the
perfect place to write

Intimate Community

Limited to 16 writers, a space for deep connections and shared purpose

Pure Silence

Miles from city noise, where your only soundtrack is the river’s song

Wild Inspiration

Snow-capped peaks, ancient forests, and the crystal-clear Metolius river

Effortless Comfort

Farm-to-table meals, morning coffee, afternoon wine, thoughtful amenities

Creative Freedom

Your retreat, your rhythm—shape each day around your own writing practice

Private Sanctuary

A private room and countless hideaways on our 200-acre estate

Daily Activities

Each day the resort staff will organize morning yoga and afternoon nature walks. The retreat host will moderate daily conversations with the author.

While you are writing, our chef crafts farm-to-table meals from local ingredients. You'll always find fresh coffee, organic teas, and homemade snacks where there is plenty of space to enjoy easy conversation, read or write.

For some retreats, personalized mentorship with the invited author can be purchased separately, to focus on what matters most to you.

Main House

Without going outside, you can stroll from the always-stocked kitchen to one of eight bedrooms in our historic lodge.

Each room features beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, reading chairs, a queen-sized bed, a writing desk and private bathroom. Shared living and dining spaces are acoustically separated at the other end of the hallway. You'll find the perfect balance of privacy and easy connection with fellow writers.

$2175, 4 nights, single occupancy

(one bedroom w/ private bathroom)

Private Cabins

Built where the forest meets the meadow, a cluster of four 2-bedroom cabins offers the ultimate in creative solitude.

Each features a comfortable main room, full kitchen, two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, multiple writing nooks and panoramic views of the river…just a short walk across the river’s only bridge to main lodge. Perfect for writers seeking a little extra space with or without guests and the option for isolation.

$2875, 4 nights, double occupancy

(2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms)

April 24-28, 2025
with Eileen Garvin

Living in and writing about Hood River, Eileen has always found unexpected inspiration in the characters of her own life and a small town...in the first of 3 conversations at this retreat, Eileen will share her tips & tricks for writing with a sense of place and finding inspiration, truth and fiction where you are.
The Music Of The Bees draws inspiration from nature in a few unexpected ways...
Crows are not beautiful birds but they have strong character and that’s what inspires good writing…

Register now for a writers retreat this spring at House On Metolius. Learn from our invited author, Eileen Garvin and let’s write, together! : )

This exclusive experience is for writers who are looking for a place write that is quiet and inspiring, where creativity flows under towering mountain views where the river meets the meadow, to make writing friends or to write alone…with a little bit of author inspiration.

Born and raised in eastern Washington, Eileen lives in Hood River, Oregon. Eileen shares her backyard with four chickens, wild birds of all kinds, and about 120,000 honeybees. Her debut novel, The Music of Bees, is a national bestseller. Her new novel, Crow Talk, was published in April 2024 and is also a national bestseller.

eileengarvin.com

Kara Johnson

Kara lives in Mill Valley, north of San Francisco. She has published two books, to teach and inspire product designers: I Miss My Pencil (Chronicle) and Materials And Design (Elsevier). With years of experience leading creative workshops at IDEO, Kara (aka K.J. Scribbles) is excited to host this retreat, learn from fellow writers, inspire others and work on her next manuscript.

Lillian Huang Cummins

Lillian is a fiction writer and clinical psychologist who lives near Chicago. She is a graduate of the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College and teaches creative writing at Lake Forest College. Lillian is skilled in the fundamentals of writing, and hosting this retreat is a chance to support other writers, expand her community and build literary citizenship.

Start your day with a simple self-catered breakfast. Lunch and dinner are both prepared and served in the main house, in the main house by a private chef.
If you choose, it is optional to join daily yoga with a local instructor, a professionally guided walk along the river or a conversation with the invited author will guide and inspire your writing process.
Your retreat fee covers single occupancy in a private room in the lodge or double occupancy in a private cabin, two farm-to-table meals daily, breakfast options, coffee and tea service, wine before dinner and access to the river, the meadow and its trails.
Each retreat is focused on a different style or method of writing, matching the style of the author who is invited to participate. We welcome writers of various experience levels who need time to write, want to perfect their craft, connect with other writers or find inspiration on our quiet river.
The Main House features private rooms with queen or king beds, private bathrooms, desks, and easy chairs, along with relaxing views of the river and Mt. Jefferson.
Our cabins vary in size and style but include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a comfortable sitting area, a full kitchen and a porch. Cabins are just a short walk from the Main House, offering privacy with easy access to group activities.
Our private chef will prepare two farm-to-table meals each day. Breakfast and afternoon wine and cheese options will also be available.

The chef can also accommodate a range of dietary needs, with advanced notice. Please let us know any restrictions or preferences when you register.