Juniper Ridge: A Journey from Wild Inspiration to Environmental Stewardship

Photos provided by Juniper Ridge

Juniper Ridge began in 1998 as a simple yet powerful idea born from Hall Newbegin’s love for the outdoors. Hall, a passionate backpacker, discovered a way to share the fragrances of the plants and trees he encountered while exploring the western United States. He started crafting small-batch, wild-harvested products and selling them at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market. His vision was clear: to capture the essence of nature’s beauty and infuse it into everyday life through handcrafted home and body care products.

Though Hall passed away in June 2020, his spirit lives on in the company he founded. Hall had a profound connection to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), dedicating two decades to hiking its sections until he achieved his dream of completing the entire trail. Along the way, he often invited Juniper Ridge team members to join him, turning these journeys into unforgettable shared experiences that embodied his love for nature and community. From hiking the Timberline Trail to Timberline Lodge and trekking from Yosemite Valley through the Adams Ansly backcountry.

It was more than just a hike—it was a celebration of Hall’s passion for the outdoors and his ability to bring people together to share in the magic of the wilderness.

“These hikes weren’t just about covering miles; they were about grounding ourselves in the wilderness, deepening our connection to the land, and finding inspiration for the work we do at Juniper Ridge.”

Tanya Campuzano, Vice President of Operations.

Today, Juniper Ridge is a family-owned business in Oakland, California. With a dedicated team of eleven, the company develops, produces, and distributes its products globally, inspiring people to connect with the wild and bring the outdoors into their homes.

Juniper Ridge’s approach to product creation reflects their commitment to environmental respect and community connection. From sustainably harvesting flora to repurposing trees removed for fire mitigation, the team steam-distills essential oils using time-honored perfuming techniques. These oils form the basis of their hand-bottled, sustainably packaged home and body care products crafted with 100% plant-based ingredients.

Photos provided by Juniper Ridge

Each scent captures fleeting moments of adventure and the raw complexity of wild landscapes, allowing users to carry the essence of nature wherever they go. Juniper Ridge’s connection to the outdoors drives their commitment to environmental preservation. Through their Western Wilderness Defense Fund, the company donates 10% of profits or 1% of sales (whichever is greater) to organizations dedicated to protecting wild spaces.

Photos provided by Juniper Ridge

This tradition began with Hall’s modest contributions of $100 and has since grown to over a quarter of a million dollars in donations. By supporting groups like the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), Juniper Ridge ensures that the wilderness remains a source of inspiration and solace for future generations. For Juniper Ridge, the mission remains clear: celebrate the spirit of the wild, bring its beauty into everyday life, and take action to protect the landscapes that inspire their work.

Author: PCTA Staff

The mission of the Pacific Crest Trail Association is to protect, preserve and promote the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as a world-class experience for hikers and equestrians, and for all the values provided by wild and scenic lands.