Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Mindy Lockhart of Rooted Presence for a slow, gentle forest bathing walk in the Metolius Preserve. The walk will begin with a guided deepening into each of the senses and then you’ll be led through a series of invitations that offer the opportunity for deeper relaxation and connection with ourselves and the living world. We will come together for optional sharing and close the experience with wildcrafted tea. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event.

Forest bathing is based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which simply means to take in the atmosphere of the forest through our senses. Decades of studies have discovered a wide range of health benefits associated with this practice, including stress relief, better sleep, lowered blood pressure and inflammation, and improved immunity.

• Outing Details + Route

  Hike Rating: This is an easy ~1-2 mile walk on dirt trails.

  Route: This hike will start at the South Trailhead of the Metolius Preserve and explore Preserve trails. Terrain will be uneven at times.

  Elevation gain/loss: There is very little elevation gain/loss on this hike.

• What to Bring

  Snacks/lunch, water, something to sit on that is easy to carry (yoga mat, towel, sand chair), journal/pen (if desired), and closed toe shoes. Dress for the weather.

• About the Property

  The Metolius Preserve is a 1,240 acre forested Preserve near Camp Sherman, Oregon. The Deschutes Land Trust established the Preserve in 2003. The Preserve contains mature ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and western larch, as well as a rich diversity of other plant species. Three miles of Lake Creek, an important tributary to the Metolius River, flow through the property, contributing to the rich habitat found on the Preserve.

• Accessibility

  The Land Trust is working to make our Walks + Hikes as accessible as possible. Please let us know at least one week in advance if there is something we can do or provide to support you in participating in this outing to the fullest and we will accommodate as possible.