By: Elizabeth Rakow
Published On: 4/3/2026
INTO THE WILD:
A Hiker’s Perspective on a Life Shaped By Nature
“The outdoors didn't find me until later in life, and honestly, it came through healing.”
Gabbi (@gabtheforestelf on Instagram and TikTok) isn’t just a girl who hikes - she’s a person deeply rooted in the outdoors. FP Movement had the pleasure of working with Gabbi to create content, but it became evident that her story, mission, and ethos called for more than just some photo coverage.
“After being diagnosed with a chronic skin condition, I turned to alternative methods and eventually found myself living and working on an off-grid permaculture farm in Hawaii, where my whole relationship with nature shifted. That experience led me to Portland to study herbalism, solo hiking across Oregon and Washington, and eventually solo camping, and I have truly never looked back.”
A solo backpacker, herbalist, camp enthusiast, and forager, Gabbi lives her life authentically dedicated to exploration, balance, and all of the beautiful healing that nature can bring.
“After being diagnosed with a chronic skin condition, I turned to alternative methods and eventually found myself living and working on an off-grid permaculture farm in Hawaii, where my whole relationship with nature shifted. That experience led me to Portland to study herbalism, solo hiking across Oregon and Washington, and eventually solo camping, and I have truly never looked back.”
A solo backpacker, herbalist, camp enthusiast, and forager, Gabbi lives her life authentically dedicated to exploration, balance, and all of the beautiful healing that nature can bring.
Curious By Nature
“I moved to the PNW 4 years ago and sometimes I feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface of exploring its endless beauty. Every time I go to a new trail I say “oh yeah this is my new favorite spot” and then the next weekend I say the same thing.”
"I will take a 5 to 6 hour drive just to see the most beautiful mountain peak, stay one night and then drive home again. I am lucky that there are so many beautiful destinations so close to the city that I live in!”
"I will take a 5 to 6 hour drive just to see the most beautiful mountain peak, stay one night and then drive home again. I am lucky that there are so many beautiful destinations so close to the city that I live in!”
On Solo Backpacking and Camping
“I solo camp because I truly enjoy it! I absolutely adore connecting with people but I equally love solitude. I’ve been that way since I was a child. My solo journeys have been such a transformative experience for me and I will continue doing them for the rest of my life.”
“The greatest weapon you have as a woman is your intuition, when I’m solo camping, this truth still remains. Always listen to the bad feelings you get in your stomach!”
“Why are you doing this? is probably one of the most asked questions that I receive and I totally understand why. I understand this may sound unappealing. But I really have unlocked something so special through my solo journeys in the forest. I unlock little pieces of myself and memories that I have forgotten about. I can hear myself better out there, I can forgive myself more. I feel so resilient and I can remember that feeling and put it to other areas of my life!”
“The greatest weapon you have as a woman is your intuition, when I’m solo camping, this truth still remains. Always listen to the bad feelings you get in your stomach!”
“Why are you doing this? is probably one of the most asked questions that I receive and I totally understand why. I understand this may sound unappealing. But I really have unlocked something so special through my solo journeys in the forest. I unlock little pieces of myself and memories that I have forgotten about. I can hear myself better out there, I can forgive myself more. I feel so resilient and I can remember that feeling and put it to other areas of my life!”
On Foraging
“The outdoors didn't find me until later in life, and honestly, it came through healing. After being diagnosed with a chronic skin condition, I turned to alternative methods and eventually found myself living and working on an off-grid permaculture farm in Hawaii, where my whole relationship with nature shifted.”
“If you are curious about foraging, I recommend starting with blackberries, they’re pretty hard to misidentify! Blackberries are a shrub and have 3 to 5 leaves with spiky thorns. They’re super rich and antioxidants and fiber. The cluster of berries starts off green and then turns pink to eventually dark purple. When they’re ripe, they shouldn’t have any resistance and should easily fall off the plant. Towards the end of the season, some of the super sweet ones even taste like cotton candy to me! The Pacific Northwest is covered with these and technically it’s an invasive species, so you can forage till your heart’s content!”
“If you are curious about foraging, I recommend starting with blackberries, they’re pretty hard to misidentify! Blackberries are a shrub and have 3 to 5 leaves with spiky thorns. They’re super rich and antioxidants and fiber. The cluster of berries starts off green and then turns pink to eventually dark purple. When they’re ripe, they shouldn’t have any resistance and should easily fall off the plant. Towards the end of the season, some of the super sweet ones even taste like cotton candy to me! The Pacific Northwest is covered with these and technically it’s an invasive species, so you can forage till your heart’s content!”
On Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro
“8 days on this mountain! I summited one of the seven summits, Africa’s highest peak, and the world’s largest freestanding mountain at 19,340ft/5,895m. I did not grow up in the outdoors, I wasn’t exposed to anything close to mountaineering till just a couple of years ago. So I feel really proud of myself for how far I’ve come with my journey. This was more than just a summit, this trek was a way for me to connect with my African ancestry. I fell deeply in love with Tanzania, my guides, the porters, the people, the land, and the culture. This definitely will not be my last visit!”
At FP Movement, we’re all about celebrating the power of getting outside and getting into whatever it is that moves you. Gabbi’s dedication to the outdoors and devout love of nature truly inspires us - and we hope it moves you too!
Want to keep up with all of Gabbi’s adventures? Be sure to follow her on Instagram or Tiktok!
At FP Movement, we’re all about celebrating the power of getting outside and getting into whatever it is that moves you. Gabbi’s dedication to the outdoors and devout love of nature truly inspires us - and we hope it moves you too!
Want to keep up with all of Gabbi’s adventures? Be sure to follow her on Instagram or Tiktok!
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