A mindful early morning silent hike through old-growth forest and thriving wetland ecosystem at Stimpson Family Nature Reserve. 
Two large trees, a Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, are wrapped in an embrace
- 4.9 miles
- 300' total elevation gain
- gently rolling and flat, soft forest trails
We'll walk slowly and silently as we circumambulate the 350 acre reserve, with a short detour around Geneva Pond. Total distance is 4.9 miles, and with our slow pace and occasional pauses is expected to take about 3 hours. This hike is styled as a silent contemplative walk with very little ritual, an early morning mindful experience of the bird song and plants of these beautiful summer lowland woods.
The hike will be led by Terrill Thompson who lives nearby
Directions: From Bellingham, take Lakeway Drive toward Lake Whatcom, but turn right onto Lake Louise Road before you get to the lake. In about 2 miles, the well-signed trailhead parking lot is on your left.
Timing: Meet at Stimpson Reserve Parking lot on Lake Louise Road at 7:00am. Expected return time from the hike is approximately 10:30am.
What to Bring: Bring trail snacks, water, and walking shoes.
Carpooling: Please mention in a comment on your registration if you need to a ride and we will try to assist.
Registration: While our day hikes are offered without charge, we do incur about $10 of program administration cost for each registration. There is the opportunity during registration to donate to cover these costs for your own registration or, additionally, to help another cover their registration expenses. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. As we do on the trail, we support each other.
Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.
Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.
