STEVENS PASS — Winter is not a time to be indoors.
It’s time to take out the snowshoes and venture into the mountains.
The National Forest Service is starting seasonal guided tours through Mount Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest and Stevens Pass.
“This is a chance to explore our national forest in winter,” ranger Nan Lammers said.
Reservations can be made by calling and leaving a message with the Skykomish ranger station at 360-677-2239.
Hikers should arrive 15 minutes early at parking lot A at Stevens Pass.
The first tour will be Saturday. Tours are scheduled for weekends through March 27 at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. There is no minimum, but 20 people is the maximum.
Tours can be arranged on weekdays for groups of at least 12 and for school and youth groups, Lammers said.
The journey is for ages 6 and older. All skill levels are welcome. A $10 donation is suggested to help cover the cost of the program, Lammers said.
Lammers has worked on the tours for 10 years, and one change this winter will be having two tours a day instead of one.
The trip consists of walking half a mile of the Pacific Crest Trail at Stevens Pass. The trek could be longer, depending on the weather. It lasts about 90 minutes, with plenty of stops to learn about the region’s ecology.
If you don’t want to drive to the pass, the Sultan Shuttle from Monroe and Sultan will take you there and back for $12.
People are urged to dress in layers and bring a backpack for water and snacks. The Forest Service will provide the snowshoes.
Also, don’t forget the camera, Lammers said.
Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.
Guided treks
Make a reservation to the half-mile Stevens Pass guided snowshoe tour by calling and leaving a message at the Skykomish ranger station at 360-677-2239.
The 90-minute tours are scheduled at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Jan. 8 through March 27. Weekday tours can be scheduled for groups of at least 12 people.
Information about the shuttle service to Stevens Pass, which costs $12 round trip, is at sultanshuttle.com. There is $10 suggested donation to help cover the costs of the program.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
