Outdoor classes and activities in and around Snohomish County
Published 1:30 am Sunday, March 11, 2018
Holi Celebration: The Festival of Colors, noon to 4 p.m. March 11, Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 NW Sammamish Road, Issaquah. Play, chase and spray each other with nontoxic colored dry powders and water. Features a disc jockey with Bollywood music and traditional Indian food, music and dance. Holi is known as the Festival of Colors or the Festival of Love in India. 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. 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.
Hiking basics: Looking for a way to get out and explore the outdoors? Alderwood REI is offering a crash course on the basics of hiking in the Pacific Northwest 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 22 at the store, 3000 184th St. SW, Lynnwood. Trails are plentiful in the area and often lead to the backcountry. Learn how to plan your hike, navigate permitting, better understand the challenges you may face and the rewards that could come from it. Limited spots are left. More at www.rei.com.
STAY IN
Outdoor Adventure Speaker Series: Author, adventurer and professional photographer Dan Clements will share his experiences from The Great Bear Rainforest located on the north/central coast of British Columbia and one of its most rare and unusual animals, the white Spirit Bear, from 6 to 8 p.m. May 27, Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville. A Q&A session follows the presentation. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $5. Call 360-363-8400 or visit marysvillewa.gov.
Marine movies: Learn more about Puget Sound and global marine environment at Our Coast Community Film Series. Features discussions led by film directors and marine experts from around the Northwest. See “Chasing Coral,” 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 25, Everett Community College, and 7 to 9 p.m. April 22 at UW-Bothell. More at www.snocomrc.org.
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 that 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.
Email events information for this calendar with the subject “Outdoors” to features@heraldnet.com.
