Forest bathing, or forest therapy, is a slow, gentle and meditative wander that is activated by invitations offered by me as your guide and designed to stimulate the senses, slow you down and animate the imagination. It’s modern practice originates in Japan in the 1980s, where it is called shinrin-yoku, or “bathing n the atmosphere of the forest.”  

We don’t walk far, it’s not a hike, we will not literally bathe in water — although we may allow water in a creek or pool to revitalize our touch.  The pace is slow, not fast. The focus is on connection to and relationship with nature. Our motto is, “The forest is the therapy, the guide opens the doors.”

Bring your curiosity, leave behind your stress, anxiety and impatience.  Walks last anywhere between 90 minutes and 2.5 hours.  My walks are customized for the abilities and interests of my guests and typically conclude with a tea ceremony featuring locally foraged herbs and generous hospitality in nature. My walks can accommodate individuals, couples, small or medium sized groups, retreat participants or those just needing restorative time in nature.  

I guide walks throughout the Bay Area and beyond, including in cathedral canopy old growth redwood forests, magnificent coastal ranges, timeless oak groves, Point Reyes National Seashore, state parks and urban parks such as The Presidio and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, Reinhardt Regional Redwood Park in the East Bay, Wilbur Hot Springs lodge and Nature Preserve, and other locations.