Immersive Nature Retreat in Northern California Featuring Women’s Circle & Forest Walks
Sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in Northern California’s towering redwoods and ocean-kissed air. If you’ve been craving a deep breath of fresh forest energy, consider joining the Ritual & Renewal: Samhain Fall Retreat from October 16th to 19th, 2025 (Thursday through Sunday). This Nature Retreat Northern California style invites all who identify as women to come together in a safe, supportive container where Forest Walks, Samhain rituals, and communal gatherings foster profound reconnection with self and the land.
Hosted at Spirit Camp in Mendocino, this transformative retreat offers the perfect mix of forest immersions, intimate Women’s Circle experiences, and soul-stirring ceremonies that honor the seasonal shift. Whether you desire a Redwood forest getaway near SF or a coastal Mendocino retreat to explore your inner world, these four days beckon you to step into the hush of stately redwoods, share stories around a glowing fire pit, and discover a renewed sense of belonging in nature’s embrace.
Embracing Nature’s Wisdom at the Samhain Fall Retreat
Samhain—a Gaelic festival marking the thinning veil between autumn and winter—arrives laden with symbolism. It’s a season of release, transformation, and deep introspection, making it an ideal time for a Samhain forest immersion. By aligning yourself with the natural world’s cycles, you’ll find that your inner growth mirrors the gentle shedding and sowing happening in the forest around you.
Dates & Purpose
October 16th–19th, 2025
Four days of ceremonial gatherings, Forest Walks, yoga, journaling, and group circles to release outdated patterns and invite renewed clarity.
Atmosphere & Intent
This scenic spiritual weekend underscores the unity between nature and human hearts. Rather than encouraging escapism, the retreat cultivates presence—showing you how to ground your spirit in the Redwood soils and coastal breezes of Northern California.
Who It’s For
Women of all backgrounds and experience levels—whether you’re a seasoned meditator, nature enthusiast, or newcomer to ceremonial spaces. If the idea of an outdoor women’s gathering in California draws you in, this retreat likely holds a place for you.
Over the course of these few days, you’ll commune with the land and fellow participants, forging connections rooted in authenticity and shared intention. Expect everything from sunrise meditations in the Redwood Lodge to twilight fire circles where mythic tales and personal reflections intertwine.
History & Benefits of Women’s Circles in Natural Settings
A Global Tradition
Long before modern wellness centers and yoga studios, women gathered beneath starry skies, around flickering fires, and in the heart of wild landscapes to share wisdom, support community, and navigate life’s transitions. These circles—variously known as moon lodges, sisterhood gatherings, or mother circles—offered a nurturing environment to process emotions, celebrate milestones, and embrace the sacredness of the natural world. Learn more.
Healing Through Connection
When women come together in nature, something transformative unfolds. Scientific studies affirm that time spent outdoors can reduce stress, foster mental well-being, and heighten a sense of belonging. By embedding a Women’s Circle within a forest setting, participants not only benefit from communal bonding but also from the earth’s grounding energies. The Redwood canopy above you can mirror the support and encouragement found within the group itself. Learn more.
Empowerment & Emotional Resonance
The circle format invites equal sharing—no one sits at the “head” of a table, and every voice carries weight. Such equality becomes particularly potent in an all-women setting, fostering vulnerability, validation, and personal empowerment. Coupled with the forest’s constant reminder of growth and renewal, the circle’s supportive energy can dissolve self-imposed limitations and open new pathways of self-discovery. Learn more.
Why a Nature Retreat Amplifies the Experience
A Nature Retreat Northern California style merges ancient circle wisdom with the Redwood forest’s innate healing frequencies. As you share personal stories or reflect on life changes, the forest resonates with your heartbeat, reminding you that you, too, are part of a larger ecosystem. In essence, these circles become a microcosm of nature’s cyclical transformation, illustrating that you are inseparable from the rhythms of the earth you inhabit. Learn more.
Photo of Deer Haven, one of the our many unique cabin spaces. This cabin has three beds. Cabins have between 1 to 8 beds each and provide several different sleeping arrangements for Nature Retreat Northern California. All cabin spaces are included in Coastal Mendocino retreat.
Photo of Group Glamping Tents Setup in Sunset Meadow. We have 10 Glamping Structures that can be added with 1to 3 beds each. This can increase bed capacity of campus to 50 guests across 20 unique accommodation spaces.
Your Guide: Rachel’s Earth-Centered Approach
Rachel Simone Wilkins, the retreat facilitator, knows firsthand the profound impact of blending feminine energy work with open-air immersions. Originally from Maine, she found her spiritual home in Mendocino’s Redwood groves—a place rich with the synergy of coastal winds and ancient woodlands. Her credentials include advanced yoga certifications, breathwork trainings, and a deep love for communal celebration of nature’s cycles.
Rachel’s Earth-Centered Approach
Yoga & Embodiment: Rachel incorporates breath-led flows, allowing participants to ground themselves before heading into group rituals or Forest Walks.
Reiki & Energy Healing: Trained in Shamanic Reiki, Rachel weaves subtle energetic work into her sessions, guiding women to sense not just the Redwood’s external presence, but also the internal alignment such forest synergy can awaken.
Ceremonial Leadership: Familiar with Celtic and global traditions, Rachel offers inclusive, nature-based rituals that welcome diverse beliefs, forging a unifying space for personal growth and shared reverence.
To see more of her reflections and nature-inspired practices, check out her Instagram, @rachelwilkinsyoga, where she posts about Redwood walks, mindful movement, and glimpses into her personal journey of earth connection.
Soaking Up the Redwood Vibes: Daily Retreat Highlights
Whether you’re craving quiet time among moss-draped trunks or a lively communal circle under star-lit skies, this scenic spiritual weekend offers a balance of structured activities and free-flow exploration.
Morning Forest Walks
Imagine starting each day wrapped in the gentle hush of the forest. After a warm beverage in the Redwood Lodge, the group steps onto hidden trails behind Spirit Camp, meandering through ferns and winding among towering trees. These Forest Walks could be silent or guided—depending on the day’s theme—allowing your senses to fully awaken. The interplay of soft morning light filtering through Redwood branches can feel like an unspoken invitation to ground your intentions for the day.
Midday Circle & Ritual
After breakfast, gather in a Women’s Circle to reflect on personal discoveries from the forest and delve deeper into your Samhain themes of release and renewal. Journaling prompts, gentle sharing, and breathwork might all be part of this midday session, creating a supportive container where laughter, tears, and insights are equally honored.
Afternoon Free Time
Some afternoons offer open space to explore the Redwood canopy’s mystical energy on your own. Relax in the meadow with a novel, chat by the communal fire, or take a nap in your cozy cabin to integrate the morning’s experiences. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can revisit trails or simply lounge under the Redwood shade, letting the forest cradle you into a peaceful reverie.
Sunset Gatherings
As twilight paints the sky in deep purples and oranges, gather again in a circle to share the day’s gleanings. This transitional hour often includes a short ritual that ties into Samhain’s elemental nature—perhaps an ancestor prayer, a gratitude offering, or a guided meditation celebrating the synergy of forest and spirit. A warm dinner follows, featuring plant-based, locally sourced cuisine to nourish both body and soul.
Where Sky Meets Ocean: Northern California’s Coastal Magic
One of the greatest advantages of a Nature Retreat Northern California experience is the tapestry of ecosystems at your fingertips. While Spirit Camp is nestled among Redwood giants, you’re also just a short drive from Mendocino’s dramatic coastline—a place where rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and panoramic Pacific views converge.
Geographical Ease: Roughly three hours north of San Francisco, or accessible from Oakland or Santa Rosa airports, making this Redwood forest getaway near SF remarkably convenient.
Coastal & Forest Fusion: The Redwood groves merge seamlessly with the ocean breeze, presenting a unique climate that fosters lush ferns, mossy gullies, and a vibrant array of flora and fauna.
For a taste of local culture, the town of Mendocino offers boutique shops, art galleries, and plenty of cafes. It’s a perfect spot to pick up souvenirs or indulge in local delicacies before you head home. To see maps, lodging details, and more, check Spirit Camp Retreats.
Common Nature Retreat Questions
Do I need hiking experience for the Forest Walks?
Not at all. The trails around Spirit Camp are well-maintained and range from easy strolls to moderate inclines. Rachel and the team will guide you, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably.Is it okay to attend solo?
Absolutely. Many women arrive alone and discover immediate kinship in the supportive environment. Retreats like these are designed to foster warm connections, so you’ll likely leave with new friends and a sense of shared belonging.What if it rains?
Coastal Northern California can receive drizzle, especially in fall. In light rain, forest walks become a magical experience—Redwood canopies often act as natural umbrellas. If heavier rain comes, the retreat schedule adapts, moving to cozy indoor sessions, circle dialogues, or meditation in the Redwood Lodge.
Extend Your Nature Immersion: Two Local Highlights
If you have extra time, consider arriving early or staying a bit longer to explore Mendocino County’s scenic treasures. Below are two parks that harmonize beautifully with the retreat’s theme of rewilding your spirit and deepening your nature connection.
Russian Gulch State Park
A mere stone’s throw from central Mendocino, Russian Gulch State Park enchants visitors with a coastline that flaunts dramatic cliffs, hidden sea caves, and a magnificent blowhole formed by tidal forces. Inland, the park boasts lush coastal forest and a waterfall trail that meanders alongside babbling streams and towering ferns. This combination of marine vistas and Redwood groves makes it a veritable wonderland for reflection and rejuvenation.
Whether you choose a gentle stroll along the bluffs or a moderate hike through the woodlands, Russian Gulch encourages a synergy of contemplation and awe. Pausing to listen to the waterfall’s roar or gazing at the expansive ocean can serve as an extension of your retreat’s forest immersion—amplifying the sense of interconnectedness between land and sea. Bring a journal and pen to capture fleeting inspirations as you revel in nature’s grand symphony.
MacKerricher State Park
Another gem near Fort Bragg, MacKerricher State Park, highlights the area’s biodiversity. Miles of sandy beaches, dune formations, and wetlands invite visitors to explore tide pools teeming with starfish and anemones, or spot harbor seals basking along the shore. The park’s boardwalk offers accessible views of the ocean—a prime spot for whale-watching during migration seasons.
If you’re still riding the wave of your Samhain forest immersion, consider walking the beach at dusk, letting the pounding surf echo the transformations unfolding within you. This time might be perfect for a solo mini-ritual: with each step in the wet sand, silently name an aspect of your life you’d like to nurture. The fading sunlight and rhythmic tide can underscore the cyclical wisdom gleaned from your forest retreat, helping you anchor newfound clarity and gratitude.
Reconnect with Yourself and the Land
A Nature Retreat Northern California style taps into a profound truth: we’re not separate from nature; we are nature. Surrounded by Redwood guardians and the communal warmth of a Women’s Circle, you’ll have a chance to peel back your layers, breathe more openly, and listen closely to your heart’s whispered desires. From morning Forest Walks to evening Samhain ceremonies, every moment is an invitation to soften, expand, and remember that you belong to this Earth.
If your spirit feels drawn to Redwood hush, group camaraderie, and the healing magic of Samhain, reserve your spot in this immersive journey. You can also explore all upcoming programs, including yoga intensives, witchy gatherings, and ancestral healing workshops, at the Spirit Camp Retreats calendar. We look forward to welcoming you to the Redwood forest, where the earth’s timeless rhythm holds space for your personal awakening and communal celebration.
TOPICS:
Nature Retreat Northern California, Redwood forest getaway near SF, Coastal Mendocino retreat, Outdoor women’s gathering in California, Samhain forest immersion, Scenic spiritual weekend, Northern California, Mendocino, Women’s Circle, Forest Walks.
