The High Life: Find a cannabis-friendly getaway in the trees

Nestled in the hills between Monroe and Sultan, Wash., is a gem just waiting to be discovered: Tree House Joint, a cannabis-friendly, 21-and-older bed and breakfast that features artistic tree houses. In late summer, my boyfriend and I booked stay in one of its three available structures, the Hashtag Tree House, to experience firsthand what it’s like to sleep atop a tree while staying nice and snug under a down comforter in a queen-sized bed. This novel getaway destination was a dream of owner and innkeeper Tracy Rice. After creating and managing, brokering and selling her own medical cannabis dispensary in Colorado, Rice decided to relocate to the Evergreen State to grow the local cannabis tourism industry. Rice lives on the property with her dogs, plus a donkey, horse, a parrot that swears, and her beloved hog Veggie Might. As we pulled up the gravel drive through a tunnel of green trees, we could see another structure, the innovative 420 Tree House, which features a window that can be opened to unleash the cacophony of bird song outside. Rounding the corner, we caught sight of Veggie Might munching her way through the grassy knolls that cascade from the main house to the whimsical ring of tree houses. We each took a deep breath as we absorbed the sights of happy animals enjoying large, luxurious fields overlooking a lovely mountain view before heading to the main house. The stuffy lecture of a standard B&B check-in is transformed by Rice, who sparks a joint and begins to show us around. Along with three tree houses, private rooms in the main house are also available, as are camping and RV sites. Each tree house includes various conveniences to suit every kind of traveler. If guests aren’t keen on campfire meals, outdoor showers or porta-potties, upgrades to include main house luxuries are available. There are other amenities guests can arrange, like a guided hike of Wallace Falls, a river float with Rice and her floating bong, or a hot tub reservation. We settled into our tree house quickly, outfitted with plenty of electric outlets, a bubbler and lighters, and an especially comfortable bed. We made ourselves at home, lighting a joint while we listened to the birds and giggled at the novelty of being high up in a tree. Once the initial buzz of our Lavender Saints joint subsided, we took to town to grab a burger and a beer at Timber Monster Brewing Company. We enjoyed an inventive Juniper Sage Golden Ale and the best hamburger I’ve had in years. With full bellies, my boyfriend and I returned to our accommodations. We took a soak in the hot tub with more beer and took in the view of the mountains as the sun set. That evening, we nestled into the Hashtag Tree House where I read my book and my partner wrote his. For a creative, this space is simply invigorating. Slowly we were lulled to sleep, waking up refreshed and feeling more rested than we had in weeks. We stirred with satisfied yawns and excited eyes, realizing we were still in the loft bed safely balanced in a tree. Soon it was 9 a.m., when Rice typically hosts a ‘Wake and Bake’ hour in the main house with coffee and, you guessed it, another smoke sesh. We prefer joints, but dab rigs and has a nice big bong were also available. After we were equal parts caffeinated and stoned we tumbled down to pack for a hike to Bridal Veil Falls. The Tree House Joint is special, whether you want to book a small tree house for a romantic getaway, or you rent the entire property for a 30-person company retreat or wedding party; Rice matches the vibe. The themes of cannabis and tree houses permeate the atmosphere, but everything else can be sculpted into the occasion of your dreams.