SEPTEMBER 5TH - 7TH, 2025 | MT HOOD, OREGON
A retreat for creative women to foster community and build confidence painting & creating outdoors.
Hi there, I’m Jaclyn Baer
I am an artist & art educator inviting you on an artistic adventure in the beautiful Pacific-Northwest. As an experienced hiking guide, I’m here to help you gain the confidence to explore new trails and demonstrate en plein air skills and techniques. You’ll also have the chance to make new artist friends and enjoy a cozy atmosphere exploring the Mt. Hood area.
GUIDE & EN PLEIN AIR ARTIST
Some of our planned vistas & hikes for sketching & painting!
What’s Included
Accommodations: We will share a cozy cabin tucked away in the forests near Rhododendron, Oregon about 1 hour away from Portland International Airport. We will have easy access to the property, local trails, and we’ll visit the Timberline Lodge area to explore during the retreat.
Workshop: Every day we’ll have a mini workshop covering topics related to art, small-business, and personal growth & exploration.
Hiking: As an experienced mountain-guide, I’ll take you on some of my favorite hikes in the area and help you grow your confidence in hiking and exploring new trails.
Professional Headshots & Content: So you can update your artist headshot and have additional artist content for your professional website or social media.
Sälka Goodies: You’ll be getting a limited edition Sälka Art sling as well as a top-secret new product I’m currently designing. Plus a few of my favorite art supplies for en plein air.
Digital Retreat Guide: You’ll receive a detailed guide to help you know what to expect and be prepared for our retreat. You’ll also receive itinerary ideas for those who want to extend their trip in Oregon.
Community Group Chat: You’ll gain access to our group chat where any of us can discuss travel, ask questions, and help prepare for the retreat.
Breakfast: A variety of breakfast items, baked goods, coffee, & tea will be provided for breakfast every morning.
Welcome Dinner: Our Friday welcome dinner will be included as an elevated way to start our creative retreat.
Bonus Hike: On the final day, there will be a bonus hike to Ramona Falls that’s more challenging for those who want to take on a bigger adventure with me.
What’s Not Included
Transportation: To and from the Mt. Hood area, including during the retreat. Unfortunately, I cannot drive or provide transportation or the National Forest will consider me a guide and it’s an important legal distinction. But the drive is relatively short, you’ll have instructions, and we’ll travel as a group to locations during the retreat.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included for any travel-related costs of attending the retreat.
Clothing & Gear: You’ll be responsible for your own well-being on trail and during the retreat. You’ll just need to bring a warm jacket, a rain jacket, and shoes or hiking boots with traction. A more detailed list of recommended items will be provided. You’ll know what to expect leading up to the retreat.
FAQ
What art supplies should I bring?
I use professional grade water-based acrylic paints on gallery-wrapped canvases with a protective varnish. The materials are non-toxic, quick-drying, and provide a professional finished product.
What hiking gear will I need to bring?
You’ll need to bring a warm jacket (like a puffy jacket or warm fleece), a rain jacket, tennis shoes or hiking boots with decent traction, and some kind of daypack to carry water, snacks, and layers. But you won’t need anything overly technical. I’ll provide recommendations in the welcome guide for those who want to know what I recommend.
Is this a women-only retreat?
Yes, this is a women-only retreat and you must be 18 or older. Part of the reason I want to host this retreat is to help other women feel confident hiking on trails to paint en plein air. So this retreat is exclusively for women.
How much hiking is involved?
We will be going on a hike on Saturday, Sunday, and optionally on Monday. You can expect the hikes to be moderate and between 3-5 miles. No previous hiking experience required. The final hike on Monday is completely optional since it’s around 7 miles (just a bonus adventure if you’re up for it)!
Travel logistics of getting to the retreat?
You’ll want to book a flight into Portland, Oregon (PDX) and have a car rental for the duration of your trip. The drive is about 1 hour from the airport. You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to get to the Airbnb, the trailheads, and anywhere else we visit during the retreat. You can carpool with others or drive separately.
What painting/creating skill level should I have?
All skill levels are welcome, but I do recommend having a basic understanding of the medium you intend to practice and work with (like watercolor, sketching, or gouache). I’m happy to teach some art skills during the retreat, but techniques/methods are not the main focus.
Retreat Values
Mindful & Slow Travel: This is a short retreat and I’m purposefully keeping the travel to a minimum. The cabin will be in a prime location in Mt. Hood so we have easy access to trails & locations. I really enjoy slow travel and can’t wait to share that experience with you.
Openness: The retreat will have a structured itinerary with workshops, hikes, and en plein air demonstrations. But I encourage everyone to bring a sense of curiosity & openness: to explore their own creativity while they have the time and space.
Positive & Calming Atmosphere: Similar to my Youtube channel, I want this to be an uplifting and positive experience for everyone. So you can expect a more relaxed and intentional retreat where you’ll be able to explore, make new friends, and have space away from your busy life back home.
Rough Itinerary
More activities and ideas will be planned in a collaborative process, but this gives you a gist of what to initially expect.
Arrive at Airbnb + unpack
Welcome dinner + goody bags
Hang out around campfire
Friday
Saturday
Breakfast + pack a lunch
Mid-morning hike, lunch in nature + painting demo
Back at Airbnb for dinner + sunset painting demo
Sunrise session - morning pages + nature journaling demo in forest
Hike + painting demo
Early dinner at lodge
Sunset painting demo around the lodge
Sunday
Breakfast + packing
Say our goodbyes
Check out + drive to trailhead
Optional longer hike
Monday
Join the retreat
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Join the retreat 〰️
Retreat Application
Total Price: $2,000 | Retainer to Secure Your Spot: $1,000
I am so excited to meet you in person and explore the stunning landscapes of Oregon with you this September! Limited spots are available, so be sure to apply below when you’re ready to get started.