Have you heard about Shinrin-yoku or Forest bathing? Here is an opportunity to take a walk and experience the practice for yourself as part of California State Parks Week’s ‘Nourish Your Health & Well-Being’ Day.
A centering and calming restorative practice, it promotes balance and restored vitality through a quality of presence and heightened sensory awareness. Learn techniques to maximize the health benefits and stress reducing qualities of this walking practice. Shinrin-yoku originated in Japan and is gaining popularity in the United States for its documented health benefits. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park hosts a Forest Therapy Series as part of its ParkRx Program the 4th Sunday of each month. These walks are led by certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) practitioners. Visit natureandforesttherapy.earth for more info about this practice.
Our meeting point will be the White Barn. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, layers, and if desired, a snack. The event, usually $20 or free with a Park Rx, is free but requires registration. Not recommended for children under 12. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: we are unable to determine the ease of access for this event as the route is chosen the day-of by the event guide.
California State Parks Week (June 14-18) is presented by California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League, Parks California and the California State Parks Foundation. Through special community events and in-person and virtual programming, this annual event celebrates California’s 280 state parks and the people who visit and help protect these iconic places.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Enjoy your yoga experience in the beautiful setting of our park! Susan Topf’s Yoga Hike balances a mix of easy hiking and gentle yoga postures, breath work and guided meditation, no mat necessary. The route varies on weather conditions and group interest that typically covers 2-3 miles of varied terrain. All levels and ages welcome.
Tickets are $30 and include parking if registered in advance online. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing to feel comfortable being in a natural setting and bring water (as needed). Meet outside the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.
Sonoma County Resident? Free with a April 2023 or newer Park Rx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx info.
Ease of access: we’re unable to determine ease of access as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (mud, small water crossings, slippery trails, etc).
If you have previously completed the Beginner Hiking for Fitness Program, or can hike a little more than 4 miles with at least 1,000 ft of elevation, this series is for you! The program leaders will guide you on a series of weekly hikes with the challenge increasing each week. Leaders will have group discussions about gear, hydration, hiking poles, first aid and pacing, etc. The group’s final hike aims for Bald Mountain, where hikers can enjoy stunning vistas.
The following is a list of possible routes specifically selected for this hiking series:
1) Sat 7/8 — Waterfall loop, 2.7 miles, 720 ft elevation [meet @ main lot]
2) Sat 7/15 – Vista Trail loop, 3.4 miles, 830 ft elevation [meet @ White Barn]
3) Sat 7/22 – Goodspeed to Nattkemper bench, 3.8 miles, 1,240 ft elevation [meet @ Goodspeed lot]
4) Sat 7/29 – Hillside/Brushy Peaks to Neptune table, 4.4 miles, 970 ft elevation [meet @ White Barn]
5) Sat 8/5 – Hillside & Vista Trail loop counter-clockwise, 3.6 miles, 1,070 ft elevation [meet @ White Barn]
6) Sat 8/12 – Fern Lake- Orchard loop in SDC/Jack London SHP, 5.5 miles, 1,460 ft elevation [meet @ Walnut & North St inside SDC; park on Grove St]
7) Sat 8/19 – False Lake Meadow & Lake Ilsanjo loop in Trionne-Annadel SP, 5.9 miles, 1,090 ft elevation [meet @ Annadel’s Cobblestone Trailhead]
8) Sat 8/26 – Bald Mtn summit (w/optional Headwaters detour, 5.8 miles), 5 miles, 1,670 ft elevation [meet @ White Barn]
Please note these routes are subject to change based on the group and weather. Wear appropriate footwear for rocky or slippery trails, and layers. Bring water, and if desired, a snack. The group will be limited to 35 participants.
The Hiking series costs $80 (plus a $10 parking fee per visit. Note that the Sugarloaf Annual Pass is $59 and valid at Sugarloaf and Jack London SHP), or free-of-cost for hikers with a June 2023 or newer Park Rx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx info. To sign up with a Park Rx, please email alma@sonomaecologycenter.org. Please have your Park Rx available at the time of sign-up, as the number of Park Rx tickets is limited and you will be asked to turn in a copy at the time of registration.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Enjoy your yoga experience in the beautiful setting of our park! Susan Topf’s Yoga Hike balances a mix of easy hiking and gentle yoga postures, breath work and guided meditation, no mat necessary. The route varies on weather conditions and group interest that typically covers 2-3 miles of varied terrain. All levels and ages welcome.
Tickets are $30 and include parking if registered in advance online. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing to feel comfortable being in a natural setting and bring water (as needed). Meet outside the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.
Sonoma County Resident? Free with a April 2023 or newer Park Rx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx info.
Ease of access: we’re unable to determine ease of access as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (mud, small water crossings, slippery trails, etc).
Enjoy your yoga experience in the beautiful setting of our park! Susan Topf’s Yoga Hike balances a mix of easy hiking and gentle yoga postures, breath work and guided meditation, no mat necessary. The route varies on weather conditions and group interest that typically covers 2-3 miles of varied terrain. All levels and ages welcome.
Tickets are $30 and include parking if registered in advance online. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing to feel comfortable being in a natural setting and bring water (as needed). Meet outside the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.
Sonoma County Resident? Free with a April 2023 or newer Park Rx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx info.
Ease of access: we’re unable to determine ease of access as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (mud, small water crossings, slippery trails, etc).