Backcountry Snowshoeing
Portland Oregon offers many opportunities for snowshoeing. Mt. Hood and Mt. St Helens are conveniently located and we can even go to Crater Lake for an amazing multi-day adventure.
Snowshoeing is immediately accessible to the beginner and you can have a great time even if you have never showshoed before. Snowshoes are very stable and offer the most straight forward method to travel in the snow and get an aerobic workout. Of course, having the skills to stay comfortable and oriented in the backcountry are critical to having an enjoyable adventure.
Our backcountry snowshoe trips provide the knowledge and skills required to enjoy snowshoe travel in the backcountry. Pre-trip information covers clothing and equipment to stay dry and warm, and snowshoe technique. 
Price - One person - $200, 2 persons - $120 each, 3+ persons - $100 each.Trips include guide(s), transportation, lunch, snowshoes, poles, and boots.
We will go snowshoeing any day there is sufficient snow and we have guides available.
Call (877) 965-5100 use the Secure Form, or e-mail us to schedule a trip.
The following trips have an in-town orientation session:
Lake Oswego Parks And Recreation:
Price - $103 (Lake Oswego Resident)/$118 ( Non-Resident)
DATES:
Classroom: 6:30-9:00 PM, January 13, 2010. Field Session, Saturday, January 16, 2010.
Classroom: 6:30-9:00 PM, February 2, 2010. Field Session, Saturday, February 7, 2010.
Classroom: 6:30-9:00 PM, March 3, 2010. Field Session, Saturday, March 6, 2010.
CLASSROOM LOCATION:
Lake Oswego Parks And Recreation West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Register for class #TBD, or call 503 675-2549.
Portland Community College:
Price - $100 + $29 Tuition
CLASSROOM LOCATION:
CENTRAL WORKFORCE TRAINING CENTER, 1626 SW Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214
DATES:
Classroom: 6:30-9:30 PM, January 14, 2010. Field Session - January 16, 2010. Register Online for class #14250, or call PCC at 503 788-6265.
We can also conduct custom classes - Call (877) 965-5100 or e-mail to make arrangements.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
It is a joy to be out in the snow and be warm and comfortable. While it’s typically not bitter cold in our snowshoe area, you will enjoy the experience much more if you have the appropriate clothing. It hurts our heart to see cold, wet people on the mountain who are putting their well-being at risk and having a miserable time. Ironically, you are more likely to get cold if you first get too warm and end-up with dank, sweaty clothing. Layering is important, as is having synthetic fiber clothing such as fleece and polypropylene (which dries quickly) rather than cotton (which doesn’t). When you are moving, you need less insulation because you are generating more heat. When you stop, put on more layers to keep from getting chilled and uncomfortable. You will need a daypack to carry your extra clothes and fluids. Please consult with us to ensure you are properly dressed so you can enjoy your trip. Here’s what you should have with you:
Clothing
- Warm snow boots (Hiking boots are OK)
- Wool or polypropylene socks with liners
- Polypropylene or equivalent thermal underwear tops and bottoms
- Warm sweater, fleece jacket, or wool shirt
- Warm pants (No Jeans!)
- Gore-Tex (or other water/wind-resistant material) Parka and Pants
- Gloves/Mittens with windproof shells
- Warm hat
- Gaiters to keep snow out of your boots
In your Day Pack
- Ten Essentials (These are things you should always have with you when venturing out into the backcountry. However, your guides will have all of these items; so if you plan on staying with the group, not everyone needs to have all of these.)
- Whistle
- Map of area
- Compass
- Headlamp (with extra batteries and bulb or another light)
- Extra food and Clothing (wool socks, dry gloves, more warm things)
- Sunscreen and lip protection
- Pocket knife
- Lighter or matches in waterproof container
- Firestarter
- First aid kit (Let us know if you require drugs or medicines that will make you drowsy or dizzy.)
- OTHER
- Two and 1/2 Quarts of Fluids
- Toilet Paper
- Small insulation pad for sitting on
- Handkerchief
- Dark Sunglasses with side shields or Ski Goggles
- Camera and film/memory card