The United States Forest Service is offering guided snowshoe walks throughout the next three months. Learn about winter ecology while getting outside and enjoying the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest through March.

No experience is necessary and the USFS provides snowshoes and poles. Participants are encouraged to 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. Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule:

Snoqualmie Pass

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. Call 425-434-6111 to make reservations, which are required for all programs.

90-Minute Trek: 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., Jan. 4. Learn about the winter ecosystem, wildlife and safety on this one-mile loop walk through opulent old-growth forest. Group size 20.

Extended Hikes: 9 a.m., Jan. 4. Experience Commonwealth Basin in the winter surrounded by the Cascade crest peaks. Bring a lunch, a well-stocked day pack, extra clothing and water.

Winter Photography Outings: 9:30 a.m., Jan. 17 and 31, Feb. 14 and 28, March 14 and 28. 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”: 1 p.m. Saturdays, starting Jan. 17. 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.

Stevens Pass

Make reservations, guided snowshoe walks every Saturday Jan. 10 through 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: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays Jan. 10 through March 1. 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

Darrington Ranger District

Make your reservations by calling Darrington Ranger District at 360-436-1155. Meet at Verlot Public Service Center for orientation. Groups will leave from there to Deer Creek and begin the 4-mile, approximately 5 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: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturdays, Feb. 14 through March 7. 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.

Mt. Baker Ranger District

Make reservations call 360-599-9572, weekends 10 a.m. to 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: 10 a.m., Feb. 20. 10 a.m., March 1, 8 and 15. Maximum group size: 15