Find Authentic Retreats in Bend Oregon

"A few years ago, my family and I had a deeply unsettling paranormal experience that left us spiritually drained. We faced financial ruin, a string of bad luck, and an overwhelming sense that nothing was working out. Coming from a non-spiritual background, it was incredibly difficult to make sense of what was happening. Over the next decade, I searched for answers, occasionally reading about spirituality and meditation, but I struggled to stay consistent. Deep down, I felt something was fundamentally wrong. That’s when I first came across information about Ayahuasca, and my journey toward healing truly began. Discovering Forest Path was the answer to my prayers. Jaya, the shaman who leads the ceremonies, is a deeply experienced spiritual guide with an incredible background in spirituality. He and the entire Forest Path team provided a safe, compassionate space where I could confront my struggles and begin to understand them through this sacred medicine. The experience was intense—there was even an exorcism performed on me—but I always felt supported and protected by Jaya and the team throughout the ceremony. The music they perform during the ceremonies is beyond words. It’s not just beautiful—it’s transformative. Their songs connect you on a profound level to your higher self, creating a powerful, immersive experience. It’s clear that the entire team approaches this work with immense love and a genuine desire to serve humanity. They have helped thousands of people heal through the power of Ayahuasca, and I am forever grateful to be one of them. Today, I feel that I’ve truly healed. I am on a spiritual path toward awakening, which is my ultimate goal, and I owe so much of this transformation to the Forest Path team. They’ve taught me how to love humanity, connect to the supreme consciousness, and deepen my relationship with my higher self. I can’t imagine experiencing something so sacred with anyone else. I sincerely hope that more people have the opportunity to embark on this healing journey with Forest Path. It’s an experience that has profoundly changed my life, and I am endlessly grateful for it."

"This was a very important experience for me and among the most meaningful in my life. Going with Odyssey just made the most sense for me, and I found them to be a well organized, caring, professional group. The facilitators were excellent."

"This retreat was life changing for me. I have been in therapy for 8 years. Therapy has helped with many aspects of my life, but the Journey through Odyssey helped me identify problems I didn't know I was battling. The care to detail on this Journey was the highest quality. I haven't felt this relaxed in decades. "

"“I had a transformative experience at Odyssey. The facilitators were knowledgeable, professional, caring, and attentive. Leadership went well above my expectations to create an unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend Odyssey to others .”"

"This experience, from the moment I booked until the present moment, has significantly changed the trajectory of my life in a positive way. My hope from this experience was peace. I wanted to minimize the constant internal battle, thoughts, negative self-talk, etc. This experience took me on a journey of learning who I am and all the reasons I should love the person I have become. Additionally, each step of the process was meaningful, beneficial, and far exceeded anything I could have expected. The staff were some of the most amazing human beings I have ever met. It was evident they were truly called to this work. If you are hesitant on booking, I want to encourage you to- you will not regret it! "

"I participated in Odyssey's grief retreat, and found it truly profound—something you have to experience firsthand to fully understand. The program was well thought out, with each step of the journey carefully planned. The facilitators were supportive, ensuring we felt cared for at every turn. The emphasis on integration, even after the experience concludes, was particularly meaningful and may be one of the most valuable aspects of the journey. Before choosing Odyssey, I thoroughly researched numerous organizations offering psilocybin experiences. My initial meeting with Gabe immediately put me at ease; this was my first time considering something like this, and I needed to feel safe. The fact that Odyssey's program was combined with a grief retreat was the deciding factor for me, as that was exactly what I was seeking. Now, I can say that I made the right choice. The facilitators were knowledgeable about plant medicine and grief—two areas that were equally important to me. Their experience with grief work made all the difference. They were compassionate, patient, and fully committed, giving so much of themselves to each attendee. It was clear that they truly cared about everyone in the group. One aspect I particularly appreciated was the opportunity to visit the facility the day before we began working with the plant medicine. This planning allowed our bodies and minds to recognize the space as safe and welcoming—a detail that meant a lot to me. The experience itself may not unfold in the way you anticipate, but it will be the experience you need. You will be well cared for and deeply supported. I'm so glad I chose to work with Odyssey"

"From the minute we all met as a group, I knew this experience was going to be something special. But the weekend itself continued to far exceed my expectations. The facilitators and others in the group quickly felt like family and bonding with them became my favorite part. We met as strangers, but left as soulful friends who collectively shared an experience that was unique and very special to just us. I carry the journey with me daily now and it has changed my view of myself and the world around me. We are still in touch and are already planning to regroup next year! Make the journey. It is truly a gift to yourself. "

"I had an amazing experience. The integration therapists were fantastic, and despite the fact that my journey (on psilocybin) was challenging, it was therapeutic, profoundly so. (I was able to cry multiple times). I felt held, safe, and cared for by the retreat staff and I made great connections to the other participants. the logistics and meals and lodging were really superb--beyond expectations. I am pleased to recommend this organization for anyone looking to experience psilocybin in a therapeutic milieu, with enlightened facilitators and beautiful lodging quarters. "

"I had a wonderful time with Odyssey. This was not my first psilocybin retreat, as I had previously attended two retreats with "Atman Retreat" in Jamaica. What I can say is: the professionalism of Gabe and the Odyssey facilitators was top-notch. I instantly felt welcome and at home when arriving at this beautiful property. Not only that, but I connected deeply with my 4 fellow participants almost immediately. I can't speak highly enough of how the experience itself was curated. I found it exceptionally easy to trust, relax, and let go into the support of Aaron, David, and Jennifer. I was also exposed to a variety of novel meditations (plus breathwork!), which I found quite fun. While I would consider myself a fairly experienced psychonaut, I had never attempted two sequential macro-dose journey days before, as was planned for this retreat. The container these folks created was immaculate and enabled me to confidently push the boundaries a bit in ways I may have been fearful of on my own. Each meal came from a private chef, with a variety of options for folks with different dietary restrictions (some of the best gluten-free food I've ever had). My room was comfy and the aesthetics of our environment were delightfully pleasing to behold, inside and out. The property was in an incredible location in Bend, with large windows projecting out towards an endless ocean of trees. They had a basketball, tennis, and pickleball court! We had enough free time toward the end of the retreat to play some of these games. I even got the opportunity to go on a morning run with Aaron, one of our facilitators! Lastly, I should comment on the service center: for those who are not aware, retreat organizations like Odyssey cannot administer psilocybin on their retreat property. Instead, they must partner with a service center and transport participants to and from the service center before and after journeys. Our service center was only about a 15-20 minute ride from where we stayed and was very beautifully designed: a nice hybrid between psychedelic & clinical aesthetics, and ended up being an excellent place to cozy up with music & eye masks. Major props to the Odyssey team! I sincerely doubt you'll find a better mushroom retreat in the US, or perhaps even the world! Would love to make a return one day :)"

"Single best investment I've made in myself, my family & my community. After a really brutal few years filled with tragedy & loss, I just wasn't thinking or functioning well. Coping felt more like cognitive decline. I wondered if I'd ever feel alive or like myself again. I did a two journey experience. The first was like running virus software....clearing out the experiences that held my mind hostage. The second was like everything I'd ever lost returned to me.... I found calm & clarity like I've not in years. Coming out of the 2nd experience I felt a deep sense of joy & gratitude again. I've maintained a pervasive sense of well being & clarity that I thought I would never again. I was kind of scared to do this initially but so thankful I found the courage to & support to set my mind free. "

"I am 100% grateful I made the decision (and the investment) to attend an Odyssey Retreat. It exceeded my expectations and I am extremely pleased in how I feel even weeks after the experience. The location was beautiful. The Lodge was exceptional. The format, preparation and execution by facilitators...really unexpected and deeply impactful. The thoughtful and delicious food was a huge surprise and so very much appreciated by everyone. Without a doubt, the expertise of all staff were amazing - it was super important to me to feel safe and supported and this was absolutely the case. I intend to experience another Odyssey journey in the future and highly recommend Odyssey."

"If you ever want to try psilocybin, this is the place to do it. This retreat was well developed, safe, and professionally run. The facilitators were particularly wonderful. Each and every one brought a skill that complemented the others. Michelle organized and ran the show. Brian brought the research experience. Paulo was the heart and soul of our retreat. He connected with us and shared his wisdom, experience, and expertise (and food). I also loved the location, the people, and the size. Having people from similar backgrounds helped create a cohesive group and integrative experience. That concept is brilliant. I would highly recommend Odyssey to friends and family. In fact, my brother is already registered!"

"I attended a two night ayahuasca ceremony in Australia and I can honestly say that the experience was life changing for me. As a 50+ woman with complex PTSD from unresolved childhood traumas and zero experience with psychedelics, I initially felt vulnerable and apprehensive, however I came with a curious mind and an open heart. Jaya and Hayley provided a nurturing container that I felt completely safe in, they are not people who’ve done a little bit of training in psychedelic therapy, this is their life’s work. Their years of experience, knowledge and commitment to helping everyone in ceremony was abundantly clear from the moment that we sat together. The ceremonies themselves were intense healing experiences that were thoughtfully guided with music, song, poems and prayers, creating a powerful flow and providing a strong connection to the medicine. It was a deeply spiritual experience for me (and I don’t consider myself particularly spiritual in my everyday life). The last few years I’ve worked consistently on my healing journey with breath and somatic work, meditation, yoga and traditional psychology, although I had made lots of progress, depression still plagued me and the results gained from those modalities alone, were nothing compared to what I experienced through the healing power of ayahuasca. I achieved a deep connection with myself, an understanding that had previously been elusive to me and insights that made my life make sense. I was able to unlock doors in my psyche and move old energy out that had been literally stuck for decades, allowing space for a more positive future. I departed the weekend full of love, light and joy. I will be forever grateful for the experience I shared with this beautiful community. If the medicine is calling to you, then trust that you’re in the right place and Forest Path is without doubt the community to support your journey."

"Jaya and Hayley are angels on earth transmitting love and light through music and medicine. They share wisdom and healing with grace and humility. It is an honor to receive such a sacrament in their noble presence. Their devotion is an inspiration to all of humanity."

"This is a profound, life affirming experience that will open up pathways in your mind and heart. Everyone in your life benefits."

"Odyssey is one of the few great legal places to get a unique psilocybin experience. The facilitators were excellent: knowledgeable, skillful, creative, attentive to you as a person, and generous with their time. I would highly recommend Odyssey to anyone considering!"

"Virtually impossible to find the words to adequately describe the experience. Out of this universe … beyond impactful … filled with powerful emotional meaning and healing. Odyssey curates their guests’ experience with the deepest attention to meaning, sensitivity to each individual, unbounded love and caring, comfort, emotional presence, and passion. After initially making contact with Gabe about ten months prior to my journey, I was struck by his genuine kindness and exemplary credentials. He related to me on a human-to-human level. He never pressured me to make a decision — he just gave me my space and willingly created a circle of acceptance for me. I chose Odyssey because I knew that they adhered strictly to a level of professionalism and transparency and took great pride in that The facilitators were with the retreat participants every step of the way. They were clearly experienced and sensitive and adhered to the highest level of input and responsiveness. They celebrated and suffered along with us. They worked their tails off in providing to us the ultimate experience. Many times, they said, “We’re here for you … this is our job.” They never missed a beat when it came to caring for our needs, answering questions, providing emotional support, and walking the path with us. Beyond amazing."

"The psilocybin experience was profound, and the lead-up and follow through were a very necessary part of what happened during the several hours of the central experience. Time spent getting to know my fellow travelers gave me a sense of connectedness during the mushroom experience, and the communal processing which followed was very helpful to the beginning of the process of integration, sending me home with the feeling of having shared with some very special people. I am grateful for the team of facilitators whose experience was evident throughout the afternoon. They were extremely helpful; kind, professional, and attentive beginning to end. The only reason I indicated four stars, not five, is that I'm still evaluating my psilocybin experience, making sense of all I was shown, a process that could continue for some time. My thanks to all involved."

"This experience highly exceeded my expectations, and was among the most meaningful of my life. I am an internal medicine physician, and I chose this program because I could share the experience with people who are in the healthcare field. The background and experience of the facilitators was reassuring and the thoroughness of the intake interview gave me a feeling of confidence in the professionalism of the program. Odyssey created a safe, caring environment to experience your journey with other people in the most beautiful setting. Perfectly curated from start to finish. A sense of trust and caring pervaded the entire weekend. The facilitator team was fantastic. Each facilitator brought a unique perspective and were wonderfully supportive, caring and open. Michelle was in charge and in control the entire time. Organized, compassionate and simply as good as it gets. Just pure love and caring I would strongly recommend Odyssey to anyone considering the program."

"I can't even explain how much this retreat changed my life. It's like giving your soul a chance to be reunited with your body amidst breath taking scenery in a loving, safe environment. It was well worth the time and financial investment, and I may even say it was more affordable than it should have been after seeing all that went in to it."

"I am a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Trained Clinical Hypnotherapist as well as a student at Vital Psychedelics. Odessey is a highly trained group of mental health professionals led by a visionary who walks the talk of spirituality. My psilocybin experience was life changing. The words beyond trauma are present. I never thought this was possible. I have done a lot of my own personal work up to this point and will continue to do so. Thank you Gabe and Company 🙏"

"The location is exquisite, spent happy moments watching bats, birds against the backdrop of the Cascades - Broken Top and the 3 Sisters. Lavender bushes full of bees. Fantastic vistas. The house is beautiful and lived in. Minor fixes needed around the place but its beauty outweighed them. As for the facilitators, I was astonished at how good they were. I feel like that part of Oregon (Bend area) is very rich in knowledge about therapeutic use of psychedelics. The leaders spoke of other experiences and research and were very generous with their time and knowledge. During the ceremony they were supportive. Afterwards with the integration pieces this continued. I never felt like it was intrusive. They listened, reflected and offered their experience. And I learned a lot. The generosity, skill and support the facilitators provided made a huge difference for me. The medicine is strong - they helped me immeasurably through the process. My group was fantastic as well. We all came from a similar professional field but - for the most part - did not know each other before. I have never experienced such caring and vulnerability from absolute strangers. I felt real connection. This was a short event (2 travel days and 2 days on site) but was amazing. More than I imagined going in. Odyssey has worked hard to build up their program - thought went into everything but the whole thing did not feel packaged nor limited."

"My time with Haley and Jaya was nothing short of divine perfection. If you are looking for a sign to move forward with an experience with Haley and Jaya, then this is it. My heart beats stronger and with more light due to my time with these two beautiful souls who embody the beauty way with an impeccability I have not seen before. I am deeply grateful and humbled to have had an opportunity to sit in ceremony with them. Blessings to all who come upon this review and to Haley and Jaya. "

"I just finished an Ayahuasca Immersion with the Forest Path. I first sat with them in 2021 for a ceremony and attended an immersion in 2023. There's so much I want to compliment: yummy & healthy food, a beautiful, tranquil, comfortable temple space, I enjoyed lovely accommodations next door at Casa Colibri, with the music/sound selections and presentation I feel I'm surrounded by healing frequencies, especially this year as Hayley and Jaya have continued teaching trainings - their dedication to the relationship between vibration and healing continues to provide a deep and transformative experience. Jaya holds a sage-like poetic wisdom that I appreciate - he will also make you laugh! Hayley is exceptionally organized, clean, tender, attentive to all the little details, a true divine light being when she sings. Her nurturing blossoms in song especially within harmonization. Their love is beautiful to behold and they bring others around them with great capacity for love. I felt welcomed, safe, supported and cared for. I enjoyed spending time with our group as everyone was genuine and kind. There was truly a lot of love and light in the room the entire immersion. I would recommend them to anyone who is curious to drink ayahuasca, who wants to experience the healing potential of plant medicine, who loves music and would benefit from more love and light in their life. "

"I had no idea what this retreat would bring my way but I didn't hesitate to sign up and trust the process, which was so professional from beginning to end. The facilitators made themselves available to answer questions, describe the events leading up to our session, and they were there every step of the way with empathy, respect, and thoughtfulness. Honestly, I was concerned because I was the oldest person in my group (68) and thought I might not fit in but the members of my group and the facilitators embraced my presence and eased my doubts. I felt safe to allow myself to experience the journey fully and it was very meaningful. My experience was truly enlightening and amazing. I never expected to face what I did during my journey and the insights really opened my eyes to what I need to work on. I have a path forward. I'm so glad I took this step for myself."

"Gabe at Odyssey created an open and relaxed environment from the initial inquiry call to the morning of departure. Our lead facilitator, Aaron, was with us from pick up to drop off from the airport. The Odyssey team took good care answering my questions and making my whole experience comfortable. Their understanding of this potent medicine is evident. I have attended many retreats and the presence the Odyssey team provided me and the group was exceptional. My experience was transformational. I highly recommend Odyssey for your journey experience. "

"To be completely honest, I came to Odyssey with some reservations. Not necessarily about the psilocybin experience itself, but rather the surrounding infrastructure. The idea that there was a number of group sessions both before and after the journey garnered some level of anxiety in me. Would I be forced to share in these sessions? What if I didn't like the people I was sharing a home with? Would the entire exercise be too 'granola' for me, coming from a corporate background in the Northeast? Every single one of these concerns was thoroughly put to bed by the end of the first day. I cannot give enough credit to Aaron, our lead facilitator, along with his co-facilitators - Michelle and Alex - for creating one of the most open, encouraging (yet respectful) environments that also made room for levity, humor, and opportunities to remain grounded in the 'real' world around us. For example, immediately after the psilocybin experience, Aaron went out of his way to order burgers and fries for a few of us who were craving. Additionally, the day after the experience, one small subset of our group went to enjoy a nearby pool, while another stayed at the house to relax. While things like this may not seem like much in and of themselves, I cite them as examples to underline the fact that though there is structure to the Odyssey experience, every single individual involved is empowered and entrusted to follow their own joy, and Aaron, Alex, and Michelle could not be more deft or capable facilitators for creating that environment. It is solely because of the genuine care and compassion of every single member of the Odyssey family that my personal experience went from an initial expectation of a fun and unique way to spend a weekend, to a profoundly moving experience that has left me not just with new discoveries and a greatly enhanced relationship with my own empathy for both myself and those around me, but also a new family in the fellow participants. Every single one of them I would trust implicitly to reach out to either in a time of need, or simply to chat and catch up, and the authenticity of relationships that strong that are forged over such a short amount of time is a testament to the profoundly impressive capabilities of the entire facilitation team. Finally, I want to take a moment to especially recognize and give thanks to Gabe, Odyssey's founder and CEO. Similarly to my initial thoughts on the retreat as a whole, I had some degree of skepticism that this was more of an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a new industry than it was about giving people from all walks of life the opportunity to experience something truly unique and potentially change their lives in profound ways. I could not have been more wrong. Despite there being no expectation whatsoever, Gabe stopped by the homes multiple times, often just to be a quiet, but comforting, knowledgable, and supporting presence in the room. I can give perhaps no better example than the message it sends of true compassion and dedication to the human impact of the Odyssey experience that he was just as quick, if not quicker, than anyone else involved to help do dishes after meals, or even run to the store for extra groceries. While I have no doubt he's a shrewd and capable business leader, no matter the levels of success he reaches, I will alway be impressed and admire his empathy, humility, and genuine interest in helping people truly improve their lives for the better and taking a genuine risk with his own livelihood in founding Odyssey to make that happen. "

"The journey with Odyssey created a mental shift that was specific to my life experience and circumstances. The retreat healed a dark, isolated corner of my soul allowing for a deeper level of personal integration that feels amazing. I gained a beautiful sense of knowing that I am part of a warm, loving, source energy that connects me to all things. My mind is calmer, quieter, more peaceful, moves with less effort, and remains focused on love, kindness, and gratefulness. My desire to love has been heightened. I feel empowered to continue to create the adventure I want to have here on earth. I feel more settled and directive on the path I am traveling. If you are reading this, I highly recommend you do it and take the leap! Odyssey is safe, and you truly are in the hands of professionals. You can trust the process Odyssey has created. I am so grateful I found and chose this retreat! "

"Odyssey is a highly trained and deeply involved facilitation organization that makes psilocybin therapy/journeys available to those in need or hesitant about the experience. The facilitators were professional, empathetic, attentive, and nurturing. They were well-experienced, eloquent, informative, and invested. They paid attention to details and anticipated participant needs. They were pleasant as professionals and as individuals. The activities were relevant, well-executed, and comprehensive yet focused. The experience was exactly what I wanted and needed. It was a shared experience, so I wasn't alone. We had two facilitators per participant, which felt comfortable and safe. Facilitators were nearby and available during the experience, providing comfort with their astounding patience. For anyone interested, this is a bucket-list item for sure. Beyond that, I believe it should be widely accepted and available, as I believe anyone/everyone can benefit from the experience. "

"Look for my article ion my own personal experience in the New York Post (online edition), with a tentative publication of June 11, 2024. My frustration began with the absolute absence of their follow through on advising me on the subject of pre-existing intake of my RX, Paxil. I think I was the only Ayahuasca “virgin” in attendance (not 100% yet) and, if so, might should have been the one who they monitored or guided the most. Instead, I was abjectly ignored and not given any advice or guidance. Every single one of the staff were themselves in such an altered state of consciousness that they could not have been capable of being of service to even the resident kitty cat. I know, because I was as straight as a plank the entire retreat. One of the staff, Maria, came within inches of tumbling backwards off a 8-10 foot embankment while trying to FORCE me to go back inside the building (after I finally couldn’t tolerate one prolonged “song” of tortured wailing. The only participants that I witnessed puking and seemingly out of control were the staff. My assessment of the group of young people leading this organization’s ayahuasca retreat is they’re living the extremely altered reality of being the kids of some wealthy family and are PLAYING with this plant medicine. And, they couldn’t be bothered with even replying to my email of complaint about my experience. Doesn’t matter, already planning my trip to Peru. However, an estimated 5 million people will read my exposé on my experience with ForestPath. Peace to you❣️"