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Hidden Forest Retreat | King | Firepit | Near Light Rail | Minutes to Downtown Seattle

Photo gallery for Hidden Forest Retreat | King | Firepit | Near Light Rail | Minutes to Downtown Seattle

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a dining area with wooden chairs, and a large window offering a view of the outdoors.
A brick house with a garage, surrounded by trees and a gravel driveway.
A dining area with a table set for four, a grey sofa, and a window with a view of trees.
A wooden staircase in a forested area with a sign indicating a natural area.
A barbecue grill with controls, a bottle of wine, and a view of trees and a house in the background.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors

    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Games at the ready

    One of the few properties with video games available for guests.
  • At the centre of it all

    Stay in a top rated central location, steps from the best attractions, dining, and entertainment.
  • Discover nearby landmarks

    Close to Northgate Station
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Seattle, WA
  • Place, Northgate Station
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Regal Thornton Place
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, North Seattle Community College
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Seattle, WA (SEA-Seattle - Tacoma Intl.)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Living room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Hidden Forest Retreat | King | Firepit | Near Light Rail | Minutes to Downtown Seattle

Your Seattle stay comes with a creek.

Escape to Seattle's hidden forest retreat. Enjoy the private upper level of a beautifully designed duplex featuring a king bedroom, cozy fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, private deck with BBQ, and complimentary overnight Level 1 EV charging. Relax beside Thornton Creek, gather around the fire pit, or explore 17 miles of scenic watershed trails, all just one mile from the Light Rail and minutes from downtown Seattle, UW, and major hospitals.

Guest Interaction
We believe great hospitality means giving you the space to relax while being available whenever you need us.

To help you make the most of your stay, we've prepared both a comprehensive digital Guest Guide and a printed guidebook in the home. Inside you'll find check-in information, home instructions, Wi-Fi details, transportation tips, local recommendations, favorite restaurants, grocery stores, parks, breweries, farmers markets, walking trails, and some of our favorite hidden gems.
Should you have any questions before or during your stay, we're just a message or phone call away during business hours and are always available for urgent matters.

Our goal is simple: to provide a comfortable, seamless, and memorable stay while respecting your privacy so you can enjoy Thornton Creek at your own pace.

The Neighborhood

Victory Heights is one of North Seattle's quiet, established residential neighborhoods, known for its mature trees, peaceful streets, and welcoming community. It offers a relaxing setting where you can unwind after a day exploring the city while remaining close to Seattle's most popular destinations.

Just minutes away, you'll find Northgate Station with shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, and entertainment, along with easy access to I-5 and the Northgate Link Light Rail, making it easy to explore Seattle without the hassle of downtown parking.
Sports fans can quickly reach Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, Climate Pledge Arena, Husky Stadium, and Memorial Stadium. Visitors to the University of Washington and Seattle's leading medical centers will also appreciate the convenient location.

Whether you're visiting Seattle for a weekend getaway, attending a university event, cheering on your favorite team, enjoying a concert, or supporting family and friends, Victory Heights offers the perfect balance of peaceful surroundings and city convenience.

It's a neighborhood that lets you enjoy the energy of Seattle while coming home to the calm of the Pacific Northwest.

Enjoy the convenience of secure, keyless self check-in with a smart lock. You'll receive your personalized access code and detailed arrival instructions 24 hours before check-in, making arrival simple and stress-free. An on-site backup key is also available if needed.

During your stay, you'll have exclusive access to the entire upper-level home, including your own private entrance, deck, BBQ, and outdoor living space. The spacious, fully fenced backyard is shared with the lower-level guests and features Thornton Creek, a fire pit, and a peaceful forest bathing and yoga platform.

Complimentary on-site and street parking are available, along with overnight Level 1 EV charging for guests traveling with electric vehicles.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome with prior approval and a pet fee. Proof of current vaccinations and flea and tick protection is required before arrival.

To help every guest enjoy a comfortable stay, accessible amenities including a shower chair, toilet riser, and grab bars are available upon advance request.

For your safety and peace of mind, exterior security cameras monitor only the front entrance and parking areas. There are no cameras inside the home or in private guest spaces.

Welcome to Thornton Creek Lodging

=Where the Forest Meets Seattle

Imagine waking up to birdsong instead of traffic.

Sip your morning coffee on your private deck overlooking towering evergreens, then hop on the Light Rail just one mile away to explore Pike Place Market, cheer on the Seahawks, or enjoy dinner downtown.

Thornton Creek Lodging offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature with convenient access to Seattle's most popular attractions.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, visiting family, catching a concert, attending a sporting event, visiting loved ones receiving medical care, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, you'll feel right at home.

Perfect For

• Seattle getaways

• Family vacations

• University of Washington visits & graduations

• Families visiting loved ones at Seattle Children's Hospital, UW Medical Center & Northwest Hospital

• Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders & Kraken games

• Concerts, festivals & special events

• Before or after your Alaska cruise

• Exploring Seattle without the hassle of downtown parking


The Backyard Everyone Talks About

Most Seattle vacation rentals have a patio.

Ours has a forest... and a creek.

Step outside and discover one of the property's most memorable features.

• Fire pit with Adirondack chairs

• Thornton Creek flowing through the backyard

• Private forest bathing & yoga platform

• Towering Pacific Northwest evergreens

• Easy access to the beautiful 17-mile Thornton Creek watershed trail system

• Peaceful spaces to relax, read, or simply enjoy nature


Your Private Retreat

Enjoy the entire upper level of our beautifully maintained duplex, thoughtfully designed to provide the comfort and privacy of a home.

Private entrance

Dedicated off-street parking

Complimentary overnight Level 1 EV charging

Private deck with BBQ

Cozy gas fireplace

High-speed Wi-Fi

Self check-in

The only shared space is our spacious backyard and creek side retreat.

Sleep Exceptionally Well

After a day exploring Seattle, unwind on premium memory foam mattresses dressed with crisp, hotel-quality linens.

• King bedroom

• Queen bedroom

• Queen sleeper sofa

• Blackout curtains

• Smart TVs

• Sound machines

• Plush robes

• Ample closet space

Everything is designed with comfort in mind.


Cook, Gather & Stay In

Whether you're preparing a holiday meal or enjoying a leisurely breakfast before exploring the city, you'll have everything you need.

Fully equipped kitchen
Coffee & tea bar
French press, pour-over & electric kettle

Pantry basics & spices

Dining table for gathering

Quality cookware and serving pieces

Simply bring your favorite groceries.



Relax & Recharge

Slow down after a day exploring Seattle or enjoy a cozy night in.

Smart TVs with streaming

Curated vinyl record collection & turntable

PS4 game console (with advance notice)

Books & local guides

Board games

Dedicated workspace

High-speed Wi-Fi

Cozy gas fireplace

Whether you're reconnecting with family, spinning your favorite album, enjoying a movie, or challenging someone to a game, you'll have plenty of ways to unwind without ever leaving the house.


Families & Dogs Welcome

Our quiet neighborhood is ideal for families looking for a peaceful home base while exploring Seattle.

The fully fenced backyard offers space to play, and well-behaved dogs are welcome with prior approval.

Explore Seattle with Ease

Experience a quiet residential neighborhood while staying close to Seattle's most popular destinations.

• 1 mile to Northgate Light Rail

• Approximately 15 minutes to Downtown Seattle

• Lumen Field

• T-Mobile Park

• University of Washington

• Seattle Children's Hospital

• UW Medical Center

• Northwest Hospital

• Northgate Station

• Green Lake

• Quick access to I-5


Why Guests Love Thornton Creek

Guests often tell us they can't believe a place this peaceful exists so close to the city.

Wake to birdsong, enjoy coffee overlooking the forest, spend the day exploring Seattle, then return to unwind beside the fire or listen to the gentle sounds of Thornton Creek.

Nestled along Seattle's beautiful 17-mile Thornton Creek watershed, this hidden neighborhood offers a rare opportunity to experience nature without giving up the convenience of the city.

It's a place where you can slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Nature. Comfort. Convenience.

We hope Thornton Creek Lodging becomes one of your favorite Seattle memories.

Getting Around

Exploring Seattle couldn't be easier.

The Northgate Link Light Rail Station is just one mile away, making it simple to reach downtown Seattle, the University of Washington, Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, and Sea-Tac Airport without the stress of traffic or downtown parking. The RapidRide bus line is also just a short five-minute walk from the home.

Whether you're heading to a game, concert, campus, hospital, or a day of sightseeing, you'll enjoy the convenience of excellent public transportation while returning each evening to the peace and quiet of Thornton Creek.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Quiet hours 10pm–8am, inside & out. Noise over 75dB alerts us via monitoring system. Please respect neighbors.

No smoking/vaping of any substances & no animals without prior approval — $500 fine for violations

No events, parties, or unapproved guests. $500 fine and immediate expulsion without refund.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number STR-OPLI-24-000209
Property # 4035112vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Seattle

Lake City, a neighbourhood in Seattle, is home to this holiday home. Seattle Center and Paramount Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Seattle Cruise Ship Terminal 91. Travelling with kids? Don't miss Woodland Park Zoo and WaMu Theater.
Map
Seattle, WA

What's nearby

  • Northgate Station - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Regal Thornton Place - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Maple Leaf Reservoir Park - 5 min drive - 1.7 km
  • North Seattle Community College - 5 min drive - 1.8 km
  • University of Washington - 11 min drive - 8.5 km

Getting around

  • Roosevelt Station - 6 min drive
  • Edmonds Station - 18 min drive
  • Seattle, WA (BFI-Boeing Field) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Red Robin - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Watershed Pub & Kitchen - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya - ‬19 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Hidden Forest Retreat | King | Firepit | Near Light Rail | Minutes to Downtown Seattle pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Hidden Forest Retreat | King | Firepit | Near Light Rail | Minutes to Downtown Seattle?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Hidden Forest Retreat | King | Firepit | Near Light Rail | Minutes to Downtown Seattle?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Hidden Forest Retreat | King | Firepit | Near Light Rail | Minutes to Downtown Seattle?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Hidden Forest Retreat | King | Firepit | Near Light Rail | Minutes to Downtown Seattle located?

This family-friendly Seattle holiday home is located in Lake City, within 2 mi (3 km) of Northgate Station and Northwest Hospital and Medical Center. University Village and Green Lake Park are also within 3 miles (5 km). Northgate Station is 21 minutes by foot.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very nice, clean centrally located in the area that we needed would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

Awesome place in a very good spot! Close to downtown Seattle!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Nov 2024
Thanks for choosing us for your stay Zach! We look forward to your return:)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was super amazing! Nothing negative to say at all! Definitely my place to stay when I return.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 July 2025
Thank you Michael! We look forward to seeing you back in Seattle again soon:)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

We stayed here because it was 4 blocks away from our son's home as we were visiting. Wow! Wonderful place, clean, excellent communication and had everything we needed. Also great for pets.We will be staying again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Oct 2024
Hi Sharon, Thank you for your kind comments:) It was a pleasure hosting you and hope you will be staying with us again soon! Best wishes, Kathy @ Thornton Creek
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable stay.

Beautiful and cozy home. Very clean. Would love to go back another time. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2024
We are grateful you chose to stay with us! We look forward to your return:)
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful time was had by all

We had an amazing time at Thornton Creek. Spring was peeking out and we spent a lot of time hiking the creek, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the back deck. The amenities offered are above any other vacation rental I have ever been to. We definately will return. You can't go wrong!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thea’s 3rd. Birthday

We stay in Seattle a lot, as we have a grandchild there. We rent houses so we can have our dog and grandchild interact and we can have family meals together. This is the nicest place we’ve stayed and the quiet location was perfect. The Thornton Creek greenbelt behind the house is surreal.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family had a wonderful stay at Thornton Creek. The house was clean and had just the right amount of space for two adults and two young children. It had all the amenities we needed, including a pack-n-play for my 2 year old. The location of the house was close to the creek, and we spent a couple afternoons enjoying it. The host was very responsive when I had inquiries and provided helpful recommendations for restaurants and experiences. It's a nice retreat from the city, but also only 20-30 minutes from downtown.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2025
Thank you Danielle for taking the time to review us, and what a nice review as well! I'm glad you enjoyed our home and look forward to your return anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot for a family trip away

Cute home with everything you need for a trip away. Cozy beds, well stocked kitchen, wonderful yard with space for the kids and dog to toss a Frisby. Very pet friendly. Only note that was not clear when I booked is this is a single home spit into two units. So if you want your own private place, this is not that. it was a non-issue for us, and we'd gladly come back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Apr 2025
Hi Christina, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! I'm so happy to hear how much you enjoyed the home—it's always a joy to know that guests feel comfortable and relaxed during their stay. You were a wonderful guest, and you're welcome back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pampered Getaway

This property is perfect for anyone wanting a quiet environment in an urban setting. The owner has made sure there are lots of the little things (plush robes, charging cords, sleep masks) to make you feel pampered during your stay. The property is in a quiet neighborhood with the woods in your backyard if you are interested in a nature walk. Groceries and other stores just a short walk away.
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 19 June 2024
Thank you Dlynn, It was a pleasure to host you.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place to stay

Our main reason for staying in this area was that it was close to Seattle Childrens Hospital. We were traveling for medical and it was a short drive. There is a park/playground within walking distance but we didnt get a chance to use it due to weather.The house had everything stocked, laundry, bathroom, and plenty of items in the kitchen.The only negative was the dog poop around the lower part of the property and yard. We stayed upstairs, there was a person staying downstairs with a dog. There are rules that all garbage and recycling needs to be taken to the cans prior to check out. Unfortunately there was dog poop in the yard and near the cans. We did not take advantage of the yard partially due to this. Overall it was decent. And great communication with the host.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2025
Hi Kaitlyn, Once again thank you for staying with us. We appreciate your business. I looked into this and was assured that the downstairs guest walks her dog for its bathroom activities. What I think you may be referring to is a fungus (mushroom) that is prevalent in the Puget Sound area during the winter. I have instructed my staff to review the entire yard between each visit and pull any mushrooms that are seen. I am sorry that it made you uncomfortable, that couldn't have been nice. However, we do welcome you back anytime you need to visit Seattle again! What is the common name for pisolithus tinctorius? Dog Turd Fungus Pisolithus tinctorius (also known as Pisolithus arrhizus) is commonly described as the least attractive of all fungi. The common names are an apt description: Dog Turd Fungus, or Dead Man's Foot. Another common name, however, begins to hint at one of the many beneficial qualities of Pisolithus: Dyemaker's Fungus.

About the host

Hosted by KATHY ZICKENBERG

Host profile image

Although this house is a new remodel I have been a host for many years in other areas and enjoy hosting folks. We are from California but have family in the Seattle area and love to come and visit and enjoy everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer. We are grateful you have considered our home for your stay!

Why they chose this property

I chose this neighborhood primarily for it's proximity to all of the Seattle area. Whether you want to enjoy the tourist portion of downtown Seattle, hop on the Light Rail to enjoy a football game at Husky Stadium/T-Mobile park or Lumen Field, hike the 17 miles of creek trails that Thornton Creek offers, or just get out of the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature, Victory Heights neighborhood and it's quaint surroundings and park offer a very special respite.

What makes this property unique

I fell instantly in love with the upstairs windows that allowed the trees and light to come through. The bottom unit was a garage and a basement that we converted while paying homage to the surrounding trees and nature. I feel blessed that we have such close access to Thornton Creek and hope you will enjoy the pathway to a very serene spot.

Languages:

English

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