She Explores

Timothy Lake, OR

July 18 - 20, 2025

Have you always wanted to go backpacking but don’t know where to start?

Welcome to our Women’s Beginner Backpacking Retreat—a transformative journey into the heart of nature designed for adventurers seeking to explore the great outdoors with confidence and camaraderie.

Expert backpacker and trail guide Neo Luz will provide hands-on instruction in essential backpacking skills, covering navigation, camp setup, and Leave No Trace principles. Participants will gain practical knowledge on packing efficiently, choosing the right gear, and ensuring their safety in the wilderness.

But our retreat is about more than just learning practical skills—it's about forging connections and creating lasting memories. We will have multiple rituals, sharing circles, meditations, and moments of quiet reflection. There's ample opportunity to reconnect with oneself, our fellow hikers and the natural world.

No matter your level of outdoor experience, this retreat is the perfect opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, embrace adventure, and discover the joy of backpacking in the company of like-minded explorers. Join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey into the wilderness, where every trail leads to new horizons and endless possibilities.

This is all inclusive 3-day backpacking adventure includes:

  • Full Trip Itinerary

  • 3 Meals a Day

  • Gear Rentals

  • Preparation Group Zoom Call

  • Packing 101

Overview of our Journey

$400 + Any Heart Donation

Access to Mother Nature should not be restricted by financial limitations

I am dedicated to organizing a healing backpacking retreat that is inclusive and affordable for all women. Participants are asked to cover only the basic costs of the retreat, with the flexibility to contribute a heart donation as they see fit for additional services and activities. My primary goal is to share the beauty and serenity of nature with others and to give back the gifts I have received from it. If you are unable to afford the basic cost but wish to join us, please contact me via email to discuss available scholarships and other options. I believe that financial constraints should not prevent anyone from experiencing the transformative power of nature. Scholarships are available, please reach out if you have any questions or need more information about how to gain aid.

This Retreat Includes:

FOOD: Breakfast, lunch and dinners provided. If you have any dietary restrictions please let us know and we will accommodate accordingly.

GEAR & RENTALS: All group gear (stove, water filter, maps, first-aid kit, safety beacon, gps location) included. Any big gear items you might need (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad) are available for rent.

EXPERT GUIDES: Expert backpacking guide Neo Luz.

GROUP CALL: Show up feeling connected and prepared with a focus on setting clear intentions for our journey together; ask questions and deepen relationships with those attending. Call will be scheduled the week before the retreat.

BACKPACKING GEAR LIST: We provide a extensive detailed gear list with examples and links.

NOT INCLUDED

  • Trip insurance (recommended and costs about $100)

  • Personal gear and clothing

  • Any unexpected expenses

Healing Activities

  • Fire Ceremony

    What would you like to release and/or calling into your life? Fire is cleansing; It clears the old to make way for the new. It connects us to the cycle of life.

  • Water Prayer

    Water holds intentions, what are you speaking into the waters inside and outside of your body? We will practice gratitude and healing the waters of life.

  • Earthing

    How to ground into the magnetic energy of the earth and stabilize our bodies; reducing inflammation, pain, and stress, improving blood flow, energy, and sleep.

  • Breathing Meditation

    How to focus our attention on our breath. One of the easiest ways to reduce stress and notice an immediate sense of relaxation.

  • Cacao Circle

    Learn about the plant medicine Cacao and how she can open and strengthen our hearts while connecting and embracing our emotions.

Schedule & Itinerary

  • Meet in inner SE Portland at 10am (address will be sent after registration)

    Leave Portland by 10:30-11am

    One stop at store before leaving cell service

    Drive to Timothy Lake Trailhead

    Grounding and setting expectations opening circle

    Start Our adventure

    4 Miles to First Camp!

    Stop by Meditation Point for a grounding Meditation

    Fire Ceremony

  • Morning Meditation and Stretching

    Hike 4-5 Miles to Camp #2

    Stop by Little Crater Lake

    Water Prayer

  • Morning Cacao Circle

    Hike 3-5 miles back to car

    Gratitude and Closing Circle

    Drive back to Portland

    Expected home arrive time: latest by 6pm

Sample Menu

Breakfast

  • Gluten Free Oats or Granola

  • Powdered Coconut Milk

  • Dried Berries and Nuts

Lunch

  • Sandwiches (Veggie or Tuna)

  • Fruit Bar

Dinner

  • Pasta, Veggies and Tuna

  • Chicken, Veggies and Rice

  • Soup (Chicken Tortilla or Veggie)

Trip Terrain

Description: Timothy Lake, located in the picturesque Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon, is a tranquil and scenic alpine lake surrounded by towering forests and majestic mountain peaks.

Trail Difficulty: The trail is approximately 13.2 miles round trip, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. With only 879’ elevation gain overall makes this trail perfect for beginners and the trail is generally well-maintained and easy to navigate.

Trail Access: The trailhead is located off Hwy 26 and is accessible via a gravel road. Parking is available at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so it's best to arrive early to secure a spot.

Logistics

We will begin our adventure with meeting locally in inner SE Portland 10 am Friday (address will be email upon registration). There is limited parking so may be wise to plan ahead to get dropped off at location.

We will have one stop at Hoodland Thriftway in Welches, OR for any last minute purchases before we head to the trailhead .

Trailhead: Timothy Lake Dam Trailhead, Mt. Hood, Oregon

Travel Time: 2 Hours plus bathroom breaks

Expected arrival time home: Latest by 6pm on Sunday

Questions about travel arrangements? Open to making the best possible experiences for everyone. Make sure to email any questions or concerns.

Registration and Deposit

Meet your Guides

  • Neo Luz

    FOUNDER/TRAIL GUIDE

    Neo boasts over 15 years of both solo and group backpacking experience, starting with her journey through the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail. She later conquered the entire 2,650-mile trail solo. Alongside this feat, she has climbed 10 alpine mountains and dedicated 12 years to rock climbing, all while nurturing her passion for supporting others. Holding a degree in Counseling and Social Work, Neo has expanded her horizons into facilitating plant medicine ceremonies and community building, enriching her connection with nature. Through Trail Based Healing, she pioneers transformative experiences, guiding individuals to discover their true selves in nature's tranquil embrace.

    Read Bio

FAQs

  • We understand life has many challenges and opportunities to interrupt our plans. If have to cancel for any reason once payment is recieved, you may cancel for a full refund, less a $50 administrative fee, up until 30 days prior to the trip. After that, you may cancel for a 50% refund up until 14 days prior to the trip. Cancelations within 14 days of the trip will not be eligible for refunds.

    We recommend signing up for travel insurance, in case you need to cancel within 30 days of the trip start date due to illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. Please do not attend the trip if you have tested positive for Covid-19 or other communicable disease.

    If tested positive for Covid, you will receive full credit for attendance at another Trail Based Healing Retreat.

    In the unlikely case of forest fire or other prohibitive environmental conditions, the trip location may be changed. Or, the trip may be cancelled and you would be issued a full refund or you may use the payment for a later retreat date.

  • Upon registration, we will send you a full gear packing list with links to suggestions of what types of gear to choose. There is a ton of information on REI website and many people have detailed blogs about gear.

  • This retreat is open for any self-identifed women over the age of 18. Any person who is willing and able to carry the own weight is welcome to join!

  • After registration, we will send a google form with possible dates the week before we embark on our adventure. If you cannot attend the group zoom call, a recording of the conversation will be available. Also any personal questions or concerns please feel fee to reach out via email or we can set up a phone call. I am always willing to work 1-on-1.

  • We want to create a safe and sacred space for all women to feel comfortable so we ask NO alcohol or drugs be taken with us on this retreat. Thank you for respecting and honoring this agreement.

  • There is limited parking at all trailheads and to ensure we all get there at the right times and the same location, we will carpool. There will be 2 cars with 3-4 people traveling together. We are open and willing to discuss special accomidations so please email or set up a phone call.