Upcoming outdoor events in Snohomish County and nearby
Published 4:17 pm Friday, April 1, 2016
Cleanup: April 23 is Washington Coast Cleanup Day. To find a spot to volunteer, go to www.coastsavers.org.
Lookout: Friends of North Mountain, a volunteer community group, is raising money to complete restoration of North Mountain Lookout near Darrington. The group plans to make the lookout available as an overnight rental. The lookout is one of few that peole can drive to, making it accessible to people who can’t manage a steep, long hike to other lookouts. The campaign hopes to raise $50,000 for the project. Ultimately, the group hopes rental fees will support maintenance of the structure. During a stay, cabin visitors will have propane for heat and cooking as well as panoramic windows and a wraparound catwalk to take in the expansive views. Learn about the project and donate at http://bit.ly/1QYhwwD.
Hike: The Everett branch of The Mountaineers will offer a presentation on hiking in the Northwest at 7 p.m. April 6 at the Drewel East Administrative Building on the Snohomish County Campus, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. Topics will include what to wear, what to bring, where to go and how to join Mountainers hikes. Get info at www.everettmountaineers.org.
Boating: A seven-week boating course, offered by the Everett Sail and Power Squadron, begins April 11 at the Port of Everett, Everett Yacht Club Building, 404 14th St. The course covers safety fundamentals. Successful completion of a final test qualifies students for a Washington State Boater Education card required before operating watercraft in Washington. $50 non-members/$35 members. Second person sharing supplies, $20. Register at usps.org/Everett, or contact James West at 425-778-0283 or phnx789@msn.com.
Bouldering: On April 16, starting at 8:30 a.m., climbers will be working to improve the trails to bouldering areas near Gold Bar. The Department of Natural Resources will open a gate and shuttle volunteers with their tools to the work site. Bring tools, if you can, including loppers, small handsaws and gloves. After the work, climbing will begin at 2 p.m. Volunteers are asked to carpool. Access is on Reiter Road. A Discover Pass is needed to park. Details at bit.ly/1RNdB8g.
Free parks: Admission to all national parks will be free April 16 to 24. The free week celebrates 100 years of the park service. Around here, Mount Rainier and Olympic national parks normally charge entrance fees. North Cascades National Park is always free.
Pacific Coast: Conservation photographer Florian Schulz will tell stories and show photos from his book “The Wild Edge: Freedom to Roam the Pacific Coast” at 7:30 p.m. April 28 at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. The event is part of the Seattle Arts and Lectures series. The book focuses on how regions far separated on the Pacific Coast are still affected by each other; www.lectures.org.
Trail skills: Learn trail maintenance skills at the Pacific Crest Trail Association’s North Cascades Trail Skills College, April 30 to May 1 in Concrete. The classes are free and meals are provided, although the PCTA requests that students volunteer at least 24 hours on trail projects in the coming year. Get details and register at http://bit.ly/1LBNzFx.
Email outdoor events to jloerch@heraldnet.com.
