While in Ojai this past weekend, Katy and I joined a Mindfulness Mushroom Walk at the Ventura River Preserve, beginning at the Oso Trailhead. It turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of our trip—a peaceful yet potent immersion in nature that left us more grounded, more attentive, and definitely more alert.
We were part of a small group led by a knowledgeable and passionate guide who had deep insight into the world of mushrooms.
As we hiked, we crossed streams, moved through forested terrain, and—unforgettably—encountered three rattlesnakes along the way. One of them was huge. All of them were a reminder: nature is beautiful, but it also demands our full attention.
Mindfulness and Mushroom Spotting
What stood out to me most on this hike was how it sharpened my awareness. The rattlesnakes, of course, demanded a certain level of alertness. But even more subtly, the process of mushroom identification asked me to slow down and really see what was around me.
Rather than walking briskly along the trail, we were encouraged to pause often, kneel down, and examine what most people might overlook. A little splash of color near a log. A slight bulge rising from the leaf litter. A shift in moisture or shadow. All of it could mean something.
Before this walk, I would have glanced at a mushroom and moved on. Now I find myself wondering what kind it is, what its purpose might be, and whether it’s one of the many that are edible, medicinal, or dangerously poisonous. That sense of curiosity is something I want to carry forward, both in nature and in daily life.
A Few Mushrooms We Met
Here are a few of the mushrooms we encountered along the trail, each with its own unique form and character:
Milky Cap (Lactarius)
Named for the milky or latex-like substance it exudes when cut or broken. Some are edible, but others are mildly toxic, so proper ID is key.
Red-Belted Conk (a type of Polypore)
A shelf fungus found growing on trees, often in layers with distinct red bands. These are not typically edible but have been used traditionally in medicine and for their antimicrobial properties.
Slippery Jack (Boletus species)
Recognizable by their slimy, sticky cap—especially when wet. Some are edible, though they require careful prep and often have to be peeled.
Jack-o’-Lantern Mushroom (Omphalotus olearius)
A striking bright orange mushroom that glows faintly in the dark (yes, it’s bioluminescent!). Though beautiful, it’s toxic and should never be eaten.
Walking Away with New Eyes
This walk was a reminder that nature is never just background scenery—it’s a living, dynamic world full of mystery, medicine, and the occasional hidden danger. It invites us to slow down, look closer, and pay attention to what we might otherwise miss.
Whether it was the vibrant flash of a Jack-o’-lantern mushroom, the quiet hum of the river, or the adrenaline of spotting a rattlesnake, each moment asked something of us: to be present, to be respectful, and to stay curious.
More than just a hike, it felt like a small training in how to walk through the world—with care, with attentiveness, and with wonder.