Sometimes we all need a little prodding to get outdoors in the winter here in the Northwest.

Luckily there’s no polar blast sending frigid temps our way like on the East Coast, but it’s also not in the 70s and 80s like my daughter is currently enjoying in Newport Beach, California.

So in case you find yourself feeling like hibernating, here are 5 excuses to get outside this winter.

Cross Country Skiing Trips offered through Adventures Without Limits. Beginners are welcome with lessons to jumpstart the day on Mt. Hood. Register through Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department. $75 Residents/$94 Non-Residents. Dates available Saturdays, February 8 and March 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Raptor Road Trip. There are lots of reasons to bird watch in the winter—less foliage makes them easier to spot and chances are they’re more apt to be on the prowl for food sources as they become more scarce. So take advantage of a day put together by the Audubon Society of Portland, Metro, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and HawkWatch International on Saturday, February 8 on Sauvie Island from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visit four locations staffed by raptor experts who will ensure you get the most out of your viewing experience. $10 per vehicle (cash only). Learn more.

Coffee Tour. There’s a reason why the Pacific Northwest gave birth to coffee culture. When the going gets cold, the cold drink coffee. So immerse yourself in it. Third Wave Coffee Tours offer one way to do that with three hour tours that include tasting, entertainment, and education at Portland’s finest micro-roasters/cafes. Choose from different locations throughout Portland or take the Streetcar Tour and hit downtown, the Pearl, Northwest and Northeast. $40/person.

For a do-it-yourself version in Lake Oswego, you can hit  four within about eight blocks of each other downtown. Start at the ubiquitous Starbucks at 47 N. State Street and progress to Peet’s at 345 1^st St., #111. Next stop is the drive-through Milestones Coffee Company at 144 A Avenue inside Wizer’s parking lot. End up at Chuck’s Place, a local neighborhood hangout at 148 SW B Avenue.

Winter Walks. The Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department has lined up a series of walks to fight the hibernation urge. Destinations include the Rosemont Trail (February 6), Irvington District (February 20) and Molalla River State Park (March 13). Check out the full schedule on page 14 in the catalog.

Winter Golf. With reduced fees, winter is a good time to work on your game at Lake Oswego’s 18-hole Par 3 golf course. During the weekdays, 9 holes run $9; $15 for 18. Weekend rates run $12 and $20. Good through February.

LO Reads kicks up gear with lots of offerings this week. Check out  Things to Do in Lake Oswego in the sidebar.

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Photo courtesy of digitalart at freedigitalphotos.net.