Guided Snowshoe Walks

It's the time of year when you might be thinking of swapping your hiking boots for snowshoes. If that's the case, consider joining a guided snowshoe walk. Our national forests and national parks offer classes ranging from introductory courses to half-day walks and ecology based outings. Don't have snowshoes? No sweat. Snowshoes are provided with a suggested donation.

The Forest Service provides snowshoes for its guided walks on Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass. Remember to dress accordingly: layered insulated clothing, waterproof boots, gloves and a hat. Sunscreen and sunglasses are helpful too. To offset the program's cost, a $10 donation is suggested for all walks except the extended walks and photography outings where the suggested donation is $20.

While walks on Steven Pass are perfect for beginners, Snoqualmie Pass has a few more options including interpretive 90-minute walks, extended half-day hikes, winterp hotography and ecology outings, and "Kids in the Snow." But parents beware, after "Kids in the Snow" you may be jealous of your child's new Junior Ranger Snow Badge, animal tracking skills, and stories of magnifying snow crystals and entering a snow cave. Make your reservations!

Below you'll find more details, including information about guided snowshoe walks in Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks. Now we just need to get some new snow!

Forest Service Guided Snowshoes

Stevens Pass
Jan. 8 - Feb. 26
Reservations: Skykomish Ranger District 306-677-2414 ($10 per person)
Introductory Snowshoeing: Sat., Sun. 11:30 am and 2 pm
Learn more

Snoqualmie Pass
Reservations: Before Jan. 2 call 509-852-1062; after call 425-434-6111
($10 per person)
Interpretive 90 minute Walk: Jan 8 - March 31. Sat., Sun. 10 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm
Extended Half-Day Hikes: Jan 8 - March 31. Fri. Sat. Sun. 9:30 am
Winter Photography and Ecology Outings: Jan 21. Feb 4 and 18. March 3, 17, 31. 9:30 am - 2 pm ($20 per person)
Kids in the Snow: Feb, 4 - March 31. Sat. 1 pm
Learn more

National Park Guided Snowshoes

Mount Rainier National Park
No reservations: first come, first served.
Offered daily through early Jan. After early January, on weekends and holidays. 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm
Ages 8 and up. $4 donation suggested
Learn more

Olympic National Park
Dec. 10 - March 27
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Monday holidays, 2 pm
$5 donation suggested
Learn more