Soma Wellness Services

Howland Hill Outdoor School
Howland Hill School was started in 1979. It is named for Eli & Mary Howland who, in 1866 stopped outside Crescent City, while on the way to Oregon, for Mary to give birth to their son Robert. The family decided to settle in northern California and the locals named the nearby hill, Howland Hill.

The school and the site was prepared and the original structures were built by the California Conservation Corp, Youth Conservation Corps and local volunteers.

Healthy, vegetarian and vegan options will be prepared by a professional chef. Please check out the website https//thesomawellness.com to learn more about your chef.

Full retreat location: Howland Hill Outdoor School, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Crescent City, CA. Nestled within the ancient redwood forests of Northern California, the Howland Hill Outdoor School sits on sacred Tolowa ancestral land near Crescent City. Surrounded by towering trees, fern-lined paths, and the soft hush of coastal breezes, this peaceful forest sanctuary offers a rare chance to disconnect from the noise of modern life and reconnect with something deeper. Located within Redwood National and State Parks, the retreat centers just short drive from breathtaking trails, willed beaches, and pristine riverbanks. Though rustic in nature, the site is rich in spirit, offering simplicity, stillness, and a powerful sense of presence. This land speaks in whispers, through birdsong, rustling leaves, and the wisdom of trees. It is a sacred place to remember who you are. A Sacred Path: History of Howland Hill Road. Howland Hill Road is one of the most scenic drives in all of California, winding through towering old-growth redwoods that have stood for over a thousand years. Originally a wagon route used by settlers in the 1800s, this narrow dirt road now offers travelers aware glimpse into the untouched majesty of the forest. Today, It is part of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and remains a beloved path for those seeking awe, reverence, and a deep connection to nature. As you make your way along the road, you are quite literally driving through a living cathedral, passing beneath redwoods so grand, they hush the world around you into quiet wonder. Getting There: The Holland Hill Outdoor School is located just 10 minutes from Crescent City, California. Driving Directions: From Highway 101, turn east onto Elk Valley Road, then continue onto Howland Hill Road. Follow the narrow paved road as it winds into the forest. The road becomes a dirt road. There is a gate to the right to the long driveway to the school. Someone will be at the gate to guide you from there on the day of the retreat. Nearest Airport: Crescent City Airport (CEC), approximately 20 minutes from the retreat site. Parking: Free on-site parking is available for retreat guests Transportation: Support Shuttle options may be available through our partners for guests arriving without a car.