PCT record holder: Heather Anderson, who hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 60 days, 17 hours and 12 minutes, will speak at an event in Bellevue on Thursday. The event is $10 in advance, $13 at the door. It’s a fundraiser for the Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team. The helicopter team is trying to raise money as a major source of funding runs out. Get more information about the event and Anderson’s journey here.
Go snowshoeing: If you’d like to get out in the snow, you have plenty of options. Check out our story for suggestions on how to get out there.
Learn to ski: The Mountaineers are offering a cross-country skiing course that begins on Thursday. There are two lecture classes and three field trips. Get more info here.
Western bluebirds: Learn about the reintroduction of the western bluebird at an Audubon event on Friday. Gary Slater will speak about the effort in Everett. Get more info here.
Backcountry film festival: See 10 independent films that celebrate the joys of the outdoors in winter. The Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival is Friday in Seattle. Tickets are $12 ($10 for Mountaineers members.) Get more info here.
Eagle watching: The Skagit Eagle Festival continues through the end of this month. Events are every Saturday and Sunday. Get more info here.
Biathlon orientation: Learn about the sport of biathlon on Saturday and Sunday at Stevens Pass Nordic Center. Biathlon combines cross country skiing with marksmanship. Get more info and register here.
Kayak: Learn about tides and currents at a class on Jan. 14 in Seattle. It’s an indoor class that will help you gain greater confidence and safety when paddling or sailing anywhere with tides or currents. Learn more here.
Avalanches: Learn basic skills to recognize avalanche danger at the Alderwood REI at 7 p.m. on Jan. 21. Get more info here.
Navigation: Learn the basic of navigation of using a map and compass at the Alderwood REI at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 23. Get more info here.
Photography: Learn to use your new camera (or old one) at a class at the Mountaineers in Seattle on Jan. 25. It’s a hands-on workshop that will get you comfortable with your camera in no time. Get more info here.
Night beach walk: A low-tide beach walk is 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at Olympic Beach, 200 Admiral Way, Edmonds. It’s free and all ages are welcome. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. Meet at Olympic Beach’s visitor station. Explore the beach and then enjoy some hot beverages. Registration is not required. Call 425-771-0227 for more information.
White birds: Learn about swans and snow geese at the Northwest Stream Center on Jan. 30. See photos and learn about the birds’ natural history and identification tips. Get more info here.
Geocaching: Get an introduction to geocaching with an experienced trip leader on Feb. 9 at Cama Beach. Get more info here.
Scramble: Learn how to reach many of the peaks in the Cascades. Scrambling is like hiking, but with more time off trail and more clambering over rock or snow. Learn how to do it safely with an Everett Mountaineers class that begins on Feb. 20. Learn more here.
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