Outdoor classes and activities in and around Snohomish County

Published 1:30 am Sunday, March 4, 2018

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

Cama Center: Dance lessons and show, March 9 and 10, 1880 SW Camano Drive, Camano Island at Cama Beach Historical State Park. Lessons in salsa and tango from 7 to 8 p.m. March 9, followed by an energetic dance until 10 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring out their Latin dance attire or come as they are. Foxtrot and swing lessons at 7 p.m. March 10, followed by dances until 10 p.m. The dance team will also perform team, solo and partner dances, including swing, waltz, foxtrot and quick step before the night is through. Those who don’t wish to participate in the dance lessons can enjoy watching the show from the sidelines. Free. More at www.parks.state.wa.us.

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 4, 17 and 18. Suggested donation of $25. Call 425-434-6111.

Holi celebration: The Festival of Colors, noon to 4 p.m. March 11, Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 NW Sammamish Road, Issaquah. Family-friendly play with colored powders, a disc jockey with Bollywood music, vegetarian food and traditional Indian music and dance. Holi is known as the Festival of Colors or the Festival of Love. This carnival of colors is a special time, when participants of all ages, genders, classes and castes play, chase and spray each other with nontoxic colored dry powders and water. The Hindu celebration is popular with non-Hindus in many parts of south Asia and the U.S. Tickets are $20; $15 for children ages 3 to 12. Includes an Indian vegetarian meal as well as colored powder. A Discover Pass is required for those attending the festival by vehicle. Sponsored by Washington State Parks Folk and Traditional Arts Program. More at www.parks.state.wa.us.

Whale watching: Island Adventures’ three-hour tours depart from Everett starting in March. Tours also leave from La Conner, Anacortes and Port Angeles; months vary. More at www.island-adventures.com.

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

Outdoor Adventure Speaker Series: 6 to 8 p.m. fourth Tuesday of the month, Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville. 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.

The Mountaineers gala: 6 to 10 p.m. April 14, Fremont Studios, 155 N. 35th St., Seattle. Dinner, reception, auctions benefiting Mountaineer programs. Special guest is Lynn Hill, a living legend in the national climbing community, who completed a free ascent of the The Nose in Yosemite — a feat which has been repeated only once in 19 years. More at www.mountaineers.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.