10 Must-Visit Monasteries To Visit In Washington, USA

1. Sakya Monastery

Also known as Pel Sakya, Sakya Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located only 127 km (78.9 miles) from Seattle downtown. The Monastery’s main purpose is to preserve and give access to Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture. It manages to do this through promoting Buddhist teaching and while upholding the Tibetan traditions. Sakya Monastery offers a variety of activities such as Chenrezi meditations which helps in developing loving-kindness and compassion. Additionally, the Monastery also offers other programs and resources such as Dharma programs for children and teens and a library for members and visiting scholars. Visiting the monastery will give you a chance to learn from highly qualified and spiritual Tibetan Lamas in a beautiful traditional setting.

Sakya Monastery

Address: 108 NW 83rd St #3042, Seattle, WA 98117, United States

Website: Sakya Monastery

Opening hours: 24 hours

2. All-Merciful Saviour Orthodox Christian Monastery

Established in 1986 by Archimandrite Dimitry (Egoroff), the All-Merciful Saviour Orthodox Christian Monastery is located on the scenic Vashon Island which can only be accessed by a 20-minute ferry ride from West Seattle and a 15-minute ferry ride from Tacoma. At the Monastery, visitors are able to make use of the available amenities which includes the main temple, which is dedicated to the Protection of the Holy Virgin, a small chapel dedicated to Saint John the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, a bookstore, library, several Monastic cabins, and a large trapeza. If you love your time here, donations toward the support of the monastery are gratefully received.

All-Merciful Saviour Orthodox Christian Monastery

Address: 9933 SW 268th St, Vashon, WA 98070, United States

Website: All-Merciful Saviour Orthodox Christian Monastery

3. Pacific Hermitage

Located along the White Salmon’s Jewett Creek at Columbia River Gorge, Pacific Hermitage is home to the Theravada Buddhist monks. The monastery was established in 2010, and ever since then, it has been a place of solitude for monks who have devoted their lives to simple living and meditation. Even though the monks are always available as a spiritual resource, no accommodations can be offered at the monastery due to the fact that it is a small residence. Additionally, it offers no monastic training program, but if you are interested in monastic training, residential retreats or staying overnight in a monastery, you are encouraged to contact Abhayagiri or Temple Forest Monastery.

Pacific Hermitage

Address: 65 Barnedt Rd, White Salmon, WA 98672, United States

Website: Pacific Hermitage

Opening hours: 10am - 1pm (daily)

4. St. Joseph's Carmelite Monastery

Being the first Carmelite monastery on the west coast, the St Joseph’s monastery prides itself on being a place of solace for the spirit held in high regard by both locals and tourists. The newly built sanctuary was officially opened to the public in July 1965 and has been run by nuns of the order of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Located on the 147th street Seattle in Washington, the monastery offers a peaceful, lush green surrounding with a dash of classic mid-20th-century architecture not very far from lake Washington. The climax of the St Joseph’s calendar is the public Novena held each summer from the 7th to 15th of July, which is a must-go-to for anyone looking for the full spiritual experience.

St. Joseph's Carmelite Monastery

Address: 2215 NE 147th St, Seattle, WA 98155, United States

Website: St. Joseph’s Carmelite Monastery

5. Our Lady of the Rock Monastery

“Guests are never lacking in a Monastery” — this St Benedict rule is the code that the Benedictine nuns of the Rock have lived by. The sanctuary is located on the Show island, the smallest of the four islands, right at the heart of San Juan about two hours drive from Seattle and a connector ferry ride. Since its inception in 1977 by nuns from the Abbey of Regina, they have observed a contemplative way of life opting to live by the labour of their hands and the fruit of their field. The monastery internship program makes it a huge favourite especially for people looking to break free of the daily hustles of the modern-day world. The monastery also offers accommodation, though limited which makes the monastery a must-see for anyone in Washington.

Our Lady of the Rock Monastery

Address: 865 Hoffman Cove Rd, Shaw Island, WA 98286, United States

Website: Our Lady of the Rock Monastery

6. Snow Mountain Monastery

If you are looking for the full Buddhist experience then the Snow Mountain Monastery is the place to be. Founded in the last half of the 20th century, the monastery prides itself on being one of the brainchild ideas of Master Hsuan Hua, the eminent Buddhist master. It is situated in the green, peaceful surrounding of the Index-Galena road in Washington. The monastery holds a wide array of activities to cater to the needs of the majority, ranging from meditation and recitation, to outdoor activities like camping and hiking, the perfect balance for a wholesome being. The highlight of their calendar is community service days that run from spring to the fall of every year which is a real crowd-puller. The Snow Mountain definitely ranks top for anyone looking for the full package experience.

Snow Mountain Monastery

Address: 50924 Index-Galena Rd, Index, WA 98256, United States

Website: Snow Mountain Monastery

7. Buddha Jewel Monastery

True to its name, the Buddha Jewel is a true gem for locals and foreigners alike standing tall on the 8th avenue of Seattle Washington. It is through the outreach of the Chung Tai Chan Monastery in Taiwan that it came to be, back in September 2008. On top of being the largest of the seven Chung Tai’s branches in the US, its modern-day architecture serves as eye candy for all visiting pilgrims. What entices most is the fact that all classes and events held are free of charge and certificates awarded to participants upon completion. Next time you are free, why not swing by and grab yourself a piece of the Jewel?

Buddha Jewel Monastery

Address: 17418 8th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155, United States

Website: Buddha Jewel Monastery

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

8. St John's Monastery

St John Monastery is a scenic monastery situated in a 48-acre land just off the highway near Goldendale. The monastery was established in 1995 thanks to Gerard Timmer who gave his land to the Greek Orthodox Diocese of San Francisco. Ever since its inception, the monastery has been home to nuns and novices who have dedicated themselves to a life of worship. It supports itself exclusively by the effort of the sisters and aids from the community. In addition to practising the customary arts of the Orthodox Church, the nuns also build up icon prints, make natural soap, and bake traditional Greek food and for their bakery and gift shop.

St John’s Monastery

Address: 2378 US-97, Goldendale, WA 98620, United States

Website: St John’s Monastery

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

9. Universal Life Church Monastery

With its headquarter in Seattle, Washington, the Universal Life Church Monastery (ULCM) is a popular monastery that is widely known for ordaining more than 20 million ministers worldwide since its inception in 1977. Through its online ordination program that is conducted on its website, UCLM has enabled many people in the US to preside over functions like weddings, funerals, and baptism. Interestingly, anyone, you included, can become ordained free of charge by ULCM, as its door is open to anyone, regardless of religious denomination. This aligns with its two core tenets that people should be free to practice their religion how they choose and that people should do that which is right.

Universal Life Church Monastery

Address: 2720 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, United States

Website: Universal Life Church Monastery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

10. St Placid Priory

Situated in a secluded location in 500 College Street NE, St. Placid Priory is a women’s Benedictine monastic community established in 2010 with women from different upbringings, pursuing different careers. The monastic community consists of a spirituality centre and a forest where monastic life flourishes. The monastery follows the rule of St. Benedict, where they pray together and extend their Benedictine presence to the local community in the Olympia, Washington area. The monastic community has spiritual centres where retreats, weekend programs, and long-term programs can take place. Additionally, the monastic community provides rental spaces for activities such as conferences and other meetings. Their stores have a scriptorium and books, where a visitor can contact to inquire what kind is available.

St Placid Priory

Address: 500 College St NE, Lacey, WA 98516, United States

Website: St Placid Priory

Get close to your maker as you discover Washington

If you have already explored all the gems that Washington USA, has to offer, maybe it’s now time to find some spiritual healing. Above are some of the must-visit monasteries in Washington, USA