A mindful hike through Fairhaven's charming 100 Acre Wood.
- 2.5 miles
- easy terrain with only slight elevation gain/loss
- soft forested trails
This wonderful extension of Fairhaven Park, also known as the Chuckanut Community Forest, is a wetland forest filled with Douglas firs, tall cedars and cottonwoods. Bird and plant life are rich and diverse as are the many "social trails" lovers of this area have created. Walking together we'll enjoy a wandering loop of about 2.5 miles on mostly flat terrain.
We'll start at the Upper Fairhaven Park Pavilion, then proceed up and down the trails viewing large cedars and firs and hemlocks, and even forest gnomes should they decide to show. We'll visit Se'Si'Le (the 100 Acre Woods' "Grandmother Cedar" tree) and pause for a brief ceremony and a snack, then head back through the woods. Some may wish to walk the Fairhaven Labyrinth at the end (optional).
The hiking is a moderate, winding, walk on a network of park and local trails, gently up and down, with a few short, steep, sections. We anticipate it will take about two hours. Please bring water and snacks, and a hiking stick or poles if you use them.
Timing: Meet at the Upper Fairhaven Park Pavilion near the tennis courts at 10am. Parking is limited there, you may need to park in the lot near the entrance and walk up. We expect to return around noon. Bring a bag lunch and stay for an optional sangha social time after the silent walk if you choose.
What to Bring: Bring a trail snack and water. Trails can be muddy, consider hiking boots. Dress for the weather. Bring a sack lunch if you'd like to stay and eat together after the walk.
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.
