WILDER RETREAT AT CALDERA

October 24-27, 2025

ALL-INCLUSIVE RUNNING AND WRITING RETREAT

For WOMEN AND WOMEN-IDENTIFYING PEOPLE

Teachers: Lauren Fleshman, Marianne Elliott, Julia Hanlon, and other potential guests

Camp Director: Zoë Roy

The crew is back together! This Wilder Running and Writing Retreat is designed primarily for those who have already attended a Wilder Retreat in the past, or are otherwise versed in the Wild Writing practice. Like our other retreats, this retreat utilizes running, writing, storytelling, yoga, coaching, and the beauty of the outdoors to inspire creative and physical courage. But with a group of experienced folks, we can dive in right away and get to places we couldn’t get before. It is an excellent environment to work on a specific project or idea. With a mix of some familiar favorites and new experiences, this retreat is going to be really special.

Get a feel for the retreat below.

GALLERY OF IMAGES FROM WILDER

WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?

This is a retreat for runners who write and writers who run, capped at around 30-40 participants. It is designed for those who have already attended a Wilder Retreat and/or are versed in the Wild Writing practice who want to build on the foundation they created at Wilder to be able to dive right in and work on a particular project or idea. You absolutely do not need to have any formal training in sport or writing, but you must have a genuine interest and curiosity about exploring both. We use an inclusive definition of “woman” and “female” and we welcome woman-identifying people, trans people, genderqueer people, and non-binary people who identify with the historical struggles and socialization forces faced by women. 

Where?

CALDERA

Sisters, Oregon

This will be our seventh retreat held at this incredible location. Caldera Arts Center is located 3,500 feet above sea level on the shores of Blue Lake in the Cascade Mountain Range, just west of Sisters, Oregon. The 116 acres are immersed in beauty, surrounded by the effects of volcanism and the Deschutes National Forest, and is a renowned space for creative work in the Pacific Northwest. Features include a Hearth Building for group activities, a library, comfortable writing space, indoor and outdoor spaces for group and individual activities and relaxation, a private dock, a variety of lodging options, and access to beautiful running trails.

WHEN?

The retreat will officially begin Friday at 3pm, October 24th. Saturday and Sunday will be very full days from sunup to sundown. The retreat will conclude at 1pm on Monday, October 27th. The detailed schedule will be released to participants in plenty of time to plan travel.

THIS RETREAT IS FOR YOU IF:

you expect to be able to physically run or walk three days in a row, all paces are welcome

you are interested in an immersive experience with very full days, mixing action, ease, togetherness, and solitude

you have been to a Wilder Retreat before, and/or are familiar with the Wild Writing practice

you like the idea of contributing to a collective experience

you value discomfort and joy as pathways for learning and growing and want to be stretched at times

you believe you never “grow up” but are always “growing up"

you enjoy exploring the outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

you love good nourishing food, fresh air, adventure, and the company of amazing people

you want to write into a particular project or idea, with a focus on personal narrative (fiction or non-fiction both welcome)

you are comfortable in the humble accommodations of pacific northwest artists and creatives

you can take responsibility for yourself and the things that may come up for you in this work

THIS RETREAT IS NOT FOR YOU IF:

you don't like to run or move your body outdoors

you have an inflexible training program that doesn't allow you to participate with the flow of the retreat

you don't like the idea of working in groups

you are primarily interested in publishing advice, or refining a particular piece of writing

what you really want is a four-day vacation to explore Bend or Sisters on your own, stay in a luxury hotel, and get lots of spa treatments (which we highly recommend on a future trip)

COST:

Price varies based on lodging options (included in cost)

Private Lodging option: $2400

Shared open floor plan A-Frame cabin lodging: $2100

INCLUDES:

WILDER RUNNING AND MOVEMENT

We will use running and movement primarily to be embodied in nature and enjoy ourselves, as well as to positively inform our writing practice and self-regeneration. All paces and experience levels will be respected and encouraged. We'll experience beautiful, scenic trail runs in the wilderness, with footing ranging from smooth to moderately technical. Over the course of the weekend, each guest will also have an opportunity for one-on-one advice from Lauren Fleshman and the other pro athletes on the Wilder crew if desired.

WRITING WORKSHOPS

This retreat is designed for those who already have the foundation of Wild Writing from a previous retreat or other related experience. We will use the container of the Wild Writing practice to create courage, clarity and momentum around a particular project or specific idea with an emphasis on personal narrative in either non-fiction or fiction. There will be full group sessions, smaller breakout groups, independent writing and reading time, and the opportunity for individual guidance on the work you're doing at the retreat. The emphasis will be on writing for potency, and removing the barriers that get in the way of our most powerful work.

LODGING

Caldera is a private venue that does not generally offer lodging to the public outside of their artist residency program, camps and specific events that share their creative mission. The spaces are designed to be minimalistic, rustic, and clean, in synergy with the natural surroundings and suited to an artistic lifestyle. Wilder will have exclusive use of the property for the retreat, with two different lodging options for participants. Participants will get to choose between A Frame loft Cabins (shared), and Tamarack Hall (private queen rooms with shared bathrooms) upon signing up, on a first come first serve basis, while space lasts.

MEALS

We have the pleasure of working with an amazing chef for the duration of the retreat, Juli Hamden. Juli has been the chef at Wilder before and used to own an amazing and popular restaurant in Bend, Joolz. We will provide nourishing meals to fuel your body and soul throughout the retreat from the start on Friday afternoon through our final session Monday morning. This includes:

Day 1, Friday: afternoon appetizers and dinner

Day 2, Saturday: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3, Sunday: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 4, Monday: light breakfast and brunch

*We will be able to accommodate vegans and provide gluten free options. Those with severe food restrictions may need to make their own meal arrangements. Let us know and we'll do what we can to help you find what you need. There are shared refrigerators available for storage.

*We will also have a variety of snacks available throughout the retreat, and guests are welcome to bring whatever special food items they would like onsite.

YOGA & MEDITATION

Yoga, mindfulness practice, and meditation will be available throughout camp to enhance the experience, led by Julia Hanlon. There will be whole group sessions, optional sessions, and opportunities for individual guidance on how to enhance your home practice.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation to all off-site running adventures will be provided to and from the retreat site. Participants will need to make their own arrangements for air travel, as well as transportation to and from airports to Caldera on Friday and Monday. Participants will have an opportunity to arrange shared transportation with other participants if they’d like, in advance of the retreat, by opting into a group email.

PLAY TIME & SURPRISES

The backyard of the retreat site is Blue Lake, and there will be canoes to enjoy, as well as places to sit back and watch people and wildlife enjoy the water. The trails through burn forest and volcanic cinder are beautiful for hiking or finding a quiet space to relax.

SPONSOR SWAG BAG

Some special items will be assembled for everyone to enjoy during and after the retreat.

NOT INCLUDED:

TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION TO CALDERA

The retreat does not include travel to and from Caldera Arts from the airport on Friday and Monday.

Scholarships:

There are two scholarships available that cover the retreat fee. Many people apply. If you think you would want to go regardless of scholarship decisions, we recommend registering and paying the deposit to ensure you have a spot either way because the event has historically sold out very quickly. Apply here.

The Wilder Women's retreat in October is limited in size to 30-40 people. Spots will be made available first to alumni and those who have been on a waitlist or had to cancel. Remaining spots will be made available to the public and reserved on a first come first served basis. We are looking forward to being together!

Subscribe to the mailing list to be notified when we have news of another retreat.

If you have any questions, please contact

zoe@wilderrunning.com

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