Snowshoe 101

It's true that if you can walk, you can snowshoe. You just have to widen your step. The first couple of steps feel awkward, but your body quickly adjusts to the width of the snowshoes. Walking backwards or turning takes a little practice. You may fall, but the snow is soft. You won't get bored. Snow has a way of changing the terrain so that each outing offers new discoveries and challenges. As snow blankets the backcountry, it also beckon: Come! Enjoy the silence and the calm. Come! Explore!

Provided: Round trip transportation from the Nor'Wester Building, all snowshoe gear and experienced guide.

What to bring: Please bring a lunch and plenty of water, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera.

What to wear: Lightweight ski pants, rain pants with long underwear, snowboarding pants lined with a little fleece layer or regular trekking pants will work well. Snow in Western Washington is quite wet, so you'll want something water resistant. Layer your upper body with a quick-dry piece close to your body then a fleece jacket that can be unzipped for ventilation. You want to be a little cold when you start because you will warm up quickly. You''ll want warm, waterproof boots. If your hiking boots come with materials like Gore-tex.

Note: Please bring extra money to purchase food and beverage during the day or bring a lunch in your daypack. If you need snow pants, rain jacket, daypack or snow boots they are available from Outdoor Recreation at no cost for this trip. You will want to bring in your daypack, a winter hat, waterproof snow gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen snacks and plenty of water.

$30/pp. 16 people Max for trip. Need 7 people to register for trip to go. Ages 10 and up. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Open to all base access ID cardholders and their accompanied guests. Register with myFFR #4020026 or at the Convergence Zone. 360-257-2432