"I always meet wonderful people with so many great stories of their own travels. Sharing food and conversation with people from all over the world is what really makes this place great. -Paula G.

ABOUT US

Golden Tree Hostel is in the landmark Donohue House (1890), listed on the National Historic Registry. The house has both architectural and cultural significance. Michael Donohue built the house seven years after his arrival on Orcas Island. The dwelling was constructed using an Upright-and-Wing building form, a late example of the Greek Revival style. Mr. Donohue used his skills to erect many other buildings on the island, including the Emmanuel Episcopal Church (1885), also listed on the Registry. 

The house sits on the last remaining part of a 180 acre homestead. The farm was a leading supplier of apples and milk from the island. Some of the original orchard is still present on this and neighboring properties and is still producing delicious apples. The Donohues’ only surviving son, Harry, lived in the house with his wife Jean Donohue (Gibson) until their respective passings in 1947 and 1958. The house then passed through many hands before arriving in ours.

​We spent over two years renovating every building on the property, to create a unique hostel experience. Taking our combined years as both builders and artists, we transformed a tired building into a vibrant home. The house is located just a 10 minute stroll to both Eastsound, the commercial center of the island, and North Beach, a great place to watch a summer sunset, have a picnic or drop some kayaks in the water. We built a sauna and put in a hot tub to help you relax after a day of hiking or biking around the island. You can shoot a game of pool with a fellow traveler, or find a quiet spot on one of the porches. We hope to have created a spot where travelers can meet and connect with each other and with local residents. There’s a whole lot to do on the property and even more to do around the island. We look forward to having you!
"This is hands down one of the best hostels I've ever stayed in. The love and dedication put into restoring this historical property is abundantly clear. The grounds are simply magical. -Shannon B.
"Upon arrival, we were greeted with a lovely welcome, a tour of the property and an invitation to sit on the deck and say 'howdy'. We were 'sold' with the ambiance, the beautiful private room, the lovely hot tub and sauna, etc. We were treated with the utmost of kindness, referred to local restaurants, activities and services and were given space to just relax and be.
​-SC Thompson 

AMENITIES

The Golden Tree Hostel is made with a lot of love so that you can feel right at home. Fire pit, hot tub, sauna, pool table, darts, shuffle board, garden and more is all located in the beautiful back yard - whatever your fancy it's here. Make some lifelong friends, come with an open heart and enjoy the magic of Orcas Island. Day use passes also available.
  • Cedar Sauna
  • Hot tub
  • Pool Table
  • Linens and Towels Provided
  • New, Clean Bathrooms
  • Indoor Common Space and Eating Areas
  • Covered Bike Storage
  • Free Wifi (oh you won’t believe how slow island internet can be…we also have a computer station available)
  • Fully Equipped Kitchen
  • Great Fire Pit (sit around and meet fellow travelers)
  • Outdoor Kitchen and BBQ
"A short walk from the most breathtaking spot to catch the sun dropping below the horizon. The whole grounds, from the twinkly lights in the yard to the landscaping to the beautiful artwork, sculptures, murals, and a vintage car...it all truly embodied art. -JoJo
"I love the Golden Tree. The central house is charming and warm, with such attention to detail in its lovely restoration. The ambiance is pleasant, the light is ample, the people have good vibrations. Glimpses of history and artistry abound, on walls and tucked into corners.