Silent Solstice Trail Walk at IslandWood

Bloedel Reserve is grateful to IslandWood for continuing the tradition of the solstice walk for our community this year, as both organizations care deeply for the land and our human connection and relationship with it.

In the Northern Hemisphere, each December 21, the Winter Solstice marks the beginning of the winter season and the longest night of the year. This astronomical event is significant to many cultures, religions, and traditions, for many different reasons. IslandWood’s mission is to provide exceptional learning experiences that inspire lifelong environmental and community stewardship. Gathering our community in awe, understanding, and celebration of the cosmos is one way to usher in the peaceful quiet of the colder months of the year and to renew awareness and understanding of the biological phenomena that connect us all.

IslandWood is offering two hike routes with separate hike times. The Family Walk will be shorter. It will take you past silhouettes of big leaf maples and around the Forest Loop past boggy peatlands. Welcome Center doors will open at 5:00 PM so you can check in and get set up with your lantern. Your group will wait outdoors until the guided experience begins at 5:30 PM. The walk will end at 6:30 PM.

The Silent Walk is a great choice for adults and older youth who wish to experience a more meditative experience and will be a longer route, passing the freshwater pond and across the Suspension Bridge lit with luminaries. Welcome Center doors will open at 7:00 PM so you can check in and get set up with your lantern. The guided experience will begin at 7:30 PM. The walk will end at 9:00 PM.

Tickets are $10 per person. Children 3 years old and younger are free.