Into The Wild PNW
Hike to an Alpine Lake. Breathe. Swim.
Summit. Ride the Gondola Home.
July 18 2026 | 9am-4pm
A one-of-a-kind mountain adventure in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
We'll spend the day hiking through alpine wilderness, practicing breathwork beside a mountain lake, sharing a picnic, taking an optional cold plunge, and connecting with fellow adventurers before summiting Crystal Mountain and riding the gondola back down with panoramic views of Mount Rainier.
This is an opportunity to step away from the noise of daily life and spend a day immersed in movement, nature, breath, and connection.
What To Expect
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Trailhead Gathering & Welcome
We'll meet at the Crystal Mountain trailhead and begin our day together with introductions, intentions, and an overview of the journey ahead. This is an opportunity to connect with the group, settle into the experience, and prepare for a day in the mountains.
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Guided Trail Hike
Together we'll hike through forested trails and alpine terrain, taking in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest along the way. The journey to the lake is part of the experience, offering space to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy the adventure.
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Alpine Lake Breathwork Journey
Upon reaching the lake, we'll create our outdoor practice space surrounded by mountain views and fresh alpine air. You'll be guided through a trauma-informed expanded states of consciousness breathwork experience designed to support deeper connection with yourself.
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Integration & Reflection
Following the breathwork journey, we'll take time to rest, reflect, journal, walk, swim, or enjoy taking in the stillness of the landscape around us. This time allows you to absorb the experience in whatever way feels most supportive to your journey.
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Picnic Lunch
A picnic lunch is included as part of the experience and will be enjoyed beside the alpine lake. Sharing a meal together offers an opportunity to connect, reflect on the day's journey, and enjoy meaningful conversation in a beautiful setting.
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Summit & Gondola Descent
After lunch, we'll continue toward Crystal Mountain's summit, where expansive views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding wilderness await. We'll conclude the day with a scenic gondola ride back down the mountain before heading back to the start.
What's Included
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Guided Hike to Crystal Lakes
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Guided Expanded States of Consciousness Breathwork
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A Picnic Lunch Packed Made For You
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Crystal Mountain Gondola Ticket
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Facilitation Throughout the Day
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45-minute 1:1 Integration Call with Heather
What is Expanded States of Consciousness Breathwork?
Expanded states of consciousness breathwork is an active breathing practice that can create a noticeable shift in awareness. Unlike meditation, where the goal is often to quiet the mind, breathwork tends to bring experiences to the surface so they can be observed, explored, and felt.
The journey begins with a grounding song and guided breath awareness practice before transitioning into approximately 6–8 songs of active conscious connected breathing. During this portion of the experience, it's common for breathers to experience physical sensations such as tingling, changes in temperature, muscle tension in the hands or face, or a sense of energy moving through the body. Others may notice emotions, memories, insights, imagery, creativity, or a deeper sense of connection with themselves and the world around them.
Following the active breathing portion, we'll transition into several rest songs dedicated to integration and a gradual return to a natural breathing rhythm. This allows space to absorb the experience, notice what may have emerged, and reconnect with the present moment.
Every breathwork journey is unique. Some experiences feel profound, while others feel gentle and restful. There is no right way to do it and no expectation that anything specific needs to happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This is a moderately strenuous mountain hike and participants should arrive prepared for a physical challenge. The Crystal Lakes trail is approximately 6 miles roundtrip with 2,300 feet of elevation gain and includes a sustained uphill climb on uneven terrain. A reasonable level of hiking fitness is required.
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Previous hiking experience is recommended. You do not need to be an advanced hiker, but you should feel comfortable hiking for several hours, climbing steep trails, and carrying your own water, layers, and personal items.
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No. Whether this is your first breathwork experience or you've practiced for years, you'll receive guidance throughout the journey. The breathwork session is designed to be accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners.
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The breathwork portion of the day is facilitated using a trauma-informed approach. Prior to the event, participants will complete a health questionnaire and waiver to ensure the experience is appropriate for them. Certain medical conditions may require consultation before participation.
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Please bring hiking shoes or trail shoes, enough water for the day, a backpack, layers for changing mountain weather, sunscreen, and any personal snacks you'd like throughout the day. You'll also want a blanket or towel for the breathwork portion and a swimsuit if you'd like to swim.
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Yes. A picnic lunch beside the alpine lake is included as part of the experience. Each participant will need to leave room in their backpacks for a brown bag lunch.
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Yes. Your Crystal Mountain gondola ticket is included in your registration and will be used for our scenic ride back down the mountain at the end of the day.
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Group size is limited to 8 participants to create a more intimate and connected experience.
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Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Crystal Mountain. Prior to the event, we'll create an optional group thread to help facilitate carpooling for those interested.
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Mountain weather can change quickly, and light rain does not necessarily impact the experience. If severe weather conditions create unideal conditions, participants will be notified of any changes to the plan as early as possible.
Meet Your Guide
Heather Stephens
Expanded Consciousness Breathwork Coach
Heather came to guiding breathwork through her own long-term healing journey. After years of talk therapy that helped her understand her patterns and make sense of her history, she tried expanded consciousness breathwork and experienced something different. The sessions allowed her to feel what she had previously only been able to name.
She moved through past traumas, early memories, and longstanding emotional patterns in a way that brought a deep sense of clarity and breakthrough. That experience led her to train in this work so she could help others access the same kind of inner shift.
Heather's approach is grounded, attuned, and shaped by personal experience as well as years of somatic exploration and guiding people through emotional processing. She creates a space where people can explore what is held in the body, release old patterns, and reconnect with their own inner wisdom.
The Investment
$249
A guided mountain adventure at Crystal Mountain. Hike to an alpine lake, experience expanded sates of consciousness breathwork in nature, enjoy a picnic lunch, summit Crystal Mountain, and ride the gondola back down.
• Guided hike to Crystal Lakes
• Expanded states of consciousness breathwork journey
• Picnic lunch beside the alpine lake
• Crystal Mountain gondola ticket included
• Optional alpine lake swim
• 45-minute virtual group integration session with Heather
• Limited to 8 participants
Have a question?
Send me a message! I would love to hear from you and answer any questions you have about the Into The Wild PNW day. If you’d prefer to talk things through, we’re also happy to schedule a call with you.