Whether you’re looking for an escape to the mountains, a lake, or a beach getaway, the Pacific Northwest offers it all. For those seeking something a little more unique than your typical hotel, apartment, or cabin, there are plenty of outstanding options here. From the breathtaking Oregon coast to Washington’s sparkling Puget Sound and Idaho’s remote wilderness areas, these are some of the most unique vacation rentals you’ll find.
Crystal Peak Lookout - Fernwood, Idaho
Located deep within the forest, tucked among the cedar and tamarack-covered slopes of Crystal Peak on 13 acres, this space sits among the treetops. You’ll be living with the birds while enjoying breathtaking mountain and sunset views, along with incredible starry nights. Perfect for a romantic couple’s stay, it sleeps up to two and includes a wood-fired stove to keep you warm and heat up your morning coffee. Just below is a wood-fired sauna for a soak after taking advantage of the area’s hiking opportunities or snowshoeing in the winter.
Cozy Sheepherder Canvas-Top Wagon - Bannock County, Idaho
Located 30 minutes from Lava Hot Springs, enjoy a unique stay in a Basque-style sheepherder wagon. While it is a glamping experience, there’s no need to bring your own bedding – you’ll have a cozy down comforter on the queen-size memory foam bed to keep you toasty warm, and the canvas top is fully weatherproof. Just down the hill, there’s an outhouse, and you’ll have a propane fire table for ambiance, warmth and making S’mores. Fresh coffee or tea and seasonal fruit can be delivered in the morning too.
The Hobbit House - Bandon, Oregon
Enjoy a unique glamping type of stay close to the spectacular Southern Oregon coast at the Hobbit House, ideal for “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” fans. It sleeps up to two, tucked into a private wooded setting, and includes a covered deck, picnic table and fire pit area. A private bathroom is just a short walk away along with outdoor showers. The property is often visited by wildlife and has a seasonal pond and creek. As the hosts have chickens, fresh eggs are often included too.
Historic Charming Boat in Downtown Harbor - Gig Harbor, Washington
Located in the heart of picturesque Gig Harbor, this unique rental is a historic boat. “Shamrockin” sits at a rare historic net shed and dock, and comes with complimentary kayaks that make it easy to hop off, paddle around and even stop for lunch with a famous Anthony’s seafood restaurant nearby. It offers magnificent Mount Rainier and sunset views and includes two staterooms, sleeping up to four. You’ll also have a cozy fireplace and an area on the upper deck for sipping your morning coffee or evening cocktails. There’s a BBQ on the dock for cookouts too.
Lighthouse Cottage Property on Puget Sound - Tacoma, Washington
Become an honorary lightkeeper with a stay at this historic restored lightkeeper’s residence. Built in 1903, you’ll be right on the waterfront enjoying spectacular views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains in what was described by the U.S. Lighthouse Society as “one of the finest examples of lighthouse property restoration in the country.” It sleeps up to six in three spacious bedrooms on a property with lush gardens and a sweeping park lawn that dips down to a beach and Browns Point Lighthouse. If you want to experience what it was like to be a lightkeeper back in the day, you can take on those duties, such as putting out the flag daily and maintaining a log of maritime traffic. A modern kitchen, a TV with a DVD player, and Wi-Fi are all included.
Emerald Forest Treehouse - Redmond, Washington
Located on the east side of Lake Washington in the Seattle metro area, this treehouse was spotlighted on “Treehouse Masters,” and sits on 30 forested acres. You’ll be surrounded by huge windows showcasing views of the forest and a private pond. It’s the perfect unique place for enjoying nature while being close to city attractions and includes an outdoor shower and hot tub. You’ll have Wi-Fi, a 100” screen/projector, and a kitchenette too. Plus, every morning a complimentary continental breakfast is served via a 200′ zipline from the main house.
Christopher Robin Writer's Cabin - Clinton, Washington
Enjoy a peaceful retreat on Whidbey Island close to the charming town of Langley in the Christopher Robin Writer’s Cabin. Nestled at the edge of a forest the hosts refer to as the Nestled at the edge of an evergreen forest we cheekily named the “100 Aker Wood,” it sits on a three-acre organic hobby farm with a pond home to swan-like Sebastopol geese, looking as if it came straight out of a storybook. There’s a vintage stained glass window perfectly placed to capture the evening sun which splashes colorful lights around, antique tiger oak furnishings, a chandelier, and embroidery handcrafted by artisans long ago. Electric heaters and quilts are included to keep you warm, while a TV/DVD player can be included upon request. You can even collect your own fresh eggs in the morning for breakfast too.
Sternwheel Riverboat - Newport, Oregon
Enjoy a bed-and-breakfast stay on a sternwheel riverboat by booking a room on the Newport Belle, a unique adults-only option in Newport’s South Beach Marine Harbor on the Central Oregon coast. You’ll be close to all the attractions like Nye Beach, the Old Bayfront, and the renowned aquarium. Look forward to spectacular water views, waking up to a three-course made-to-order breakfast, and even a happy hour, all included in the room rate.
Cozy 3-Story Lookout Tower - Terrebonne, Oregon
Inspired by a Forest Service fire lookout tower, the Lookout Tower is one of the most popular Airbnbs in the region, as a destination in its own right. While it’s located just 20 miles from popular Bend, you might want to just hang out here, relaxing and recharging with a 360-degree unobstructed view of 13 snow-capped Cascade Mountain peaks. You’ll have easy access to scenic hiking trails if you want to get more active, including options in Smith Rocks State Park right across the highway, while fishing or rafting can be enjoyed on the nearby Deschutes River. The property includes an outdoor hot tub, and in the summer, a golf course and community saltwater pool can be enjoyed too. The space itself includes all the essentials, like free Wi-Fi and a kitchen.
The Depot: Stay in a Real Caboose - Joseph, Oregon
Train enthusiasts are sure to love staying in this converted caboose. Located in Joseph, a popular base in northeast Oregon for exploring the Wallowa Mountains, including hiking trails in the Eagle Cap Wilderness as well as fishing and paddling on Wallowa Lake, it accommodates up to four with one double bed and two bunk beds. There’s a kitchen, shower, and toilet, while the property includes a small coffee shop, store, farm and herb garden. Yoga classes, women’s empowerment workshops, live music, and other events are hosted throughout the summer too.
The Long Island Houseboat Rental - Sandpoint, Idaho
The “Long Island” is a houseboat on Lake Pend Oreille with three staterooms, sleeping up to eight. It includes all the comforts of home along with complimentary access to kayaks and a paddleboard, plus there’s a slide for gliding right into the water too. While you can’t take the houseboat out on your own, the hosts may be able to take you out on a cruise for an additional fee.
