Mount St. Helens

June 22, 2025

Want to climb an active volcano mountain?

Are you ready to challenge yourself, connect with like-minded women, and stand on the summit of a majestic volcano?

This retreat is for you if you’re seeking:

✨ A community of like-hearted women to connect with deeply.
✨ A sacred space where you feel held and supported—physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
✨ A chance to step outside your comfort zone with encouragement and care.

This retreat is not a technical mountaineering expedition. Instead, it’s an opportunity for growth, connection, and inner transformation in a breathtaking natural setting.

My intention is to create a team of women who can be supported and held within the mountain and group experience.

Whether you're an experienced hiker or new to mountaineering, this guided adventure will provide the support, training, and encouragement you need to reach the top. Together, we will explore our edges—finding resilience in the challenge, courage in the unknown, and strength in the support of our community.

This mountaineering adventure includes:

  • Full Trip Itinerary – A detailed plan to guide you through every step of the journey

  • Preparation Group Zoom Call – Connect with fellow climbers, ask questions, and set intentions

  • Packing 101 – Gear guidance to ensure you’re well-equipped for the climb

  • Bonus Training Material

Are you ready to take the next step toward this unforgettable adventure?

Overview of our Journey

$111 + 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 required to cover only the basic costs of the retreat, with the flexibility to contribute 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 Adventure Includes:

ITINERARY & RIDE SHARE: Leave the logistics to us! We’ll take care of organizing the trip details, ensuring a smooth and well-planned experience from start to finish. Transportation to the trailhead is included.

SUMMIT PERMIT & PARKING PASS: Depending on the weather we will choose the best fitting day to climb Mt. St. Helens and we will provide the climbing permits for both days.

GEAR & RENTALS: All group gear (stove, water filter, maps, first-aid kit, safety beacon, gps location) included. You can rent gear (Depending on weather conditions) from the Mountain Shop: Summer/Spring Mountaineering Package (synthetic boots, crampons, ice axe and a helmet) are available for $30.

EXPERT GUIDES: Expert Nature 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.

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

NOT INCLUDED: Personal gear and clothing. Please bring your own food and snacks (suggestions will be provided) and any unexpected expenses

Healing Activities

  • Meet the Team Circle

    Who are you? What brings you to heal with the mountains? Let’s get to know each other before we begin our adventure.

  • Reflection Prompts

    Reflection prompts help us pause, process, and integrate our experiences, turning a physical challenge into a transformational journey.

  • Grounding

    Learn different techniques to help us ground into the magnetic energy of the mountain and stabilize our bodies.

  • 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.

  • Celebration

    Learn how to embrace our success and accomplishments as a team!

Schedule & Itinerary

Sunday:

Meet in Portland at 4am (address will be sent after registration)

Leave Portland by 4:30am

Drive to Mt. St. Helens Marble Mountain Snow Park (1.5 hour drive)

Grounding and setting expectations opening circle

Climb 5 miles & 5,500 ft (1,676 m) to summit

Return 5 miles back to car

Trip Terrain

Mount St. Helens is an active volcano and the central feature of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The mountain is a popular climb for both beginning and experienced mountaineers. Although people are able to climb Mount St. Helens year-round, late spring through early fall is the most popular season.

This route gains 4,500 feet in five miles to the crater rim at 8,365 feet elevation. Although strenuous, this non-technical climb is suitable for people in good physical condition who are comfortable scrambling on steep, rugged terrain. Most climbers complete the round trip in seven to twelve hours.

Milage & Elevation Gain: 9.6 Miles round trip & 5,500 ft (1,676 m).

Trail Access: Monitor Ridge Route from Climbers Bivouac (Starting from Marble Mt. Snow Park depending on snow levels)

Permits and Regulations: Climbing Permits and parking will be provided in registration fees.

We highly encourage you to engage in training hikes or a consistent fitness routine before climbing Mount St. Helens. Your level of preparation will greatly impact both your enjoyment of the journey and your success in reaching the summit.

Need Help Training? Click here to sign up for my exclusive training package!

Registration and Deposit

Meet your Team Leader

  • 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 online 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 cret a safe and sacred space for al wome to feel comfortable so we ask NO alcohol or drugs be taken with us on this retreat.

  • There is limited parking at all trailheads and to unsure 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.