Mount Angel Abbey & Museum

This Benedictine Abbey, founded by Swiss monks in 1882, is on a wooded hilltop that overlooks the town of Mt. Angel. On a summer hike along the paved Abbey walk you are likely to be greeted by Western Wood-Pewee, Swainson's Thrush, and Bullock's Oriole, with a good variety of warblers in migration. Open oak woodland habitats preserve native wildflowers along with Chipping Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting, and Western Bluebird. White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker and Brown Creeper are here year-round. For information on visiting for a day, or a longer spiritual retreat, check the Abbey website (www.mountangelabbey.org). Groups of 10 or more should please call 503.845.3030 to ensure compatibility with meditative use of the gardens. From downtown Silverton go N on Hwy 214 (Hillsboro-Silverton Hwy) 4.3 mi to Mt. Angel. Watch for a fountain in the middle of town and a green street sign for the Abbey. Turn R onto Church St over the railroad tracks (this becomes College St) and follow E past St. Mary's Church. 0.5 mi further, on the E edge of town, watch for the Abbey drive on the R. Follow the wooded drive to the top of the hill. Signs will direct you to the guest parking area just past the Seminary Theological Center of the Annunciation.

This place has changed my life.