Women of the River:

Salmon River Retreat

June 27 - 29, 2025

Step onto the trail, reconnect with your truth, and let the forest, the river, and the wild places hold and carry what you're ready to let go of.

This All-Inclusive Healing Adventure is for Women in the Helping Professions

This 3-day backpacking retreat is designed specifically for women-identified helpers and healers—therapists, nurses, social workers, teachers, caregivers, coaches—who are ready to heal deeply, connect intentionally, and rise fully. Set in nature’s sanctuary, this experience blends the physical challenge of backpacking with soulful practices that nurture your body, mind, and spirit.

What’s Included:

✨ A fully guided backcountry experience with a thoughtfully crafted itinerary
🥗 3 nourishing meals a day — gluten & dairy free friendly
🎒 Need gear? Major items are available to rent — just bring your clothes, your courage, and an open heart.
💻 Pre-trip Zoom prep call + Packing 101 to ease your nerves and get you trail-ready
🌺 Five powerful healing practices: from breathwork and grounding meditations to fire ceremonies, water prayers, and more…

Weekend Overview:

This retreat offers the perfect introduction to backpacking with a balance of adventure, healing, and rest:

  • Day 1: Hike ~2 miles to our first campsite and set up a comfortable basecamp. In the evening, we’ll gather for a fire ceremony to open the circle and set intentions.

  • Day 2: Enjoy a day hike to a stunning viewpoint (we’ll vote as a group on the distance), then return to camp for solo reflection time by the river. In the evening, we’ll come together for a sharing circle.

  • Day 3: Close the weekend with a nourishing cacao ceremony, pack up camp, and hike out.

Throughout the weekend, we weave in the theme of Water & Cleansing, with gentle practices to help you release what no longer serves and refresh your spirit.

This experience is a wonderful way to try backpacking with **short hiking distances, a basecamp setup, and a supported day hike—**blending skill-building with deep rest and renewal.

Healing with the River:

Throughout the weekend, you’ll be invited to sit with, listen to, and be held by the river—a living metaphor for release, renewal, and flow. In stillness and in motion, the river gently reminds us to:

🌊 Let go of what no longer serves
🌊 Soften where we’ve hardened
🌊 Trust that healing is a natural current we can surrender to

Whether placing your hands in cold water, meditating on its movement, or simply breathing beside it, this sacred connection mirrors your own transformation—one ripple at a time.

Is This for You?

✅ New to the outdoors? No problem—this retreat is beginner-friendly.
✅ Already familiar with the trail? You’re welcome here too.
✅ Feeling the call to recalibrate, restore, and reconnect to your deeper self? This space is designed for women who are dedicated to serving others—and are ready to reclaim care for themselves.

Come as you are. Leave lighter, stronger, and more connected.

Overview of our Journey

  • Where

    Salmon River Trail: Mt. Hood Wilderness, OR

  • Duration

    3 Days & 2 Nights June 27-29th

  • Group Size

    Up to 6 Hikers 1 Trail Guide

  • Activity Level

    ~11 miles total ~800 elevation gain

  • Healings

    Welcome & Prep Call Mindfulness & Reflection Cacao Circle Fire Ceremony Water blessings

  • Outdoor Skill

    Novice Welcome! Carry 30-40lb Pack Hike 3-4 miles

Sliding Scale $444-$888

I am committed to creating a healing backpacking retreat that is inclusive, accessible, and rooted in community care. This retreat is offered on a sliding scale to honor different financial circumstances.

Participants are asked to contribute at a level that feels sustainable and generous for them. The sliding scale covers the basic costs of the retreat, and any amount given above that helps support others in attending through scholarships, as well as additional services and supplies.

My deepest intention is to share the transformative power of nature and offer the healing it has given me in return. If the minimum sliding scale amount is still out of reach, please don’t hesitate to reach out—limited scholarship and trade options are available. You can email me directly to discuss what’s possible.

Early Bird Special:

Register by May 20th and receive 15% off any tier on the sliding scale. This is my way of saying thank you for committing early and helping with planning logistics.

Bring a Friend Bonus:

Invite a friend to register with you and you’ll each receive $50 off plus a little bonus gift. Shared healing is powerful, and community makes the experience even richer.

This Retreat Includes:

FOOD: Breakfast, lunch and dinners provided. If you have any dietary restrictions please let us know and we will accommodate accordingly.

GEAR & RENTALS: All group gear (stove, water filter, maps, first-aid kit, safety beacon, gps location) included. Package of rentals (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad) available for $100.

EXPERT GUIDES: Expert backpacking guide Neo Luz.

GROUP CALL: Show up feeling connected and prepared with a focus on setting clear intentions for our journey together; ask questions and deepen relationships with those attending. Call will be scheduled the week before the retreat.

BACKPACKING GEAR LIST: We provide a extensive detailed gear list with examples and links.

NOT INCLUDED

  • Trip insurance (recommended and costs about $100)

  • Personal gear and clothing

  • Any unexpected expenses

Water Element – Emotional Flow & Release

Theme: Letting Go & Softening Into Trust
Healing Benefits:
Water supports emotional cleansing, nervous system regulation, and fluidity in thought and feeling.

What You’ll Experience:

  • Guided water prayer at the lake

  • Silent solo reflection by water

  • Journaling: “What am I ready to release?”

  • Breath meditation for emotional flow

Your Calling:
Let the gentle presence of water invite you to release what no longer serves you. This retreat calls you to soften your grip, surrender control, and allow your emotions to move freely. Through sacred water practices, you’ll reconnect with your ability to feel deeply without fear—and emerge lighter, softer, and more open to healing.

Healing Activities

  • Fire Ceremony

    What would you like to release and/or calling into your life? Fire is cleansing; It clears the old to make way for the new. It connects us to the cycle of life.

  • Water Prayer

    Water holds intentions, what are you speaking into the waters inside and outside of your body? We will practice gratitude and healing the waters of life.

  • Earthing

    How to ground into the magnetic energy of the earth and stabilize our bodies; reducing inflammation, pain, and stress, improving blood flow, energy, and sleep.

  • Breathing Meditation

    How to focus our attention on our breath. One of the easiest ways to reduce stress and notice an immediate sense of relaxation.

  • Cacao Circle

    Learn about the plant medicine Cacao and how she can open and strengthen our hearts while connecting and embracing our emotions.

Schedule & Itinerary

  • Meet in inner SE Portland at 10am (address will be sent after registration)

    Leave Portland by 10:30-11am

    One stop at store before leaving cell service

    Drive 2 hours to Salmon River Trailhead

    Grounding and setting expectations opening circle

    Start Our adventure

    ~2 Miles to First Camp!

    Fire Ceremony

  • Morning Meditation and Stretching

    Hike 4 miles to viewpoint or longer if decided by the group.

    Solo Reflection time & Journaling

    Evening Sharing Circle

  • Morning Cacao Circle

    Hike 2 miles back to car

    Gratitude and Closing Circle

    Drive back to Portland

    Expected home arrive time: latest by 6pm

Sample Menu

Breakfast

  • Gluten Free Oats or Granola

  • Powdered Coconut Milk

  • Dried Berries and Nuts

Lunch

  • Sandwiches (Veggie or Tuna)

  • Fruit Bar

Dinner

  • Pasta, Veggies and Tuna

  • Chicken, Veggies and Rice

  • Soup (Chicken Tortilla or Veggie)

Trip Terrain

Description:
The Salmon River Trail, nestled in the lush old-growth forest of Mt. Hood National Forest, offers a magical journey alongside one of Oregon’s most pristine and powerful rivers. Towering ancient trees, moss-draped canopies, and the constant sound of flowing water create a deeply peaceful and healing atmosphere. With countless quiet spots to rest, reflect, and connect with nature, the trail offers a truly immersive wilderness experience.

Trail Difficulty:
The trail covers approximately 11 miles round trip with a gentle elevation gain of about 900 feet, making it accessible for most hikers, including beginners. The path is well-maintained, with a steady, gradual incline and plenty of flat stretches ideal for soaking in the serene surroundings.

Trail Access:
The trailhead is located near Welches, Oregon, just off Hwy 26. A short drive down a forest road leads to the Salmon River West Trailhead. Parking is available but can fill up quickly on weekends, so early arrival is recommended.

Logistics

We will begin our adventure with meeting locally in inner SE Portland 10 am Friday (address will be email upon registration). There is limited parking so may be wise to plan ahead to get dropped off at location.

We will have one stop at Hoodland Thriftway in Welches, OR for any last minute purchases before we head to the trailhead .

Trailhead: Salmon River Trailhead, Mt. Hood, Oregon

Travel Time: 2 Hours plus bathroom breaks

Expected arrival time home: Latest by 6pm on Sunday

Questions about travel arrangements? Open to making the best possible experiences for everyone. Make sure to email any questions or concerns.

Registration and Deposit

Meet your Guide

  • Neo Luz

    FOUNDER/TRAIL GUIDE

    Neo boasts over 15 years of both solo and group backpacking experience, starting with her journey through the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail. She later conquered the entire 2,650-mile trail solo. Alongside this feat, she has climbed 10 alpine mountains and dedicated 12 years to rock climbing, all while nurturing her passion for supporting others. Holding a degree in Counseling and Social Work, Neo has expanded her horizons into facilitating plant medicine ceremonies and community building, enriching her connection with nature. Through Trail Based Healing, she pioneers transformative experiences, guiding individuals to discover their true selves in nature's tranquil embrace.

    Read Bio

FAQs

  • We understand life has many challenges and opportunities to interrupt our plans. If have to cancel for any reason once payment is recieved, you may cancel for a full refund, less a $50 administrative fee, up until 30 days prior to the trip. After that, you may cancel for a 50% refund up until 14 days prior to the trip. Cancelations within 14 days of the trip will not be eligible for refunds.

    We recommend signing up for travel insurance, in case you need to cancel within 30 days of the trip start date due to illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. Please do not attend the trip if you have tested positive for Covid-19 or other communicable disease.

    If tested positive for Covid, you will receive full credit for attendance at another Trail Based Healing Retreat.

    In the unlikely case of forest fire or other prohibitive environmental conditions, the trip location may be changed. Or, the trip may be cancelled and you would be issued a full refund or you may use the payment for a later retreat date.

  • Upon registration, we will send you a full gear packing list with links to suggestions of what types of gear to choose. There is a ton of information on REI website and many people have detailed blogs about gear.

  • This retreat is open for any self-identifed women over the age of 18. Any person who is willing and able to carry the own weight is welcome to join!

  • After registration, we will send a google form with possible dates the week before we embark on our adventure. If you cannot attend the group zoom call, a recording of the conversation will be available. Also any personal questions or concerns please feel fee to reach out via email or we can set up a phone call. I am always willing to work 1-on-1.

  • We want to create a safe and sacred space for all women to feel comfortable so we ask NO alcohol or drugs be taken with us on this retreat. Thank you for respecting and honoring this agreement.

  • There is limited parking at all trailheads and to ensure we all get there at the right times and the same location, we will carpool. There will be 2 cars with 3-4 people traveling together. We are open and willing to discuss special accomidations so please email or set up a phone call.