Outdoor classes and activities in and around Snohomish County
Published 1:30 am Sunday, February 25, 2018
Paddle power: Dave Ellingson will talk on “Paddle Pilgrim: Kayaking the Mississippi River” from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 27 at Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville, for the Outdoor Adventure Speaker Series. On the fourth Tuesday of the month, authors, outdoor enthusiasts and naturalists share their adventures and expertise on topics including hiking, kayaking, nature photography, boating and more. Presentations finish up with a Q&A session. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $5. Call 360-363-8400 or visit marysvillewa.gov.
Gear grab and potluck: Everett Mountaineers event, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 7, Everett United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Ave. Bring in that gear that has been sitting in your garage for decades. You can sell or trade it and buy more from others. Guest speaker is Craig Romano, outdoor author who has written many Mountaineer Hiking Guidebooks. His hiking guide books will be available for purchase and signing. More at www.mountaineers.org.
Beach Watchers: Join WSU Snohomish County Extension Beach Watchers to protect Puget Sound’s waters, wildlife and landscape through education, research and stewardship. Receive 80 hours of training involving field trips and expert lectures, then volunteer at least 80 hours in projects you select over the next two years. Projects range from doing low-tide education at beaches to water quality sampling to festival community outreach. You can join a team or work on your own. Training will held at Washington State University Everett, 915 N. Broadway, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Wednesdays from March 21 to May 30, and will include three Saturdays on April 7, May 5 and 19. Apply by March 7. A free background check is required. There is a $55 (electronic version) or $75 (hard copy) materials fee. Apply at www.extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/naturalresources/beachwatchers. For more information, email chrys@wsu.edu or call 425-357-6020.
GET OUT
Winter snaps: Group trips for photography enthusiasts from expert to novice to shoot winter-inspired photos at Snoqualmie Pass. Commonwealth Creek offers many unique shots: ice falls, cool vapors and the swirling dark waters of mid-winter. Bring a well-stocked backpack with your own film or digital cameras and a lunch. This trip usually lasts four to five hours. Scheduled outings are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 3, 4, 17 and 18. Suggested donation of $25. Call 425-434-6111.
Lake Stevens Rowing Club: Masters “Learn to Row” classes for adults of all ages and skill levels. Sessions are 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday March 3-25. Float test required. More at lakestevensrowing.org.
Free park-ing: Free days this year are March 19, State Parks’ 105th birthday; April 14, Spring day; April 22, Earth Day; June 2, National Trails Day; June 9, National Get Outdoors Day; June 10, Fishing Day; Aug. 25, the National Park Service’s 102nd birthday; Sept. 29, National Public Lands Day; Nov. 11, Veterans Day; and Nov. 23, Autumn day. More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
STAY IN
Marine movies: Learn more about Puget Sound and global marine environment at Our Coast Community Film Series. Through April 25. The series focuses on Puget Sound salmon recovery, river restoration on the Elwha River and coral reef protection around the world. Features discussions led by film directors and marine experts from around the Northwest. See “Return of the River” 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 28, Everett Community College, Jackson Conference Center, and 7 to 9 p.m. March 1 at University of Washington-Bothell, North Creek Events Center. More at www.snocomrc.org.
SNOWSHOE WITH A RANGER
Snoqualmie Pass, short hike: A 1-mile loop that winds through old-growth forest. See normally hidden lichens, fungus, winter birds and mammals. Discover what critters made those mysterious tracks and what exactly all those tiny black insects flipping around on the snow are. Hikes are 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through March 25. Suggested donation of $15 for adults, $10 for youth 16 and under for short hike. Call 425-434-6111.
Snoqualmie Pass, extended hike: About 5 miles. Trek into the heart of Commonwealth Basin, a landscape rich with snowshoe routes and interesting winter life. Marten, ground squirrel, bobcat and wolverine all travel through the area, sometimes leaving evidence on the fresh snow. Hikes are 9 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through March 25. Suggested donation of $25 per person for the half-day hikes. Call 425-434-6111.
Stevens Pass Mountain Resort: Learn about the winter environment, plants, wildlife, local history and snow safety on this 90-120 minute guided nature discovery tour along the Pacific Crest Trail. Meet at the Forest Service Guard Station by Parking Lot A. An optional Stevens Pass history presentation will be given at 10:30 a.m. Sessions are 11 a.m. Saturdays through March 24, and 11 a.m. Sundays through March 25. Suggested donation is $15 for adults and $10 for youth 16 and under. Call 360-677-2414.
Mount Baker Ranger District: Snowshoe near the Hannegan Pass Road, Heather Meadows or other location depending on snow levels and weather. Reservations are required and snowshoes are provided. A $15 donation is suggested. Snowshoe and winter safety basics while gaining knowledge about winter ecology, recreation opportunities and the cultural history of the North Fork Nooksack drainage. Hike is 10 a.m. March 4. A $15 donation is suggested. Call 360-599-9572.
Email outdoors events information to features@heraldnet.com.
