Take kids on guided snowshoe trek at Stevens Pass

Published 9:46 am Friday, January 6, 2012

Share the beauty of the outdoors with your kids and together you can learn about winter ecology by taking a guided snowshoe walk in the Stevens Pass area.

It’s a great reason to get outside during these winter months, and no previous snowshoe experience is required.

The guided walks are offered from January through March.

The U.S. Forest Service provides the snowshoes. To offset the costs of the program, a donation of $10 per person is suggested. The Forest Service recommends that kids be at least 6 years old.

Participants should wear layered and insulated clothing, hats, gloves and sturdy waterproof shoes or boots.

Reservations for the guided snowshoe walks in Stevens Pass can be made through Feb. 26 by stopping in at the Skykomish Ranger District, 74920 NE Stevens Pass Highway Monday through Friday or by calling the district office at 360-677-2414.

The Sultan shuttle offers transportation from Sultan to the Steven Pass resort. Check the Stevens Pass website at tinyurl.com/834bdpo for fees and schedules.

The guided introductory snowshoeing sessions are 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. It’s best to arrive an hour early. The walks are guided by a Forest Service snowshoe coordinator who leads the groups and talks about the history of the area, the winter ecosystem and local wildlife.

Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.