Bloom After the Burn: A Wildflower Hike on the Crooked River

On a sunny morning in early summer, seven wonderful women and I set out on a journey. It wasn’t only a hike into the Boise National Forest—it was an experience of connection, healing, and awe.

We drove just over an hour from Boise to the Crooked River Trailhead, an area of the forest burned by wildfire nine years ago. As we began, blackened trees stood silently, reminders of fire’s destructive yet natural role in the forest’s story. And still, amid the charred remains, beauty flourished.

Wildflowers lined the trail in abundance—more than twenty species, including Sticky Geraniums, penstemon, Scarlet Gilia, and my personal favorite, the delicate Columbine. Young trees reached skyward with hope, while the river flowed beside us, sparkling and steady. The landscape seemed to echo our own journeys: through pain, loss, and change, we too can grow, rebuild, and find beauty again.

As we walked, conversations bloomed just as naturally as the flowers. Laughter and stories wove threads of connection among the women. At midday, we paused by the river to enjoy a picnic of locally made sandwiches, sharing food and friendship under the shade of trees.

Our turnaround point was a rustic wooden bridge about a mile and a half in—perfect for photos, reflection, and simply taking it all in. Altogether, we spent about two and a half hours immersed in nature and one another’s company. The weather was perfect: warm but not hot, with a gentle breeze that made you grateful to be alive.

On the way home, we stopped at a nearby hot spring. Soaking in the still water, our muscles relaxed and our hearts felt full. It was the perfect close to a day of renewal.

The hike reminded me of a truth I often return to: beauty doesn’t come despite hardship—it often arises because of it. I’m grateful for the women who joined me, for the land that welcomed us, and for the chance to witness resilience and healing in both nature and ourselves.

Why I Guide Nature Wellness Events

For the past 18 months, I’ve been facilitating nature wellness events every two to three months. Becoming a Certified Nature Therapy Guide allowed me to combine my love of the outdoors with my counseling practice, offering an additional path of healing for clients and community members alike.

The certification process gave me tools and confidence to help people connect deeply with the natural world. It also gave me language for what I instinctively knew: time in nature heals. I learned the science behind this healing, and I discovered ways to draw on myth, history, spirituality, and mindfulness to create more meaningful experiences outdoors.

One of my favorite parts of the training was an assignment to study the local ecosystem. Researching Boise’s plants, animals, and wild spaces moved me deeply and left me with a renewed love for this place I call home.

About Laura:

Laura Root is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Nature Therapy Guide, and founder of a Boise-based counseling practice. She specializes in helping people reconnect with themselves through counseling and mindful time in nature. Laura offers one-on-one sessions, group classes, wellness walks, and nature-based events that blend therapeutic insight with the healing power of the outdoors. When she’s not guiding or counseling, Laura can be found hiking with friends, growing tomatoes, or admiring wildflowers—always pausing to learn their names.

Interested in deepening your connection with nature and guiding others in their healing journey? The Natural Wellness Academy’s Nature Therapy Guide Certification teaches you how to facilitate safe, transformative experiences in the outdoors — supporting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.