People have experienced the rejuvenating benefits of a warm bath. Just as immersing oneself in warm water has health benefits, so does immersing oneself in nature according to recent studies. The Japanese call this “forest bathing,” and the benefits include stress reduction and mood elevation. When the rigors of studying become too much, students in the Academic English Studies (AES) department have plenty of options for forest bathing.
Lewis & Clark College is routinely voted one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States. The college sits on top of a hill in southwest Portland overlooking Mount Hood. The Lewis & Clark campus has a wonderful combination of natural forest and beautiful landscaping among tall trees. One of my favorite paths meanders behind the library and offers views of the reflection pools and Mount Hood. AES students do not need to travel far for a forest bath.
Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a short walk from Lewis & Clark College. There are over 650 acres of lush forest, including 8 miles of hiking trails. Because Tryon Creek is so close to campus, students can easily take a forest bath here in between classes. The park is very safe and there are a variety of trails for all levels of ability. There is even a 3-mile paved bike path. Another benefit of this park is the opportunity to see wildlife such as owls, deer, and rabbits. Check out this video of the park created by Lewis & Clark students.
Council Crest is fairly close to Lewis & Clark College, but it is not within walking distance. However, there are public buses that go there, and it is certainly worth the effort. Council Crest offers stunning views of five snow-capped mountains: Mount Hood, Mount Saint Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, and Mount Jefferson. While most people drive or take the bus, it is possible to hike up to this beautiful park.
Forest Park is the largest park on this list with 5,200 acres. According to the Forest Park Conservancy, it is “one of the largest urban forests in the country.” With 70 miles (110 kilometers) of trails, there are plenty of opportunities to bathe in the forest. Forest Park is 23 miles north of Lewis & Clark College and can be accessed via bus at several different points. Because the park is very large and has many trails, deciding on a trail can be overwhelming. This Portland Monthly article, “8 Essential Forest Park Hikes,” can help.
Mt. Tabor is the only park on this list that is located east of the Willamette River, locally referred to as “the eastside.” There are over 190 acres and miles of paved and unpaved trails on which people can hike or bike. And it is easily accessed by bus. One of Mt. Tabor’s most attractive features is its view of downtown Portland. Because this view faces west, it is a popular place to enjoy the sunset. Even though many people go to Mt. Tabor, it is always possible to find a trail that offers solitude and a peaceful place to forest bathe.
These are just a few examples of the parks in Portland. There are many more! I hope you have the opportunity to visit Portland and experience forest bathing in this majestic Pacific Northwest wonderland.
AES English 
I found reading about “forest bathing” very interesting and this blog reminded me of the good time that I spent in Tryon Creek State Natural Area last spring when I first came to the US. Since I am into hiking, I went to almost all the natural places here in Portland to explore the area and relieve stress. I highly encourage the student to go to these places not just for having a good time, but also for its beneficial health benefits. Speaking of natural spots, we have to mention the fascinating waterfall called “Multnomah falls” which is about 45 km from our campus.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, Multnomah Falls is a gorgeous place! The base of the falls can be a little too touristy for me, but I really like doing the Wahkeena Falls – Multnomah Falls loop. For those who might not be up for hiking the loop, just walking to the top of the falls is fun. I love to watch the water cascade down from the top.
LikeLike
I found this article very interesting because you have introduced us to many wonderful park and from now then I am planing to go for hiking there. And yeah it is true Lewis and Clark has a beautiful campus and nature which in my free time I enjoy walking there in order to complete 10,000 steps a day. Thank you for this blog!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Since the first day, I have been in Portland, I have felt that the green spaces are the great way to release your emotion. I believe that the environment can affect your performance. Thus, I strongly recommend studying at a university that has a green space.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I usually go to a forest near to where I live every Saturday morning. When I go there I put my phone and any thing that may distract me from enjoying natural surroundings at home. I try to find a place to sit in and contemplate skies, trees, and birds. It helps me to relax and it refreshes my mind from any negative thoughts of people or situations that I encounter every week. Also, It drives me to rethink of my purpose of life. Who am I living for? My future and people who I care about. I feel relived after I leave the forest and ready to start my next week . Thank you Alexis for sharing with us those places where we can practice “Forest Bathing”.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am proud of being a Japanese now to know about forest bathing deeply!
As I could know it’s pretty easy to do from your post, I definitely have some relaxing time with trees here on campus during the finals week. Thank you for sharing multiple places for bathing.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I always had an intuition that there is something great but mysterious about forest rather than just the feel good feeling. So, the mentioned health benefits could be really true.
LikeLiked by 2 people
When I was in Japan, I sometimes go to the park surrounded by trees, This is because I can relieve my stress, and I forgot bad thing in my daily life. There are a lot of positive effects of forest bathing, so I should keep going to greenery area.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it is a wonderful information about Portland and my favorite place which is Lewis and Clark. One of the important reason to came to Portland is its nature. It has a big affect to me in a way that can change my mood. also, thank you to provide a alternative places to visit in Portland before I will leave. Your article is amazing as your personality
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for these interesting examples! I think I’m excited to go and experience the “forest bathing” with more awareness of its benefits. Though, looking back to the three past months, I feel like I began to notice the nature more than usual here because it presents almost everywhere, and I really appreciate it. It helps reduce my stress 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person