“Kids in the Snow” at Snoqualmie Pass

Tom usually works at the distillery Saturday afternoons, doing tastings and tours and running the still. (Stop by and visit him if you want a free tasting of some delicious rum and liqueurs!)

This means that every Saturday afternoon is mommy-daughter adventure time! Today we went up to Snoqualmie Pass for some snowshoeing. The US Forest Service puts on a program called “Kids in the Snow,” which is offered every Saturday for most of the season (assuming there’s enough snow).

It’s a fantastic program and I highly recommend it.  Ranger Dawn was awesome (and Rowan was extremely excited that the lead snow ranger was a “girl.”) Ranger Dawn stopped occasionally to tell us fun facts about the snow and trees, but also left plenty of time for playing in the snow.  At the end of the hike, Smokey the Bear showed up (!!) and handed out fun little goodie bags.

As an added bonus, Rowan was able to complete all the activities required for her to earn her Junior Snow Ranger badge.  One of the activities she hadn’t yet completed before today was “Interview a Snow Ranger,” so after our snowshoe trip Rowan sat down with Ranger Dawn and asked her the tough questions, such as “What’s the most exciting thing that ever happened to you as a ranger?” (Answer: Seeing her first bear!) and “How old were you when you decided you wanted to become a ranger?” (Answer: Your age!)

According to the USFS website, the remaining Kids in the Snow sessions this year are sold out, but don’t let that stop you. There were at least a couple no-shows today, so my guess is that you could turn up last minute and nab a spot. Or at least try calling them the morning-of to check for cancellations.

After the Kids in the Snow program was over, at the suggestion of another awesome ranger, we wandered over to the fire pits at the base of Summit West. We sat on a bench and drank some hot chocolate while Rowan warmed her hands and stared in awe at the skiers and snowboarders… That is definitely next on the list.