Sustainable Travel: Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Earth Month in the PNW
With Earth Day around the corner on April 22, we’ve curated a list of inspiring ways to honor the planet next month—whether through a memorable getaway, a nature-focused experience, or simply slowing down to appreciate the beauty around us. From Seattle’s newest sustainable luxury hotel opening on Earth Day to hands-on farm stays and eco-friendly wine tasting, the Pacific Northwest offers countless opportunities to immerse yourself in sustainability while traveling.
Grand Opening for Seattle’s Green Hospitality Scene
1 Hotel Seattle , the city’s first mission-driven, sustainable luxury hotel, will open its doors on Earth Day, April 22—and it’s a big moment for Seattle’s green hospitality scene. 1 Hotel Seattle is all about bringing nature inside, with reclaimed materials from local artisans, zero single-use plastics, fully electric Audi house cars, and a commitment to diverting 90% of waste from landfills. Even during construction, the project prioritized sustainability, diverting over 75% of construction waste, cutting energy costs by 10%, and reducing building water use by 35% compared to similar projects. More on their sustainability practices can be found here. It’s a stunning, nature-inspired space in South Lake Union that blends sustainability with elevated design and comfort.
Explore Whidbey Island by Bike
Trade car keys for bike pedals and experience the scenic beauty of Whidbey Island on two wheels. Just 30 miles from Seattle, this pastoral paradise offers picturesque cycling routes, from the tree-lined Brooks Hill Road to the sweeping views along Ebey Road and U.S. Bike Route 97, which winds its way to Deception Pass. Plan your trip with the Bicyclist’s Map of Island County, available at local visitor centers and online. Island Transit’s free buses, equipped with bike racks, make it easy to navigate the island’s highways. Access Whidbey via the Mukilteo or Port Townsend ferries, or cross the Deception Pass Bridge. For ferry schedules and public transit connections, check the WSDOT, Sound Transit, and Community Transit websites.
Stay on the Farm
The Organic Farm School, a nonprofit located on 10 scenic acres at the south end of Whidbey Island, has expanded its offerings to provide an immersive farm-to-table experience for guests of all ages. Visitors gain hands-on insight into every step of bringing food from field to plate. New three-day, two-night farmhouse stays invite guests to explore the fields, harvest fresh vegetables, and bring them back to the kitchen to prepare meals. The beautifully appointed, two-story “Feed & Seed” farmhouse is reserved exclusively for one group at a time, featuring four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a cozy living area with a wood-burning fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen. More information about the Organic Farm School and weekend farm stay opportunities is available here.
An in-city Retreat Just South of Seattle
Peak bloom is approaching in the Pacific Northwest, which means now’s the time to get outside. Seattle Southside is a hidden gem located just outside the city with hotel rates that skew between 20-30 percent lower than in the city’s core, yet full of curiously wonderful adventures and easy access to Seattle. This spring, discover the best spots to peep the peak cherry blossoms and where to catch rhododendrons in bloom. Book a room at Cedarbrook Lodge, overlooking 18 lush acres of natural restored wetlands, an optimal location with the ambiance of a discreet hideaway.
Slow down and Sip Sustainably in Washington’s Tri-Cities
A region known for its wide-open spaces, outdoor adventures, and commitment to sustainable winemaking. Highlights include:
Badger Mountain Vineyard: Washington’s first USDA Certified Organic winery and a leader in eco-friendly viticulture.
Hedges Family Estate: A biodynamic standout on Red Mountain.
Domaine Magdalena: A boutique winery gaining acclaim for its green practices.
Frichette Winery: Eliminated foil capsules to reduce packaging waste.
Kitzke Cellars: Pesticide-free since 2016, with a minimal intervention winemaking approach.
Upchurch Vineyard: Certified Salmon-Safe and L.I.V.E. (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) since its founding in 2007.
Whether biking, bird-watching, or sampling local fare at a farmers market, there are endless ways to enjoy this eco-minded region.
Forest Bathing with Fido
Nestled on the shores of Hood Canal, Alderbrook Resort & Spa offers an enchanting escape into the forests of the Olympic Peninsula. The resort’s Woodland Basecamp Package invites guests to bring their furry four leggers and reconnect with nature through a guided forest bathing experience, which encourages mindfulness and stress relief while immersed in the tranquility of towering evergreens. The package also includes complimentary parking, house-made trail mix, water, trail snacks and a guidebook take on your woodland adventure. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Earth Month with a restorative getaway that blends luxury and nature. Learn more and book at Alderbrook Resort & Spa’s Woodland Basecamp Package here.