Soma Wellness Services

Slow down beneath the old-growth canopy

Canada Crescent City paid

A three-night retreat at Howland Hill Outdoor School brings yoga, sound healing, and guided forest walks into the quiet of Northern California’s redwoods. The school sits within Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, on Tolowa ancestral land, where fern-lined paths and towering trees shape the pace of the stay. Meals are prepared by a professional chef, with vegetarian and vegan options, and the retreat’s guiding theme is reconnecting with inner wisdom beneath the full moon. The venue has a rustic, outdoors-focused character rather than the feel of a polished resort. Its history is distinctive too: local volunteers and conservation corps helped build the original structures, and the school takes its name from the Howland family, who settled in the area in the 1860s. Crescent City is about a 10-minute drive away, while the forest trails are close at hand.

Highlights

A three-night program built around the full moon
Sound healing alongside yoga and guided forest hikes
Professional-chef meals with vegetarian and vegan options
An outdoor school built with help from conservation corps and local volunteers

Good for

Nature loversYoga practitionersRetreat newcomersVegetarian and vegan travelersForest hiking enthusiasts

Setting

Howland Hill Outdoor School is set among the old-growth redwoods of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, near Crescent City. Fern-lined paths, birdsong, and the hush of the forest give the site a quiet, rustic atmosphere.

A typical day

The retreat includes yoga, sound healing, guided forest walks, and shared meals, but the exact timing and sequence can vary. Expect time outdoors and quieter periods between group activities. Ask Soma about the daily schedule before booking.

Accommodation

The retreat uses a rustic outdoor school as its venue. Ask Soma about sleeping arrangements, bedding, and bathroom facilities before reserving.

What to bring

Bring comfortable clothes for yoga and walking, sturdy shoes for forest trails, and layers for cool conditions. The annual average temperature is 6.8°C, with wetter months including March, May, and November, so pack rain protection as well.

Address Howland Hill Outdoor School Redwoods State Park

How to get there

From Highway 101, take Elk Valley Road east and continue onto Howland Hill Road. The narrow road becomes dirt; turn through the gate to the school’s driveway, where someone will guide retreat guests. The site is about a 10-minute drive from Crescent City, and free parking is available.

Nearest airport: Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) (7 km)

Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) is approximately 7 km from the center. Support shuttle options may be available through retreat partners; confirm airport and transfer arrangements with Soma before booking.

Nearest city: Moncton

Languages

English

Pricing

Retreat pricing starts at USD 1,100. Confirm current dates and what is included with Soma before booking.

Climate

Climate Zone: Temperate

Best Months: Sep, Aug, Jul

Avoid: Mar, Nov, May

The annual average temperature is 6.8°C. June, July, and August are the warmest and driest months; January, February, and December are coolest, while March, May, and November are among the wettest.

Location

Frequently asked questions

How long is the retreat, and what activities are included?

The retreat runs for three nights and includes yoga, sound healing, guided forest hikes, and nourishing meals.

Can beginners join the yoga and sound-healing sessions?

The program includes both practices, but ask Soma whether sessions are adapted for first-timers.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes. A professional chef prepares meals with vegetarian and vegan options.

How do I reach Howland Hill Outdoor School?

From Highway 101, turn east onto Elk Valley Road and continue onto Howland Hill Road. Follow the narrow road, which becomes dirt, to the gate and driveway; a retreat representative will guide guests in. Free on-site parking is available.

How can I reserve a place?

Ask Soma directly about upcoming dates and reservations.