Events listed here are contingent on whether each jurisdiction is approved to enter the corresponding phase of the governor’s four-phase reopening plan. Events may be canceled or postponed. Check with each venue for the latest information.
New sculpture park: The new Price Sculpture Forest, 678 Parker Road, Coupeville, is now open. The 16-acre sculpture park and nature preserve features a self-guided tour of about 22 sculptures from local artists. You’ll need your smartphone for the tour. If you want a guide or don’t have a smartphone, park tours are available by reservation only. No more than 10 to a group. Email contact@sculptureforest.org to get on the wait list. Open every day during daylight hours. Admission is free; donations are welcome. No dogs allowed. Go to www.sculptureforest.org for more information.
Meditation videos: Earth Sanctuary, a sculpture garden and nature preserve at the corner of Newman and Emil roads in Langley, has launched a series of short meditation videos to teach mindfulness and help manage stress from the pandemic. New videos will be posted 10 a.m. each Friday through Nov. 13 via Facebook and Instagram. They feature 60-second meditation exercises at four of Earth Sanctuary’s sacred spaces, including the new “Ley Line” sculpture. Open every day during daylight hours. Admission is $7; annual passes are $35. No dogs allowed. Go to www.earthsanctuary.org for more information.
Fall leaves kayak tour: Paddle to the Snohomish River’s most picturesque spots to see the color-changing leaves. No experience necessary. This private kayak tour is 1:30 to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 at Cady Park, 40 Maple Ave., Snohomish. All equipment provided by REI. Single kayaks will be used for this tour; tandem kayaks will be optional for members of the same household. Cost is $299 for members, $315 for non-members. There is a wait list. More at www.rei.com.
Harvest Moon kayak tour: Paddle the Snohomish River under a Harvest Moon. Keep your eyes on the sky to take in the seasonal moonlight as it reflects off the water. No experience necessary. The kayak tour is 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Cady Park, 40 Maple Ave., Snohomish. All equipment provided by REI. Single kayaks will be used for this tour; tandem kayaks will be optional for members of the same household. Cost is $79 for members, $99 for non-members. More at www.rei.com.
Free park-ing: The next day to visit Washington state parks in 2020 without an entrance fee is Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). The last one of the year is Nov. 27 (Autumn Day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
River management plan: Six of Washington’s rivers are recognized by the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Skagit River, Illabot Creek, Klickitat River, Pratt River, Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River and White Salmon River, totaling 197 miles of the state’s 70,439 miles of free-flowing rivers. Through Nov. 13, the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is seeking input on the management of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and Pratt rivers. Read the proposed plan and view a story map at tinyurl.com/WSRPlan.
Outfitting at home: You can now make a free virtual outfitting appointment with an REI expert on Nov. 15 via Microsoft Teams. Whether you are interested in exploring a new outdoor activity, want to get the next great piece of gear or advice for an upcoming adventure, an outfitting expert from the Alderwood store is available to help from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Registration is required. A Microsoft Teams linked will be emailed to you after you book your appointment. More at www.rei.com.
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 Mount 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.
Free firewood: Free firewood cutting has been extended in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest through Dec. 31. No permit will be required during this time. The opportunity was originally scheduled to expire in July. Forest managers made the decision to extend the provision to continue to assist area residents who rely on wood for heat. Woodcutters can collect up to six cords of firewood for personal use. A cord equates to a wood stack that is 4 feet wide by 4 feet high by 8 feet long. Go to tinyurl.com/cutfirewood for more information.
Find your favorite park: Still playing it safe? Virtually explore Washington’s state parks during the pandemic. 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.
Email event information for this calendar with the subject “Outdoors” to features@heraldnet.com.
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