Intro to Hiking: Rapids Lake

Just because it's cold doesn't mean the outdoors can't be enjoyed! Come out for a hike with refuge staff and volunteers as they lead you down snowy paths to see the winter wonderland of Minnesota Valley.

This program is intended for all ages as an introduction to hiking and refuge trails. No experience necessary - we're here to show you the ropes! Registration optional. For information on trail conditions, please read the accessibility section. Snowshoes will be provided if conditions are met.

Questions? Contact [MinnesotaValley@fws.gov](mailto:MinnesotaValley@fws.gov) or call (952) 854-5900.

Date and Time: Saturday, December 20th from 1-2:30pm

Location: Meet us at the front doors of the Rapids Lake Visitor Center. 15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315

Registration Information: Registration optional through [Signup.com](https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/108391542095/false#/invitation).

Optional registration allows us to prepare supplies and materials for the program, send reminders, and allows us to contact you in the event of inclement weather!

Activity Level: This is an easy to moderate outdoor activity. We hope to reach 2-2.5 miles in 1.5 hours. This will be guided by refuge staff and volunteers. Frequent breaks will occur.

What to Bring: Please wear winter clothing as this program is fully outdoors (coat, pants, boots, mittens, hat, etc). Consider dressing in layers. A full water bottle is recommended.

Accessibility: Accessibility at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center:

Restrooms and a water bottle filler are available inside the visitor center. There is an outdoor restroom, but no outdoor water fountains. There is dedicated handicap parking available. The Rapids Lake Trail and Forest Loop are flat natural surface paths and the trail leading to both is paved with a slight downward slope. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. It is a 0.1-0.2 mile walk to get to the trailhead from the parking lot. There are no rest areas along the trails, but are present inside and outside the visitor center.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at [oscar_hernandez@fws.gov](mailto:oscar_hernandez@fws.gov).