Cedar Creek Treehouse, Ashford, Washington
"Stairway to Heaven" might remind you of the final, clingy dance at your prom, but after climbing up a 82-foot spiral staircase and making your way across a rainbow-colored bridge to the observatory tower of the Cedar Creek Treehouse, it will bring new associations. A trip to this Washington State playground is as trippy as high school, but way cooler. It has two different structures nestled in Douglas fir trees—a jack-and-the-Beanstalk cabin at 50 feet, and an observatory with incomparable views of nearby 14,410-foot Mount Rainier. The cabin has two double beds beneath their own skylights, a stove, and bathroom. The check-in process is fun and funky, too. You'll be mailed a secret map to the property; upon arriving, honk your car horn and owner Bill Compher will come out of the woods to give you a tour and then leave you alone. You supply the food and booze: We suggest picking up a bottle of local Syrah and settling in for the night, listening to the owls' hoots and gazing at the dark, imposing form of Mount Rainier.
Doubles $250 per night

Cedar Creek Treehouse
Tel: 360 569 2991
E-mail: treehouse@mashell.com