Add an extra dash of magic to your vacay when you book a stay at one of these dreamy treetop retreats
Washington has so many majestic trees, they practically call out for a creative conversion and peaceful night’s sleep. Sleep among the clouds at a treehouse escape, your fairy tale awaits. Check into one of these eleven enchanting treehouse rentals in Washington, and frolic with your fine feathered next door neighbors. Summer can’t get here soon enough!
Treehouse Whidbey | Whidbey Island
For serious tranquility, check into Treehouse Whidbey-a sleek, wooden architectural gem, designed for serene 360-degree views amidst a private five-acre forest. This “floating” home is supported by four Douglas fir trees and sits 14 feet above the ground. It’s a perfectly designed tiny house, with functional, elegant décor. Every nook has a comfy place to curl up with tea and a book. Hidden doors in the walls provide coffee, Turkish linens, and extra blankets. Outside swing in a hammock, meander down the path to Possession Beach Waterfront Park, or ask superhosts Max & Tatiana to ignite the firepit. Grab wine, charcuterie, and a lunch box to-go from Ciao for a picturesque al fresco feast on the treehouse balcony. Then play Whidbey-opoly to learn all about the place you just decided to move to—so you can live in a tree.
Treehouse tip: Stock up on food to barbecue if the weather permits; the treehouse is so charming you won’t want to leave. But if you decide to explore, superhosts Max and Tatiana live on property and have wonderful suggestions for things to do on the island.
Sleeps: 4
Costs: $355/night
Online: airbnb.com
Skamania Lodge | Stevenson
Skamania Lodge has non-stop fun for families, but the best way to experience the property is to stay in one of their six magical treehouses. Gather the extended family and book them all—it’s a group slumber party up in the air. These high-in-the-sky rooms come with s’mores kits for the fire pits below, decks for star gazing, and an indoor/outdoor fireplace. Some even have guitars for campfire ballads. Littles will love the queen beds nestled into the window nook, with curtains that can close to create their own fort. Climb down from the trees and enjoy the lodge grounds. The resort has a welcoming greatroom with a crackling fire and a rolling lawn that seems to plunge directly into the Columbia River. Activities abound here. Go zip lining, try axe throwing, or sip wine in the Adirondack chairs. The indoor pool will make a splash with the kids, and parents will love the outdoor hot tub with its soothing waterfall.
Treehouse tip: The treehouses are wildly popular so book well in advance. All treehouses have complete bathrooms but not full kitchens. Plan to eat meals at the lodge.
Sleeps: 4
Cost: starting at $450/night
Online: skamania.com
TreeHouse Point | Fall City
TreeHouse Point is a retreat nestled in a lush forest 30 minutes east of Seattle. Curious to try some forest bathing? Pete and Judy Nelson are the proprietors and creators of TreeHouse Point, and they love to teach guests how to bathe their senses among the trees. There are six tree houses, a central lodge, an event space, and two cedar-lined bathhouses on the resort property. Breakfast is served in the lodge and offers picnic options for dining al fresco by Raging River or the fire pit. The activity menu is intriguing–yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, massage, and hypnotherapy. This is a quiet, relaxing place where guests can borrow books and board games, meet people or just meditate amidst the flora.
Treehouse tip: This is an adults-only retreat (Quick! Call the babysitter.) Only the Burl treehouse has a flushing toilet. The Upper Pond, Temple of the Blue Moon, and Nest have composting toilets. The Bonbibi does not have a bathroom but is located only a few feet away from the bathhouses.
Sleeps: 2
Cost: starting at $300/night
Online: treehousepoint.com
The Klickitat Treehouse | White Salmon
Chic and sleek, this treehouse would win all the TV design awards. This Scandinavian-style black wood, modern treehouse is fully supported by three Douglas Fir trees. It sits 20 feet above the ground at its highest point and floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights offer picturesque views of the surrounding forest, valley and Mount Adams. Snuggle up with blankets and pillows in the living room during the winter or slide open the glass doors to the view deck during the summer. Every accent, furniture piece and detail are perfectly curated. The Klickitat Treehouse has heating, AC, indoor and outdoor showers, an indoor wood-burning fireplace (total bonus), a kitchen and private fire pit. Don’t forget binoculars for bird watching and board games for hunkering down.
Treehouse tip: The treehouse sleeps six but you can rent out the adjoining tiny house to sleep an additional two people.
Sleeps: 6
Cost: $393/night
Online: airbnb.com
The Squirrel’s Nest | Redmond
Cozy is this retreat’s middle name. Built around a fir tree, The Squirrel’s Nest is a 280-square-foot tree house, with a winding staircase leading guests up into the trees, 15 feet above the ground, to the front door. The décor inside is country rustic, with tree trunks accenting the bed and loft area. The house sleeps four, two outdoor balconies deliver bird’s eye views and it is insulated, heated, and wired for electricity. There is a toilet, sink, small refrigerator, toaster and coffee maker, and the pantry is filled with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate for cool mornings. Guests are welcome to bring additional food and enjoy while sitting out on the balconies or inside by the fireplace. There are trails nearby for getting lost in the forest and enjoying your new nature neighbors.
Treehouse tip: There is a simple toilet and sink, but no shower at this peaceful retreat. The balconies are dangerous as they are high above the ground, so keep an eye on kiddos at all times.
Sleeps: 4
Cost: $229/night
Online: airbnb.com
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat | Orcas Island
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat is a communal experience that feels like a sophisticated adult summer camp. Set on 38 acres of gorgeous waterfront land, there is a diverse selection of accommodations. Cabins, yurts, domes, and campsites can be reserved but we have our eye on the one incredible treehouse option. Built and designed to be featured on the show The Treehouse Guys, it has the best view of the property and Salish Sea. Climb a ladder to enter, sit in Adirondack chairs on the wrap-around deck or get hygge inside among the trunks and branches. The house is heated and has a mini fridge, partial bath with toilet and sink, and many comfy places to relax. For more unwinding, head to the soaking tubs, spa or serenity garden. A fire pit keeps the evening gathering going with s'mores and warmth. This summer make plans to check in for Doe Bay Fest—artists and musicians will be staying on-site and performing live.
Treehouse tip: Guests must be physically able to climb a ladder to enter the accommodation—potentially an issue with small children, and pets are not allowed. Doe Bay Café serves seed-to-table delicious food, so leave those aprons at home.
Sleeps: 4
Cost: $265-$396/night
Online: doebay.com
Hansel Creek Tree House | Peshastin
The only treehouse in the Leavenworth area, and within walking distance to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Trailhead, Hansel Creek Tree House is built over a babbling brook and seemingly propped up by two majestic trees. A short walk leads guests to this picturesque cabin in the woods, built from salvaged timber by the owner (and some nice friends). Indoors the space is well-designed: exposed beams, a tree branch with a feathered friend made of wood, stained glass, and iron stools well-situated for leaf gazing. A king-size memory foam bed in the loft assures parents a peaceful slumber, while the downstairs area contains a comfy sofa and an air mattress (sleeps up to four people) that work well for kids. The heated cabin has a refrigerator, coffee maker, and kitchenware. On the porch, a barbecue encourages outdoor food fun. The property offers 150 acres to explore, so bring snowshoes, skis, mountain bikes, or hiking boots to this magical abode. After a brisk evening stroll, warm up by the fire pit.
Treehouse tip: Hansel Creek Tree House shares a heated indoor shower, with hot water and bathroom in a separate building. Ask the hosts about gold panning. The kids will love trying their luck in the creek.
Sleeps: 4
Cost: $201/night
Online: airbnb.com
Tree Home Suite | Whidbey Island
Tree Home Suite feels like something out of a children’s storybook. Forest animals are your neighbors; tame deer, ravens, eagles, and resident owls sing and chat throughout your stay. The 250-square-foot octagonal home is built around a cedar tree, with the trunk climbing right through the center of the living space. Windows and skylights bring in outdoor light and views, while keeping guests warm inside. The property serves organic breakfast each morning. Just a few steps away, the dedicated meditation spot overlooks Mutiny Bay and evening sunsets over the water. An electric fireplace adds charm, while the outdoor fire pit can be used as a campfire or to cook hamburgers, hot dogs, or marshmallows for your fam.
Treehouse tip: Children over 12 are allowed. The shower house, just a few footsteps away, provides a shower, sink, and composting toilet. A boat-style septic potty on the deck of the tree house is available for night use.
Sleeps: 4
Cost: $130/night
Online: airbnb.com
Nelson Treehouse | Redmond
Hello, luxury living in the trees! This fantastical abode hovers above the ground, yet guests have everything a dreamy escape requires—hot tub, movie projector, patio perches, a crow’s nest for bird watching, and an outdoor hot shower. A wooden, suspended walkway brings guests to the entrance of the tree house, and kids will say “so cool” each morning when breakfast is delivered via zip line to the porch. Another showstopper is the outdoor hot tub with flat-screen TV, connected to the treehouse by an aerial walkway. Be sure to enjoy the private nature preserve pond that is home to great blue herons, frogs, and beavers, with the main beaver hut visible from the deck. No wonder this getaway was featured on Treehouse Masters!
Treehouse tip: The toilet and sink are accessible off the deck, as is the private outdoor shower with amenities and towels. Snacks are provided in the treehouse for guests to enjoy.
Sleeps: 4
Cost: $476/night
Online: emeraldforestredmond.com
Sasquatch Cabin | Snohomish
Sasquatch Cabin is a spa lover’s dream come true. One highlight is an oval freestanding tub so guests can bathe among the evergreens while watching a flat-screen TV. A sliding alder barn door leads from the bedroom to a private bathroom. This gorgeous getaway is a levitating tiny house with natural wood interior and romantic touches, unbelievably it has two stories. Everything guests need fits within this mini abode—a small kitchenette, cozy living space with a stone fireplace, HD TV, and a smoker/grill on the front deck. On the second floor, a children's sleeping loft overlooks the rest of the bedroom. Nearby hikes and a trailhead for cyclists lead into the charming town of Snohomish.
Treehouse tip: Bring binoculars and a star chart. Situated on a hill, the star-gazing can be quite spectacular. This small space is only comfortable for two adults and one smaller child.
Sleeps: 3
Cost: $180/night
Online: airbnb.com
—Natalie Compagno
