Where to stay to connect with the land in the Pacific Northwest

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 

I grew up with a keen sense of my Irish heritage, where it wasn’t a suggestion to wear green on March 17th but a requirement. And as I’ve traveled to the old sod many times over the years, I appreciate the connection kept alive between us in the “new world” and those who remained to keep the home fires burning. 

My ​Zoom-guided nature immersions each Wednesday​ this month feature photos curated from my fall visit to Ireland. As I lead people through the 30-minute journey, I’m also transported back to County Donegal in all its squishy, damp richness. The land has a magical power that runs throughout my bones. 

And it reminds me of the importance of connection with the terrain. No matter where you are, nature and a land story surround you. From millions of years of geological activity to the development of human settlements, the soil is rich with a heritage — wanting to connect with you. 

Reuniting with the land is about grounding in your own nature — where you can see the wilderness of your life more clearly. 

The first step toward clarity about what impedes, supports, and transforms you is to opt into nature. If you’re curious about the other five fundamentals, ​I created a YouTube video at Lake Quinault that outlines them under the canopy of age-old fir trees.​ Be sure to check out this video when you finish reading this email. 

Especially if you’re not used to opting into the land — saying “yes” to a deeper connection with the Natural World — decisions on where to stay when traveling can make a difference and give you a head start on a magical engagement with the outdoors. 

I write about my favorite ​unique places to stay in the Pacific Northwest​ — with quirky lodges and historic hotels sure to give you a feeling of connection to the land. You’re steps away from powerful and engaging land spirits in all these cases. 

Of course, diving into the wilderness of your own life can take place anywhere, with any budget. Camping allows you to seep into the terrain, but even if you’re not interested in packing the car full of gear, there are many hybrid options, like rental yurts at State Parks or eclectic offerings like ​Manitou Lodge​ near stunning Rialto Beach near Olympic National Park.

And speaking of the Olympic Peninsula — a locale with fewer options — consider a house share to deepen your relationship with the land.

Since navigating the hundreds of options on booking platforms like Airbnb can be challenging, I have a few suggestions to consider when connecting with the land in a new setting. Full disclosure: These locations are owned by friends passionate about helping people connect to nature. Their love shows in the way they host. 

Olympic Peninsula

This wild corner of Washington State is near to my heart. ​My planning guide​ outlines some of the greatest hits, including the historic lodges at Lake Quinault and Lake Crescent. These landmark locations book up quickly. ​Strait Surf House​offers a private beachfront experience only 30 minutes from Port Angeles and Lake Crescent. I facilitate my ​nature retreats​ here because the spirit of nature abounds in magical ways. 

Mt. Rainier

Mt. Rainier towers above Washington State, making it hard not to feel humbled by nature’s power and grace. Although Paradise Lodge is heavenly, it books up well in advance. Consider ​Fernhaus in Ashford​, near the park’s entrance. 

Columbia River Gorge

If your nature sights are set on the Columbia River Gorge, consider venturing to Stevenson, on the quieter Washington side of the river. The forestry-town feel gives genuine Sasquatch vibes. Skamania Lodge is lovely, but if you want a cozy, in-town place to find grounding, look to ​Acorn Cottage​. My friend Jessie puts all her love into this quirky space, which includes a secret garden — tell her I sent you. 

Oregon Coast & Central Oregon

Oregon abounds with pristine nature, and my friend Emily uses her architectural genius to combine PNW style with nature’s abundance, with two listings in a hidden gem on the Oregon Coast. Enjoy a ​charming A-frame​ in Oceanside ​or a larger home overlooking a quiet beach​ just down the road. She is an avid rock climber and hosts visitors ​near Smith Rock​in Central Oregon.

Seattle

You can also find nature connections in large cities. For example, I offer ​my house on Capitol Hill in Seattle​ to visitors who book via Airbnb. The location is a beautiful selling point because, although I’m only two miles from downtown Seattle, three iconic city parks offer exquisite nature within steps of the front door — no driving or complicated planning required! 

Whether you go or stay, remember that what’s under your feet can help you find grounding when you agree to opt into a more profound nature interchange. I can help you find ways to deepen your connection. Contact me for more information, whether you’re planning an epic journey for yourself, out-of-town visitors, or a two-hour forest therapy walk in a nearby park.

“May good luck be with you wherever you go, and your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow. May your days be many and your troubles be few, May all nature’s intelligence descend upon you, May peace be within you, May your heart be strong, May you find what you’re seeking wherever you roam.”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Matthew