North Cascades Mountain Hostel | Building a Purpose-Built Mountain Hostel in Winthrop, Washington

In this episode of the Hostel Road Trip Podcast, we travel to Winthrop, Washington, to interview Liza and Paul, cofounders of North Cascades Mountain Hostel — a purpose-built mountain hostel located in the Methow Valley near North Cascades National Park.

This episode explores how a small, simple hostel in Washington State evolved into a thoughtfully designed, community-driven mountain basecamp serving hikers, climbers, skiers, cyclists, and adventure travelers in the Pacific Northwest.

Paul originally started with a modest hostel concept, but together he and Liza made the decision to reimagine and rebuild the space from the ground up. The result is one of the most unique and intentionally designed hostels in Washington, created specifically to foster connection, flow, and shared outdoor experience.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• How the original hostel in Winthrop began
• The challenges of rebuilding and financing a hostel in a mountain town
• What it takes to design a purpose-built hostel
• Creating community-centered spaces for outdoor travelers
• Lessons learned from transforming a small operation into a respected Pacific Northwest hostel

North Cascades Mountain Hostel now operates as a year-round adventure basecamp in the Methow Valley, offering access to hiking, skiing, climbing, and outdoor exploration near North Cascades National Park.

This episode is ideal for hostel owners, aspiring hostel founders, outdoor hospitality entrepreneurs, and travelers exploring Washington State and the Pacific Northwest.

The Hostel Road Trip Podcast is hosted by Jimmy Black and Bobby Dyer of ITH Hostels and features in-depth interviews with hostel founders and travel entrepreneurs shaping the modern hostel industry across North America.

Learn more at www.HostelRoadTrip.com

In this episode of the Hostel Road Trip Podcast, we sit down with Rex Baldwin, cofounder of the legendary Green Tortoise Hostel in Seattle, to explore the roots of American hostel culture.

Before opening the iconic Seattle hostel near Pike Place Market, Rex and his partner Gardener operated the original Green Tortoise hostel bus, traveling across North America for more than 20 years. What started as a counterculture road trip experience became one of the earliest community-driven backpacker movements in the United States.

This conversation dives into the history of hostels in America, the evolution of backpacker culture, and how a traveling bus community eventually became one of the most respected hostels in North America.

If you're interested in hostel entrepreneurship, Seattle travel, starting a hostel, or the foundations of community-based travel, this episode offers decades of insight and experience.

Topics discussed include:

• The origins of the Green Tortoise hostel bus
• Building community before social media
• Lessons from more than 20 years in the hostel industry
• How Green Tortoise Seattle became a backpacker landmark
• The evolution of American hostel culture
• Advice for current and aspiring hostel owners

Located in downtown Seattle near Pike Place Market, Green Tortoise remains one of the most iconic hostels in the Pacific Northwest and a symbol of authentic backpacker culture.

The Hostel Road Trip Podcast is hosted by Jimmy Black and Bobby Dyer of ITH Hostels and features conversations with hostel owners, travel pioneers, and leaders shaping the global hostel movement.

Learn more at www.HostelRoadTrip.com

In this episode of the Hostel Road Trip Podcast, host Jimmy Black and co-host Bobby Dyer travel to Conway, New Hampshire, to highlight one of New England’s most community-driven hostels — CoHo Conway Hostel.

CoHo is known for its warm social atmosphere, adventure-focused travelers, and the powerful idea that defines their culture: “Go Solo, Leave With Friends.” From hikers exploring the White Mountains to solo backpackers searching for connection, CoHo has become a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.

🎥 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdJRpyQK4II

In this episode, you’ll learn: • The origin story of CoHo Conway Hostel • Why Conway, NH is a hidden gem for outdoors lovers and backpackers • How CoHo fosters instant community among solo travelers • What makes the White Mountains an adventure hotspot • How independently owned hostels shape authentic travel experiences • Community-building strategies hostel owners use to create memorable stays

Whether you're a hostel owner, solo traveler, outdoor adventurer, or lover of unique travel stories, this episode gives an inside look at why CoHo is defining the New England hostel experience.

🔗 Learn more about CoHo Conway Hostel: www.cohohostel.com

🌍 Discover more Hostel Road Trip Podcast episodes: www.HostelRoadTrip.com

Hosted by Jimmy Black Co-host: Bobby Dyer (ITH Hostels)