Snowshoeing is a great way to get outside, explore the forest, and get some exercise during the winter months!

Learn the fundamentals of snowshoeing on our fun, engaging, group classes at Mt. Rainier National Park, then head out on your own trips, or keep joining us to continue learning, playing outside, and connecting with the community!

Age: Open to adults, and teens age 14 and up.

Available Trips

Highlights

Snow – Forests – Education

Difficulty Level

Easy-Intermediate: Some elevation gain and loss, hiking through snow with snowshoes.

2023-2024 Schedule

Will open Nov. 2023 as snow levels permit

Price: Pay What You Can

Each adult costs us around $50 in gear rental, transportation, and entrance fees, permits, and passes.

Itinerary

• 8 AM: Meet at Hwy 512 Park and Ride
• 8:30 AM: Leave for Mt. Rainier National Park
• 5 PM: Estimated return to Park and Ride

Learning Goals

• Basic snowshoe skills
• Leave no trace
• Plant and wildlife identification
• Local geography
• Cultural history

Logistics

• Meet Location: Hwy 512 Park and Ride
• Meet Time: 8 AM
• Return Time: Approximately 5 PM

What is Provided

• Transportation
• Snowshoes
• Trekking poles

Packing List

• Packing List

Paperwork

• Waiver
• Photo Release

“It [Lushootseed] is from the beginning strength of the people, and it is from what the Creator put down upon this land for people…. The earth speaks. The animals speak. Everything has a voice.”

Vi Hilbert, Grandmother Video Project

The traditional homeland of the Nisqually people includes about two million acres of the Nisqually River drainage from Mt. Rainier to Olympia. They have inhabited this land for thousands of years, since, according to their history, their ancestors, the Squalli-absch, came north across the Cascades from the Great Basin. Nisqually life, territory, and culture have been heavily impacted by the European invasion of the Puget Sound area, and they have fought hard to maintain their identity and dignity in the face of displacement, violence, and suppression. Multiple names around the Puget Sound area honor Leschi, a war chief of the Nisqually Tribe during the mid 19th century, who, along with his brother Quiemuth, led the fight for his people’s right to remain on their ancestral homeland. 

The Nisqually way of life revolves around salmon, and today, they lead the stewardship of fisheries resources in the Nisqually River area. The tribe operates two fish hatcheries on Clear Creek and Kalama Creek. The tribe’s resilience, dedication, and commitment can be seen in their continued efforts to come alongside, guide, and lead these efforts to care for the land.
Nisqually is a Southern Coast Salish language, and is a dialect of Lushootseed. Stories, songs, and other Nisqually language resources can be found on the tribe’s website, www.nisqually-nsn.gov.