Our Lady of the Redwoods Abbey

Redwoods Monastery is a Roman Catholic Cistercian community founded in 1962 by sisters from Belgium, nestled in the redwoods of Northern California's Lost Coast. About Us

The sisters live a contemplative life centered on prayer, manual labor, and simplicity, welcoming visitors for retreats and worship. Our Way of Life

Redwoods Monastery, located on the Lost Coast of Northern California, is a community of Roman Catholic women monastics who follow the Cistercian tradition (OCSO). Founded in 1962 by sisters from the Cistercian Monastery of Nazareth in Belgium, the community was established in response to the growing number of Flemish vocations and the need for an English-speaking monastic presence in the United States. Our History

The sisters live in a remote and serene environment, surrounded by old-growth redwood forests and the Mattole River. Their daily life is marked by a balance of prayer, manual labor, and contemplation, following the Rule of Saint Benedict. They celebrate the Divine Office, daily Eucharist, and lectio divina, while also engaging in practical work such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the monastery grounds. Our Way of Life

The community offers retreat opportunities for visitors, including silent retreats and vocational discernment programs. While the guest house is not open for last-minute reservations, specific retreat times are available for long weekends or full weeks. Connect With Us

The monastery also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase items like creamed honey, books, and sweatshirts. Visit Our Store

Newcomers are welcomed into a loving and inclusive environment, where the focus is on spiritual growth and connection with nature. The sisters emphasize the importance of silence and simplicity, creating a space for deep reflection and prayer. Our Way of Life

Our Lady of the Redwoods Abbey offers a tranquil retreat nestled in Northern California's redwood forests, where the Cistercian community embraces a life of prayer, simplicity, and manual labor. Visitors are warmly welcomed to experience silent retreats, Sunday Mass, and the peaceful rhythm of monastic life amid nature’s beauty.

Pros

• Clear Sunday Mass and noon worship service times listed
• Welcoming environment for newcomers emphasized in community description
• Opportunities for silent and vocational retreats available
• Gift shop offers locally produced items like creamed honey
• Serene natural setting with redwood forests and river access
• Facilities include a dedicated guest house for retreats

Cons

• Guest house requires advance retreat reservations (no last-minute availability)
• Remote Lost Coast location may limit accessibility for some visitors
• Website specifies retreat schedules but lacks general visiting hours