Treehouse in the USA: Crystal Peak Lookout

From the Crystal Peak Lookout treehouse, the view is luscious green forest, as far as the eye can see. Its name describes it perfectly; it is a bright red, stunning lookout tower situated on the slopes of Crystal Peak in Northern Idaho, USA. This building was constructed in the 1950s as a little hunting lodge. Under the creative initiative of the current owner, it was completely remodeled and restored in 2018 into the wonderful forest retreat that it now is.

Guests access the Crystal Peak Lookout treehouse via wooden steps painted bright red to match the main building. There is no front door, but instead, a trapdoor! It helps to pack light for a stay here, as luggage is winched up via muscle power in a basket. Inside the treehouse is plenty of space. There is just one central space containing a double bed, seating, shelving, a kitchenette, and a wood-burning stove. The whole space is surrounded by windows and sunlight streams in from all directions. Sunrise and sunset can be enjoyed equally from the comfort of the bed!

In addition to the lovely, light-filled living space of the Crystal Peak Lookout, there are two more structures located on the property. The first one is an unassuming pitched-roof outhouse, and the other is an old woodshed that was transformed into a wood-fired sauna. This tranquil building comes with an outdoor deck and seating around a fire-pit. It offers the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a big hike or snowshoeing adventure.

The Crystal Peak Lookout treehouse is only accessible with a 4×4 vehicle, and the way becomes even more tricky to navigate during snowy winter months. However, this only adds to the appeal of the retreat. 13 acres of forest surround the treehouse and is truly a nature lover’s paradise. Depending on the time of year guests will find huckleberries ripe for the picking, tamarack needles beginning yellow, bluebird boxes full of nestlings, or fresh moose tracks in the snow.

Rates for the Crystal Peak Lookout start from €280 and can be booked via Airbnb.

Photos © the Crystal Peak Lookout / Airbnb.