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.
Free park-ing: The next day of the year to visit Washington state parks in 2021 without an entrance fee is Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 18. Other free dates are March 19 (Washington State Parks’ 108th birthday), April 3 (Spring Day), June 5 (National Trails Day), June 12 (National Get Outdoors Day), June 13 (Fishing Day), Aug. 25 (National Park Service’s 105th birthday), Sept. 25 (National Public Lands Day), Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Nov. 26 (Autumn Day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
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. Jan. 22, 24 and 31 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.
Don’t park along Mount Baker Highway: Washington State Patrol is enforcing new parking laws along Mount Baker Highway. Parking at shoulders and chain-up area pullouts along the Mount Baker Highway between the Salmon Ridge Sno-Park (mile 46) and Picture Lake (mile 55) is prohibited. Pullouts are reserved only for first responders and public safety services such as snow chain installation. Roadside parking around the Picture Lake Loop and by the upper Mount Baker Ski Area Lodge is prohibited from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and is reserved for WSDOT snow operations and vehicles. WSP may ticket and/or tow vehicles parked over the fog line, in pullouts not designated for long-term parking, and vehicles parked during nighttime hours. More at www.fs.usda.gov/mbs.
Stevens Pass: Stevens Pass Mountain Resort is now open. Averaging 460 inches of snowfall per year, the mountain resort’s 1,125 acres of terrain boasts 37 runs and 10 chairlifts for skiing and snowboarding. Call 206-812-4510 or go to www.stevenspass.com for more information.
Outfitting at home: You can now make a free virtual outfitting appointment with an REI expert on Feb. 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 link will be emailed to you after you book your appointment. More at www.rei.com.
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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