Get outdoors and learn about winter ecology snowshoeing on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest January through March. No experience is necessary and the Forest Service provides snowshoes and poles. Participants should wear layered and insulated clothing, hats and gloves with sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots, hats and gloves. To offset the costs of the program a donation is requested. Extreme winter weather may be cancel snowshoe programs. Please call ahead to make reservations and check on any cancelations.
Forest Snowshoe Programs:
Make reservations at 425-434-6111. Trips for special events and school groups can be scheduled. Meet 15 minutes before your scheduled walk at the Snoqualmie Pass Visitor’s Center off I-90, exit 52. Office hours are Thursday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. A donation is suggested of $15 for adults, $10 for youth 16 and under, and $25 per person for the half-day hikes and photography outings. Reservations are required for all programs.
90-Minute Trek
Sat. Sun. 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.
Learn about the winter ecosystem, wildlife and safety on this one-mile loop walk through opulent old-growth forest.
Group size 20
Extended Hikes
Fri. Sat. Sun. 9 a.m.
Experience Commonwealth Basin in the winter surrounded by the Cascade crest peaks. Bring a lunch, a well-stocked day pack, extra clothing and water; you will be out from about 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Winter Photography Outings
Jan. 3, 17, 31 / Feb. 14, 28 / March 14, 28 9:30 a.m.
Geared for photography enthusiasts of all abilities. Commonwealth Creek offers intriguing image possibilities with ice falls, cool vapors and swirling dark waters. Your guide will discuss light, composition and exposure. Bring lunch, this outing lasts four to five hours.
“Kids in the Snow”
Starting Jan. 17, Saturdays, 1 p.m.
Earn a Junior Ranger Snow membership and badge! Learn about winter tracking, how plants and animals survive through the winter and check out some hearty winter critters on this approximately 90-minute walk..
Avalanche Awareness Walks
Join the Northwest Avalanche Center and the Forest Service for 6 snowshoe walks where the focus is entirely Avalanche Awareness. Professionals from the Northwest Avalanche Center will be leading and presenting these walks this winter. Please call for dates and times for the avalanche awareness walks.
Make reservations, guided snowshoe walks every Saturday Jan. 10 – March 1 (weather permitting) at Skykomish Ranger District, 360-677-2414. Trips for special events and school groups can also be scheduled. Meet at the Forest Service Guard Station by Parking Lot A at Stevens Pass. A donation is suggested of $15 for adults and $10 for youth under 16.
Trek with a Ranger
Saturdays Jan. 4- March 1
11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Learn about the winter ecosystem, wildlife, Stevens Pass history and safety on this 90 minute guided nature discovery tour along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Maximum group size 20
Make your reservations by calling Darrington Ranger District at 360-436-1155. Meet at Verlot Public Service Center, 11 miles east of Granite Falls, Wash. on the Mountain Loop Highway, for orientation.Groups will leave from there to Deer Creek and begin the four-mile, approximately five hour (including breaks) round-trip snowshoe hike to the Big 4 picnic shelter. Participants should be age 16 or older and in good shape. Snowshoes are provided. A $20 donation is suggested. Reservations are required
Big Four Mountain Snowshoe Walk
Feb. 14-March 7, Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
A great opportunity for those who have never used snowshoes before or anyone interested in learning about the amazing ecology and human history of this low elevation winter wonderland. Pack a lunch and bring an insulated mug of hot chocolate for the Big 4 picnic shelter where we can listen for the crack of avalanches cascading off the massive face of Big 4.
Maximum group size: 20
Make reservations call 360-599-9572, weekends 10 a.m.–3 p.m. or e-mail mwidner@fs.fed.us. Meet at the Glacier Public Service Center, milepost 34 Mt. Baker Hwy., State Route 542. Groups will leave from there to the snowshoe walk locations along the Hannegan Pass Road, Heather Meadows or another setting in the Mt. Baker District area determined by snow levels and weather. The interpretive snowshoe walks will last 2 to 3 hours. A donation is suggested of $15 for adults and $10 for youth 16 and under. Reservations are required.
Ranger Guided Snowshoe Walk
Friday: 10 a.m. Feb. 20
Sundays: 10 a.m. March 1, 8, 15
Maximum group size: 15
