When looking for a retreat center, you should pay attention to a few things when choosing a Breitenbush. Location, amenities, cost, and reputation as a retreat center are all important. But what else should you consider? Read on to discover some of the most important factors to consider. After reading this article, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect retreat center for your needs. We hope these tips will help you find a great place to stay.
Location
The history of Breitenbush Hot Springs is tangled with the region’s early history. John Hollingsworth first guided people to the hot springs in 1862, and his son Lorenzo eventually contracted polio and was cured after soaking in the mineral pools he built. In 1893, John Minto led an expedition to the region and met one-armed hunter John Breightenbush.
The community that surrounds Breitenbush Hot Springs includes many privately owned summer cabins and summer vacation homes. There are about 70 year-round residents, and the retreat and conference center employs only a handful of seasonal workers. The warm mineral water provides a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Guests can even swim in pools that are completely clothing-optional. As a bonus, the resort’s staff is comprised of members of the community and are devoted to protecting the area’s natural beauty.
The history of Breitenbush is a colorful one. It has changed hands many times, but experienced a rebirth in 1977 when Alex Beamer purchased the land and decided to build an intentional community. He aimed to operate a conference center and retreat center. The resort closed for years for restoration before reopening in 1981. Despite the long wait, visitors are still able to visit the hot springs today.
In addition to being a popular summer destination, Breitenbush also features a picturesque lake and a hike trail that’s 24.1 kilometers long. Hikers and OHV riders alike are frequent visitors of the area’s trails. The region is also popular for camping and rock climbing. Pets are welcome on leash and are allowed to accompany their owners on a hiking trail. There are several campsites available for camping.
Amenities
The Amenities at Breitenbush Hot Springs are not the only things that make this location unique. There is also a beautiful river running right through it. This provides not only beauty but electricity as well. You can also relax and rejuvenate by taking a dip in any of the hot springs. Breitenbush Hot Springs is a worker-owned cooperative located in Marion County, Oregon.
The Breitenbush community has a colorful history. In the early 19th century, the area was owned by various individuals, including John Hollingsworth. In 1862, he guided settlers to the site with his mule train. Later, the Mansfield family homesteaded a quarter section of the upper Breitenbush River, and their son contracted polio. Lorenzo Mansfield was born and grew up in the Breitenbush area, spending time in his father’s mineral pool.
The Amenities at Breitenbush Hot Springs include a large, 20-mile-long trail network, three vegetarian buffet meals daily, and workshops and classes. Guests can also stay in a lodge or platform tent. A conference center is also available. Personal vehicle sites are available for camper trucks and vans up to 21 feet in length. The Breitenbush Hot Springs community is dedicated to preserving the beauty of the natural environment.
The Retreat & Conference Center at Breitenbush offers many services and amenities to make your visit as memorable as possible. In addition to the hot springs, the retreat center hosts 150 workshops a year. The topics ranged from ecology to humanistic values, and even yoga teacher training. The Center offers three pools, a cedar sauna with a capacity of 12 people, and four hot tubs with single-use claw-foot bathtubs.
Costs
Visitors to Breitenbush Hot Springs are likely to spend time in the water, in the three clothing-optional pools, and in the steam sauna. The views from the hot springs’ outdoor pools are of lush forests, towering mountains, and glacier-fed rivers. In the evenings, guests may need insect repellent, but not during the day. To stay cool, the office provides towels and personal toiletries for rent.
Prices have increased, and some camps are now charging extra for their services to help rebuild Breitenbush. The cost of a night’s lodging has increased, in part, to help finance the rebuilding effort. The first adult in a room will pay full price, and subsequent adults will be charged reduced prices based on their age and the number of children sharing the room. Nevertheless, the higher rates are appreciated since they go towards the rebuilding of the Breitenbush area.
Day-use fees at Breitenbush Hot Springs range from $40 per adult to $20 per teen (ages twelve-17). The cost is nonrefundable. You may want to pay a few extra dollars to relax in the sauna or take a long walk through the nearby Willamette National Forest. You may also want to take the time to enjoy a massage or take a yoga class. However, you should make reservations before visiting Breitenbush Hot Springs.
The resort is completely off-the-grid, so there is no cell phone service or Internet. You can even opt for camping if you prefer, as the Breitenbush Retreat Center offers many lodging options year-round. You will still be close to the water, but will be far removed from civilization. The resort also offers daily well-being classes and meditation. A full day at Breitenbush could run you up to $1,000.
Reputation as a retreat center
The Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center is located in the Willamette National Forest, on 154 acres of forest. This intentional community is powered by underground water and runs off the grid. Guests can choose from rustic cabins, rustic tents, or a luxurious lodge room. The Retreat Center offers three buffet meals per day and many amenities. There’s also a yoga studio, stone labyrinth, and library.
The Breitenbush Mountain Resort is known as a counterculture retreat, with clothing-optional hot springs and vegetarian communal meals. Although its structures are nearly 100 years old, the staff is committed to upgrading them to better serve visitors. A $500,000 new reservoir is in the works. In addition, the retreat hires experts in specific fields to make sure guests have a great experience.
The Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center is a worker-owned co-op. The hot springs are natural and warm, ranging in temperature from 101-109degF. The water is naturally purified and never chemically treated, which makes it an ideal retreat center. Its reputation as a retreat center is well deserved. You can relax and unwind in the hot springs, get rejuvenated and recharge at the same time.
The Breitenbush Hot Springs Holistic Retreat is located in the Cascade Mountains and is powered by geothermal and hydroelectric power. It’s located just 90 miles from Portland. Closer to Eugene is Cougar Hot Springs, a cave-born hot spring located in an old growth forest. The retreat center’s facilities are designed to blend in with its environment.
Accessibility
If you’re considering visiting Breitenbush Hot Springs, you’ve got several options. Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs is easily accessible from the Salem Metropolitan Area, and it offers a relaxing geothermal bath with scenic river and old-growth forest views. In addition to the lower Breitenbush Hot Springs, you can also visit the Retreat and Conference Center located up the river, which requires a daily reservation.
The lower Breitenbush Hot Springs is more accessible, featuring two large pools and several smaller tubs. Near the river, you can also find two corroded bathtubs. The water temperature varies with a series of diverted hoses. In addition, the Sacred Meadow pools overlook the river and a forested ridgeline. The furthest pool is reserved for quiet contemplation.
From the parking lot, you can access the lower Breitenbush Hot Springs via a trail that winds through an old-growth Douglas-fir forest. A 0.5-mile walk from the parking area will take you to the hot springs. The trail is wide and has clear signage. Although the trail is relatively easy to follow, it can become tricky if the water level is high. During spring runoff, the trail may be impassable.
The Breitenbush community is built around the principles of collaboration, mutuality, and non-exploitation. They did not participate in corporate models of oppression, which exploit the earth’s resources and the people who built the community. Rather, they focused on serving the public and the natural environment. However, they have become a destination for people who wish to commune with nature. And the location is ideally suited for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without the hassles of modern life.
