Going through it. together.
Exploring grief in the natural world helps people heal.
At Wild Grief, we merge peer support with the healing power of nature. We’ve witnessed countless transformations as people engage with their grief in a natural setting alongside others on similar journeys. Simply walking together, being under the trees, and doing reflective activities leads to release, relief, and rootedness.
By offering free, outdoor experiences for teens, young adults, families, and all-ages groups, we help more people find a place where they can remember, process, and discover a path to healing. We are a non-profit rooted in Olympia, WA and we serve people from around the region who are grieving the death of someone significant to them.
Our Programs
Our Story
Wild Grief began over dinner-table conversations in early 2015, by people experienced in leading peer grief support for children, teens and parents. The founders met and dreamed: “What would it be like if we could take grieving people out to the wilderness?” We looked for a place to hold our dream and realized that we needed to create that space in our community – so Wild Grief was born.
Our vision increased to providing this kind of support for the entire community; everywhere we turned there were people yearning for the chance to share their stories while walking side-by-side in nature. Doors began to open for us before we reached them! Wild Grief started as a volunteer run organization, and we put time and love into the work to achieve our first hikes in 2017, our first overnight trip in 2018, and our first staff in 2019.
During the Covid-19 pandemic we adapted and built programs that continued to encourage people to get outside and connect remotely with others who are grieving. It was helpful to our growth to have to change and transform to meet the needs of our community. In 2022 we expanded our programs significantly; launching our Family Campout, offering five multi-day backpacks, and developing our partner program in Spanish. In 2024 we offered out first Spanish hike open to the public and partnered with the Tahoma Indian Canter to support their grief work with indigenous and BIPOC youth, Camp Rosey.
We will continue to grow with intention and strive to better serve those grieving in our community.
