Whether it be a mountain hike, a national park camping trip or simply sitting on a log in the middle of a meadow, we gain a sense of calm, perhaps even joy, when we light out for the forest. The Japanese have a word for these needed respites in nature. They call such renewing forest visits ‘shinrin yoku’, or forest bath.
I am in continual need of such baths to wash the stress of city life from my psyche and soul. Sometimes, however, it’s hard to slow down. I’m used to a faster pace. So, instead of a soothing forest bath, I jump in and out of a ‘forest shower’ as quickly as possible. A too fast nature or forest experience where my total self is not fully in the moment.
Nothing wrong with forest showers. Like real showers, they’re very utilitarian. A quick cleanse can certainly be refreshing. But if that’s all you do when you’re out in nature, you’re missing out. Like a good bath, a forest bath should be a time to soothe and soak, to let the warming essence of nature massage and wash your cares away. To immerse yourself fully in the regenerative and life-giving essence of nature, you must take your time.
There are many places on the central coast to take a good forest bath. But one of my favorite forest bath locations is Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve. It’s ancient and intimate and luxuriant flora is the ideal forest bath setting.
Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve is a bit hidden. If you’re hauling 65 in your car heading west on Los Osos Valley Road on your way to coastal destinations such as Morro Bay or Montaña de Oro, you might miss the small parking lot trailhead. The reserve is small – only about 90 acres. But what a 90 acres! Eight-hundred year-old sprawling coast live oaks. Twisted, gnarly branches draped with lichen. Sycamore, willow, cottonwood. Abundant patches of wildflowers such as monkey flower, paintbrush and lupine in spring. Even the poison oak has a certain woodland beauty…from a distance. A couple of miles of easy, sandy trail that loops around and through the reserve.
Given its relatively small size and a trail system that measures only a couple of miles, you might be tempted to take a forest shower here. Don’t! Go too fast and you will miss the feeling of the spirits of the former inhabitants, the Chumash people, the grizzly bear. You will miss evidence left behind by the reserve’s current residents. Tracks. Feathers. Gnawed acorns. Fur. Hike, sure. But also find a log, find a thick branch, find a scenic vista, find a tuft of colorful wildflowers. Sit, smell, breathe, touch, take a photo or two and soak in the natural warmth. The ancient history. The living, breathing, wondrous central coast forest that hasn’t changed in a millennium.
Take it slow. Whatever needs reviving will come back to life. Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve, a luxurious dip in an intimate forest bath!
