Want to sleep in a treehouse? I recently got to stay in a Hipcamp Cathedral Treehouse 10 minutes from Jedediah Smith State Park. This redwood forest dome treehouse is extremely unique and the only of its kind. If you plan to visit Northern California or Oregon, this part of the US is left to be explored.
Photography on this blog is in collaboration with Melissa Miller on social media. Follow her for travel inspiration!
Geodesic Dome Treehouse
This glamping redwood forest treehouse is a part of a sustainable permaculture farm In Crescent City, CA. The treehouse is just 10 minutes from downtown and 5 minutes from Jedediah Smith State Park.
From Portland: 6 hours
From San Francisco: 6.5 hours
About On the property you will be greeted by farm cats, a dog, and many chickens. Behind the property there is a gorgeous section of redwood forest, that were saved from logging. The owners decided what better way to use the space then to turn it into 3 rental sites. Carefully crafted of salvaged redwood parts, the intention behind the space is proven immediately as you walk over to the treehouse. Staying on this property helps preserve the land from being sold off for commercial logging.
The Redwood Cathedral Treehouse sits on a platform sits 22 feet above the ground on a wooden platform. You walk from your parking spot through the woods, so I would advise on bringing a backpack with you to carry what you need for the night. There is a spiral staircase that goes up to the first deck where there is a small table, garbage cans, and filtered water. At the base there is an exposed bathroom with a composting toilet and a handwashing station. When I say exposed, there is only a shower curtain to close as you go to the bathroom.
What to Expect
As you walk up the staircase to the highest viewing platform, you are greeted with the dome on the platform. The Redwood Forest of this property is extremely stunning to witness from above. There is only a bug net protecting you from the elements, and no heat. There are sleeping pads inside the platform, but I advise you bring: sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and a pillow to make it more comfortable.
When we arrived the owner had a plastic tarp over the dome. Since I was there photographing for Hip Camp, we had him remove the tarp. As we were sleeping it started to rain, and water dripped onto us. I suggested they find an alternative for keeping it dry during rainy season, but I do believe this stay is best enjoyed during the summer months. It is important to note that the redwood forest can be quite wet, so prepare properly!
@itsloganmarie #ad I took my sustainably made @gorumpl_ blanket up to this treehouse in the redwoods. #gorumpl #sustainablymade #uniquestays #californiacheck 🎥@miss.rover
♬ original sound – Logan Marie
How To Prepare
This is as close to camping as it can get! Pack what you need to cook your own food, and bring a cooler since there is not a refrigerator on site for you to use. We enjoyed dinner in Crescent City, just 10 minutes down the road at Kin Khao. Delicious! Seaquake Brewing and Port O Pints are additional recommendations.
Tiny Home
On the property there is also a tiny house that is heated. It is equipped with a queen size bed, outdoor kitchen and shower, composting toilet. Inside there is a couch and everything you need to stay cozy and comfortable. This cabin is the most private part of the farm as it is the furthest away from the farm itself. There is also a back deck with two chairs for relaxing.
Tent Platform
On site there is also a tent platform that you can rent. You have access to a picnic table, and composting toilet that is shared with people on the farm. This is a great option if your looking to visit the redwoods and stay dry off the ground. Plus, you can see the treehouse dome from the tent platform.
Nearby Hiking
Whenever I am driving south or staying in Cave Junction for a treehouse, visiting the redwoods in Jedediah State Park is a must. The furthest north section of the redwoods, Jedediah is a park that you can drive through entirely. So don’t worry if it’s raining or hiking isn’t your thing, you can drive through the park and see the giant trees in all of their glory. It is important to note that many of these trails are not dog friendly, to protect the redwoods.
My favorite hikes in this park are:
–Fern Falls via Boy Scout Trail: 7.1 miles with 938 feet of elevation gain. This trail will take you to one of the largest trees in the park.
–Simpson-Reed Trail: .9 mile walk through the redwoods with a beautiful bridge crossing and stunning trail wedged between giant redwoods.
–Grove of Titans: 1.3 miles with 121 feet of elevation gain. A short walk through humble giants.
What to Pack
Many of the treehouses I stay in are border line camping, and for this site I consider it to be that. The platform comes with pads on the inside, but I brought my own sleeping pad just in case it wasn’t comfortable. Here is a list of items to prepare for your visit:
-cooking stove and cooking tools
–Go Rumpl Blanket to stay cozy while I was in the treehouse
-toiletries to prepare for a composting toilet (wipes, hand sanitizer)
–Go Rumpl Everywhere Mat– I laid this on the sleeping pads before putting down my own sleeping materials to make sure I slept on a clean barrier.
-Headlamp and additional lighting. There isn’t any lighting in this treehouse or on the outside, so bringing battery or solar powered lighting is essential since there isn’t anywhere to plug in.
Other Nearby Destinations
Smith River: one of the first places I visited when I moved out here. Some of the clearest water in a river I have ever seen!
Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor is just 40 miles north of the treehouse. Visit my blog on the area for ideas!
Nearby Stays to Check Out
If you want to do a treehouse tour, you are in the right area. Just north of Crescent City in Oregon, Cave Junction is home to two treehouse ‘treesort’ properties. First, at Paradise Treehouse Resort, and Out N’ About Treesort. I have stayed at both, and they have their own unique charm. Be sure to read my blogs and pre-book your stay!
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This post was created in partnership with Rumpl. I only work with brands that I personally use, and trust. All ideas and opinions expressed are entirely my own. This blog post does contain affiliate links, which gives my blog a commission.
