Orcas Island
Wild Matriarchs Retreat
November 1 – 4, 2024

At the Vancouver Peace Summit the Dalai Lama said the world will be saved by women. Women who save the world will be women like Jane Goodall, Luisa Hansen, and Maya Angelou. They will be free women with hearts and minds wide open that empathize with suffering, advocate for the health and wellbeing of others, and express the inborn wisdom of the wild matriarch. They will be women like you.

This fall cast your votes by mail then leave politics behind and join Women Rising Wild for a very special Orcas Island retreat for everyday women craving rejuvenating adventure; restorative time in nature; opportunity for rest and relaxation; supported reflection on personal purpose and life path; and soul inspiring connection with new friends.

Orcas Island

Orcas Island is located 80 miles northwest of Seattle, Washington, and 95 miles southwest of Vancouver, British Columbia, in the beautiful San Juan Islands of Washington State. Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands boasting breathtaking vistas and environments that encompass the Salish Sea, lush rainforests, rocky coastlines, snow-capped mountains, tranquil waterways, and charming harbors. The islands and surrounding area are ancestral lands and waters of the Coast Salish people, in particular the Lhaq’temish and Samish peoples, who are a major culture and presence in the region.

With more than 170 islands, the San Juan archipelago is home to an incredible array of wildlife including more than 200 bird species and a wide variety of resident and migratory endangered marine mammals species. High numbers of orcas, Pacific white-sided dolphins, porpoise species, grey whales, humpback whales, harbor seals, sea lions, elephant seals, and sea otters make the San Juan Islands one of the most easily accessible places in the world to experience such a diverse concentration of marine fauna.

From hiking and whale watching to gourmet dining and live music, Orcas Island offers a range of activities thoughtfully selected and curated by our host for this all inclusive event. And getting to Orcas Island is a breeze, with options including ferry, boat, airplane, or seaplane.

While every journey to the region offers an unforgettable adventure, Women Rising Wild on Orcas Island promises enchantment for the soul, restoration for the mind and body, and inspiration for the wild spirit. Rewild your belonging and your life in this magical retreat experience.

Wild Orcas

Research on wild orca family groups reveals the incredible resilience and wisdom of matriarchal leadership, especially during periods of food scarcity and environmental stress. Guided by elder females, younger generations learn to adapt and survive, harnessing the wisdom of their ancestors. Orcas are a keystone species in the ecosystems they exist within. And they hold spiritual significance as guides and allies for indigenous people. It is said in some coastal villages of the Pacific Northwest that when a tribal leader passes away, they become an orca. The animals are considered close and important kin of these first people.

Just as young orcas learn from their elders to thrive, we too have much to learn about life and leadership from our ancestors, each other, and the natural world. Let’s restore our connection with the wild and embrace the wisdom of orcas as we journey together at this very special Orcas Island – Women Rising Wild retreat. Become the Wild Matriarch. It is time for women to lead.

Activities & Highlights

Mindful Embodiment of Wild Feminine Power in 4 days/3 nights on Orcas Island * Lodging in Private Rooms * Local Licensed Adventure Outfitters * Mindful Movement and Meditation * Forest Bathing * Relaxation * Heart Opening Nature Based NeoTantra * Nature Walks & Hiking * Wildlife Viewing: Orcas, Humpback Whales, Sea Otters, Shore Birds * Life Mapping * Oceanic Myths * Meditative Archery * Sisterhood * Sea Kayaking * Whale Watching * Bicycling * and more …

Event Details

Date:
November 1 – 4, 2024

Time:
Meet on Orcas Island at 2 pm on Friday for checkin. Our time together concludes Monday at 12 pm.

Location:
Our luxury basecamp for retreat is nestled in the heart of Orcas Island in the delightful town of Eastsound. And your retreat experience starts the moment you embark on your journey to Orcas Island. Whether you opt for a sky-high adventure or a serene trip by sea, arriving at Orcas Island is designed to be hassle-free, allowing you to soak in the stunning views along your way through or above the San Juan Islands. Specific details, meeting location, and driving directions will be provided to participants upon registering for the event. Transportation for retreat originating from Sea-Tac Airport, Anacortes, or the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal may be available upon request for an added fee. Learn more about reaching Orcas Island in details below.

Orcas Island Luxury Boutique Lodging and Cafe

Itinerary:

This is a sample itinerary for our event. We reserve the right to change the schedule and flow of activities in response to nature’s influences to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and awe-inspiring adventure with consideration for our guests, guides, animals, and natural environments.

Investment:

♥ Regular Registration: $2800 per person
Your private room with a king or queen bed is guaranteed. 
♥ Bring-A-Friend: $2600 per person
Register with a friend and select private rooms.
♥ Room-With-A-Friend: $2200 per person
This double occupancy lodging option is available when you register with a friend and share a room with two queen beds.
♥ Sponsor a partial scholarship: $3600 per person
♥ Early Payoff Discount avaialable through August: $200 per person
♥ Ready To Join Our Orcas Island Pack? Register Here:

What’s Included

♥ Professional facilitation and/or licensed guides for all activities
♥ 6 meals are provided. These include: dinner on Friday; breakfast and lunch on Saturday; lunch and dinner on Sunday, and brunch on Monday. Coffee, tea, and water are provided. Vegan and gluten-free meal options are available.
♥ 3 nights lodging in luxury accommodations at a private seaside hotel
♥ Park entry and tour fees
♥ Kayak rental with life jacket and tour
♥ Educational whale watching excursion 
♥ One 30-minute private coaching session to support internal preparations for retreat and one 30-minute private integration coaching session post-retreat
♥ Telegram or Facebook Group for connection, planning, and sharing reflections and photos

What’s Not Included

♥ Transportation to and from Orcas Island may be available upon request for an extra fee. Details are below.
♥ Dinner Saturday and breakfast Sunday are not provided. Our hotel has a cafe and numerous eateries are within walking distance.
♥ Optional massage, bicycle rental, private healing sound bath, or spa treatment. Message for details.
♥ Travel Insurance is recommended for this event. Please review our cancelation policy before registering for this event. Though cancellations are rare they can happen. The deposit and registration fees paid for this event are non-refundable. Travel Insurance can cover non-refundable travel costs in case you or we cancel or postpone this event due to force majeure. Be sure to select the level of protection that is appropriate for your personal situation. Outward Travel can assist you in obtaining travel insurance for this event or you may purchase it elsewhere.
♥ Personal Travel Advisor: We have partnered with Outward Travel to help you coordinate all of your travel needs for our events. Jeoff at Outward Travel said “We are here to ensure that your logistics are well supported so you don’t have to worry about the details and you can focus on having a meaningful experience before, during, and after your retreat.” Please reach out to them for more information at 720-828-7665 or go@outward.travel

Getting to Orcas Island

♥ From Sea-Tac Airport: $200 per person
Roundtrip airport transfer is available by car and ferry ride to Orcas Island. This is a four hour journey. The service with us includes group transportation on island for the duration of our retreat. 
♥ From Anacortes: $100 per person 
Book your roundtrip ferry ticket and transportation on island with us. The cruise from Anacortes to Orcas Island is about 65 minutes.
♥ Transportation on Orcas Island: $75 per person
♥ Precise meeting times and locations for our transportation services are being fine tuned for those joining our retreat. Check with us before booking flight reservations to ensure your on time arrival to our rendezvous points. 
♥ Independently Coordinate Your Island Travel: Important details and links below.

Washington State Ferries
The car ferry between Anacortes, WA, and Orcas Island offers options to walk or drive on.
Anacortes + Orcas Island Fast Ferry
The quickest way to Orcas Island is on the fast ferry that runs to and from Anacortes and Orcas Island. Book your ticket in advance and walk onto this ferry with one large backpack, and relax while enjoying the quick 30-45 minute ride to your destination.
Kenmore Air
Flights by airplane or seaplane offer convenience and seamless connection to Orcas Island.
Sea-Tac Shuttle Service
To reach your ferry or plane without a personal or hired car use transfer services provided the Sea-Tac Shuttle Service.

Meet our Founder and Visionary for Women Rising Wild

Melissa Lynn Reed is the visionary for Women Rising Wild and founder of Wild Heart Revival, LLC. She is a fourth generation healer and transformational wilderness guide. Melissa holds a BA and MS in ecology and she is presently pursuing her doctorate in psychology with a focus in consciousness and spiritual studies. Melissa has over 30 years experience as a wildlife biologist specializing in studies of rare and endangered mammals. Melissa is a seasoned tracker, master medicine weaver, yogini, and mystic with deep and intimate ties with nature. She has led more than 200 nature-based workshops and guided more than 80 multi-day science and adventure retreats for more than 2000 adults and children. Summer 2024 Melissa hosted her 24th transformational Women Rising Wild wilderness retreat.

Meet our Local Host

I’m thrilled to work with Brianna Stark who is a longtime client and soul sister. Brianna is stepping into her own leadership with Spiritual Direction and her eyes are set on hosting her own retreats in the future for parents with neurodiverse children. I look forward to mentoring her and receiving her support during this retreat as she enthusiastically shares her love and spiritual connection with Orcas Island and the Pacific Northwest region where she grew up and is currently raising her son. Brianna is a born Matriarch. As a teen mom with a special needs child she faced many difficulties. Guided by an inner fire she embodies the wild and wise matriarch who finds her way to thrive while also seeking to help and support others. Exemplifying this personal leadership, she earned her undergrad and graduate degrees while tending domestic life as a young mother. Brianna is eager to share the strength, light, resilience, love, hope, and inspiration she finds in nature with others. Welcome, Brianna, to the team. See you on Orcas!

Inclusivity Statement

This event is for anyone who seeks to nourish their feminine qualities and deepen into embodiment of the wild spirit residing within us all. This experience is meant to be uplifting, friendly, playful, and most importantly safe for everyone. By attending this event, participants agree to inclusivity and co-creating a welcoming space for all people, plants, animals, and the earth. We agree to respect ourselves and each other at our intersections in all dimensions including mind, body, emotion, energy, and spirit. Read more…

Statement on Mind/Body Health

You do not have to be an expert in outdoor athleticism or in peak physical condition to attend our event. Individuals with mobility limitations are not precluded from participation. We welcome women with diverse bodies. Please contact us to discuss modifications and accessibility at our event locations.

Continue reading for baseline expectations for your physical ability without modifications. You must be able to casually walk one mile up and down gentle hills in less than 30 minutes; hike and scramble on uneven terrain; stand for extended periods of time; squat near to the earth; comfortably sit on the ground; get up from the ground unassisted; get in and out of a kayak; carry a day pack with water, snacks, warm layers, rain gear, and headlamp; tolerate damp, cold, windy, rainy weather; hike in low light and at night; and effectively communicate personal needs. 

The emotional, spiritual, and physical nature of our events stretch us. Compassionate, cooperative, and respectful behavior is expected at all times during retreat and in our community. We reserve the right to dismiss anyone from our event at any time if they are not physically or mentally safe in the group. If you have questions about your physical or mental health readiness consult with a medical professional or licensed therapist. And contact us to discuss any concerns or questions.

Note on Technology

Though this event is not “unplugged” you are encouraged to be mindful and intentional with your use of technology to create sanctuary for the experience of our retreat. Please refrain from television viewing, social media scrolling, and activities drawing attention to politics and election projections and away from the purpose of our time together. Cell phones should be placed away, turned off, or on airplane mode during much of our weekend.

Policy on Substance Use

Wild Heart Revival events are substance free. Use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and mind altering substances is prohibited. We welcome you just as you are, unaltered, and in your true nature while on retreat with us.

Packing List

A packing list for Orcas Island will be provided prior to our event.

Have Questions about Women Rising Wild on Orcas Island? Every registration begins with a registration request and discovery call. Schedule a conversation with our organizers.

Ready To Join Our Orcas Island Pack?
Register Here:

Review our Registration Agreement and Covid-19 Safety Guidelines. Register and submit your $500 deposit and pay any remaining balance 6 weeks prior to your Women Rising Wild event via Cash App, PayPal, or Venmo

Howls from the Field: Testimonials about Women Rising Wild

Download and share our event flier