native, is a graduate of the Northwest Wine Academy, a Certified Specialist of Wine, and founder of VinoSocial. She is on a mission to get every winery on social media and a bottle of wine on every dinner table. Read more of Nancy’s writing in the Slow Wine Guide USA, Washington Tasting Room Magazine and on the VinoSocial.wine site. For more wine and food discoveries, follow @VinoSocialNancy on Instagram.
