Outdoors classes and activities around Snohomish County
Published 1:30 am Sunday, February 24, 2019
GET OUT
Guided snowshoe hikes: Washington State Parks is offering guided snowshoe hikes this winter at Lake Easton Park, a camping park 17 miles east of Snoqualmie Summit. The final family-friendly hike is scheduled for Feb. 24. Bring snowshoes, poles and water, and wear layered clothing and boots for 3 miles of hiking on moderate terrain. Guides will talk about the area’s natural history, teach snowshoeing basics and share safety tips. Meet at 12:30 p.m. at the Lake Easton State Park day-use area at 150 Lake State Park Road, Easton. Call 509-925-1943.
Navigation course: Learn how to be self-sufficient in the backcountry with the Mountaineers Everett Branch on March 2 at Camp Edward, 25600 Monroe Camp Road, Snohomish. The Basic Navigation course will teach how to use a topographic map, compass and altimeter. It will also cover advance preparation, terrain reckoning and route finding. There will be lectures, indoor exercises and outdoor navigation instruction. Cost is $70 for members, $75 for non-members. More at www.mountaineers.org.
Winter walk: Friends of Camano Island Parks members will lead a guided community walk from Cama Beach State Park to Camano Island State Park at 9:50 a.m. March 2. Meet at Dry Lake Road and Ivy Way, north of Elger Bay Elementary School. There will be downhill and level terrain with scenic views on the 3.3-mile trip. A shuttle will take you back. More at www.friendsofcamanoislandparks.org.
Free park-ing: The next day to visit Washington State Parks without an entrance fee is on March 19, Washington State Parks’ birthday. Other free days are April 20 (Spring Day), April 22 (Earth Day), June 1 (National Trails Day), June 8 (National Get Outdoors Day), June 9 (Fishing Day), Aug. 25 (National Park Service’s birthday), Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Nov. 29 (Autumn free day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Sno-Park permits: Attention snow enthusiasts: Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Program’s Sno-Park permits are available for purchase online and at various vendors statewide through April 30. The permits allow visitors to park in cleared, designated parking lots with access to areas around the state for skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, tubing and other winter fun. More at www.parks.state.wa.us/winter.
Whale watching: Island Adventures’ three-hour tours depart from Everett through May. Tours also leave from La Conner, Anacortes and Port Angeles; months vary. Everett’s rates are $69 for adults, $49 for children ages 3-17 and $1 for children younger than 3. More at www.island-adventures.com.
STAY IN
Backpacking workshop: The Lightweight Backpacking workshop is at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at Alderwood REI, 3000 184th SW Ste. 952, Lynnwood. Learn ways to cut down on your pack weight for your next adventure by adjusting your thinking the way you pack. Bring your trail-ready pack for an interactive gear shakedown with an REI expert. Cost is $20 for members, $40 for non-members. Space is limited. Call 425-640-6200. More at www.rei.com.
