Explore The US This Fall

It’s hard to believe that summer is almost behind us, taking with it the sun-filled days and long, balmy nights. As we transition to autumn and focus on warming up our capsule wardrobes and swapping out salads for soups, slowing down is also on our minds.

Because, while summer can be such a wonderful season for extended vacations, hosting parties, and logging in extra time at work (do the added hours of daylight make anyone else feel like the days are actually longer than they are?), the season can also feel like a whirlwind. Now that we’ve unpacked our bags and crossed the final event off the calendar, we’re ready to breathe—specifically crisp mountain air—because nothing quite says ‘hello fall’ like wandering beneath a canopy of gold. And few things inspire slow living and self-care like cozying up in the quiet mountains.

This is why, to welcome the change of seasons this year, we’re opting for a weekend away in the mountains. Unplugged and preferably off-grid, we’re in search of cool air, jagged peaks, and accommodations that pass out books instead of wifi passwords. We’re also seeking accommodations that steward the earth and respect nature through sustainable and eco-conscious practices. To slow down, cozy up, and fall in love with fall, here are a few of our favorite eco-friendly mountain hotels in the USA.


1. Skamania Lodge

Location | Stevenson, Washington
Eco | Onsite green team to spearhead conservation initiatives
Features | Bikes for borrow, spa, golf course, family-friendly room options, on-site restaurants, EV charging station, pet-friendly
Nightly Rate | $180+

Ease into fall with a weekend getaway to Skamania Lodge, where rustic adventure meets relaxation and rejuvenation. Tucked back into 175 acres of Pacific Northwest forests and overlooking the Columbine River Gorge, the resort blends sustainability and eco-friendly practices with mountain luxury. As a Destination Earth® Property, Skamania prides itself in its environmental initiatives, first implemented in 2008. With a designated ‘green team’ on site, the conscious resort is dedicated to caring for the earth, as well as its guests. 

Perfect for soaking up the final rays of summer on the outdoor sundeck, reading a book in a treehouse room, or experiencing Douglas firs from up high on the zipline course, Skamania Lodge is one of our favorite destinations for falling in love with the change of seasons. 

Learn more about Skamania Lodge


2. Fireside Resort

Location | Wilson, Wyoming
Eco | Sustainable, LEED-Certified cabins
Features | Group hot tub, pet-friendly, local art on display, Jeep rentals for exploring Wyoming
Nightly Rate | $260+

For a cozy and romantic fall escape, consider a stay at the upscale Fireside Resort, situated in the Teton wilderness of Wyoming. The boutique hotel boasts 25 unique LEED-Certified cabins with rustic and minimalist design features; each contains a fireplace, kitchen, furnished deck, and private fire pit with complimentary wood. Guests can also rent a Jeep for exploring local attractions, including the Grand Teton National Park and Granite Hot Springs. A rustic, charming, and sustainable mountain property, Fireside Resort is the perfect spot to both rest and explore some of our country’s most pristine wilderness.

Learn more about Fireside Resort


3. Washington School House Hotel

Location | Park City, Utah
Eco | Located inside a refurbished 1889 schoolhouse, organic cuisine, antique furniture
Features | Organic local meals, in-room massages, complimentary cruelty-free Molton Brown bath products
Nightly Rate | $365+

More mountain chic than mountain rustic, the Washington School House Hotel in Park City, Utah is bursting with revolutionary charm and lavish details. From the complimentary robes and slippers to the lavender pillow spray in each one of the 12 boutique rooms, this repurposed and preserved schoolhouse, originally built in 1889, is as rich in comforts as it is in history. 

Guests at the Washington School House Hotel can enjoy inclusive organic and local dining prepared by Chef Ernesto Rocha, before exploring Park City and observing the changing foliage. At night, an outdoor fire pit and heated pool are perfect for keeping warm; and in-room massages promise ultimate relaxation during your mountain getaway.

Learn more about Washington School House Hotel


4. Stowe Mountain Lodge

Location | Stowe, Vermont
Eco | Onsite green team to spearhead conservation initiatives
Features | Spa, golf course, on-site dining options, family-friendly + pet-friendly
Nightly Rate | $250+

Immerse yourself into the majestic Green Mountains of Vermont and experience the change of seasons at Stowe Mountain Lodge. Located at the base of the state’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, this alpine-style lodge is perfect for falling in love with fall on the East Coast. The hotel is also perfect for guests who love adventure. With packages that include wine tasting, kayaking, and zipline tours, the resort is excellent for those who want to divide their time between rest and guided activities.

Similiar to Skamania Lodge, Stowe Mountain Lodge is also a Destination Earth® Property; and the on-site green team helps to preserve the natural and majestic beauty of Vermont through sustainable and environmentally-conscious initiatives. 

Learn more about Stowe Mountain Lodge


5. Sopris House

Location | Crested Butte, Colorado
Eco | Repurposed building, support of environmental conservation initiatives
Features | In-room library, family-friendly room, steam showers + heated floors, copper hot tub, outdoor sauna, on-site dining with local ingredients
Nightly Rate | $525+

Once a saloon operated by Slovenian immigrants, the Sopris House is now a four-bedroom mountain house where guests can slow down, rest, and experience Colorado’s breathtaking autumnal foliage. Located in the quaint mountain town of Crested Butte, this Rocky Mountain hotel is more than just a place to sleep. Boasting an outdoor copper hot tub, a miniature in-room library, chef-prepared plates with local ingredients, and countless forested trails, the Sopris House tempts guests with an unforgettable and dreamy fall vacation. 

The Sopris House is also an Eleven property (the company has many other unique lodges around the world). Eleven is not only committed to creating one-of-a-kind, memorable experiences for guests, but they are also passionate about environmental conservation and responsible stewardship. The company participates in, as well as supports, water clean-up projects, environmental education programs, and other charitable activities.

Learn more about Sopris House


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Kayti Christian (she/her) is an Editor at The Good Trade. Growing up beneath the evergreens in the Sierra Nevadas, she returns to California after a decade split between states—including three years lived abroad. With an MA in Nonfiction Writing, she’s passionate about storytelling and fantastic content, especially as it relates to mental health, feminism, and sexuality. When not in-studio, she’s camping, reading memoir, or advocating for the Oxford comma.