Happy winter! It’s the season of snow and cocoa and gift giving.
I’d like to offer a little help on the gift-giving front. If you have an outdoors enthusiast in your life, they likely enjoy experiences more than they enjoy things. (And the things they do enjoy? Like hiking gear? They probably have what they need if they’re really into it.)
Here are 12 gifts that will help your outdoor fanatic learn and explore, but won’t take up space better used for storing tents.
Washington Trails Association: The WTA is a voice for hikers around the state. They organize countless work parties on local trails, work to protect wild places and their website is a priceless resource. Memberships of $40 or more include a subscription to WTA’s magazine, discounts on WTA’s volunteer vacations and a WTA decal. You also have the option of sending an e-card, handy for last-minute giving. Get details at https://www.wta.org/support/give-the-gift-of-trails.
The Mountaineers: Since 1906, the Mountaineers have been helping people get outside safely. Members get discounts on a huge number of classes, lectures, lodging, books and more. Members can also join in on a wide variety of outdoor adventures all over the region. Through Monday, Dec. 21, gift memberships are discounted, so don’t wait on this one; $27 for seniors, $36 for students, $56.25 for adults and $97.50 for families. Get details at https://www.mountaineers.org/membership/holiday-gift-membership.
Pacific Crest Trail Association: The PCTA supports the Pacific Crest Trail, a path that runs from Mexico to Canada (including through the eastern edge of Snohomish County). Memberships start at $35 and include the PCT Communicator, a magazine about going-ons on the trail; a one-year subscription to Backpacker magazine, a PCT decal, discounts on PCTA store items (including some really useful maps) and invitations to join in trail classes or volunteer projects. Get details at www.pcta.org/donate/#membership.
National Geographic Speaker Series: Hear scientists, photographers and cinematographers talk about their work to document and protect the natural beauty of the world and expand human knowledge. These presentations are known for being compelling and beautifully presented. There’s one speaker a month from January through May. All are in Seattle. Get details at http://events.nationalgeographic.com/event-series/seattle-speaker-series/.
Learning: The North Cascades Institute offers a huge variety of classes. You can learn photography, ecology, go sailing or hiking and lots more. Through Wednesday, Dec. 23, you can buy discounted gift certificates. Get a $100 certificate for $80. Call 360-854-2599 to purchase one. For details, including information on upcoming courses, go to http://ncascades.org.
Skiing: Have you seen the snow report? How about gifting a lift ticket or cross-country ski pass? Stevens Pass is the closest for us and had 42 inches of snow at the base, as of Friday. The nordic ski area is also open. For Stevens Pass, you can buy gift certificates online at http://bit.ly/1QuXhLf or 206-812-4510, ext. 4351.
REI: In all likelihood, your outdoor fanatic already has an REI membership. If they don’t, REI offers gift memberships, which are good for a lifetime. Benefits includes discounts and a yearly dividend that can be spent at REI. If they already have a membership, consider a gift certificate for classes. REI offers a variety of outdoor education opportunities; www.rei.com/membership/benefits; www.rei.com/learn.html. (If using a gift certificate, you’ll have to sign up with the store, not online, for classes.)
Discover Pass: This $30 annual pass gives you access to state lands, including trailheads, water access sites, picnic areas and more; discoverpass.wa.gov/31/About-the-Pass.
Northwest Forest Pass: This $30 pass allows you to use many day-use areas and trailheads on Forest Service lands around the Northwest. It does not apply to sno-parks; www.discovernw.org/store_recreation-passes_1PASS.
Sno-park: Many developed sno-parks around the state require a permit. Prices vary depending upon what you want (snowmobiling, skiing, etc.), but start at $20; http://1.usa.gov/1IR4AKv.
America the Beautiful: This $80 pass is great for those who spend a lot of time in national parks and on Forest Service lands. Two people can be considered pass holders. It admits the pass holder and any passengers to national parks that charge a per car fee. (Including Mount Rainier and Olympic national parks.) It also serves as a Northwest Forest Pass. http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm.
Note: Figuring out what pass you need can be confusing. WTA has an excellent explanation at www.wta.org/hiking-info/passes.
Experiential: This one is all up to you. What does your outdoor enthusiast like? Great food? Take them on a hike and serve a gourmet lunch. Swimming? Find them the ideal mountain lake and pack a giant beach towel. If you need something to stick under the tree, write up your plan on nice paper and stick it in a card. (Bonus points for a stick-figure drawing of the planned adventure.)
I promise the memories will last longer than the batteries on any headlamp.
Jessi Loerch: jloerch@heraldnet.com; 425-339-3046; www.heraldnet.com/explorenw.
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