Side Quest: Inner Peace

The Vedanta Society of Portland, founded 100 years ago, is based in Mt. Tabor, but the group also oversees the Vedanta Retreat — 289 acres of picturesque, forested land in the hills outside of Scappoose (about a 40-minute drive from downtown).

The Vedanta Society follows the philosophy of the Vedas, the oldest and most sacred foundational scriptures of Hinduism in India. (Its founder is credited with bringing yoga to the West.) And everyone is welcome to visit and explore the network of trails in search of tranquility and the healing touch of nature. The path forms a loop with stunning viewpoints of the Columbia River and snowcapped Cascades. For decades, the group has nurtured the flora and fauna in the area, creating a paradise that invites exploration and introspection.

There are spots for meditation as well as shrines dedicated to many different religions, their elegant wooden architecture blending into the surrounding trees. There’s a soaring eagle structure to honor the Great Spirit, central to many Native American beliefs, and a torii gate stands defiantly in a swathe of clearcut, representing the boundary between the sacred and the secular of the Shinto faith.

There is no fee, but donations are encouraged to help maintain the site and supply paper maps. As is always the case, you are a guest, so be sure to follow the rules and respect the grounds.

Whether you are spiritual or not, this is a worthwhile trip for the beauty alone.