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.
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.
Snowshoe tour: Snowshoe through the Mount Baker Lowlands — a mountainous winter wonderland that averages over 600 inches of snow annually. Snowshoeing tours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 20, 21 and 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27, and Jan. 3 at Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This trip is perfect for beginners who are comfortable hiking up and down a moderate to steep grade for about 3 miles. Meet at Skagit Valley Food Co-op, 202 S. First Street, Mount Vernon. All equipment and lunch provided by REI. There is a wait list. A private session for up to four is $549 for members, $629 for non-members. More at www.rei.com.
Free park-ing: The last day of the year to visit Washington state parks in 2020 without an entrance fee is Nov. 27 (Autumn Day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
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.
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.
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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