North + Central Willamette Valley: Carlton, Mt. Angel, Opal Creek Wilderness
Our Lady of Guadalupe Guest House at Trappist Abbey - Carlton
Location: 9200 NE Abbey Road, Carlton
Why Go There? Non-directed retreat lodging at a monastery in the Willamette Valley, surrounded by agriculture. Two night minimum stay (10 night maximum, twice/year). Monks make and sell fruitcake, date-nut cake and honey; available on-line as well as on-site.
More Information: Trappist Abbey
Benedictine Sisters of Queen of Angels Monastery Retreat - Mt. Angel
Location: 840 South Main Street
Why Go There? A tranquil place to 're-group', attend the Mt. Angel Abbey Bach Festival (a mile up the hill at the Abbey) the Benedictine Sisters of Queen of Angels Monastery grounds include a chapel, grotto, gift shop, and hospitality center with modest lodging; shared bathrooms; optional meal purchase; two separate housing units, if available, have kitchens for limited meal preparation (stove to heat liquids, microwave, refrigerator), air-conditioning, private bathrooms.
More Information: Benedictine Sisters Retreats
Mt. Angel Abbey Guest House Retreat - Mt. Angel
Monday-Thursdays (weekend overnight exceptions: Easter, Christmas)
Location: 1 Abbey Drive, Saint Benedict (Mt. Angel)
Why Go There? A tranquil place to 're-group', attend the Mt. Angel Bach Festival (not so tranquil during popular festival, but convenient!); delicious plentiful food. Surrounded by Willamette Valley hops, hazelnuts, nurseries, Mt. Angel's quaint German style buildings, restaurants, shops are nearby; private rooms, bathrooms; (optional) meals are encouraged, as is participation in prayers with the monks. There is a kitchenette for guests bringing own food.
More Information: Mount Angel Abbey
Opal Creek Wilderness Cabins (1.5 hours drive east of Salem to trailhead)
April-November
Location: From I-5 exit 253, Hwy 22 (Stayton/Detroit) east approximately 22 miles, then left/north at the second flashing yellow light onto North Fork Road (North Fork Crossing Restaurant on the right). 14 miles on paved road, becomes gravel (entering Willamette National Forest), Forest Road 2209. Stay to the left on Forest Road 2209 after 1.5-2miles (there is a turnoff right towards Three Pools/Shady Cove). Continue another 4 miles to the Opal Creek/Jawbone Flats parking area and trailhead.
Why Go There? Three miles into the Opal Creek wilderness area, the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit manages four cabins (highly popular, reserve as early as possible) at Jawbone Flats, former mining camp as part of their stewardship and wilderness education programs. A variety of hiking through old growth forests, swimming or other activities are available from Jawbone Flats. Weekend workshops on different topics (photography, yoga, mushrooms, drink mixology) offered throughout the season, include lodging/vegetarian meals in the lodge. All overnight guests need to be able to walk in three miles along the North Santiam river (well marked fairly level) trail and bring own towels, partial bedding (blanket or sleeping bag).Cabins have equipped kitchens; vegetarian meals in the lodge are a purchase option if booked during reservation. Can make use of the gear shuttle that runs twice daily to/from the trailhead (if foregoing shuttle, receive discounts on cabin rental during peak, shoulder seasons).
More Information: Opal Creek Cabins + Jawbone Flats Hike