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)

In this episode of the Hostel Road Trip Podcast, we travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to visit Apple Hostels, one of the most iconic and influential hostels on the East Coast. Host Jimmy Black and Bobby Dyer sit down with Marc Desmarais, the owner of Apple Hostels, to explore how this legendary property continues to shape the backpacking community in Philly.

Apple Hostels has become the heart of East Coast backpacking — known for its social energy, historic setting steps from Independence Hall, and the unforgettable experiences it creates for travelers from around the world.

🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube: 👉 https://youtu.be/Zz_choF9QeI

In this episode, you’ll learn: • How Apple Hostels became one of the most popular hostels in the United States • Why Philadelphia is a top destination for solo travelers and backpackers • What makes Apple Hostels’ community events and social atmosphere so special • Marc’s journey as a long-time hostel owner and industry leader • Tips for travelers visiting Philadelphia on a budget • The future of hostels on the East Coast and in America

If you’re passionate about hostels, entrepreneurship, or authentic travel experiences, this episode delivers insider knowledge straight from the people shaping the hostel world.

🔗 Explore Apple Hostels: https://applehostels.com

🎧 More episodes, stories, and travel inspiration: www.HostelRoadTrip.com

Follow us on YouTube for full video episodes, hostel tours, and behind-the-scenes content!

Listen in as we have a conversation with Stephanie Nebhan to hear her story about how her family has owned, operated, and has success at running one of the oldest hotels and hostels in the country. Stephanie is the Manager of the Gardner Hotel & Hostel, and is constantly creating experiences to continue the amazing tradition of her property!

Check Availability for your upcoming trip to El Paso at the Gardner Hotel & Hostel in Texas.

Episode Recording Date: April, 2025

Thank you to our Supporters & Sponsors:

Gardner Hotel & Hostel

ITH Hostels

Hostel Management Services

To hear more stories from hostel owners visit our website www.HostelRoadTrip.com

Listen in as we have a conversion with Hostel operators at the NAHA 2025 Hostel Conference in Playa del Carmen.

Join NAHA if you are a hostel operator and want to be more connected within the Hostel Industry.

Episode Recording Date: April, 2025

Thank you to our Supporters & Sponsors:

NAHA

ITH Hostels

Hostel Management Services

To hear more stories from hostel owners visit our website www.HostelRoadTrip.com

Listen in as we have a conversation with Matias to hear his story about how he started out as a backpacker and has built the largest hostel brand in Mexico for travelers. Matias is the Founder of Che Hostels and focuses on building an amazing culture and vibe with his Staff to create incredible experiences for their guests.

Check availability for your upcoming trip to Mexico at the various locations Che Hostels operates in including:

Playa Del Carmen

Tulum

Holbox

Bacalar

Merida

Valladolid

Puerto Escondido

Zipolite

San Cristobal

Episode Recording Date: October, 2024

Thank you to our Supporters & Sponsors:

Che Hostels

ITH Hostels

Hostel Management Services

To hear more stories from hostel owners visit our website www.HostelRoadTrip.com

Listen in as we have a conversation with Thea Delamater to hear her story about how she got into hostels, managed hostels, cofounded a hostel conference, and built a hostel direct booking platform.

Sign your hostel up to join Hostelling.US

Attend The Gathering Hostel Conference on Nov. 5-7 in Denver, CO.

Visit the Ember Hostel on your next trip to Denver.

Episode Recording Date: September, 2024

Thank you to our Supporters & Sponsors:

Hostelling.US

ITH Hostels

Hostel Management Services

To hear more stories from hostel owners visit our website www.HostelRoadTrip.com

Listen in as we have a conversation with Alfie Mckenzie to hear his story about how he pursued his passion of hostels. Alfie now leads the non-profit HI Whistler Hostel, and is constantly creating experiences to make his hostel thrive in the mountains!

Check Availability for your upcoming trip to Whistler at the HI Whistler Hostel in British Columbia, Canada.

Episode Recording Date: September, 2024

Thank you to our Supporters & Sponsors:

HI Whistler Hostel

ITH Hostels

Hostel Management Services

To hear more stories from hostel owners visit our website www.HostelRoadTrip.com

Listen in as we have a conversation with Frankie Maduzia to hear his story about how he and his partner J. Charles Griggs followed their hostel desire to bring an adventure hostel to Bend Oregon.

Check Availability for your upcoming trip to Bend at the Bunk+Brew Hostel.

Episode Recording Date: August, 2024

Thank you to our Supporters & Sponsors:

Bunk+Brew Hostel

ITH Hostels

Hostel Management Services

To hear more stories from hostel owners visit our website www.HostelRoadTrip.com