It's that time of year again – the sun has left and we here
in the Pacific Northwest are left with a mixture of cold, rainy, slushy and snowy weather.
But this is no reason to stop hanging out with nature! We've compiled a list of
some of our favorite exciting, creative, adventurous, and fun outdoor winter
activities to keep you exhilarated even under gray skies!
Decorate Trees for Birds
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| A tree decorated with edible treats for birds. Credit: Debh2u/Flickr Creative Commons |
The Fall and Winter seasons bring a number of birds to the
Northwest, but sometimes finding food can be harder for birds in the winter.
This winter activity is a triple whammy. Start your activity by bird watching.
You can visit a National Wildlife Refuge or even view your own backyard to
check out what kinds of bird species you can find. Spend some time learning
about each one with a friend or family member. Once you're knowledgeable about
your local birds, grab some supplies from outside, like pine cones, and gather
foods that birds love (peanut butter, fruits, seeds). Choose a tree that you’ve
spotted birds in, and start decorating! Use twine to hang peanut butter covered
pine cones and fruits from branches. Finally, sit back and watch your
neighborhood birds flock in for a sweet treat! Take notes if you see any you
recognize!
Check
out this great guide to winter bird feeding from the Washington Department of
Fish & Wildlife.
Yurt Camping
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| A yurt cabin, great for winter time camping! Credit: Justin Miller/Flickr Creative Commons |
Camping is one of the best outdoor activities for all ages
and groups, but tent camping in the winter seasons can get quite rainy and
chilly in the Northwest. Instead of tents – look into yurt camping! Yurts are
circular structures that are somewhat of a mixture between a tent and a cabin.
They have been used for centuries and offer an insulated and weather proof
shelter! They have become a popular form of camping in the Pacific Northwest.
Check below to find information about yurts in your state parks!
Hawaii (you can probably just head to the beach).
Puddle Splashing
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| Puddle Stomping at Tualatin River NWR Credit: Tualatin River NWR/USFWS |
If it's not snowing here in the winter seasons – it's
raining. Heading outdoors only to get soaked is usually no fun, but with the
proper gear and planning, getting your boots wet can be a blast. The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) hosts Puddle Stompers each year during Portland’s rainy
season where kids and families can visit the refuge geared up for rain (for
more information and dates on this year's events please contact the refuge at 503-625-5944). The refuge provides rain gear for the
little ones and they are off to make a splash! Find similar programs in your
area or get suited up in your own gear and do some splashing in your own
neighborhood.
Snow Animals
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| A creative way to switch up the ordinary winter snowmen building! Credit: Ryan Howley/Flickr Creative Commons |
If your winter weather is full of snow, try taking that old
tradition of snowman building and making it a bit more interesting! Begin by
choosing or learning about an interesting animal. Find a photo (or a stuffed
animal) of the animal you choose and head outside. Instead of building Frosty,
try your hand at building your animal in the snow! Don't forget to also give it
eyes, a nose and a mouth in whatever creative way you can think of!
Seasonal Collage
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| Seasonal photo collage. A great way to be creative in nature throughout the year! Credit: Aunt Owwee/Flickr Creative Commons |
Begin a year-long photography project that, when finished,
will give you a beautiful piece of art to keep for yourself or share with a
friend or family member! First, find an outdoor space that you enjoy year-round. Next, gather your artistic tools (camera, pencils paints). Then, head to
your chosen location and create your own snapshot of the area at its current
stage. Come back again each season to the same location and take a new
snapshot. At the end of the year, turn your four snapshots into a beautiful
collage of the seasons!
Snowshoeing
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| Snow shoeing can be a great activity whether out on a trail or in your own front yard! Credit: Mel Issa/Flickr Creative Commons |
If you love trail hiking, don't let the winter weather get
you down. If your favorite trail gets covered in snow this winter, no
problem! Many places during the winter will rent out snowshoes and even provide
guided trails. Investigate trails near you, you're sure to find one for all
different ages and experience levels! Worst case scenario, if you don't want to
travel out too far, strap on some snow shoes and take a walk around the block!
If you happen to be in the Leavenworth, Washington area –
check out this exciting
snowshoeing event at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery!
For the Extreme Adventurers
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| A fire lookout on Granite Mountain Trail, Washington and shot of one of the great, scenic views that comes with it. Credit: Ryan Laferty |
Did you know that during the winter seasons the U.S. Forest
Service rents out their fire lookouts? Many of the lookouts require a snowshoe
hike to get to, and require boiling of snow for safe drinking water. If you are
looking to really get away and into nature during the winter, and have a big
sense of adventure, this may be your perfect winter activity! For more
information on fire lookout rentals, locations and safety tips, please visit
the Pacific Northwest Forest Service's site.
We hope you get a chance to try at least one of these winter
activities! If you have other ideas, please share with us! And if you do get
out to try these, let us know how it went!
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