Breakfast arrives by zipline. That detail alone tells you what kind of place the Emerald Forest Treehouse is — designed by Pete Nelson and his team in 2017, and set on 30 private acres of moss-draped evergreens outside Redmond, Washington. It appeared on Treehouse Masters, and the property earns that attention through specifics rather than spectacle.
The treehouse itself sits high among the branches, wrapped in large picture windows that frame the surrounding forest on every side. Inside, a queen bed with plush bedding anchors the main space. A ship's ladder leads up to twin loft beds — a genuinely practical layout for families with children, not just a decorative feature. Heat, a proper bathroom and the usual creature comforts keep things grounded. The interior feels considered rather than fussy.
Step outside and the property opens up. The crow's nest perches roughly 40 feet up, offering a quiet vantage point over the canopy. It is a good place to catch herons, watch morning mist move through the trees, or simply sit with coffee before the day starts. And then there is the zipline — a 150-foot run that delivers your continental breakfast each morning. It is a simple spread, but the method makes it memorable.
Across the beaver pond sits the Emerald Forest Theater, which is exactly as unusual as it sounds. A 16-foot outdoor cinema screen faces a row of box seats suspended in trees. Tree elevators serve the upper positions. When no private event has booked the space, guests are welcome to wander the grounds and explore. The setup is peculiar and specific, and it works — watching a film with branches overhead and stars visible above the screen is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Late spring through early autumn tends to be the most comfortable time to visit. May through September brings mild Pacific Northwest temperatures and the best conditions for using the zipline, spending time on the deck, or combining the stay with nearby hikes and Puget Sound beaches. The shoulder months of March, April and October are cooler and mistier — atmospheric in their own way, and noticeably quieter. Winter months are wet and best suited to guests who want an interior-focused retreat.
The treehouse sleeps up to four guests at $425 per night. It suits couples looking for an occasion-worthy Pacific Northwest escape, but the loft beds and outdoor cinema make it a credible option for families with adventurous children. The Redmond location keeps Seattle and its surroundings within reach for day trips. Cancellations made 30+ days in advance receive a full refund; shorter notice typically incurs a one-night fee.
Most guests arrive by car, and the semi-rural setting on NE Union Hill Rd makes that the practical choice. For those without a vehicle, bus line 224 stops approximately 1.6 km away at 196th Ave NE & NE Union Hill Rd, and bus 269 serves Sahalee Way NE & Redmond Fall City Rd about 1.8 km from the property. Both are approximate straight-line distances. Plan onward connections in advance, as service frequency in this area is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the zipline breakfast work?
A: Each morning a continental breakfast is delivered to the treehouse via a 150-foot zipline. It's a simple spread, but the method is the point — and a good reason to be up early.
Q: Who is this treehouse best suited for?
A: It sleeps up to four guests. The queen bed and twin loft beds (reached by a ship's ladder) make it a genuine option for families with adventurous children, though many guests come as a couple for an occasion-worthy Pacific Northwest getaway.
Q: Can guests use the outdoor cinema?
A: The Emerald Forest Theater — a 16-foot outdoor screen with tree-suspended box seats and tree elevators, sitting across the beaver pond — is open to guests when no private event has it booked. Check with the host when you reserve.
Q: When is the best time of year to visit?
A: Late spring through early autumn (May–September) suits guests who want to make the most of the crow's nest, zipline and deck. The shoulder months of March–April and October are cooler and mistier but noticeably quieter. Winter works best as an interior-focused retreat.
Q: Do you need a car to get there?
A: The property is in a semi-rural woodland setting outside Redmond, and a car is the most practical option. Bus routes 224 and 269 stop within roughly 1.6–1.8 km if you're travelling without a vehicle, but the road walk to the property is a consideration worth planning for.
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