By Alana Livingston
Cover photo courtesy of Charlie Bouck
The Spokane Great Outdoors Expo recently featured a presentation by Charlie Bouck of Herbal Expeditions, and it’s no surprise that he left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to hear him. Charlie has a gift for making the outdoors and natural living feel exciting, accessible, and downright essential. After learning about what he offers, I’m ready to dive into several of his classes and experiences.
Charlie hails from the Black Hills of South Dakota and spent over 20 years as a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) specialist in the Air Force. His deep knowledge of survival, foraging, and holistic living is matched only by his passion for sharing it with others. Herbal Expeditions is all about connecting people to nature, offering four main experiences that can be tailored to your interests:
- Guided Foraging: Learn to identify and harvest edible and medicinal plants in your backyard, a favorite park, or a handpicked wild area. Charlie meets you where you are, literally and figuratively.
- Making Herbal Medicines: Discover how to turn those foraged plants into tinctures, salves, and other remedies. This hands-on experience can be paired with foraging or held at a location of your choice.
- Holistic Consulting: Charlie helps you work toward a more natural lifestyle by addressing the root causes of health concerns. Whether it’s anxiety, skin issues, or digestive problems, he offers personalized plans—and his own inspiring journey of overcoming 12 prescription medications proves his methods work.
- Survival Training: From wilderness survival to urban preparedness, Charlie’s training sessions are practical, fun, and family-friendly. They can range from a single day to overnight adventures. He’s even hosted survival-themed birthday parties, making the experience as creative as it is practical.
What’s most remarkable about Charlie is his warmth and adaptability. Herbal Expeditions is open to all ages and abilities, with half-price rates for kids ages 8-18 and group discounts for parties of three or more. He provides all the equipment you’ll need and works hard to ensure every experience is engaging and enjoyable.
Herbal Expeditions is a fantastic addition to Spokane and the outdoor offerings that make the Pacific Northwest such a special place. With its focus on connection, knowledge, and personalized experiences, this business is sure to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world. More at herbalexpeditions.net.
