Volunteering

Volunteer at Trout Creek Wilderness Lodge

Live, work, and grow in a forest-based retreat and wedding venue in the foothills of the Oregon Cascades.

Trout Creek Wilderness Lodge is a place rooted in healing, nature, creativity, and community. Our volunteer program supports the ongoing care of the land and facilities while offering an immersive experience in shared living, meaningful work, and access to the wild beauty of Oregon.

We welcome people who are kind, responsible, adaptable, and excited to contribute to a dynamic retreat environment.

About the Volunteer Exchange

What this experience is

Volunteering at Trout Creek is a collaborative exchange. Volunteers contribute time and energy to the care of the property while receiving housing, limited board, and access to the land and amenities.

This is not a resort-style work trade — it is a community-oriented, forest-based living experience that requires personal responsibility, clear communication, and respect for shared spaces.

Commitment & schedule

• 20–25 hours per week

• Primarily Monday–Friday

• Occasional weekend work (communicated in advance)

• Weekly team meeting

• Short daily morning check-ins

• Workloads may flex week-to-week depending on projects and events

We prioritize seasonal commitments of 4–6 months, but also accept shorter stays (as short as 1–2 weeks) when space and timing allow. Preference is given to volunteers staying one month or longer.

Community & culture

Life at Trout Creek is shaped by both work and connection.

Volunteers may be invited to participate in:

• Communal meals (often Wednesdays)

• Field trips and adventures, such as:

  • Hiking at Silver Falls State Park

  • Trips to the Oregon Coast

  • Mt. Hood & Timberline Lodge

  • Skydiving at Skydive Oregon (Molalla)

• Optional somatic or creative gatherings, including:

  • Ecstatic dance

  • Yoga

  • Breathwork

  • Sound baths

Participation in social activities is optional. We respect different energy levels, introversion, and personal rhythms.

Housing & Volunteer Village

Accommodations

Volunteers stay in large canvas bell tents where you can stand upright, each outfitted with:

• Real queen mattress on a bed frame

• Linens, pillows, and towels

• 110v power

Volunteer Village amenities

Our Volunteer Village is a covered outdoor communal space that includes:

• Outdoor kitchen (4-burner stove, filtered water, hot water sink)

• Fridges and freezers

• Kitchen tools and implements

• Lounge seating, lighting, and work tables

• Hot outdoor rain shower under cedar trees

• Themed porta-potty (yes — Princess Bride)

• Covered from sun and rain (but open-air)

Because this is a wilderness property, all food must be covered and properly stored at all times due to wildlife.

Additional access

When not reserved exclusively for guests, volunteers may access:

• Bath House

• Cedar hot tub and sauna

• River deck and creek access

• Sky deck for stargazing (with telescope)

• Yoga mats and blocks

• Old-growth hiking trails

Room & Limited Board

We provide housing and limited board, not prepared meals.

• A weekly organic CSA produce box is shared among volunteers

• Staple foods are provided within a weekly budget (adjusted based on volunteer count)

• Volunteers are responsible for their own cooking and meal planning

Due to the wide range of dietary needs, meals are not provided directly. Volunteers with allergies or dietary restrictions should plan accordingly and may supplement food as needed.

Guest privacy & events

Trout Creek hosts weddings and retreats throughout the season.

During events:

• Guest areas are reserved for guests unless volunteers are specifically invited

• Volunteers primarily use the Volunteer Village and designated areas

• Volunteers are encouraged to explore Oregon, camp, or take personal time on event weekends

Quiet hours are generally 11:00pm–9:00am.

Offering paid services to guests (optional)

Volunteers may choose to offer independent paid services directly to guests, such as (but not limited to):

• Massage or bodywork

• Yoga or movement sessions

• Reiki or energy work

• Sound healing

• Private dinners or specialty offerings

• Creative or educational sessions

Key points:

• All modalities are welcome

• Services are offered independently

• No commission or cut is taken by Trout Creek

• We reserve the right to decline listing an offering if it does not align with the property ethos or existing offerings

To be listed, practitioners must submit a PDF that includes:

• Short bio

• Headshot

• Rates

• Session length options

• Cancellation policy

These offerings are presented to guests booking retreats or stays.

Safety, values & expectations

We operate from a place of trust, honesty, and kindness — default to kind.

This is a wilderness property. Volunteers must be comfortable with:

• Uneven terrain

• Outdoor living

• Wildlife awareness

• Water features (creek/river)

• Shared amenities like sauna and hot tub (which may be contraindicated for some health conditions)

We expect:

• Respectful behavior toward guests, staff, volunteers, neighbors, and vendors

• Clear communication

• Care for shared spaces

• Personal responsibility for safety and wellbeing

Abuse, harassment, or violence of any kind is not tolerated. We reserve the right to ask volunteers to leave at any time if safety or community wellbeing is compromised.

Paid Seasonal Role — Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator (Paid, Seasonal, On-Site)

We are seeking a Paid Seasonal Volunteer Coordinator to steward our volunteer program during the summer season.

This role supports a community of approximately 10–16 volunteers and works closely with property management to coordinate logistics, schedules, communication, and culture.

Role overview

• On-site, seasonal (summer)

• Paid (hourly or salary, TBD based on experience and scope)

• Leadership and coordination focused

• May be considered for a separate year-round management/caretaker role in the future (not guaranteed)

Responsibilities include:

• Weekly planning and scheduling

• Leading team meetings and daily check-ins

• Coordinating around weddings and retreats

• Supporting volunteer onboarding and departures

• Holding community culture and boundaries

• Acting as a point person for questions and issues

• Supporting safety, communication, and shared systems

This role is ideal for someone with strong organizational skills, emotional intelligence, and experience in communal living or retreat environments.

Apply via the same application form and select Volunteer Coordinator.