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Forest Therapy Full Moon Walk: Nature’s Restoration

Location icon
500 College Street Northeast, Olympia, WA, USA
Date
August 8, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

“The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground –    trees that were pleasing to the eye...” (Genesis 2: 9a, NIV)

In a world that moves at an often-overwhelming pace, the forest offers us a sacred pause: a place where we can listen deeply, breathe fully, and simply be present. As we walk slowly amongst the trees, we are reminded of the divine presence woven into all of creation. Each leaf, each birdsong, each breath of wind becomes an invitation to rest in God’s love and presence... reconnecting through the experience with our own being. Forest Therapy walks at St. Placid Priory are a time for physical, mental, and spiritual restoration, where our senses are awakened, and our holistic being is quietly restored.

St. Placid Forest Therapy Full Moon Walks

(also known as Forest Bathing or Shinrin yoku)

We invite you to experience the natural beauty of God’s creation in the forests of St. Placid Priory. These walks will begin while it is still light. As daylight fades and the moonlight begins to fill the sky, we will conclude our evening Forest Therapy walk near the building, and primarily off the trail.

Research is increasingly substantiating holistic health benefits of Forest Therapy such as:

Reducing psychological stress, such as depression and anxiety
Boosting immune function by increasing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, vital in cancer defense
Improving cardiovascular health
Lowering cortisol levels, enhancing concentration, memory, energy, and sleep (especially with afternoon walks)
Providing various other physical and mental health benefits

You are also encouraged to attend one of our Forest Therapy classes to learn more about the amazing holistic health benefits.

Come walk (and learn) with us.
Whether you are seeking healing, peace, clarity, or simply a deeper connection with God and creation, we warmly invite you to join us on our Forest Therapy walks (and our Forest Therapy classes). Let the forest be your wellbeing sanctuary.
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made...”
(Romans 1:20 NIV)

Getting Here

Location icon St. Placid Priory, 500 College Street Northeast, Olympia, WA, USA

Directions

Traveling north from Portland, on I-5:
Take Exit 109
Turn left onto Martin Way at end of exit
Stay in the far right lane
Turn right at second light onto
College Street NE
Turn right at St. Placid sign
(second possible right turn)

Traveling south from Seattle, on I-5:
Take Exit 109
Turn right onto Martin Way at end of exit
Stay in the far right lane
Turn right at the light onto
College Street NE
Turn right at St. Placid sign
(second possible right turn)

Accommodation

We have ten retreat bedrooms, most of which are equipped with two twin beds. The rooms may be shared if you are coming with a friend or partner, but generally there is just one person per room. Our building is set back among the trees so the rooms stay fairly cool. There is heat in each room for the colder nights. Each room has a sink, mirror, chair, desk, and small closet area. Towels and linens are provided, but please bring your own toiletries. Bathrooms are shared and showers are available. Retreatants are welcome to join the Sisters for Mass, Praise, and meals. There is wi-fi available in the Priory Library from 8:30am-8:00pm everyday. The Priory Store is also open on Fridays and Saturdays. Plenty of walking trails wind around the Priory's property and are open to retreatants. Spiritual Direction is available upon request at an additional charge.

Program Price

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
The Priory Spirituality Center is an ecumenical Christian ministry that encourages those of all faiths to discern the voice of God in their lives and in the world. A ministry of St. Placid Priory we reflect Benedictine values: peace, hospitality, community, learning and prayerful discernment.

We offer a peaceful and contemplative setting for personal reflection. We encourage and challenge people to know the presence of God in their lives through classes, workshops, retreats and individual spir

Meals

Menu Types

On-your-own breakfast: Center Kitchen. Eggs, milk, bread, cereal, fruit provided. Your own food welcome, may be cooked in Kitchen. Lunch/Dinner served, main dish+salad bar. Sun coffee hour after Mass

Customer Reviews

4.85 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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God the Artist was fabulous!
We spent the day in Shelton at an artists private studio. We were able to create three beautiful pieces. I used ferns and Japanese maple leaves in my pottery. We could choose what to make and were given individual guidance and suggestions. Lunch was under a tree in his garden. It was a perfect day. Creativity is a spiritual practice.

4.0
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Perfect Place for a Silent Retreat
I recently lost my husband suddenly through a vicious disease. It upended my world. I had been
on a silent retreat many years ago and knew that it would be helpful to get away from all of the external pressures and focus on the internal feelings of grief and loss. Luckily The Priory allowed me to have a five-day silent retreat in my well-furnished room plus a private dining space for silence.
My need for silence was respected by everyone there. The surroundings were lovely and peaceful.
It was just what I needed.

5.0
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Zentangle with Sister Monika
I love the zentangle classes with Sister Monika! She starts and ends the classes with thankfulness for the day, for the paper and drawing tools and then gently leads us into creating zentangles. I have been taking her classes for a long time and continue to learn so much.

5.0
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Retreat
Everything one needs for quietude, rest and time out for reflection is at St. Placid’s. The grounds for walking are inviting, the food is healthy, everyone is welcoming, the accommodations are clean and comfortable.

5.0
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Serenity
When I need time to quietly be, to regain my serenity from living in a world of turmoil, St. Placid Priory is my choice. Here I can simply be, listen to the birds, listen to God.

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