What is Forest Bathing?

Forest Bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice involving mindful, slow immersion in the forest atmosphere to promote relaxation and connection with nature.

Is the walk strenuous?

No, the session involves light walking and some sitting; it is accessible to most fitness levels.

Can children attend this session?

Young children are discouraged as many activities are done in silence and require undistracted focus.

Bring a reusable water bottle, sun protection, and insect repellant to stay comfortable during the session.

Is the trail wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Birdhouse Trail at Ogden Nature Center is wheelchair accessible.

Are pets allowed on the walk?

Pets are not permitted to maintain the tranquility and minimize distractions.

Forest Bathing at Ogden Nature Center, Utah | Guided Tour

Situated in the foothills of the Wasatch Range, Ogden Nature Center offers a quiet refuge from urban life just west of Ogden, Utah. The center’s 152 acres of grasslands, wetlands, and forests create an ideal setting for Forest Bathing with Ian Napper, a certified guide who leads guests through a 90-minute session designed to reconnect the mind and body to the surrounding natural world.

Forest Bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a mindful practice that emphasizes calm, intentional engagement with the environment—much more than a walk in the woods. At Ogden Nature Center, participants move slowly along the Birdhouse Trail, pausing often to settle into the smells of ponderosa pine, the textures of native shrubs, and the subtle sounds of bird song echoing through oak and maple stands. The gentle topography and wheelchair-accessible paths make this accessible for a broad range of visitors—including those seeking solace in nature without strenuous hiking.

Ian Napper’s guidance involves breathwork, centering exercises, mindful movement, and grounding techniques set against one of Utah’s rich wildlife habitats. Deer, red foxes, and a variety of songbirds inhabit the area, while early dawn visitors might catch glimpses of golden eagles soaring overhead. The local flora reflects the region’s high desert ecosystem, with cottonwoods and serviceberries thriving alongside rocky outcrops.

Ogden Nature Center is a vital community asset that not only preserves this pocket of nature but also fosters environmental stewardship through education and sustainable practices. Their thoughtful programming, including this Forest Bathing session, fills an important niche in the outdoor scene — offering a restorative, low-impact way to engage deeply with nature in the shadow of Utah’s iconic mountain landscapes.

Whether you're seeking mental clarity, stress relief, or a gentle introduction to mindful outdoor practice, this experience provides a pause from the rush and a chance to absorb the calm rhythms of the forest.