This Washington forest house finds refuge in the peaceful Columbia River Gorge

By One Kindesign | Published on September 29, 2026

Filed Under: Architecture

2 comments

Modern cedar-clad home nestled among oak and pine trees on a hillside

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Heliotrope Architects designed this 3,500-square-foot modern house nestled on five sloping acres of oak and pine in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in White Salmon, Washington. This home for two travel-loving creatives is inspired by the concept of prospect and refuge—the balance between sheltered, intimate spaces and expansive views that we humans instinctively find comforting.

Tall ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass create a seamless connection between indoors and out, filling the home with natural light and framing views through the oak forest to the Columbia River and Coyote Wall Syncline beyond. Continue below to see the rest of this fascinating home tour…

DESIGN DETAILS

ARCHITECT Heliotrope Architects
CONTRACTOR Earthwood Construction
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Ground Workshop
FURNISHINGS & ART Phloem Studio

Hillside garden with boulders and grasses leading up to the modern home

Designed for a lifestyle centered on nature, health, and outdoor living, the house is both a cozy retreat and a place to embrace its remarkable setting. Its modern architecture is softened by a warm palette of cedar, oak, walnut, and richly colored tile, creating spaces that feel inviting, natural, and timeless.

Covered entry walkway with dark cedar siding and a wood pivot door

What We Love About This Home

Nestled among oak and pine trees on five sloping acres, this Columbia River Gorge house has a serene, private setting with views reaching toward the river and the cliffs beyond. Cedar ceilings, walnut cabinetry, oak floors, and deep blue tile give the modern architecture a warm, inviting feel. Floor-to-ceiling glass fill the living areas, kitchen, and bedroom with natural light while framing the trees and hillside outside.

Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this residence? Let us know in the Comments below; we love reading your Comments!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other amazing home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: A Norwegian-inspired mountain cabin makeover in Washington’s Methow Valley and This amazing canyon house has dramatic views of Washington’s Cascade Mountains.

Living Room with Cedar Ceiling and Glass Walls

Living room with cedar ceiling, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a plaster fireplace wall

Living room seating with a fireplace and oak forest views through glass

Open Dining Area with Round Walnut Table

Round walnut dining table with sculptural base beside a built-in walnut cabinet

Dining area with chandelier opening to the living room and kitchen

Walnut Kitchen with Blue Tile Backsplash

Walnut kitchen with blue tile backsplash, stone island, and woven counter stools

Kitchen sink beneath a large window framing forest and hillside views

Owner’s Bedroom with Nature Views

Primary bedroom window with a wood bench, linen curtains, and garden views

Owner’s Bathroom with Blue Tile Floor

Primary bathroom with walnut double vanity, black fixtures, and blue tile floor

Outdoor Patio Beneath Oak Trees

Covered outdoor dining area with cedar ceiling and slatted wood screen

Stone patio with wood dining table and concrete bench beneath oak trees

Modern Home in an Oak and Pine Forest

Modern home surrounded by oak trees with rocky cliffs rising beyond

Home tucked into a sloping oak forest with a rocky cliff in the background

PHOTOGRAPHER Aaron Leitz

2 Comments

Jeffrey Jones

1 hour ago

Gorgeous home including a perfect combination of materials — I have a special fondness for the blue tile accents in the kitchen and bathroom. I’m also extremely appreciative that the kitchen is a separate space. Thanks to the architect for that!!!!