GET OUT
Northwest Exposure: You can now enter the 2018 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest. The outdoor photography competition is for hikers who explore Washington’s trails. There are five categories: trailscapes, hikers in action, trail family, flora and fauna, and Instagram. Deadline is Oct. 19. Instagram is a new category this year. Prizes will be awarded to the top three photos in each category, while a grand prize will go to the best overall photo. More at www.wta.org.
Jetty Island Days: Ferries from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 4 at 10th Street and W. Marine View Drive, Everett; $3 fee for parking; suggested donation $2 for adults, $1 for kids; 425-257-8304; everettwa.gov/jettyisland.
Swift Night Out: Monroe’s annual bird-watching party is set for 5 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Wagner Performing Arts Center, 639 W Main St. Thousands of migrating Vaux’s swifts roost in the chimney of the historic school building on their fall trek from Canada to Mexico. The birds can be seen swirling into the chimney at dusk for the better part of a week each September. Saturday’s event will include a lecture games and crafts, wildlife education booths and Vaux’s Swift Theatre. Hot dogs, chips, apple crisp and swift headbands will be available. Bring your own chair. More at www.pilchuckaudubon.org.
Puget Sound Bird Fest: Puget Sound Bird Fest is Sept. 14-16 at Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St., Edmonds. The festival includes speakers, exhibits, field trips and activities all about birding. The keynote speaker is nature photographer Kevin Abi on “A Year in the Lives of Pacific Northwest Eagle.” Free. Opening reception Sept. 14 at Edmonds Plaza Room, 650 Main St., Edmonds. More at www.pugetsoundbirdfest.com.
Bird watching: The Pilchuck Audubon Society is bird watching Sept. 18 on Camano Island. Meet at Quil Ceda Village Walmart parking lot, 8924 Quil Ceda Blvd., Marysville. Park away from the store, to the east, near Quil Ceda Boulevard. Trip leader Virginia Clark will take the group to Triangle Cove, Eide Road, English Boom and Iverson Spit. Call 360-435-3750 or go to www.pilchuckaudubon.org.
Free park-ing: The next day to visit Washington State Parks without an entrance fee is Sept. 22 on National Public lands Day. Others free days are Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Nov. 23 (Autumn Day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Friendship Walk and 5K Run: The 11th annual Friendship Walk and 5K Run is at 9 a.m. Sept. 22 at Legion Memorial Park, 114 N. Olympic Ave., Arlington. This year’s theme is “Super Hero.” The family-friendly event is open to walkers and runners of all levels. There will be live music, a food truck and a car wash. Prizes are awarded to the top finishers. Children 11 and younger race for free. Register for $20. More at www.runsignup.com.
Snohomish Tweed Ride: Fancy a cycle along the Centennial Trail while sporting your finest? No modern garb allowed. Meet on Sept. 22 at the Snohomish Carnegie Library, 105 Cedar Ave. Stop at Machias Trailhead Park, 1626 Virginia St., for a picnic (bring your own), tea and sweets (provided), croquet, badminton, music, photo ops. Check in at 10 a.m.; ride off together at 11 a.m. Prizes go to the most dapper and dandily dressed ladies and gents on bicycles. Tickets are $15-$22. More at www.historicdowntownsnohomish.org.
We Are Everett 5K and Concert: Mary Lambert of “Same Love” fame (and an Everett native) is headlining this Everett Music Initiative event Sept. 29. The run is 4 p.m. at Washington State University-Everett, 915 N. Broadway, and the concert is 6 p.m. at Everett Memorial Stadium, 3802 Broadway, Everett. Tickets start at $40. More at www.weareeverett.org.
STAY IN
Backpacking Basics: A free class on “Backpacking Basics” is at 6 p.m. Sept. 6 at Alderwood REI, 3000 184th St. SW, Lynnwood. The course goes over the basics of planning, preparing for and the gear needed to go backpacking. Learn how to choose the right pack as well as proper clothing and footwear. The class also covers trail etiquette and Leave No Trace principles. Space is limited. More at www.rei.com.
Boot Fitting Basics: Learn how to take care of your feet on hikes at a “Boot Fitting Basics” class at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 at Alderwood REI, 3000 184th St. SW, Lynnwood. Wearing boots that fit is crucial to an enjoyable outdoors experience. This class teaches how to choose the right pair that matches your hiking ambitions. Less than 10 spots left. Sign up at www.rei.com. Cost is $5 for REI members and $10 for non-members.
Become an outdoors youth leader: Sign up to become a youth group leader for the Washington Trails Association. Attend a leader training at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Gear Lending Library, 847 Hiawatha Place S., Seattle. Learn how to borrow outdoors gear from WTA’s lending library. Prospective youth group leaders also must attend a hiking or camping workshop and apply for a grant to cover trip costs. More at www.wta.org.
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