Big Four Ice Caves Trail: The U.S. Forest Service has closed the popular 3.2-mile hiking trail for the season. Erosion damage to a footbridge crossing the South Fork Stillaguamish River led rangers to remove a section of the bridge on the trail. The Big Four Picnic Area and elevated boardwalks may still be used at this time, but the seasonal winter closure will close vehicle access to the trailhead in the near future. More at www.fs.usda.gov.
Intro to winter hiking: A free “Northwest Winter Hiking Basics” class is at 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at Alderwood REI, 3000 184th St. SW, Suite 952, Lynnwood. This class will focus on hiking without the aid of snowshoes, review planning tips and what to bring for a successful adventure. Space is limited. More at www.rei.com/events.
Get wild: The Camano Wildlife Habitat Project, sponsored by Friends of Camano Island Parks, hosts presentations the third Wednesday of the month. The next presentation, “Fishing for a Living: The Loons,” is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Island County Multi-Purpose Center, 141 NE Camano Drive, Camano Island. Naturalists Steve and Martha Ellis will give the talk. Call 360-387-2236 or go to www.camanowildlifehabitat.org.
Women’s snowshoeing basics: Get a rundown on snowshoeing at a free workshop at 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at Alderwood REI, 3000 184th St. SW, Suite 952, Lynnwood. REI staff will go over women’s gear selection and where to go to get started. Space is limited. More at www.rei.com/events.
Green Everett: The next Green Everett Partnership work party is from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 23 at Rotary Park, 3505 Lowell-Snohomish River Road, Everett. Help improve Everett’s forested parks and natural areas by removing invasive species, planting trees and maintaining plants. The Green Everett Partnership is a collaboration between the city of Everett’s parks department and Forterra, formerly the Cascade Land Conservancy. Call 425-238-0065 or go to www.greeneverett.org.
Free park-ing: The final day to visit Washington state parks in 2019 without an entrance fee is Nov. 29 (Autumn day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Boot Fitting Basics: Learn how to take care of your feet on hikes at a “Boot Fitting Basics” class at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Alderwood REI, 3000 184th St. SW, Lynnwood. Wearing boots that fit is crucial to an enjoyable outdoors experience. This class teaches how to choose the right pair that matches your hiking ambitions. Fewer than 10 spots left. Cost is $5 for REI members and $10 for non-members. Sign up at www.rei.com.
Winter walk: Join the Camano Wildlife Habitat Project on a walk through Elger Bay Preserve at 9:50 a.m. Dec. 7. The 2.3-mile hike includes a slight elevation gain, a beaver marsh and a nature trail. The pace is moderate and the walk takes place rain or shine. Wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes or boots. Meet at the junction of Elger Bay Road and Dry Lake Road, just north of Elger Bay Elementary School and Elger Bay Store. More at www.camanowildlifehabitat.org.
Avalanche Awareness: Learn basic skills to recognize avalanche danger at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at Alderwood REI, 3000 184th St. SW, Lynnwood. The free workshop will cover where and why avalanches occur and how to manage risk in the backcountry. Space is limited. Sign up at www.rei.com.
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