A footbridge links two compact treehouses high above the forested ridgelines of Skamania County, Washington. Step onto either deck and Douglas fir canopy stretches in every direction. Rolling hills and quiet woodland fill the horizon beyond. This is The Cinder Cone, a twin-treehouse property that wins people over through clever design rather than size.
Each treehouse measures just 220 square feet, yet neither feels like a compromise. An architect conceived the project after years of living in a van, and that experience shows. Every surface has a job, and every window frames something worth looking at. What sounds like minimalism on paper feels like careful editing in person.
The build itself has an unusual story. A close circle of friends and a skilled carpenter spent roughly a year raising both structures together. You can sense that in the finish, which has the warmth of handmade work rather than a contractor following a spec sheet. One treehouse serves as the architect's own home, while the other welcomes guests who want a night among the firs.
The amenities carry more surprise than their descriptions suggest. A hot tub sits within easy reach of the forest views, which makes evenings on the property especially easy. Then there is the skate park, carved directly into the hillside below. It signals real personality and genuine investment, far beyond a box-ticking list of guest comforts.
The footbridge deserves its own mention. Crossing it puts you at canopy height, with branches close enough to read the bark. You feel properly elevated in the forest instead of simply near it. That contrast between a tiny interior and an enormous outlook defines the stay.
Late spring through early autumn is the most comfortable time to visit. From May to September, mild days and long evenings suit the deck and the hot tub. July and August run warmest and driest, with daytime highs around the high twenties Celsius. March, April and October trade warmth for atmosphere, with low cloud and moss-draped trees. Winter stays are cool, rainy and calm, and they suit guests who enjoy moody Pacific Northwest weather.
The Cinder Cone suits travellers who want texture alongside tranquillity. Anyone curious about compact architecture will find plenty to study, and forest escape seekers will find plenty to enjoy. Skaters and hot-tub devotees will feel especially at home. If you believe a small space, designed with real intention, can feel expansive, this twin-treehouse hideaway proves the point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the setup at The Cinder Cone Treehouses?
A: The property has two compact treehouses of 220 square feet each, joined by a footbridge at canopy height. It sits on forested ridgelines in Skamania County, Washington, with Douglas fir canopy, rolling hills and woodland views from the decks.
Q: Can guests stay in both treehouses?
A: One treehouse is the architect-owner's home, and the other is the guest stay. Guests still get the footbridge crossing and the canopy-level setting that links the two structures.
Q: What are the standout features besides the treehouse itself?
A: A hot tub sits within easy reach of the forest views, which suits evenings on the property. A skate park carved into the hillside below adds a distinctive touch that most treehouse stays don't offer.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: May to September is usually the most comfortable window, with mild days of roughly 10–25°C that suit the decks and nearby rivers and trails. July and August are typically warmest and driest. March, April and October are cooler and wetter, but the mossy trees and low cloud suit guests who like moody Pacific Northwest atmosphere.
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