Birken's 80 acre property stands in the midst of a vast forested area at an elevation of 4,000 ft. About 40 km south of Kamloops by road, the property is shared with moose, deer, the occasional black bear, range cattle, geese and owls. Guests can take an easy 5-6 km walk around Smith Lake and the marshland on which Birken Forest Monastery is situated. The neighbouring area is full of possibility for gentle hikes, with Roche Lake Resort about 7 km as the crow flies.