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Forest Therapy --Summer/Fall

Location icon
500 College Street Northeast, Olympia, WA, USA
Date
September 20, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Forest Therapy walks at St. Placid Priory
“The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground – trees that were pleasing to the eye...” (Genesis 2: 9a)
About Our 4 Seasonal Forest Therapy 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. Through guided Forest Therapy walks we’ll rest in God’s presence, immerse ourselves in nature, and enjoy both its beauty and the holistic health benefits God offers there.

Research suggests that Forest Therapy has preventative medicinal benefits, as recognized within Forest Medicine. Studies show that Forest Therapy walks can have lasting effects, with benefits continuing for days or even weeks. Some potential holistic (body, mind, spirit) benefits include:

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)
becoming more intimately aware of “...God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature...” which are clearly visible in what He has created. (Romans 1:20, NIV)

Reflections on Fall Forest Therapy walks

A Summer Forest Therapy walk immerses us in nature’s vibrant energy. The lush green canopy, the forest’s undergrowth, the bird’s song...all help instill relaxation and grounding. Summer’s warmth can promote connection and renewal, while the long days of sunlight stimulate growth and emotional release. Our time together in God’s created beauty can be a restorative experience that nurtures peace and well-being.

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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) Read More

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 Read More

Venue & Amenities

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 Read More

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 Read More

Customer Reviews

4.86 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Cinema Divina – Reality with a capital “R”
St. Placid Priory creates a range of retreats, online and on local, to serve a wide variety of retreat-goers. The recent "Reality with a capital "R" was a joyful gathering of those committed to action through times fraught with uncertainty. It was an invitation to see life and community through the lens of Reality. Especially appreciated the Evelyn Underhill comment on Reality being perceived through taking time to Read, Reflect, Respond, and Rest. Read More

5.0
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Every time.
I have been to multiple events at St. Placid, including this most recent "Cinema Divina" with M. Freeman, and am consistently amazed at the depth and timeliness of what I experience.

This priory is a place of learning and welcome that always makes me glad I have attended whatever I have been fortunate to be invited to.

It's a beautiful haven in a world that can be very conflicted.

Thank you, Sisters. You are a gift Read More

5.0
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St Placid Priory offers beauty, peace, and warm hospitality
Our group retreat this February was everything we could have wished. The welcoming Spirituality Center housed the seven of us in peace, with space and time for inner reflection, journaling, long walks, and meeting from time to time as a group. The food was delicious too!

I have been going on retreats at St. Placid since 1995. Highest recommendation. Read More

5.0
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The Sacred Art of the Line
A creative activity which was nurturing to the soul. Read More

5.0
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Weekend Silent Centering Prayer Retreat: Sitting with the Desert Fathers and Mothers at St. Placid Priory
My accomodations were excellent. The welcome was warm and inviting. I felt part of the community immediately. The gentle guidance of Sister Anna Camille in our centering prayer was what I enjoyed the most. The retreat met my expectations. It was lovely. I felt the peace entering the priory and the quiet. I found growth in the practice of prayer and there was a space for me grow in the Spirit. The only thing I would change is clarifying the participation in the chanting and the singing during mass. I heard about the retreat at the Priory through our Centering Prayer group in our church - Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Kirkland. Read More

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