Hikes We Like in August: Finding Solace in Nature’s Embrace

Grief can feel like an uncharted wilderness—vast, overwhelming, and deeply personal. Yet nature has a way of holding space for our sorrow while gently reminding us of life’s enduring beauty. This month, we’re sharing two serene California hikes where the rhythm of your footsteps can become a meditation, the trees can stand as silent witnesses, and the vistas can offer perspective. These trails are perfect for quiet reflection, remembrance, or simply breathing through the weight of loss.

1. Fern Canyon Loop Trail

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (Northern California)
Distance: 1.1 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy

Step into a living cathedral of 50-foot fern-covered walls and trickling streams in this magical coastal canyon. The lush greenery and hushed sounds of water create a sanctuary-like atmosphere, ideal for contemplative walking. The trail’s intimacy—narrow enough to touch the ferns on either side—invites you to slow down and be present. After your hike, sit among the nearby ancient redwoods (like the “Big Tree” just off Newton B. Drury Parkway) and let their timeless presence remind you that grief, like growth, unfolds in cycles.

2. Solstice Canyon Trail

Santa Monica Mountains (Southern California)
Distance: 3.2 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate

This shaded canyon hike leads to a small waterfall and the ruins of a mid-century home, now reclaimed by nature. The juxtaposition of human history and wild resilience makes it a poignant place to reflect on loss and transformation. Along the way, oak groves and seasonal creeks offer spots to pause and journal or simply listen to the wind. For a longer hike, continue to the “Tropical Terrace” ruins, where crumbling walls are draped in ivy—a quiet metaphor for how grief reshapes us over time.

A Note on Hiking with Grief:
These trails are gentle enough for days when your heart feels heavy, but sturdy enough to hold your emotions. Bring water, a notebook, or a loved one’s photo to leave among the trees. And remember—just as no two hikes are the same, no two grief journeys are either. Move at your own pace.