Notes from
The Trees
Filter by Category
Game Day Guide: Great Things To Do in Seattle If You’re Visiting
The biggest soccer tournament in the world is coming to Seattle this summer, and you may be wondering what to do around the area in between games. The Pacific Northwest is packed with unforgettable experiences from small town coffeeshops and scenic hiking trails to iconic city adventures. Here’s our guide for the best things to do in the Greater Seattle Area this summer.
Photo by Stephen Plopper.
The biggest soccer tournament in the world is coming to Seattle this summer, and you may be wondering what to do around the area in between games. The Pacific Northwest is packed with unforgettable experiences from small town coffeeshops and scenic hiking trails to iconic city adventures… Where do you even start?
To help you plan the perfect Greater Seattle getaway, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite summer outings for tourists and locals alike.
Your Home Base
For those discovering us for the first time, we’re a treehouse bed and breakfast located just 22 miles (about 30 minutes) from Seattle. Nestled along the Raging River, our 7 whimsical treehouses and 3 additional unique stays make the perfect home base for your summer travels in the Pacific Northwest.
If you haven’t heard about our cozy retreat, learn more here.
Photos of our Trillium treehouse by Claymore MacTarnaghan.
Seattle Must-Sees
Seattle is Washington State’s largest city, brimming with cafés, museums, waterfront views, and vibrant neighborhoods. Since Treehouse Point is just a short drive away, it’s easy to spend a full day exploring the city before retreating back to the trees.
Photo by Felipe Galvan.
If you’re driving into Seattle from the east side (where Treehouse Point is located) you’ll cross Lake Washington via I-90.
The I-90 floating bridges actually once held the world record as longest floating bridges in the world, before being surpassed by the SR 520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, which crosses over the same lake, just a few miles north! It’s amazing that the three longest floating bridges in the world all connect to Seattle.
Want to see both? Take I-90 into the city, then head back across Lake Washington on SR 520 for a scenic alternate route.
Photo by Felipe Galvan.
Pike Place Market
Photo by Angel Ceballoson Unsplash.
Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most iconic destinations, and is one of the longest operating public markets in United States history. It’s vibrant and bustling with farmers markets, crafters stands, flower vendors, restaurants, and countless small businesses! This market is one of the longest operating public markets in United States history.
Photo by Gerda.
While you’re at Pike Place, stop by the famous Pike Place Fish Market to witness the legendary fish tossing tradition that’s entertained visitors for decades.
Photo by Yousef Salhamoud.
After wandering through the market, pop in a stick of gum and head down the stairs to visit Seattle’s famous Gum Wall. The wall is packed full of brightly colored gum. It’s unexpectedly gorgeous… as long as you don’t think too hard about how the gum got there.
Space Needle
If you’ve ever searched “Seattle,” chances are you’ve seen pictures of the Space Needle piercing the sky. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the tower has become one of the most recognizable landmarks of Washington State. Designed around the fair’s futuristic “Living in the Space Age” theme, even the paint colors reflected the excitement over space travel, with names like “Astronaut White,” “Orbital Olive,” and “Galaxy Gold.”
Guests can ride the elevator to the observation deck for views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier.
Photo by Andrea Leopardi.
Alki Beach
Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at Alki Beach in West Seattle. This laid-back waterfront stretch is perfect for beach volleyball, biking, walking along the shore, or grabbing a bowl of clam chowder with a view of the Seattle skyline.
You can even have a bonfire with friends at the beach. “Beach fire season” spans from from May 22-Sept. 7.
Seattle Underground Tour
Seattle has an entire hidden city beneath its streets. As someone who has lived in the area my whole life, I only recently went on an Underground Tour. It ended up being one of the most fascinating tours I’ve ever experienced. Seeing what “old” Seattle looked like beneath the modern city was incredible, and learning how and why Seattle was literally rebuilt on top of itself blew my mind. I’d definitely recommend the Underground Tour if you have the time.
More Seattle Favorites
Other Seattle highlights worth adding to your itinerary include:
Capitol Hill for incredible coffee shops, restaurants, and nightlife
Around the Valley
If you’re heading east toward the mountains, there’s plenty to explore beyond Seattle as well. Treehouse Point is located in a forest next to the Raging River, and just a 5 minute drive from Fall City. On your way to Snoqualmie Falls, make a pit stop in Fall City for coffee, pastries, and small-town charm.
Photo of Temple at Treehouse Point by Claymore MacTarnaghan.
Fall City
Fall City is so small that it’s technically a village, but don’t underestimate the beauty and small businesses that calls this quaint area home. Fall City overflowing with unique hidden gems.
Treehouse Kitchen: One of our favorites is Treehouse Kitchen, created by our Head Chef Manny Rodriguez and General Manager Abbey. This dream project brings elevated ready-to-heat meals, pastries, and locally inspired flavors to the heart of the Snoqualmie Valley. Coming soon!
Aroma Coffee Co: Make sure to stop by Aroma Coffee Co for a delicious specialty coffee in the trees! Syrups are house-made by Chef Manny and their coffee is designed custom from Camber Coffee in Bellingham. Some Treehouse Kitchen pastries and meals will soon be available there as well.
Pete’s Treefort: See the magical Pete’s Treefort donated to Fall City by Pete Nelson on Treehouse Kitchen and Aroma Coffee Co’s shared property!
Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington’s most iconic landmarks and an absolute must-see for first-time visitors. The waterfall plunges 270 feet into the Snoqualmie River below and features scenic upper and lower viewing areas. Parking is free at both the Upper and Lower viewing lots. Drive down to the second viewing area from the top, or hike down the 0.7 mile trail.
Whether you stop for a quick photo or spend time hiking the trail, the falls are especially beautiful during the summer months.
Photo by Michael Sanchez.
Nearby HIKING
Looking to stretch your legs inbetween games? The Snoqualmie Valley and Greater Snoqualmie Area offer some incredible hiking opportunities:
Photo of Burl at Treehouse Point by Claymore MacTarnaghan.
Issaquah Must-Sees
As you venture out of the Valley, you don’t have to go far to find one of our favorite spots: Issaquah, Washington. Enjoy some delicious grub at Black Duck Cask and Bottle, and then set out to explore the wilderness. Who knows… you may even stumble upon a troll.
Jakob Two Trees
Tucked in the forest is something quite surprising. As you explore Issaquah, you may find yourself wandering the paved Rainier trail and coming face to face with a troll! This 14 foot troll is named Jakob Two Trees, and was made by Thomas Dambo and his team in 2023 from recycled materials.
There are five other trolls made by Thomas Dambo in the Pacific Northwest. They live in Bainbridge Island, Ballard, Seattle, Portland, Vashon Island and West Seattle! These all fall under the theme of “Way of the Bird King.“
Pete even went to Thomas Dambo’s studio, just outside of Copenhagen!
Hang Out at Lake Sammamish
Spend time by the water at Lake Sammamish. Enjoy biking or walking the paved trails, or spend a leisurely day kayaking, canoeing, or renting a pedal boat on the peaceful lake!
Back to the Trees
Whether you’re here for the matches, the mountains, or simply a summer escape, Seattle and the surrounding areas offer endless ways to experience the Pacific Northwest. And at the end of the day, you can return to our quiet treehouse forest, fall asleep in the trees, and wake up feeling refreshed.
Stay With Us!
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a single-night escape, or a quiet retreat in nature, Treehouse Point has what you’re looking for.
With seven one-of-a-kind treehouses to choose from, and three iconic additional accommodations, there’s a perfect stay waiting for you.
Be sure to tag @treehousepoint to share your magical adventures in the trees with us!
20 Years in the Trees: The Journey of Treehouse Point
For two decades, our bed and breakfast has welcomed guests from all over the world to stay in the trees. What began in 2006 as a single treehouse offering an intimate forest getaway has grown into seven whimsical treehouses and three additional accommodations. Join us as we look back on how this cozy escape came to be, and the legacy Pete and Judy Nelson created along the way.
Wow! We can’t believe it. It’s already been 20 years since the humble beginnings of Treehouse Point, when our bed and breakfast was just a single treehouse welcoming guests into the forest.
Our team and venue has grown so much since then. We’ve added a total of seven unique treehouses and three additional accommodations, our final one being LoveBomb in 2024, so people can experience the Pacific Northwest in a one-of-a-kind way.
Today, we’re reflecting on the journey that brought us here, and the heart behind what makes this place so special.
Photo by Luma Weddings
How Treehouse Point Came to be
In April of 2006, Pete Nelson purchased some property tucked between the Raging River and the Preston-Fall City Road. Unassuming and full of thick, healthy trees and foliage, Pete knew this land was the perfect spot for the treehouse retreat that he and his wife, Judy, had been dreaming of building.
Photos by Claymore MacTarnaghan
Of course, the path wasn’t without its challenges. At the time, treehouses were far less common in commercial spaces than they are today. With so many unknowns, Pete and Judy had to get creative, experimenting with innovative building techniques like tree pulling, as shown below.
Tree pulling is a non-invasive method to measure the strength of our trees to ensure guest safety.
The Creation of Treehouses
Pete Nelson and his team specialize in bringing childhood dreams to life. For many people, the idea of living in treehouses and wandering through the woods gets left behind with childhood. Not because the desire disappears, but because it no longer feels possible. Since 2006, Treehouse Point has invited adults to dream again.
The first invitation was in the form of Temple of the Blue Moon.
You may notice the grand columns along the entry way and horizontal logs across the top of the structure. These enchanting features were not added to Temple of the Blue Moon on a whim. The treehouse was intentionally designed as a woodland variation of the Greek Parthenon— one of the most iconic architectural structures in the world and a great inspiration for Pete!
Photo by Claymore MacTarnaghan.
Temple of the Blue Moon was completed in 2006 and was the first treehouse guests could stay in when Treehouse Point opened. At the time, the bridge was narrower than it is today and dipped down in the middle, resembling a hanging bridge.
In 2019, Temple of the Blue Moon was renovated into the magical treetop escape you see today.
Photo by Claymore MacTarnaghan.
“We stayed in Temple of the Blue Moon which was perfect. Our bed was surrounded by windows and there were skylights up above so you could really see and feel being in the tree. ”
Over the years, more treehouses joined the forest. Burl, our romantic two-story retreat, was completed in 2013.
Originally, it featured a crow’s nest designed for guests to climb and take in sweeping views of the surrounding woods. Due to safety considerations, the ladder was later removed, but the spirit of adventure remains woven into its design.
Does Burl look familiar? You may have spotted it on Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters with Pete Nelson.
Breakfasts at Treehouse Point
Judy’s love of cooking has always been a cornerstone of the experience here. In the early days, Judy would be the one in the kitchen making guests their delicious breakfast. Though she’s now focusing on other projects, her legacy lives on through recipes like her beloved granola, yogurt with lemon curd, and signature potato hash. Breakfast is served every morning 8:30am-10:00am in the Lodge by our team of talented and kind-hearted chefs!
Photos by Tiare Bowman
After you enjoy a hearty breakfast, wander down to our pond and you’ll see our iconic rainbow trout! They’ve grown so much over the past couple years, thanks to guests tossing them pellets from fish food dispenser to the left of the tables.
Photo by Sammy Spence
“I was obsessed with the trout pond and I enjoyed stopping by every morning and throwing out a few bits of the fish food set out for guests to feed them.”
Photos by Tiare Bowman
DOes the River Actually Rage?
As you lay your head down to sleep high in the canopy, you may hear the distant roar of rushing water. How can that be when you’re so high up in the trees? The answer lies just beyond the water bank.
At the edge of Treehouse Point flows the Raging River, which acts as a natural boundary for the property and serves as an important waterway supporting endangered Chinook salmon and steelhead recovery.
Photos by Claymore MacTarnaghan.
In the fall and winter, the Raging River lives up to its name as the water moves fast and strong, creating a moodier atmosphere throughout the property. Treehouses like Ananda, Temple of the Blue Moon, Burl, and our accommodation Hideaway all have views of the river during this season.
Photo by Tiare Bowman.
By late spring and summer, the river calms down. It becomes a quieter place to spend time, whether that’s stacking stone cairns along the shore or sitting by the water with a book.
Photos by Sammy Spence and Tiare Bowman.
“Seeing bald eagles and so much untouched nature was incredible.”
a forest backdrop for Celebrations
What began as a single treehouse has grown into something much more. Today, Treehouse Point is a place for connection and celebration, from quiet escapes to weddings, elopements, and retreats. People travel from all over the world to say “I do” beneath the canopy, drawn by the magic that lives in these trees.
Photos by Flint and Stone Co., Ashley Scheider, and Bear Beau Photography.
“You are not going to find a more magical place than Treehouse Point! We were married here in May 2025 and I cannot understate how unforgettable it was.”
Photo by Ashley Scheider.
Tour The Forest and Experience Wonder!
Each month, we offer tours of the property so guests of all ages can step into the forest and discover the story still unfolding here. Explore the history, craftmanship, and unique woodland details with our talented tour guides.
On rare occasion, we offer an exclusive private tour with Treehouse Master Pete Nelson, where an intimate group of guests tour the treehouses, have an intimate Q&A over charcuterie and wine with Pete, then spend two-nights in our most sought-after treehouses.
Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to know when the next one goes live!
Where we are now
And there it is! It’s been two decades since we’ve began welcoming people into the trees. From Temple of the Blue Moon in 2006, to the first ever ADA-accessible commercial treehouse in Washington in 2021, we welcome all people to experience the magic of treehouses.
Notice the long ramp that leads to Ananda’s front door, designed to make the treehouse accessible for guests with mobility needs. We want as many people as possible to experience the trees, which led the crew at Nelson Treehouse and Supply to create this beautiful mobility-friendly treehouse.
Photos by Claymore MacTarnaghan.
“ Treehouses lift the spirits. They inspire dreams. They represent freedom: from adults or adulthood, from duties and responsibilities, from an earthbound perspective. If we can’t fly with the birds, at least we can nest with them.”
Photos by Claymore MacTarnaghan.
Stay With Us!
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a single-night escape, or a quiet retreat in nature, Treehouse Point has what you’re looking for.
With seven one-of-a-kind treehouses to choose from, and three iconic additional accommodations, there’s a perfect stay waiting for you.
Be sure to tag @treehousepoint to share your magical adventures in the trees with us!