June 27 - 29, 2025

The Way of the Wild:

A Nature Connection Retreat in the Pacific Northwest

The Temple bell stops.

But the sound keeps coming

Out of the flowers.

~ Basho

When was the last time you felt deeply connected to the natural world, and in turn, to yourself? Maybe you remember climbing a favorite tree, wading into a flowing stream, or lying on your back, watching clouds drift across the sky. Even amidst the rush of modern life, the Earth whispers her invitation: Slow down. Pay attention. Remember me. 

She calls us to step beyond the deadlines and meetings and return to timeless space—a place where we feel the forest floor beneath our feet, hear the birdsong and nature sounds, and notice the steady rhythm of our own breath.

The Earth invites us to reconnect with this deep, ancient relationship, to find meaning in nature’s cycles, and to open ourselves to a way forward grounded in presence, hope, and community.

Join us for a backpacking nature connection weekend in the Pacific Northwest.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or entirely new to backpacking, this retreat welcomes anyone longing for a deeper connection with the Earth, with others, and with themselves. Together, we’ll immerse in the beauty of the wilderness while cultivating mindfulness, community, and reverence for the natural world.

Prerequisites

  • Ability to hike on varied terrain with a heavy backpack

  • Interest in connecting to nature on a deeper level

    Important: This is a substance-free retreat with the exception of personal prescriptions.

What’s included in our time together

  • Facilitated nature connection practices led by eco-chaplains

  • Hiking to and from our campsite (~5 miles each way)

  • Meaningful rituals to honor the land and our intentions

  • Guided meditation and quiet reflection time in nature

  • Community connection through storytelling, laughter, and shared experiences

  • Stargazing under the night sky 

  • Pre-Retreat: We’ll provide packing lists, gear rental recommendations, and an orientation session for first-time backpackers.

  • Safety note: Facilitators will carry a satellite communicator for emergencies.

What you’ll need

  • Backpacking gear (a detailed packing list will be provided)

  • BYOF (Bring Your Own Food—ideas and tips will be shared)

  • Transportation to/from the starting location - carpooling encouraged! More details upon registration (Trail within 1-3 hours of Portland, Oregon)

Pricing

The fee is on a “pay what you can” basis. No one is turned away for lack of funds.

Note: $100 per person covers basic program costs for an estimated 10-person retreat, not including facilitator compensation.

Your Guides

Reed Garber-Pearson

Eco-Chaplain / Facilitator

Reed (they/them) is a queer non-binary observer of the world, a maker of miniatures, a librarian, and a Vipassana practitioner. They have been practicing meditation for the last 10 years, primarily with the Seattle-based Lotus Insight Sangha. Their relationship with hiking began as a child in the Sonoran desert, and backpacking as a young adult in the North Cascades, feeling a deep calling home and letting go. As a Buddhist Eco-Chaplain they are merging their practices to support others in finding their home and healing environmental wounds. They offer mindfulness-based spiritual support, guiding others in deepening their connection to the earth through presence and compassion. When not backpacking, they live in Portland with their partner and two beloved cats. Rooted in Buddhist ethics and environmental stewardship, Reed is passionate about bridging contemplative practice with ecological action, helping others nurture their sense of interbeing with the living world.

Jamie Shimizu-Jones

Eco-Chaplain / Facilitator

Jamie (she/her) has been a longtime researcher and advocate of the power of pilgrimage. She is the founder of Lotus Compass, where she blends her love for nature and mindfulness into transformative pilgrimage retreats. As a Buddhist Eco-Chaplain, Jamie leads nature connection workshops and meditation sessions that encourage deep connections with the self and the natural world. Additionally, Jamie has worked for various meditation retreat centers and attends annual silent meditation retreats to inform and inspire her work and life.

Jamie currently calls the Central Coast of California home, where she lives with her husband Sam and their dog, Bodhi. Beyond her love for walking pilgrimages, she finds joy in various creative pursuits such as writing, photography, and permaculture design.

FAQs

  • We’ll be around 2-3 hours outside of Portland, Oregon. We will make a decision on specific trail as the retreat date approaches based on a variety of factors.

  • Yes! REI offers a gear rental service and we’ll provide a packing list.

  • No, but you should have an interest in going inward and spending quiet time in nature. We will be holding space for ritual and facilitating meaningful time in nature along with periods of silent meditation for up to 30-40 minutes.

  • It’s designed for both beginners and those who are comfortable backpacking. Our primary intention is to bring together people who are interested in being in nature in a meaningful way with like-minded folks.

  • Oh snap! Please feel free to email us your question(s).