Some of the events listed here are contingent on whether each jurisdiction is approved to enter the corresponding phase of the governor’s four-phase reopening plan. Check with each venue for the latest information.
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest: There is a phased reopening of the forest’s campgrounds, restrooms, trailheads and day-use areas to align with Gov. Jay Inslee’s transition plan. Garbage service and water facilities continue to be unavailable. Visitors should plan to be as self-sufficient as possible. This includes bringing their own water, knowing how to properly dispose of human and dog waste, and packing out all garbage. Go to www.fs.usda.gov/mbs for more information.
Beware of bears: Bears have been visiting the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in high numbers this year. The bears are attracted by the scent of garbage and waste. Help limit bear interactions by properly disposing of waste and packing out trash every time you visit trails or day-use areas. If you need to report a problem bear, contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife or call local law enforcement. Go to www.fs.usda.gov/mbs for tips on what to do if you encounter a bear.
Mountain Loop Highway: Expect traffic delays and road closures near the Mountain Loop Highway this summer. With Sunrise Mine Road repairs (at milepost 1.2), the road and trailhead will be closed through Aug. 7. Repairs at Red Bridge Campground Road repairs (at milepost 0.1) require the road and campground to be closed from Aug. 1 to Aug. 28. These dates are tentative and subject to change. Call 360-436-1155 for more information.
Find your favorite park: Still playing it safe? Virtually explore Washington’s state parks during the governor’s stay-home order. Washington State Parks Foundation’s website features an interactive map of Washington’s 124 state parks, as well as virtual tours, park information and trip reports. The virtual tours provide a 360-degree view with navigational tools and a walk-through of state parks, trails, campgrounds, retreat centers, interpretive centers and vacation houses. More at www.waparks.org.
Free park-ing: The next day to visit Washington state parks in 2020 without an entrance fee is Aug. 25 (National Park Service’s 104th birthday). Other free dates are Sept. 26 (National Public Lands Day), Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Nov. 27 (Autumn Day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Adventure Speaker Series: McKenzie Johnson will give a talk about her mountaineering experiences 6:30 p.m. Sept. 8, Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville. Johnson, who credits her accomplishments to being eight years sober, will also share her work with Recovery Beyond, a nonprofit that helps addicts recover via outdoor training and mountaineering. Doors open at 6 p.m. Entry is $5 at the door. More at www.marysvillewa.gov or 360-363-8400.
Adventure Speaker Series: Patrick McGinty will talk about his bike ride across America on the Southern Tier from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville. McGinty averaged 80 miles per day over 43 days on his solo ride. He’ll also talk about his trials, tribulations and rewards for completing the route. Doors open at 6 p.m. Entry is $5 at the door. More at www.marysvillewa.gov or 360-363-8400.
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