My large extended family held a family reunion gathering early this August (2017) and it was a new…read more(and unfamiliar) part of Washington State for all of us, coming from different parts of the country (and world). Getting there was somewhat of a driver's nightmare, however,coming in from Interstate-5 on State Highway 12 (Olympic Highway), since the summer vacation traffic was almost bumper to bumper (given the disjointed route that Highway 12 takes you on, through the several small communities of Aberdeen, Hoqium, and then up Highway 101 to 109 [Ocean Beach Road] to Ocean City and thence to Coplais Beach, etc., etc.). Once at our destination (at Copalis Beach), we managed to find the entrance to the SURSUM CORDA property opening to the right, and pulled in to the moderately large parking area up hill. Over the next several days, we settled into the rooms in the main facility well enough and the stay was overall quite enjoyable. The grounds are simple & unpretentious, but pleasing. Since the entrance is a bit hard to see (especially at night), one must be alert for the small sign on the roadway leading up hill to it.
The surroundings are rustic, but pleasant in a low key, naturalistic context, with a large yurt adjacent the main facility for group activities. There are several rustic trails leading from the yurt back into the adjacent woods that are also relaxing, extremely peaceful and bucolic for short walks.
The rooms in the main facility(there are two levels, one partly built into the hill) are also simple and unpretentious, but were clean and neat enough, as was the large adjoined kitchen/living room area. This facility originated as a rural county health clinic complex, back in the 70s (I believe), but it was later sold to private owners who remodled it as a vacation visitor retreat. From what I've read, there were several subsequent owners, but the presnt owners (2017) have taken obvious pains to make it a pleasant venue for short stays. I for one was pleased and found the quiet, calm setting, tucked in off Highway 109, to be very relaxing. The yurt was used (by my family) for a great 'Yoga Dance' one evening, which suited everyone perfectly and was actually great fun for four generations to kick up their heels and celebrate getting together!
There is no immediate (direct) beach access and one must take the road (109) down to Ocean City (about 12 miles) and Gray's Harbor, but it's a reasonaly brief drive. There are recreational opportunities (such as horses to ride) there in another nearby area and kayaking is also good in the local waters of the harbor. Some general stores on 109 along the way sell food, general goods and sundries, and in Ocean City are several gas stations to avail.
Side from the peaceful, woodsy and pleasant locale, the rates are quite modest and it's a perfect venue for just about anything (including large groups of about 40 people, such as was ours). Unless you are accustomed to 'upscale' accommodations, I think most people will find their stay at Sursum Corda quite nice! (Our stay was during the first week of August, 2017).
Some people who do the vehicular circumnavigation of the Olympic Peninsula (up West 101 on the west side) to Port Angeles and Sequim, circling Olympic National Park, then down 101 East to Olympia, stay in this area en route and it's perfect as part of such an itinerary (but must be booked in advance).
In case you're curious: SURSUM CORDA is a rather unusual name, but it is actually part of the opening Latin dialogues of the ancient Christian church liturgy and translates to "Lift up your hearts!". Given the pastoral serenity that the retreat provides its guests, its name is actually quite well chosen. Enjoy.
