Forest Bathing

I got some much needed time outdoors in nature today. Today's hike was at Nolte State Park in Enumclaw, WA.

(Note: This park requires a Discover Pass for admission except on state park free days)

There is a definite chill in the air and it smells like autumn. The leaves are just starting to turn here, but it's obvious that summer has passed.

It was mostly overcast today into the late afternoon. Perfect conditions for a walk around the lake and to partake in some forest bathing, ..."the practice of immersing yourself in nature in a mindful way, using your senses to derive a whole range of benefits for your physical, mental, emotional, and social health." (source)

We were lucky, it was mostly quiet and hardly anyone else there, just a few folks out for an afternoon stroll, walking their dogs and whatnot. 

It had rained a bit earlier, so everything was damp, cool, and green in that pleasant Pacific Northwest kind of way. Quite a few slugs, snails, caterpillars, squirrels, birds, and other sweet creatures going about their business.

 

This park is home to some pretty impressively massive trees, too. Pics don't do much to give a sense of scale.

So many tiny treasures and details to discover along the way: ferns, moss, berries, spiderwebs, sunbeams, and other magic. And the calming scents of the forest and the earth hanging in the air.

Today's small adventure was good for my entire being, body, mind, & soul. I'm really stoked about this autumn and look forward to enjoying it as much as I possibly can.

I recommend this park for almost anyone, it's a beautiful quiet place that seems most visited by the locals. The hike around the lake is only about 1.4 miles with fairly even terrain and only a couple of hills, which aren't very steep. It looks like boating, fishing, and even swimming are other activities one might want to do here. There are quite a few benches along the way for peaceful pondering, and picnic tables & a couple of event spaces that can be reserved for a fee. 

Even the drive out here was pleasant, scenic and pretty. On the way home, the sun came out a bit so we were able to enjoy the Golden Hour from the road.

(All photos and content by Petrichor & Pumpkins/Nebulosus Severine/CMPauluh 2021)