Brooktrails Lodge

People love this place. You can tell when you walk in the door that it is not made from the same mold as other centers. The old photos on the walls offer a clue that 100 years ago there was a loggers' camp on this site. Starting in the 1950s, the Lodge was a vacation resort which people still remember fondly. Some have memories of coming here with their families every year. Others remember earning the money to buy their first car by washing dishes and waiting tables at the Lodge.

Brooktrails Lodge is now a retreat center and getaway spot for harried city dwellers. Whether they come up for a weekend getaway, a lively party, or a week-long meditative retreat, guests find the peaceful atmosphere relaxing and rejuvenating. After a soak in the outdoor hot tub under the giant redwoods and a delightful massage, they're ready to face real life once again.

Guests' comments range from "Splendiforous!" to "Thank you for taking such good care of us!" The atmosphere is rustic but not rough. It's comfortable and homey, with indoor plumbing and nice new beds, also indoors. 10 of the 20 motel rooms have deep, jetted bathtubs for a hydro-massage that gives even confirmed insomniacs a good night's sleep. Sitting out on the deck, gazing past the creek at all the redwoods, writers find their muse and artists approach their canvas with a fresh eye. Guests who have gone for a jog on the trails come back for lunch with berry-stained fingers, and meet up with the golfers who've been enjoying a lovely 9-hole course across the street.

It's an idyllic spot that has offered hospitality to a wide range of groups. Personal growth groups, church retreats, gay men's groups, board retreats, educational seminars, and youth orchestra rehearsal kickoffs have followed on the heels of weddings, birthday and anniversary bashes, bar mitzvahs and quinceneras.

Brooktrails Lodge is a great spot for yoga and meditation groups, writers' conferences, and cooking classes. It's an easy drive up 101 from Santa Rosa or the Bay Area, and many participants carpool up, saying, "The retreat really started when we all got in the car together!"