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• Queer Sangha Monthly Practice

  • Start
    Friday, February 13, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Friday, December 11, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    11 sessions
  • Location
    Sansui-ji Temple, 2509 Cedarwood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

  

  Everyone who practices with the felt sense of queerness is welcome to attend this monthly community gathering. No prior experience is necessary, come as you are. This event is free to the public, though donations to RCZC are welcome. We will meet every 2nd Friday from 6:15PM to 8:30PM. If you would like orientation to the building and/or meditation, please reach out to orientation@redcedarzen.org

  
  

  
  

  Schedule:

  Two 20 minute periods of meditation, with an optional wiggle break in between.

  10 minutes of slow walking meditation

  Chanting a prayer-poem for Loving Kindness together. 

  After a prompt is offered, small group discussion.

  Time to say hello to one another, and then closing by 8:30. 

  Please join our WhatsApp community for updates, and other opportunities for connection in the RCZC Queer Sangha:
  

  https://chat.whatsapp.com/IPexNcgceTg5A4adaetg52

  
  

  
  

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• Community Building Potluck

  • When
    Wednesday, March 04, 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Sansui-ji Temple, 2509 Cedarwood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

  COMMUNITY BUILDING POTLUCKS

  Hosted by your Membership Committee

  Please bring a dish to share. Open to all participants and members and Red Cedar.

  
  

  Two potlucks to choose from. Come to one or both of them!

  February 8, 12:00 at Sansui-Ji Temple (after our morning program and before the Sitting Lab)

  March 4, 5:00 at Sansui-Ji Temple (before our evening program)

  
  

  
  

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• Sangha Movie Night

  • When
    Friday, March 06, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Sansui-ji Temple, 2509 Cedarwood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

  Sangha Movie Night

  Inaugural Sangha Movie Night! We'll sit briefly, watch the film, and then hopefully have time for a little small group discussion. This is a lovely informal opportunity for community connection. I'll get there at 5 to have dinner so feel free to bring your own dinner and come early! We'll have a popcorn popper but please bring a bowl. Kids old enough for Nausicaa and non-Buddhist family/friends are welcome to attend. This will be an ongoing series of Ghibli Movie Nights.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Living the Awakened Life

  • Start
    Sunday, March 08, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Sunday, September 20, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Sansui-ji Cloud Hall, 2509 Cedarwood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 or Online via Zoom

  Register

  A Monthly Cohort on Practicing the Six Paramitas

  
  

  

  Using Norman Fischer's Book, The World Could be Otherwise, this group is an opportunity to cultivate the Bodhisattva path using Paramita practices. Monthly group meeting time will include guided meditation, discussion, and Dharma inquiry into Paramita practice. Our group will meet (roughly) once per month, with the opportunity to choose Paramita practices to work with at home, and the opportunity to meet with a Dharma buddy to discuss these home practices, in between our meetings.

  
  

  Meetings: 6 monthly meetings on Sundays 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM from March 8th to September 20th 

  Sansui-Ji Cloud hall or online in our Zoom Zendo.

  Teacher:

  Myoki Raizelah Bayen was shuso, head student, during the 2024 Winter Practice Period when she explored the Eihei Dogen's Genjokoan in her shuso's class.  Raizelah has 20+ years of teaching yoga, embodiment, mindful massage and inquiry practices. Raizelah was recently ordained as a priest with Hoka Chris Fortin.

  
  

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• Ceremony & Hike: Receiving the Waters, Hills and Streams

  • When
    Saturday, March 21, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Larrabee Beach, Main Larrabee Park entrance on Chuckanut Drive

  Register

  A Ritual to Start our Hiking Season followed by a Short Hike

  We welcome you to the beginning of our Wilderness Dharma Program season as we formally receive water from the Salish Sea.

  You may do one, or both, of the programs.

  
  

  1) Receiving Water Ceremony at Larrabee Beach.

  • 1/2 mile round trip to the beach
  • 100' elevation drop
  • Many stair steps

  At Larrabee Beach we will formally begin our ritual hiking season when, led by Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Reizan Bob Penny, we will receive a vial of Salish Sea water. This water will then be carried on hikes through the summer, and will be exchanged at the highest elevations we can attain with water from each of the three source branches of the Nooksack River, to then be returned to Larrabee Beach at seasons' end.

  
  

  2) Hills and Streams Hike in the Chuckanut Mountains.

  • 4.5 mile round trip
  • 1,260' elevation gain and then loss
  • Somewhat steep, especially at the start, smooth well-maintained trail

  Immediately after the ceremony we will hike to Fragrance Lake. The hike will be led by Heigaku Talus Latona, and will include a recitation of Dogen's Genjo Koan mapped over the landscape: a mini-version of our Mountains and Rivers ritual (hence, Hills and Streams).

  
  

  Timing: Meet at the Larabee Park Bandshell at 10am. The Receiving Water Ceremony will end at about 11am. Expected return time from the hike is approximately 3pm. 

  What to Bring: For the hike bring a trail lunch, layers for this early Spring hike, and at least two liters of water.

  Directions: We will begin the program at the band shell picnic area in Larrabee state park. Go to the main entrance on Chuckanut Drive and follow the access road inside the park south towards the band shell parking lot.
  

  Carpooling: Please mention in a comment on your registration if you need to  a ride and we will try to assist. 

  Note: A Discover Pass is needed for parking in Washington State Parks and trailheads.

  Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.

  Donations (Dana) to the Leader(s) and/or the Sangha: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

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• March Sitting Lab

  • When
    Sunday, March 22, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Sansui-ji Zendo, 2509 Cedarwood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 or Online via Zoom

  Register

  A Guided Exploration of Meditation

  
  

  

  Join Guiding Teacher Nomon Tim for a hands-on investigation of zazen (seated meditation). This mostly silent program opens with instruction on a different aspect of zazen at each of the monthly meetings. Then we'll immerse for three sitting periods interspersed with kinhin (walking meditation) to experiment and explore. The session closes with debrief, discussion, and the opportunity to ask questions.

  
  

  Schedule: Sunday, March 22nd from 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM in the zendo and online.  Also available on February 8, April 26 and May 31.

  

  Registration: Is free but required for this program. Online or in person attendance is available.

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• Dharma Yoga with Raizelah Bayen

  • Start
    Wednesday, April 01, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, April 22, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Sansui-ji Temple, 2509 Birchwood Avenue

  Dharma Yoga is a gentle, mindful style of yoga designed to support your body and breath awareness. It is Zazen in movement. In this 4-week series, we will explore the Four Mindfulnesses of Buddhism (mindfulness of breath, body, mind and emotions), and how practicing with them will support our practice on the yoga mat, meditation cushion and in life.

  Join Myoki Raizelah Bayen, Dharma Yoga Certified Instructor, for this weekly gentle class with modifications offered to those with limitations, but the ability to get down and up off the floor is required. Please bring your own yoga mat. Yoga props will be available.

  Details:

  In person at Sansui-ji Mountains and Rivers Temple on:

  Wednesdays, April 1 to 22, 4:30 to 5:45. No required fee.

  You are welcome to bring yourself some dinner (microwave available) and then stay for our sangha meeting from 6:30 to 8:30, including meditation, service and Dharma talk. 

  
  

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• Hike: Mt. Erie Circumambulation

  • When
    Saturday, April 11, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Sugarloaf Trailhead, Mt Erie. Near Anacortes or Sansui-ji
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Mt Erie Circumambulation:

  • About 6 miles
  • Rolling terrain, with two noted elevation gains, the first a long gradual gain of 150' in the early part, the second a short steep gain of 250' (the second gain broken up by our lunch stop).
  • Rocky in a couple places, but generally soft forest trails

  Junka Ken Oates, accompanied by trail patriarch Jodan Bob Rose (who worked to protect this land for the public) will lead us in this celebration of the encouraging energy of springtime, close to the traditional date for the celebration of Buddha’s Birthday. 

  Our route will follow a moderate trail for approximately 6 miles clockwise around this prominent small mountain situated near the shore of the Salish Sea.

  The hike begins at 10am and we will probably be done by about 3pm.

  During this mostly silent meditation hike we will stop at various points along the way for chanting rituals in our established pattern around the mountain.  Our first stop will be at the “Poets' Tree”, a grand Douglas Fir matriarch of the local forest.  Please feel free to bring a short poem to share at the Poets' Tree in celebration of the local areas' history of hermit Zen poetry as part of our ceremony at this stop.

  Timing: Meet at 10am at the Sugarloaf Trailhead of the Anacortes Community Forest (directions below). Or at the Sansui-ji for carpooling at 9am. Please note your carpooling needs on the registration form.

  What to Bring: Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots, bring at least two liters of water, trail snacks, a lunch, and a short poem to share.

  Directions to Mt. Erie:

  • I-5 to Hwy 20

  • West on 20, over Swinomish Channel Bridge until roundabout for Whidbey Island (towards Oak Harbor).

  • Turn South on Hwy 20 towards Whidbey.

  • Road drops towards Campbell Lake (visible ahead).  Enter the roundabout and turn right on Campbell Lake Road.

  • Drive Campbell Lake Road along base of Mount Erie.

  • Road will curve right at Lake Erie Grocery and becomes Heart Lake Road.

  • Drive Heart Lake road, past two prominent old growth fir, about a mile until signs for Mount Erie.

  • Veer right into parking area for Sugarloaf trailhead.

  • That's where we will meet.  If you get to Heart Lake, you've gone too far.

  Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

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• Buddha's Birthday Celebration (Hannamatsuri)

  • When
    Sunday, April 19, 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Red Cedar Dharma Hall, 1021 N. Forest St, Bellingham WA 98225

  

  Celebrate Buddha's Birthday by building a flowered pavilion together for the baby Buddha.

  After meditation and temple cleaning we will bathe the baby Buddha together.

   Bring flowers from home, a potluck entry if you can stay for lunch.

  This event is family and kid friendly from 11am on.

  Schedule:
  9:30am Zazen (seated meditation)
  10:00am Kinhin (walking meditation)
  10:10am Zazen
  10:40am Soji (temple cleaning)
  11:00am Short talk followed by Buddha's Birthday Ceremony
  Noon - potluck lunch

  This will be our Sunday morning program this week. 

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Gandavyuha story-telling and creative workshop

  • Start
    Sunday, April 19, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Sunday, August 16, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Sansui-ji Cloud Hall (in person only)

  Register

   Dharma study, community, and artistic expression.

  Join us for the Gandavyuha story-telling and creative workshop, either live at Cloud Hall, or on Zoom. We will enter the realm of Gandavyuha—the last chapter of the immense Avatamsaka Sutra, where the youth Sudhana goes on an amazing journey—encountering 53 Bodhisattvas—known and unknown—female and male, in his quest for true enlightenment.

  
  

  Schedule:   5 monthly meetings on Sundays 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM from April 19th to August 16th

  

  
  

  IkuShun Desiree Webster  

  Desiree has been a practitioner for many years and previous to her practice in the Soto Zen tradition practiced in the Plum Village tradition.  Her formal teacher is Ryushin Andrea Thach from the Berkeley Zen Center.

  
  

  
  

  Program Details: The first portion of this once a month gathering will include an hour of “storytelling,” as we encounter these lands and teachers who open the doors of specific chapters/teachings in the Avatamsaka Sutra.  These include The Ten Abodes, The 10 Practices, The 10 Dedications and the 10 Stages.  The journey culminates in Sudhana’s coming full circle, lead by Manjushi, as he reunites with Samantabadra—Universal Good.
  

  The second portion of the workshop will be a time for creative play, as we bring forth some imagery that takes form as we soak in Sudhana’s journey in our imaginations, bursting forth as color and form, and unique textures.  Each piece will be unique and unpredictable. These (mostly) abstract forms require no previous experience in drawing, sketching or painting. We will use a variety of techniques that allow each piece to unfold.

  *For those in class at Cloud Hall, I will bring our simple supplies; for those on Zoom, I will send you a list of items to gather. Here are a few examples…

  
  

  
  

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• Responding to the Cries of the World; Retreat for Women and Fem-Identified

  • When
    Saturday, April 25, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Sansui-Ji Temple or online on Zoom

  Register

  Responding to the Cries of the World

  We live in a time when we’re all hearing the cries of the world. Avalokitesvara, Mahayana Bodhisattva of compassion, mercy and love, models for us how to respond in difficult times. Please join us for a day of practice and exploration of how Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva can guide us in our practice as we navigate through the confusion of Samsara, this world of suffering.

  In this gentle day of silent practice, we will weave together sitting and walking meditation, with small and large group discussions. New and experienced practitioners of Zen are welcome! There is no need to know traditional Zen forms to participate. Orientation will be available for newcomers.

  Lunch will be provided. Click here for a schedule.

  Myoki Raizelah Bayen Raizelah has 20+ years of teaching yoga, embodiment, mindful massage and inquiry practices. She received priest ordination from her teacher Hoka Chris Fortin in 2025.

  Seiu Hannah Sullivan is a lay entrusted teacher at Red Cedar Zen. She received permission to teach from her teacher Sokaku Kathie Fischer in 2023.

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• Opening to Nature Walk: Tennant Lake

  • When
    Saturday, April 25, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Tennant Lake Country Park, 5299 Nielsen Rd., Ferndale WA

  

  * Gentle accessible 1 mile walk with no elevation gain

  Join us in a mindful exploration of the wetlands of Tennant Lake County Park outside of Ferndale.

  We’ll gather at 10 am by the Tenant Lake house (next to the parking area) to begin a slow silent walk on the boardwalk.

  Stops for sitting meditation and a simple Wilderness Dharma ritual will be included as we take our time immersing ourselves in the rich wetlands ecosystem. This walk is accessible, flat, and about a mile in length.

  Optionally: bring a picnic lunch for some social time after our walk.

  Led by Nomon Tim Burnett, formerly a naturalist and educator at Tennant Lake.

  What to Bring: Comfortable layered clothing and a sack lunch if you're staying for lunch.

  Directions: Tennant Lake County Park is adjacent to Hovander Country Park in Ferndale at 5299 Nielsen Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248.

  Carpooling: Please mention in a comment on your registration if you need a ride and we will try to assist.

  Registration: We incur about $10 in program administration cost for each registration. In the registration process you are offered the opportunity to donate additional funds to help Red Cedar continue to be able to offer these programs if you choose. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. Requests for lower cost registrations may be made here. We are grateful for your continued support.

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

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• April Sitting Lab

  • When
    Sunday, April 26, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Sansui-ji Zendo, 2509 Cedarwood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 or Online via Zoom

  Register

  A Guided Exploration of Meditation

  
  

  

  Join Guiding Teacher Nomon Tim for a hands-on investigation of zazen (seated meditation). This mostly silent program opens with instruction on a different aspect of zazen at each of the monthly meetings. Then we'll immerse for three sitting periods interspersed with kinhin (walking meditation) to experiment and explore. The session closes with debrief, discussion, and the opportunity to ask questions.

  
  

  Schedule: Sunday, April 26th from 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

  Also available on February 8, March 22 and May 31

  
  

  

  Registration: Is free but required for this retreat. Online or in person attendance is available.

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• Visiting Teacher Ben Connelly: Flower Garland Buddhism

  • When
    Wednesday, May 06, 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Sansui-Ji Temple, 2509 Cedarwood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

  Dharma Talk and Book Reading by Ben Connelly of the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center on "Flower Garland Buddhism: Interdependence, Social Engagement, and Abundance"

  

  Huayan Buddhism arose in the sixth century in China rooted in the Mahayana Flower Garland (Huayan) Sutra. Huayan is relational, practical, and positive. Its emphasis on interdependence, celebration of the sensual world, and diversity of people and practices provides inspiration for what Thich Nhat Hanh called "engaged Buddhism" 

  With Inside the Flower Garland Sutra, Zen teacher Ben Connelly explains the significance of Huayan teachings for Buddhist practice, providing a broad overview of Huayan teachings and their practical implications for contemporary life, with a mix of testimonies from real-life situations and references to influential Buddhist texts. 

  Arising fifteen hundred years ago, Huayan has made a deep impact on East Asian Buddhism, and has much to offer during this era when many folks see ever-deepening divisions. Connelly explores how Huayan offers particular wisdom for those concerned about how to care for their own lives as they work to end harms such as ecological devastation, poverty, militarism, addiction, marginalization, and exploitation.

  

  Ben Connelly is a Soto Zen teacher who has visited Red Cedar several times. He also teaches mindfulness in a wide variety of secular contexts including police training and addiction recovery groups, and works with multi faith groups focused on social and climate justice.Ben is the guiding teacher at Minnesota Zen Meditation Center, travels to teach across the United States, has written for Tricycle and Lion’s Roar magazines, and is author of Inside the Grass Hut, Inside Vasubandhu's Yogacara, Mindfulness and Intimacy, Vasubandhu's "Three Natures", and Inside the Flower Garland Sutra.

  After the formal program, Ben will be available until 9pm to sign books.

  Book page: https://wisdomexperience.org/product/inside-the-flower-garland-sutra/

  
  

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• Hidden Mountain Spring Retreat

  • Start
    Friday, May 08, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    Saturday, May 09, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Hawk Meadow Farm, 1102 Kelly Road, Bellingham, WA 98225
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  Hidden Mountain Spring Retreat with Nomon Tim Burnett and Reizan Bob Penny:
  

  

  Join us at Hidden Mountain Zendo at Hawk Meadow for our annual weekend retreat hosted by Reizan Bob Penny with Guiding Teacher Nomon Tim Burnett.

  Hidden Mountain Zendo is an intimate yurt zendo in a place called Hawk Meadow, 20 minutes from Bellingham, which is surrounded by several hundred acres of woodlands. Hawk Meadow is the source of several watersheds, including Spring and Baker creeks, which flow to opposite sides of King Mountain and then join back together, miles away, and then flows right by Sansui-ji, Red Cedar's new temple home.

  You can begin setting up tents and exploring the farm by 4pm on Friday. The retreat begins gradually with cooking some dinner together at 5pm, and starts proper with Zazen beginning at 7pm.  The retreat continues overnight with a 4pm Saturday close. Three vegetarian meals are included.

  You may arrive as late as 7pm if your schedule is constrained - please note this in the comment field of the registration.

  This gentle, accessible retreat will include indoor and outdoor Zazen, indoor and outdoor walking meditation, a Dharma Talk by Reizan Bob Penny, the availability of private Dokusan with Nomon Tim Burnett, and an outdoor ceremony in the Cedar Grove.

  Sleeping outside (in tents) is an integral part of this nature-based Dharma experience. Some extra tents are available for those needing one.  If you are unable to sleep in a tent indoor sleeping may be able to be arranged.  Please inquire about this option, if you desire, in the comments section on your registration form
  

  Please register at redcedarzen.org

  Please direct inquiries to Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org.  Directions to the retreat will be emailed upon registration.

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• Opening to Nature Walk: 100 Acre Wood

  • When
    Saturday, May 23, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Fairhaven Park, 107 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  A mindful hike through Fairhaven's charming 100 Acre Wood. 

  

  • 2.5 miles
  • easy terrain with only slight elevation gain/loss
  • soft forested trails

  This wonderful extension of Fairhaven Park, also known as the Chuckanut Community Forest, is a wetland forest  filled with Douglas firs, tall cedars and cottonwoods. Bird and plant life are rich and diverse as are the many "social trails" lovers of this area have created. Walking together with hike leader Reizan Bob Penny we will enjoy a wandering loop of about 2.5 miles on mostly flat terrain.

  We'll start at the Upper Fairhaven Park Pavilion, then proceed up and down the trails viewing large cedars and firs and hemlocks, and even forest gnomes should they decide to show. We'll visit Se'Si'Le (the 100 Acre Woods' "Grandmother Cedar" tree) and pause for a brief ceremony and a snack, then head back through the woods. Some may wish to walk the Fairhaven Labyrinth at the end (optional).

  The hiking is a moderate, winding, walk on a network of park and local trails, gently up and down, with a few short, steep, sections. We anticipate it will take about two hours. Please bring water and snacks, and a hiking stick or poles if you use them.

  Timing: Meet at the Upper Fairhaven Park Pavilion near the tennis courts at 10am. Parking is limited there, you may need to park in the lot near the entrance and walk up. We expect to return around noon. Bring a bag lunch and stay for an optional sangha social time after the silent walk if you choose.

  What to Bring: Bring a trail snack and water. Trails can be muddy, consider hiking boots. Dress for the weather. Bring a sack lunch if you'd like to stay and eat together after the walk.

  Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  Show details
• May Sitting Lab

  • When
    Sunday, May 31, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Sansui-ji Zendo, 2509 Cedarwood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 or Online via Zoom

  Register

  A Guided Exploration of Meditation

  
  

  

  Join Guiding Teacher Nomon Tim for a hands-on investigation of zazen (seated meditation). This mostly silent program opens with instruction on a different aspect of zazen at each of the monthly meetings. Then we'll immerse for three sitting periods interspersed with kinhin (walking meditation) to experiment and explore. The session closes with debrief, discussion, and the opportunity to ask questions.

  
  

  Schedule: Sunday, May 31st from 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM in the zendo and online.

  Also available on February 8, March 22 and April 26

  

  Registration: Is free but required for this program. Online or in person attendance is available.

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• Opening to Nature Walk: Stimpson Family Nature Reserve

  • When
    Saturday, June 06, 2026
  •  
    7:00 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    Stimpson Family Nature Preserve, Bellingham

  Register

  A mindful early morning silent hike through old-growth forest and thriving wetland ecosystem at Stimpson Family Nature Reserve. 

  Two large trees, a Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, are wrapped in an embrace

  • 4.9 miles
  • 300' total elevation gain
  • gently rolling and flat, soft forest trails

  We'll walk slowly and silently as we circumambulate the 350 acre reserve, with a short detour around Geneva Pond. Total distance is 4.9 miles, and with our slow pace and occasional pauses is expected to take about 3 hours. This hike is styled as a silent contemplative walk with very little ritual, an early morning mindful experience of the bird song and plants of these beautiful summer lowland woods.

  The hike will be led by Terrill Thompson who lives nearby

  Directions: From Bellingham, take Lakeway Drive toward Lake Whatcom, but turn right onto Lake Louise Road before you get to the lake. In about 2 miles, the well-signed trailhead parking lot is on your left.

  Timing: Meet at Stimpson Reserve Parking lot on Lake Louise Road at 7:00am. Expected return time from the hike is approximately 10:30am. 

  What to Bring: Bring trail snacks, water, and walking shoes.

  Carpooling: Please mention in a comment on your registration if you need to  a ride and we will try to assist.

  Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  
  

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• Samish Island Summer Sesshin 2026

  • Start
    Friday, June 12, 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    Saturday, June 20, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Samish Island Campground, 11565 Scott Rd Bow WA 98232 and Online on Zoom

  Register

  Join us for our annual summer sesshin at Samish Island Retreat Center

  

  This powerful sesshin includes seven days and eight nights of silent practice of sitting and walking meditation in this beautiful church camp on the water on Samish Island in the Skagit Valley, led this year by Nomon Tim Burnett and Shudo Chris Burkhart. 

  The retreat includes dharma talks, dokusan and practice discussion with the teachers, plenty of sitting and walking meditation, and delicious vegetarian meals. A deep time for practice and reflection with the support of sangha and teachers. All held in a beautiful outdoors oriented environment on the water.

  Teachers: 
  Nomon Tim Burnett, and Kanho Chris Burkhart will all be giving talks and offering dokusan (private interview). You can read this message from Zoketsu Norman Fischer who will not be attending this. year.

  

  Schedule:
  You may attend the entire retreat or the first or second half. Second half attendance is only appropriate to those who have sat sesshin with us at Samish before. We are unable to offer other attendance choices. Signing up is making a commitment to be part of the retreat for the entire period you signed up for. 

  Full Retreat - Friday 5pm to Saturday at noon.

  First Half - Friday 5pm to Tuesday at 5pm.

  Second Half - Tuesday at 5pm to Saturday at noon.

  Prerequisites & Requirements

  This is a rigorous and structured experience. To benefit from being at Samish Sesshin please abide by the following requirements:

  

  • You should have attended at least one full day formal meditation retreat before attending this 7-day, 8-night retreat (in Zen or other traditions is fine).
  • If you have never attended Samish sesshin please start at the beginning by attending the full retreat or the first half. Do not attend just the second half. Orientation and instructions are offered at the beginning only.
  • This is a silent retreat without talking, reading, writing, computer or cell phone use. Please be prepared to follow these guidelines fully.
    
  • Following the full schedule is a core practice of Zen. Some alternate schedules can be arranged with the Ino in cases of health and other needs.
  • Plan on remaining at Samish Island camp during the entire time of your sesshin attendance, not leaving for errands or appointments, etc., and remaining at the camp through final clean up at noon on Saturday unless illness or unavoidable travel arrangements prevent this. 

  Housing: Housing is provided with four options: E-Cabins, Rustic Cabins, RV Camping, and Tent Camping. 

  E-Cabins are more recently built with a full bath shared with one other room. E-Cabins are in short supply in this retreat. Please choose a rustic cabin if that is possible for you in order to leave the E-cabins for those with health challenges. Consider sharing an E-cabin to that more people can enjoy them.

  e-Cabin Exterior

  e-Cabin Interior

  Rustic Cabins - simple plywood cabins built in the 1950's. Camp style bathrooms in a separate building. Most rustic housing will be single (not shared); however, if couples or friends are willing to share a cabin, this can make a difference in accommodating everyone if the sesshin is full.

  Rustic Cabin, exterior

  Rustic cabin, interior

  RV Camping - if you would like to sleep in your own camper, van, or trailer use the RV Camping option. Full hook-ups are available, but there is no difference in charge whether you the hook-up or not. Please do not choose the tenting option if you are sleeping in a vehicle.

  Tent - you can bring a tent and camp on the lawn. This is the lowest cost option.

  Zoom online attendance - Access the full zendo schedule (zazen, kinhin, dharma talks, rituals) on Zoom. Dokusan and events outside of the zendo will not be available online. It is fine to come and go from Zoom attendance as your schedule allows.

  

  Dates and Cancellation

  • May 15 - Last day to cancel with full refund. Full payment due.
  • May 16 - Incomplete (unpaid) registrations may be cancelled at this time to make room for people on the waitlist.
  • June 1 - Last day to cancel with partial refund.

  See also the Red Cedar Cancellation Policy

  Scholarships

  Scholarships are available for the Rustic Cabins. They cover one quarter or one half of retreat costs and are on a first-come, first-served basis. No need to apply--simply choose a scholarship option if that is right for you.

  Samish Island Campground

  We have rented the Community of Christ's wonderful camp at the eastern end of Samish Island for thirty years for our residential retreats. A wonderful place of practice where sea meets sky.

  11565 Scott Rd, Bow, WA 98232
  Map and Directions

  Getting to Samish

  There is no public transportation to Samish Island. We are not able to provide an airport shuttle. If you can provide a ride for someone or need a ride please contact the registrar at registrar@redcedarzen.org and we will do our best to help.
  
  You can get yourself to Samish from SeaTac airport in this way: (1) take the Bellair Airporter Shuttle to Burlington and (2) take Uber, Lyft or Quick Cab the remainder of the distance to Samish.

  Another option is to coordinate rides via the website Group Carpool (groupcarpool.com). The link will take you to a Samish specific site where you can add or join a carpool. 

  Show details
• Hike: Lake Whatcom Watershed Hike

  • When
    Saturday, June 27, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Carpool from Sansui-ji or meet at trailhead

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Lake Whatcom Watershed Hike

  A hike to perform rituals honoring the gathering of water in the Lake Whatcom Watershed.

  The hike will be led by Terrill Thompson. The whole group begins together on this hike. Then there are two options, and the group can divide to each complete a different option, and if they divide the two groups will finish the hike separately. 

  Option #1 Hertz Lakeside Trail (Easy)

  • a variable length of between 2 to 6.4 miles, depending on group choice
  • Little to no elevation gain or loss
  • Flat, wide trail, with a short boardwalk near the start, and a few places in the latter half where the trail is narrower and might be muddy.
    

  Option #2 Lake Whatcom Overlook (Difficult)
  

  • 5.4 miles round trip
  • Very steep 1,000' elevation gain/loss over 1 mile
  • Steep stair climb, and then decent, of 310 steps

  Join us as we experience the views of the lake, the surrounding hills, waterfalls, and the surrounding forest of giant old Douglas Fir trees. This hike is an experience of the midland foothills terrain of our area, between the shoreline hills and small mountains at the edge of the Salish Sea and the high alpine ridges and back country of Mt. Baker. Lake Whatcom is the gathering place for the drinking water of the entire City of Bellingham, and is an important marker in our annual cycle of celebrating our local watershed.

  Our climb up the 310 steps to the expansive view over the Lake Whatcom Watershed is suggestive of of many pilgrimage destinations in China, which involved completion of long flights of "Steps to Heaven" up sacred mountainsides. 

  We'll return to Bellingham by about 3:30pm.

  What to Bring: Bring lunch, rain gear if warranted, good walking shoes or boots, and at least two liters of water.

  Directions: Meet at 2509 Cedarwood in Bellingham or the Lake Whatcom Park trailhead.  You will specify your transportation plan during registration. 

  Timing: Be ready to leave Cedarwood at 9:15 am or to be met by the group at the trailhead at 10:00am. We hope to be back to Cedarwood at about 3:30pm but hiking times vary. 

  Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  Show details
• Hike: Opening the Mountains

  • When
    Saturday, July 11, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Carpool from Sansui-ji or Nugent's Corner

  Register

  Our full day mountain hike to open the mountains to practice.

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  • 7 mile round-trip
  • 1,500' elevation gain
  • Uphill the whole way, at a fairly consistent grade, level around the lakes, and steeper for the final section to the ridge. Good well-built trail, soft forest path lower down, open and rocky trail up above.

  Reizan Bob Penny will lead us on a meditation hike above the tree line near Mount Baker - our first mindful foray of the season into the high mountains.

  Excelsior Divide, which we will reach via Damfino Lakes, is a beautiful subalpine ridge partially covered in early season snowfields and avalanche lilies. This will be our place of Opening the Mountains for the beginning of our ritual high-country hiking season.   

  This hike is inspired by traditions on Tibetan sacred mountains where the first ritual circuit of the season was performed by priests waking up the mountain deities.

  The trail can be muddy at this time of the year so, depending on the advance of the season, you may want to bring gaiters for snow in the forested upper portions.  But although there could be some hard snow it will also be mostly clear on the open ridge. 

  What to Bring: Bring lunch, rain gear, good walking shoes or boots, and at least two liters of water.

  Directions: Meet at Sansui-ji, 2509 Cedarwood in Bellingham or the Nugent's Corner Market in Deming. You will specify your transportation plan during registration.

  Timing: Be ready to leave Sansui-ji at 8:30am or to be met by the group at 9:30am at Nugent's Corner. We hope to be back to Sansui-ji at about 5:30pm but hiking times vary.

  Carpooling: Please mention in a comment on your registration if you need to  a ride and we will try to assist. 

  Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  Show details
• Opening to Nature Walk: Old Growth Meditation

  • When
    Saturday, July 25, 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Carpool from the Cedarwood Zendo or Nugent's Corner

  Sitting with the Old Ones

  

  • 1/4 mile
  • Level
  • Stepping over a few big logs

  Join the sangha, led by Reizan Bob Penny, for a Zen experience in the Old Growth forest remnant off of Mount Baker Highway. This spot is the home to the oldest living beings of our local area.  We make this visit annually to connect with the wisdom and peace of the grove.

  After our easy walk, meditation and ritual in the Old Growth grove, we'll stop at Nooksack Falls with a sack lunch at the largest waterfall in our watershed. We'll return to Bellingham by about 3:30pm. 

  What to Bring: Bring lunch, rain gear, good walking shoes or boots, and at least two liters of water.

  Directions: Meet at Sansui-ji, 2509 Cedarwood in Bellingham or the Nugent's Corner Market in Deming. Carpooling is required, there is no extra parking at the trailhead. You will specify your transportation plan during registration. 

  Timing: Be ready to leave Sansui-ji at 9:30am or to be met by the group at 10:30am at Nugent's Corner. We hope to be back to Sansui-ji at about 3:30pm but hiking times vary. 

  Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  Show details
• Opening to Nature Walk: Lake Padden

  • When
    Saturday, August 15, 2026
  •  
    8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Lake Padden, Bellingham

  Register

  A mindful twilight walk at Lake Padden

  

  • 2-1/2 miles
  • Slight elevation gain and then loss at about the halfway point
  • Wide gravel or hard dirt city park trail

  Reizan Bob Penny will lead us on a twilight program of mindful walking through the change between day and night around the wooded shores of Lake Padden. Our Opening to Nature series explores the wide variety of connections we have with our world. Every day the drama of nightfall is recreated, and yet we rarely pause to notice the daily transition at the margins of light. In our engagement with mindfulness as a place-based dharma practice we take deeper notice of this world and it's everyday miracles. The fall of night is just one of these small celebrations that nature offers to us each day.

  This is an easy two and a half mile walk, with a slightly hilly portion, taken at a contemplative pace with several stops along the way to feel the unfolding of night, and hear the transition of diurnal sounds. If we are lucky we may hear the calling of owls, and call back, or hear the final stanzas of birds going to roost.

  You may want to bring a headlamp in case you feel you need it. But we will attempt to not turn white lights on, and let our eyes slowly adjust to the dark as we walk, using red light luminaries to light our path just well enough, and protect our night vision. We will provide the red lights. Some water and a little trail snack might be nice to have along as well.

  What to Bring: Water and a light trail snack; an extra layer to wear as it cools down; and a headlamp in case we need them at the end (a phone flashlight is ok).

  Directions: Take the West Entrance into Lake Padden City Park, directly off of Samish Way, to the parking area by the bathrooms just above the swimming area. (Don't take the East Entrance onto Lakeshore Drive which leads to the larger picnic area & golf course).

  Meet at the east end of the bathroom building.

  Timing: We'll begin our walk at 8:00pm and expect to be back at the parking lot no later than 10pm.

  Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  Show details
• Opening to Nature Walk: Cedarwood Pilgrimage

  • When
    Sunday, August 23, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Sansui-ji, 2509 Cedarwood Avenue

  Register

  • 4 miles, with very moderate elevation gain
  • Urban park trails

  A mindful afternoon walk up from Little Squalicum Beach, along Squalicum Creek, by our home temple, Sansui-ji, and on to Cornwall Park.

  

  Join us for a local pilgrimage on urban nature trails that ties together our building on Cedarwood Avenue with the salt water, the stream course headed into the interior, the upland forests, and the beginning point of the original Nooksack Trail to the river and Mt. Baker.

  Our walk begins and ends at Sansui-ji. The pilgrimage also serves to give opportunity for the community to ritually send off our team of pilgrims to the high country for our Mountains and Rivers Backpack, beginning the following day.

  The hike is about 4 miles long, with only a very small amount of elevation rise. When we meet we will get into a reduced number of cars. We will then drive to the trailhead at Little Squalicum Park, walk to the beach, and then back up onto the creek canyon rim, headed up stream.

  We will make our way to Cornwall Park, following the undeveloped railroad easement and crossing the combined inflow of Spring and Baker Creeks. At Cornwall Park we will perform a ceremony at the bedrock crossing of Squalicum Creek, which marks the beginning of the old Nooksack Trail. From there we will saunter through the deep forests of Cornwall Park (Bellingham's first city park), arriving back at Sansui-ji at about 3:30pm.

  Dress for the weather and bring a little water. Rides will be arranged to bring carpool drivers back to their cars left at the trailhead at the end of the walk.

  Where: Program begins at Sansui-ji, 2509 Cedarwood Ave., at 1:00pm. 

  What to Bring: Water and a light trail snack

  Timing: We'll begin our walk at 1:00pm and expect to be back to Sansui-ji by 3:30pm.

  Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  
  

  Show details
• Backpack: Mountains and Rivers Retreat

  • Start
    Sunday, August 23, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    Friday, August 28, 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    Hawk Meadow Farm 1102 E. Kelly Rd, Bellingham and Mount Baker Wilderness
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

  Mountains and Rivers Backpacking Retreat

  Nature Awareness, Backcountry Zen practice, and Exchanging Water

  • Requires a phone interview about your experience and abilities, with a discussion of the route, to complete the registration process
  • An opening day ritual walk of 4 miles
  • The backpack has a 2.9 mile approach hike, river crossing on log, 1,800' elevation gain, soft forested trail, with a long switch-back grade in the middle and a few tough steep places near the end. 
  • Day hiking to higher elevations from camp, alpine above timberline, several miles
  • 9 mile exit hike, a gentler grade 2,300' elevation loss, soft forested trails, rocky areas, river crossing on log
  • Between two and eight 30-minute periods of seated Zen meditation (zazen) each day, trailside rituals, and sutra chanting services.

  

  Inspired by Eihei Dogen's 1240 text the Mountains and Rivers Sutra (Sansuikyo), this retreat includes a day of guided nature awareness and meditation in the front-country followed by four days and three nights of silent backpacking through a beautiful old growth hemlock forest to a seldom-visited base camp at Mazama Park, just south of Mount Baker at the foot of Park Butte. Our days will be interspersed with some social and free time.

  Activities include traditional Zen practice, a solo wilderness exercise, a day of Zen meditation, and opportunities for day hiking. The retreat is appropriate for new meditators and beginning backpackers.

  The retreat begins at our temple, Sansuiji, by joining our regular Sunday program, followed by lunch and then a four-mile ceremonial meditation hike, the Cedarwood Pilgrimage, with other Sangha members. Then we will go to Hawk Meadow Farm that night, followed by a day of meditation, preparation, and nature awareness activities, before heading to the backcountry after two nights at the farm.  The ritual form of the three-night backpack is a pilgrimage to our home mountain, "sutra mapping" the Sansuikyo on the upper watersheds of the South and Middle Forks of the Nooksack River, punctuated by two special water exchange ceremonies, at the upper reaches of the middle and south forks of the Nooksack River.

  Led by Reizan Bob Penny & Nomon Tim Burnett - see our Practice Leaders page for more about them.

  Schedule:
  

  Sunday (8/23/26): We will begin at Sansuji with the regular Sunday morning program at 9:30AM, where the hikers will be blessed by the sangha in a Jundo ceremony. After lunch, and hiking the Cedarwood Pilgrimage at 1PM, we will arrive at Hidden Mountain Zendo at Hawk Meadow Farm by about 4PM for setting up tents, a group dinner, and evening zazen.

  Monday 8/24/26) : At Hidden Mountain Zendo we will have a full practice morning, including dharma talk, outdoor meditation, and formal silent meals. After lunch we will break and then regroup for trail orientation, gear sorting, packing, and final preparations for the trail. Before dinner we will have an intentions setting ceremony in the Cedar Grove. Then dinner and evening zazen.

  
  

  Tuesday (8/25/26): We’ll start early with meditation, drive to the trailhead, and hike in to our backcountry zendo at Mazama Meadows just below Mount Baker. We hike in silence with regular stops to chant the Sansuikyo.

  Wednesday (8/26/26): In the backcountry with a mix of formal Zen practice, day hiking, and relaxed camp life. A personal solo morning at your own meditation spot on one of the days.

  Thursday (8/27/26): Zazenkai (silent retreat with zazen and kinhin) in the backcountry until 4 PM.
  

  Friday (8/28/26): We’ll hike back out from the backcountry returning to Hawk Meadow Farm to close the program by about 7pm.

  Hike Difficulty:
  This is a moderately challenging backpack. The hike in is 2.9 miles long and gains 1,800 feet. The hike out (with lighter packs) is about 9 miles and mostly downhill. We'll have two in-camp days with moderate day hiking as well.

  Pre-hike interview required:  A telephone interview with Bob to assess questions around hiking gear and fitness is required before registration is completed.

  More information: Please contact Wilderness Programs Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org with questions and see our Wilderness Dharma Program webpage for an overview of this program.

  What to Bring: Full set of backpacking gear. All food is provided with the registration fee (informed by a discussion of individual preferences and needs). Details will be provided.

  Donations to the Leaders: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. Unlike our "indoor" retreats dana (teacher donation) is not collected during the event, but dana given before or after the event is always welcome, and you can do so on our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program. 

  Show details
• Hike: Ptarmigan Ridge

  • When
    Saturday, September 12, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Carpool from the Sansui-ji or Nugent's Corner

  Register

  A gentle high altitude hike in fall colors
  

  • 4 to 6 miles
  • Very gradual elevation gains, perhaps 200' gain/loss
  • A very popular hike, perhaps with crowded, at times rocky, trail

  This high ramble along an alpine ridge in the fall colors promises to give us a final farewell to the high mountains for our hiking season. This is a low difficulty hike, which penetrates deep into the North Cascades, and we can go as far as we want before turning back on the out-and-back route. Although the trail will likely be well populated there is plenty of space for us to step off trail for a high altitude ceremony celebrating the mountains. If time and weather permits we will search out a location for some sitting meditation along the way. Our hike leader will be Reizan Bob Penny.

  Timing: Meet at our zendo at 2509 Cedarwood at 8:30am or at the Nugent's Corner Market in Deming at 9am. We hope to return to Sansui-ji by 5pm but return times can vary.

  What to Bring: Bring a lunch, generous snacks, at least two liters of water, and layers. Good footwear is recommended. Bring rain gear, and we will take it with us unless there is absolutely zero chance of rain.

  Carpooling: You will indicate during registration where you're meeting the group. 

  Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  
  

  Show details
• Hike: Journey to the Source (Nooksack Cirque)

  • When
    Saturday, September 26, 2026
  •  
    5:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Carpool from Sansui-ji or Nugent's Corner

  Register

  An intensive long day hike to the source of the Nooksack River

  • a phone interview is required to complete your registration
  • 16 miles
  • Very gradual elevation gain, basically flat
  • Extremely rugged off-trail walking over logs, boulders, and sandbars for at least half the distance. Many stream crossings. The hike takes 12 hours on the trail, moving at a decent pace, and is very strenuous. Our hike leader will be Terrill Thompson.
  • This program requires an early 5AM start time

  

  A journey to a magical place close to home. Few people venture to the very upper reaches of the North Fork of the Nooksack River: the Nooksack Cirque.

  It is a long and strenuous 16 -mile hike in and out of the North Fork drainage, largely off-trail on rocky terrain, with numerous brief crossings of the reduced-flow late summer river channel. Plan on a very full day, hiking at a good pace, and wearing hiking boots with wool socks.

  At the Cirque we will perform the years final Exchanging Water ritual in the ice caves amid waterfalls, transferring water from the Salish Sea with mountain glacial water, which we annually perform at the headwaters of all three branches of the Nooksack.

  A Challenging Hike: If you are new to this hike a telephone or email exchange with program coordinator Bob Penny to determine your fitness for the journey will be required to complete your registration.

  Timing: Meet at our zendo at 2509 Cedarwood at 5am or at the Nugent's Corner Market in Deming at 6am. A very early start is essential to have sufficient daylight for this long day hike. We hope to return to Sansui-ji by 7pm but return times can vary.

  What to Bring: Bring a lunch, generous snacks, at least two liters of water, and layers. Wearing hiking boots to protect your ankles with wool socks which we expect to get wet are recommended. Consider bringing alternate footwear for stream crossings if you choose. Spare/dry clothing to change into back at the vehicles is a good option.

  Carpooling: You will indicate during registration where you're meeting the group. 

  Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  Show details
• Opening to Nature Walk: Heart Lake Circumambulation/Heart Sutra

  • When
    Saturday, October 10, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Carpool from Sansui-ji or meet at trailhead near Mt. Erie

  Register

  Chanting & Walking the Heart Sutra at Heart Lake

  • 3 miles
  • mostly level, gently rolling, with a steady 1/4 mile long incline near the end
  • soft forest paths, old growth forest

  Join Red Cedar Zen Community on a ritual circumambulation around Heart Lake, with ceremonies chanting the Heart Sutra: an experience of "Sutra Mapping", extending the words of a sutra across an area of landscape.

  Heart Lake, a State Park managed by the City of Anacortes, is both heart-shaped and the heart of the 3,000-acre Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL). The Lake is surrounded by a forest identified as the most intact Douglas-fir / cedar / hemlock ecosystem remaining in the state at sea level. Sangha board president Joden Bob Rose was a key player in getting this area protected many years ago. Junka Ken Oates will be leading this year's hike.

  We will walk in a clockwise direction, in silence, and stop at 6 points to ritually chant the Heart Sutra with the mokugyo drum and incense, alternating between the English and Sino-Japanese versions.

  This is an easy, mostly flat walk of less than 3 miles on a well-used trail with one significant incline toward the end. There are outhouses at both the Mt. Erie parking lot and at the Heart Lake parking lot.

  Timing: Meet at the Sugarloaf Trailhead of the Anacortes Community Forest (Mt. Erie) to begin our walk at 10am. Or if carpooling from Sansui-ji, meet at 9am.

  Carpooling:  You can drive yourself to the trailhead (directions below), or you can carpool for this trip from Sansui-ji, 2509 Cedarwood in Bellingham. You will indicate which during the registration process. 

  What to Bring: Wear good walking shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, and bring water and snacks.

  Directions to Mt. Erie, from Bellingham:

  • I-5 to Hwy 20

  • West on 20, over Swinomish Channel Bridge until roundabout for Whidbey Island (towards Oak Harbor).

  • TURN South on Hwy 20 towards Whidbey.

  • Road drops towards Campbell Lake (visible ahead).  Stay in right lane and turn right on Campbell Lake Road.

  • Drive Campbell Lake Road along base of Mount Erie.

  • Road will curve right at Lake Erie Grocery and becomes Heart Lake Road.

  • Drive Heart Lake road, past two prominent old growth fir, about a mile until signs for Mount Erie.

  • Veer right into parking area for Sugarloaf trailhead.

  Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

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• Hike & Ceremony: Closing the Mountains, Returning the Waters

  • When
    Saturday, October 24, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Carpool from the Cedarwood Zendo or meet at trailhead

  Register

  Returning Water and Ascending to the Oyster Dome

  

   A five mile day hike to close the mountains to practice

  Join us for one, or both, of two connected Wilderness Dharma events.

  The Hike: 10am - 3pm - Chuckanut Drive to the Oyster Dome

  • options between 4 and 6.3 miles round trip
  • 1,896' elevation gain, and then loss
  • well-built soft forest trail

  Join us for a meditation hike to the gem of the Chuckanuts: Oyster Dome. This popular local destination, a prominent rocky outcrop on the southwest face of Blanchard mountain, will be our place of Closing the Mountains for the ending of our ritual hiking season. Reizan Bob Penny will be leading our group.

  This hike, inspired by traditions on Tibetan sacred mountains where the last ritual circuit of the season was performed by priests putting the mountain to rest, will be between 4 and 6.3 miles round trip, depending on group choice, with about a 1,896' elevation gain. This is a large elevation gain for the distance, and the trail climbs the entire way. On the dome we will perform a ritual combining water from the three headwater branches of the Nooksack River. At the end of the hike we will carpool to Larrabee Beach for our seasons final ritual, returning water to the Salish Sea.

  Returning Water Ceremony: Approximately 3pm, Larrabee State Park

  • 1/2 mile, round trip, path to the beach
  • 200' elevation loss, then gain
  • many stair steps going down, and then back up

  A returning water ritual completes our Wilderness Dharma Program hiking season and all are encouraged to attend to offer the water we have carried through out the season back to the Salish Sea. You are welcome attend this ritual even if you did not do the hike.

  Meeting up: You can meet us for the hike at the Chuckanut Drive Oyster Dome Trailhead (just south of Oyster Creek) by 10am or opt to carpool from Sansui-ji, meeting at 9:15am for the drive to the trailhead.

  If you are joining us for the ritual at the end we will arrive there at approximately 3pm at the band shell area at Larrabee State Park. Take the main entrance and head south to the band shell and beach access parking area. Take the Larrabee main entrance and head south to the band shell and beach access parking area.

  Dress appropriately for the weather, with good footwear for the trail.  Bring a sack lunch and at least two liters of water. We will eat lunch on top of the dome.

  What to Bring: Trail snacks and sack lunch, sturdy hiking shoes, hiking poles if you use them, and two liters of water. Dress in layers.

  Carpooling: Please mention in a comment on your registration if you need to  a ride and we will try to assist. 

  Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. Unlike our "indoor" retreats dana (teacher donation) is not collected during the event, but dana given before or after the event is always welcome, and you can do so on our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program. 

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