Mount Hood National Forest - Zigzag Ranger District December Activities

(TIMBERLINE, Ore.) - The Zigzag District of the Mount Hood National Forest announces upcoming activities. As the snow begins to fall on Mount Hood it is a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors and enjoy YOUR National Forest.

The Zigzag Ranger District Interpretation & Conservation Education Program will again provide tours of Historic Timberline Lodge, guided hikes/snowshoe tours out of Government Camp and Trillium Lake, and the Ski With A Ranger Program at Timberline Lodge Ski Area.

Also, new this Winter are nature walks with the mascot of Timberline Lodge - the St. Bernard Bruno! This is a great activity for kids as they can accompany Rangers on a short educational hike and play with Bruno in the process!

Timberline Lodge Tours
What: Join a U.S. Forest Service Ranger for a 25 minute tour of historic Timberline Lodge. Explore the rich history of the Lodge and all it has to offer. Tours are free and available to everyone.
Where: Meet at the U.S. Forest Service Desk inside Timberline Lodge.
When: Thursday - Sunday at 11:00, 1:00, and 2:00
Cost: Free. Donations are not required but appreciated to ensure programs such as this can be continued in to the future.
Additional Information: Please call 503-622-2033 or 503-272-3251 for more information or visit www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood or www.timberlinelodge.com.

Government Camp History Hike/Snowshoe
What: Accompany a U.S. Forest Service Ranger on a 2.5 mile round trip tour of Government Camp and the surrounding area. This hike will take participants though beautiful downtown Government Camp and into the forest above. Explore the rich history of Government Camp from the first settlers to the ski & snowboard industry boom.
Where: Meet at the Mount Hood Cultural Center and Museum in Government Camp.
88900 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR, 97028
When: Saturday’s & Sunday’s at 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free. Donations are not required but appreciated to ensure programs such as this can be continued in to the future.
Additional Information: Participants will travel up the Glade Trail in Government Camp, then head East on the Cross-town Trail, and will then return back to the museum. Snowshoes recommended once the snow falls but not required. Be sure to bring warm comfortable cloths and water. Please call 503-622-2033 for more information or visit www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood.

Trillium Lake Nature Walk/Snowshoe
What: Join a Ranger on an educational hike to beautiful Trillium Lake. This 4 mile round trip hike begins at 3,700 feet and meanders through the Mount Hood National Forest until finally reaching Trillium Lake and its panoramic and reflective views of Mount Hood.
Where: Meet at Trillium Lake Sno-Park just 2.5 miles East of Timberline Road.
When: Friday’s & Sunday’s at 12:30 p.m.
Cost: Free. Donations are not required but appreciated to ensure programs such as this can be continued in to the future.
Additional Information: Snowshoes recommended once the snow flies but not required. The trail to Trillium Lake is groomed in winter so it is passable without snowshoes or cross country skis. Be sure to bring warm comfortable cloths and water. Please call 503-622-3191 for more information or visit www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood

Timberline Nature Walk with Bruno!
What: Join a Ranger and the 150 pound mascot of Timberline Lodge – the St. Bernard Bruno for some fun on Mount Hood! Depart from Timberline Lodge and stroll through the high country with Bruno on this short 1 – 2 mile walk (depending on weather) while learning about the winter ecology of Mount Hood. Once the snow flies, be sure to bring your winter gear and an appetite for adventure!
Where: Meet at the U.S. Forest Service Desk inside Timberline Lodge.
When: Friday – Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Cost: Free. Donations are not required but appreciated to ensure programs such as this can be continued in to the future.
Additional Information: Snowshoes recommended in winter but not required. Be sure to bring warm, comfortable cloths and water. Please call 503-622-2033 or 503-272-3251 for more information or visit www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood or www.timberlinelodge.com.

Ski With A Ranger At Timberline:
What: New to Timberline Lodge Ski Area or just want to learn more about Mount Hood? Take a guided ski or snowboard tour of Timberline with a US Forest Service Ranger. Explore the Timberline trail system and learn more about the ecology of Mount Hood. Free to intermediate level skiers and riders.
Where: Meet at the U.S. Forest Service Desk inside Timberline Lodge.
When: Saturday’s at 11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free. Donations are not required but appreciated to ensure programs such as this can be continued in to the future.
Additional Information: Be sure to bring warm, comfortable cloths. Please call 503-622-2033 or 503-272-3251 for more information or visit www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood or www.timberlinelodge.com.

Choose Your Own Adventure!
Reserve a Ranger and book your own historic Timberline Lodge Tour, Guided Hike, or Campfire Talk today! Please call 503-622-2033 or 503-272-3251 for booking and more information or visit www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood or www.timberlinelodge.com.
Explore your National Forest!

Passport to the Forest
All educators are invited to participate in a mobile conservation education program offered by personnel of the Zigzag Ranger District of Mt. Hood National Forest. The program is being offered on Wednesdays during the 2010-2011 school year. The “Passport” is a mobile conservation education trailer focusing on four main subject areas: Botany, Hydrology/Fisheries, Wildlife, and Geology. It can be set up either in a classroom, outside (weather permitting), or in a large multipurpose area within your school. Similarly, the “Passport” can be set up with all four subject areas or individually to focus on one particular subject matter. At the present time lesson plans are primarily designed for 2nd – 7th graders. All lesson plans are hands on, interactive, and designed with fun in mind to allow children to explore the natural world around them in a non-traditional classroom setting. For booking and more information please visit www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/interp-conservation-ed/index.shtml or call/email Lawson Reif at 503-622-2033/lreif@fs.fed.us.