Outdoor classes and activities in and around Snohomish County
Published 1:30 am Sunday, February 5, 2017
GET OUTSIDE
Float: Adventure Cascades has Stilly Canyon Scenic Float trips on the North Fork Stillaguamish River in Arlington on Saturdays and Sundays beginning this weekend. The Stilly Canyon provides floaters with a wild river experience without venturing into the wilderness. This three-hour trip begins and ends at Haller Park, 100 West Ave., Arlington, where you will meet the guides and load up for a short drive to starting location. The river is mild and your guide will do all the work. Dress appropriate for the weather and wear waterproof shoes or boots. This trip is suitable for all ages and abilities. Trips are scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26. Tickets start at $40. More at www.adventurecascades.com.
ID trees: Learn about native trees with forestry professor and author Kevin Zobrist, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 11, Discovery Center at Rockport State Park, 51905 North Cascades Highway, Rockport. Short presentation on tree ecology followed by an hour hike in the forest for a close-up look at the different species in the park. Participants will learn how to identify trees, discover their special features and adaptations, their role in forest ecology and where they are likely to be found. Dress for cold and wet winter weather with footwear suitable for very wet trails. A $10 day-use pass or $30 annual Discover Pass is required for parking at Rockport State Park and can be purchased at the park office or Discovery Center. More at
Snowshoe with a forest ranger: 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 5, 11, 18, 19, and 26, Big Four Mountain, 33515 Mountain Loop Hwy., Granite Falls. This winter trek is great for those who have never used snowshoes before or anyone interested in learning about the ecology and history of this low-elevation winter wonderland. It follows the route of the former Everett and Monte Cristo railway as it winds its way up the South Fork Stillaguamish River. Rangers will discuss what lives in this valley in the winter, from golden-crowned kinglets to beavers to humans. The turnaround point is the site of the former Big Four Inn, where trekkers will have lunch at the picnic shelter and, if the weather cooperates, get a glimpse of the 4,000-foot vertical face of Big Four Mountain. Participants must be 16 years of age or older and in good physical shape. Reservations are required. A $20 donation is suggested. More at www.discovernw.org.
Ride: Cascade Bicycle Club’s Valley River Ride, April 2, follows the Cedar River and Green River, and features low-traveled roads, protected trails and a few miles of hard-packed gravel. The ride boasts a low elevation, nature-inspired route great for those just venturing into longer distance rides. Choose from an easy going 30-mile route, a 50-mile route with a few challenging hills, or knock out your first 62-mile metric century of the year. More at www.cascade.org; info@cascade.org or 206-522-3222.
CLASSES & MEETINGS
Immerse yourself: The WSU Snohomish County Extension Beach Watcher course is 80 hours of training. Then craft your own volunteer experience by giving back 80 hours in Puget Sound education, research or stewardship projects that you select over the next two years. Training includes lectures on topics from marine wildlife to water quality to climate change and guided field trips. The training will be 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday from March 17 to May 19 and two Saturday field trips April 1 and 29. Applications are due Feb. 26; a free background check is required. There is a $55 (electronic version) or $75 (hard copy) materials fee. More at www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu/Snohomish/training; chrys@wsu.edu or 425-357-6020
Gear Grab: and potluck dinner, hosted by Everett branch of The Mountaineers, 6:30 p.m. March 1, 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, an outdoor author who has written many Mountaineer Hiking Guidebooks. More at www.mountaineers.org/about/branches-committees/everett-branch/events/copy_of_everett-branch-annual-pot-luck-gear-grab.
PARKS
Permits: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is taking applications for long-term priority use permits for outfitting and guiding services to operate for up to 10 years. Services needed for mountaineering and climbing, skill and rescue training, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, stock trips, environmental education, hunting and snowmobiling. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 17. More at www.fs.usda.gov
Recreate: The U.S. Forest Service will waive fees at day-use recreation sites in Oregon and Washington on President’s Day, Feb. 20. The waiver includes many picnic areas, boat launches, trailheads and visitor centers. Fees for camping, cabin rentals, heritage expeditions or other permits still apply. The fee waiver does not apply to SnoParks, although they might be located on national public lands. Other free days are: National Trails Day, June 3; National Get Outdoors Day, June 10; National Public Lands Day, Sept. 30; Veterans Day Weekend, Nov. 11-12. More at www.fs.usda.gov
