The Chilling Tale of the Fairy-Tale Tree House in Snoqualmie National Forest
Nestled within the picturesque Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington State, a dark secret lay hidden for years. The beautiful forest, stretching over 140 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Range, has long been a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. However, unbeknownst to many, a remote cabin concealed a chilling mystery.
The Discovery
In 2016, an employee from the U.S. Department of Natural Resources stumbled upon a peculiar tree house that had been the subject of hiker rumors for years. Built eight feet above the ground and concealed deep within the Snoqualmie National Forest, the cabin resembled a fairy or gingerbread house from a children’s storybook. Intrigued, the employee decided to investigate further.
Upon entering the tree house, the employee was shocked to discover framed images of child pornography mounted on the walls. Alarmed by his discovery, he seized some of the photographs and reported them to the King County Sheriff’s Office. This unsettling find triggered a lengthy investigation that would ultimately lead to the arrest of 56-year-old Daniel Mason Wood.
The Secluded Cabin
The secluded cabin, described by King County Sheriff’s Detective Christopher Myers as “an elaborate tree house that resembled a fairy or gingerbread house,” featured a porch surrounding the home, a pitched roof, and a ladder leading up to the porch. Inside, investigators found numerous framed photos of young, fairy-like girls – some of whom were naked – screwed into all four walls of the cabin. An envelope containing additional explicit images was also discovered, with some depicting fictional characters while others were all too real.
The Investigation
In April 2017, the FBI searched the cabin and uncovered dozens more pictures of young girls attached to the walls. Agents also seized various items that could potentially hold latent fingerprints or DNA samples. This evidence would prove crucial in linking the remote tree house to Daniel Mason Wood.
As the investigation continued, a search and rescue volunteer reported sighting a Toyota FJ Cruiser near the trailhead leading to the cabin. The vehicle’s license plate was registered to Wood, further connecting him to the mysterious tree house. In October 2017, DNA testing confirmed that samples recovered from the cabin belonged to Wood, solidifying his involvement in the disturbing case.
Authorities obtained a warrant to search Wood’s Mill Creek home in February 2018. There, they discovered an SD card containing thousands of images and several videos of child pornography. Many of the photographs matched those found in the cabin, including a series of images taken inside the tree house itself. The evidence was overwhelming, and Wood was subsequently charged with two counts of child pornography possession.
The Sentencing
In a surprising turn of events, Wood struck a plea deal with prosecutors, resulting in one of the possession charges being reduced to attempted viewing of child pornography. Sentenced to nine months in jail, Wood will also be required to register as a sex offender, undergo sexual deviancy treatment, and refrain from contacting children without qualified supervision for ten years.
The Aftermath
The case of the fairy-tale tree house in Snoqualmie National Forest is a chilling reminder that dark secrets can lurk even within the most beautiful and seemingly innocent of locations. The peaceful facade of the forest was shattered when the horrific truth about the cabin’s purpose was revealed.
Despite the dark secrets that have emerged from this corner of the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, the area remains a popular destination for those seeking solace in nature. However, this story raises concerns about the monitoring and management of public lands, as well as the responsibility of authorities in keeping such spaces safe for visitors. The case begs the question of whether enough is being done to prevent the exploitation of our natural resources for illicit activities.
As the details of this chilling case continue to reverberate through the hiking and nature enthusiast communities, the story serves as a cautionary tale for those venturing into remote areas. It is a stark reminder to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or discoveries to the appropriate authorities.
Daniel Mason Wood’s story may have come to an end with his conviction and sentencing, but the questions and concerns raised by his actions will persist. The beautiful Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, a place of tranquility and wonder, has had its innocence forever marred by the dark secrets hidden within its depths. The chilling tale of the fairy-tale tree house serves as a powerful reminder that even the most picturesque landscapes can conceal the darkest of secrets.
Deep Lore 