Far From Ordinary
A treehouse tucked into the forest. A bungalow surrounded by Highland cattle. A ranch where peacocks roam. A woodland yurt with two miniature alpacas for neighbors.
These aren’t accommodations in some faraway destination. They’re right here on Whidbey and Camano Islands.
And sometimes, where you stay is the best part of getting away.
From working farms to forest hideaways, these four unexpected retreats offer more than a place to spend the night. They offer an experience worth traveling for. And the best part? They’re closer than you might think.
A Little Scottish Highland Charm – Without the Trip to Scotland
Whidbey Highland Farm | Oak Harbor
With their shaggy coats, sweeping horns and unmistakable charm, Scottish Highland cattle look like they’ve wandered straight out of the Scottish countryside.
But these photogenic residents call Oak Harbor home.
At Whidbey Highland Farm, the cattle are part of a nine-acre farm where fields, forests and coastal views create an unforgettable setting. Set on the property is a cozy glamping-style bungalow for two, offering a chance to spend the night surrounded by island farm life.
Wake to birdsong, enjoy the views toward Swantown Lake and discover that a getaway doesn’t need to be elaborate to be extraordinary.
And when you’re ready to venture beyond the farm, Oak Harbor’s waterfront, local restaurants and nearby Deception Pass State Park offer plenty of reasons to make a weekend of it.
After all, how often do you get to tell someone you spent your weekend on a Highland cattle farm?
A Hidden House Among the Trees
Fort Ebey Treehouse | Coupeville
Follow the forest trails near Fort Ebey State Park and you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering Douglas firs, moss-covered branches and the quiet of the Pacific Northwest woods.
Look a little closer. There’s a house in those trees.
The Fort Ebey Treehouse is no ordinary childhood hideout. Designed by renowned treehouse builder Pete Nelson, this 500-square-foot retreat combines the magic of sleeping among the trees with the comforts of a modern tiny home.
With views of Lake Pondilla and nearby access to beaches and miles of trails, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to put your phone away, settle in and listen to the wind moving through the branches.
And just a short drive away, historic downtown Coupeville invites you to wander its waterfront, browse local shops and enjoy a meal overlooking Penn Cove.
It’s a getaway that offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful escape into the trees and a charming island town waiting to be explored.
Where the Peacocks Roam
Arrowhead Ranch | Camano Island
Cattle grazing in the pasture. Tractors making their rounds. And a peacock strolling by as though he owns the place.
Welcome to Arrowhead Ranch, where life on a working ranch comes with a few colorful surprises.
On this Camano Island property, the Bunkhouse is a former section of the ranch’s Foundry Barn transformed into a comfortable getaway. It’s a place where the surroundings are as much a part of the experience as the accommodations themselves.
Spend the morning watching ranch life unfold, explore the grounds and keep an eye out for those feathered residents. With seasonal flowers, farm animals and plenty of rural character, there’s always something to catch your attention.
Beyond the ranch, Camano Island offers its own discoveries, from local art galleries and restaurants to scenic beaches and quiet coastal trails.
Whether you’re exploring the island or simply enjoying the slower pace of ranch life, it’s a weekend that feels a little different from the everyday.
Explore the Bunkhouse at Arrowhead Ranch
A Woodland Retreat With Unexpected Neighbors
The Hollow | Clinton
There’s something magical about a quiet woodland clearing. Tall trees, filtered sunlight and the feeling that you’ve discovered a little place all your own.
Then you notice the alpacas.
At The Hollow in Clinton, two miniature alpacas named Goose and Shaggy enjoy their retirement in a peaceful forest setting. And nearby is a private yurt that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.
Inside, you’ll find a comfortable retreat with a queen bed, gas fireplace and skylight overhead. Outside, a firepit, hammock and surrounding woods invite you to linger a little longer.
There are no farm chores to tackle, no packed itinerary to follow. Just the sounds of the forest, the chance to unwind and a pair of woolly neighbors quietly grazing nearby.
If you feel like exploring, South Whidbey’s small towns, local restaurants, shops and scenic trails are all within reach. But there’s no pressure to fill every hour.
Sometimes the best part of getting away is having nowhere in particular you need to be.
Your Next Getaway Might Be Closer Than You Think
A treehouse in the forest. A yurt with alpacas. A ranch with peacocks. A bungalow on a Highland cattle farm. Four very different places, each offering an experience you might expect to travel hundreds of miles to find.
But they’re all right here on Whidbey and Camano Islands.
Some trips are remembered for the places you visited. Others are remembered for the places you stayed. Here, you might just find both.
So go ahead. Book the treehouse. Spend the night with the alpacas. Wake up on a working ranch. Explore a new corner of the islands along the way.
Because sometimes, the most memorable getaways aren’t far away at all. They’re simply far from ordinary.
