Guided Snowshoe Treks at the passes

Would you like to try out snowshoeing before investing in your own pair of snowshoes? Do you have a pair of snowshoes that you've rarely used? Would you like to soak in the expertise of a snowshoe guide or learn about winter ecology?

If your answer is yes to any of the above, consider registering for one of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie Forest's guided snowshoe treks at Snoqualmie Pass or Stevens Pass this winter. They're offering beginning, intermediate and advanced tours - and even a kids program.

No experience is necessary, and they will supply snowshoes for those who do not have them. A $10 per person donation is recommended to help defray the cost of the program ($20 for the extended trek). They ask that you dress for winter - layered and insulated clothing, hats and gloves and sturdy boots.

Kim Larned, who has been doing these kinds of trips for 25 years, leads the 90-minute treks at Snoqualmie Pass, teaching winter birding and animal tracking. The more advanced extended trip takes participants through the beauty of the Commonwealth Basin. And The “Kids in the Snow” program gives children a chance to earn a Junior Snow Ranger badge while they learn about snow safety, crawl into a snow cave, observe snow crystals through a magnifier and, on occasion, meet Smokey Bear. The program starts in earnest after the first of the year. More details can be found here.

Snoqualmie Pass

For reservations, call 509-852-1062 before Jan. 8; 425-434-6111 after Jan. 8. Trips for special events and school groups can be scheduled. Meet 15 minutes early at visitor’s center off I-90, exit 52 on Snoqualmie Pass.

Interpretive 90-Minute Walk
Group size 20.
Jan. 9-March 27, Sat. Sun. 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.

Extended Half-Day Hikes
Group size 10.
Jan. 9-March 27, Fri. Sat. Sun. 9:30 a.m.

"Kids in the Snow"
Group size 20.
Feb. 5-March 27, Sat. 1 p.m.

Stevens Pass

Reservations: Call Skykomish Ranger District after Dec. 20 at 360-677-2414.

Introductory Ages six and up
Group size 20.
Jan. 8 – March 27, Sat. Sun., noon-2 p.m.