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.
Indoor cycling: Winter is upon us, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop cycling. REI is hosting a free “Indoor Cycling” class with former professional cyclist Ian Boswell from 4 to 5 p.m. Jan. 27 via Zoom. Boswell will talk about ways to stay inspired when it’s cold and dark outside. This class will cover virtual platforms, training tips and tricks, and how to be comfortable riding indoors. A Q&A will follow the class. Registration is required. A Zoom link will be emailed with registration. 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. The REI tour is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 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.
Avalanche safety: REI is hosting a free “Avalanche Awareness” webinar from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 2 via Zoom. Whether you ski, snowshoe, snowboard or snowmobile, recognition of avalanche danger is an essential and potentially lifesaving skill. This webinar presented by the Northwest Avalanche Center will provide a basic approach to managing risk. Learn how to access avalanche and mountain weather forecasts, as well as how to recognize basic signs of avalanche danger. Registration is required. A Zoom link will be emailed with registration. More at www.rei.com.
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.
Get wild: The Camano Wildlife Habitat Project, sponsored by Friends of Camano Island Parks, hosts presentations the third Wednesday of the month. The next presentation, “Northwest Swans” is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 17 via Zoom. Martha Jordan of Northwest Swan Conservation Association will lead the presentation. She will talk about the trumpeter and tundra swans that migrate through Washington at this time of year. A Zoom link will be emailed to you with registration. Call 360-387-2236 or go to www.camanowildlifehabitat.org.
Free park-ing: The next day of the year to visit Washington state parks in 2021 without an entrance fee is Washington State Parks’ 108th birthday on March 19. Other free dates are 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.
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.
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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