When it comes to bird festivals, the early bird gets the worm or, in this case, a chance to register for choice outings at the Leavenworth Bird Fest, May 14-17.
We’re lucky to have several bird festivals in Washington, including the Orcas Island BirdFest (April 30-May 3), Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival (May 1-3), Puget Sound Bird Fest (Sept. 11-13), Bird Fest &Bluegrass (Oct. 2-3, Ridgefield) and many more.
The Leavenworth event has one-hour talks and outings that run from one to 10 hours. Many trips are free (Birds of Fish Lake, Advanced Birding by Ear); as low as $10 (Bird by Pontoon Boat, Owl Prowl) or as high as $35 (Birding by River Raft) to $65 (Hike and Draw workshop).
Some outings are wheelchair-accessible; many have space limits. Carefully read the registration information at www.leavenworthspringbirdfest.com before choosing your trips and talks.
See you there.
Olympic National Park: Hiking and camping are a mixed bag of opportunities. In the lowlands, wildflowers are blooming; snow remains above 4,000 feet. Even at low elevations, hikers are reminded to use caution and be aware of downed trees, trail damage, high and swift creek crossings, and changing weather conditions.
Here is a look at some of ONP’s offerings:
- Lake Crescent: The lodge will open May 2. Fairholme Campground opens May 21; the Fairholme General Store opens May 1 for Fridays through Sundays and daily beginning May 22.
- Hurricane Ridge Road: It’s open to the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center as weather permits, and generally 24 hours a day in early May. Call 360-565-3131 for current conditions.
- Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center: The visitor center opens on weekends beginning May 2, and daily beginning June 12. The snack bar and gift shop on the lower level of the center will be open on weekends only from May 3-18 and daily beginning May 22.
- ONP Visitor Center: The center is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. The Heart O’ the Hills Campground is open year-round. For current trail reports and advice on hikes, stop at the Wilderness Information Center in the visitor’s center, open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (7:30-5 beginning May 12), or call 360-565-3100.
- Elwha Valley: The Olympic Hot Springs Road is open to the Boulder Creek trailhead. There is currently no access from the Olympic Hot Springs Road to Glines Canyon or the former Lake Mills, as construction of a new parking area and viewpoint continues. This area is expected to open this summer. The Whiskey Bend Road is closed to vehicle traffic at Glines Canyon Overlook, 1 mile above the intersection with Olympic Hot Springs Road. Winter rains caused a major washout that destroyed a 500-foot section of road. The road remains open to foot and bicycle.
- Dosewallips: The road remains closed due to a washout so access to the campground is a 5½-mile walk.
Set aside: The San Juan Preservation Trust and the San Juan County Land Bank are working together to buy 141 acres on San Juan Island. This would save land with 360-degree views from being subdivided into 12 lots that would create an exclusive residential development known as Lawson’s Ridge. The acquisition would protect important plant and animal habitat, wildflower meadows, trails and road access.
Columnist Sharon Wootton can be reached at 360-468-3964 or www.songandword.com.
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