Finding the Stillness: Airbnb Silent Forest in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula

In a world filled with constant noise, Coho Films partnered with Airbnb to bring awareness to the “One Square Inch of Silence”—a tiny sanctuary in the Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park. The resulting video, "Airbnb Silent Forest," is a poetic exploration of what happens when a single square inch is preserved as a refuge from modern clamor.

What Is “One Square Inch of Silence”?

Conceived by sound ecologist Gordon Hempton and marked by a modest red stone in 2005, the One Square Inch of Silence is celebrated as one of the quietest natural spots in America . Hidden deep within moss-draped trees and fern-lined trails, this sonic gem draws attention not with its visual grandeur, but with its profound absence of human-made sound—a canvas of natural sounds that include birdsong, rustling leaves, and distant streams .

A Story Told Through Silence

The Airbnb Silent Forest video places viewers at the heart of this rare quietude. Through sweeping shots of epic greenery, close-ups of dew-laden moss, and ambient forest audio, we unravel the narrative of silence as an endangered resource. The film centers on that tiny red stone—symbolically flipping our perception from silence as “nothing” to silence as a rich auditory tapestry .

Filmcraft Rooted in Respect

Capturing this subtle story required restraint and sensitivity. Our team:

• Used location sound recording techniques that honored the delicate soundscape.

• Depicted the site quietly, avoiding overt narrative push or dramatic music.

• Highlighted natural textures—mist, bark, moss, and decibels you can almost feel.

• Framed each moment to evoke mindfulness, reflection, and connection.

It wasn’t just a video—it was an invitation to slow down, experience the forest’s sonic richness, and consider preserving these fragile outdoor sanctuaries.

A Creative Collaboration

Working with Airbnb’s creative team, we shaped Silent Forest to blend storytelling with conservation. Air-to-ground shooting in Olympic wilderness demanded logistical finesse, and our production ethos matched the calm yet intentional spirit of the project. The result is a short film that encourages viewers to seek stillness, within and beyond the forest.