the
perfect place to write
Register now for an exclusive writers retreat this spring at House on Metolius. Inspire yourself and learn from our invited author, Eileen Garvin…let’s write, together!
April 25 - check-in after 2pm (Friday)
April 28 - check-out before 11am (Monday)
This exclusive experience is for writers who are looking for a place to write that is quiet and inspiring, where creativity flows under towering mountain views or along the winding river’s edge, 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.
April 25-28, 2025
with Eileen Garvin
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Join Eileen Garvin for an intimate conversation about how she got started as a writer and the origin story of each of her books—national bestsellers The Music of Bees and Crow Talk as well as her acclaimed memoir How to Be a Sister. Eileen will answer questions about her books, the publishing process, and how to establish a sustainable writing practice.
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During this session, Eileen will offer insights into how internal and external landscapes power our writing. Participants will dive into the creative process with generative exercises and will have the chance to share their work and ask questions.
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This session will explore how experiences with the natural world can deepen the sensory and emotional force of our work. Using a mix of conversation, writing prompts, and short readings, Eileen will suggest ways to draw on our individual connections to our surroundings. There will be opportunities to share work and ask questions.
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, guests are invited to participate in activities such as yoga, guided nature walks, or other experiences designed to connect with the surrounding landscape.
While you write, our chef prepares delicious meals, and you’ll always find fresh coffee, organic teas, and homemade snacks available. There are plenty of inviting spaces to sit or talk, read or write.
For additional fees, personalized mentorship sessions with the invited author can be arranged, allowing you to get feedback on what matters most.
Main House
Without going outside, you can stroll from the always-stocked kitchen in our historic lodge to one of eight bedrooms. Each room features beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, reading chairs, a writing desk, a queen-sized bed 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.
$1575 4 days and 3 nights
single occupancy, all meals included…with option to add non-writing guests
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, dining table, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, each ensuite. With easy views of the river…these cabins are 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.
$2225 4 days and 3 nights
single occupancy, all meals included…with option to add non-writing guests
reserve now
With a fully refundable deposit, reserve your place now.
With checkout, submit your interest to join us at House on Metolius for this exclusive writers retreat. We will contact you directly to answer your questions, confirm accommodations and arrange for payment of the final balance.
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Kara Whitney Johnson
Kara lives in Mill Valley, north of San Francisco. With Chronicle Books, she published a design manifesto focused on unexpected ways to think about the products we know and love: I Miss My Pencil. With years of experience leading creative workshops at IDEO, Kara (aka K.J. Scribbles) is excited to host this retreat, make new writing friends, learn from 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 creative writing and hosting this retreat is a chance to support other writers, expand her community and build literary citizenship.
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Start your day with a simple self-catered breakfast. Lunch and dinner are both prepared and served in the main house by a private chef.
If you choose, it is optional to join daily yoga with a local instructor, a guided walk along the river or conversations with the invited author or other writers to kickstart, guide and inspire your creative process.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 advance notice. Please let us know any restrictions or preferences when you register.
