Snowshoe Trip to Mount Rainier with Outdoor Rec at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

The Northwest Adventure Center is located on North Fort Lewis and does all kinds of guided trips including photography, sight-seeing, climbing, camping, hiking, snowshoeing, etc. I had seen the trips advertised but just never signed up for one until recently. I highly recommend doing a trip with them because we had a blast! Here was our experience and what to expect.

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Like I mentioned above, Outdoor Rec offers all kinds of activities and trips. Here at Joint Base Lewis-McChord it is called the Northwest Adventure Center and is located on the North side of Fort Lewis. Every Military base offers an outdoor recreation program in some capacity.
8050 NCO Beach Rd.
JBLM-Lewis North, Washington 98433
Find out more about upcoming trips HERE, and book them HERE.

When we signed up for the trip it was titled “Cascade Snowshoe” so we did not actually know where the trip was going. I just wanted to experience snowshoeing before we moved away. I was pleasantly surprised when they called to confirm the day before and said we were going to Mount Rainier National Park. I had been in the winter before and knew how beautiful it was. This trip was $65 per person. If your significant other is deployed, you can qualify for outdoor rec trips for only $5 per person! Read more about the “Recharge for Resiliency” program HERE.

Pro’s for going on a trip with the Northwest Adventure Center:
You don’t have to drive
No need to use your gas
Don’t have to worry about snow chains
You are with an experienced guide
Equipment is included

Before we left we signed waivers and got a quick low down on the location we were going to. We had time to use the restroom too. It was so nice not to have to drive the two hours to Rainier. Aurora just watched a movie and I took a nap. The vans were really nice on the inside. On our trip there were about twenty people, including the guides, so we took two vans. The only thing that was NOT included was your food. We packed on our lunch and water for the trip which I carried in my hiking backpack.

Upon arriving to Rainier they handed out gear and made sure everyone had their snowshoes on and fitted correctly.

The trail we did specifically was Narada Falls to Reflection Lake, which is a total of 3.6 miles (but we only went to the lake, not around it). We parked at Narada Falls. Keep in mind that this road closes sometimes in the winter depending on road conditions.
Read more info about visiting Mount Rainier during winter HERE.
View this trail on All Trails HERE.

Before we got going too far the guides gave us a run down on how to properly use snowshoes and some tips/tricks. I found them pretty easy to walk in but you do have to walk with your feet a little bit wider than usual. I only fell once and it was because I accidentally stepped on my other snowshoe and when I went to pick up my foot I couldn’t so I fell forward on my knees. Maybe a little embracing but a few people fell so it was fine.

The landscape was absolutely breathtaking. It did snow on us the entire trip. At first it was a trickle but it got pretty heavy towards the end of the day. I definitely suggest bringing an extra layer in your backpack just in case. Aurora and I each wore three layers: long handled underwear, sweater, and our big puffer coats. On the bottom we had tights and leggings with thick socks. I like the heat holders brand for nice socks.

You do go through an Avalanche zone on this hike. It sounds scarier than it was, but you need to be careful for sure. The guides knew where the zone was (there was a sign and black poles marking off where it was). We had to split up the group and walk in smaller groups of 2-3 people through this area without stopping and with quiet voices.

When we arrived to the lake it was fully frozen and snow covered (that still does not mean it’s safe to walk on though). Better to be safe than sorry! It was beautiful and we stopped here to eat our packed lunch. One of our guides had brought hot water to make hot apple cider and hot cocoa for us which was amazing.

Beware of the birds. They are use to being fed (but don’t feed them) so they get aggressive and dive bomb or take it right out of your hands.

Read more posts about Mount Rainier National Park HERE.

Finding the fun everywhere life takes us!
Love, Olivia Michelle