Outdoor Speaker Series: Naturalist and author Jeff Antonelis-Lapp will talk about his book “Tahoma and its People” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville. Antonelis-Lapp’s book, a 2020 finalist in the Banff Centre Mountain Film & Book Festival, chronicles the history of Mount Rainier National Park. The Outdoor Speaker Series is held on second Tuesdays, January through May and September through November. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $5 at the door. More at www.marysvillewa.gov or 360-363-8400.
Fall colors kayak tour: Paddle to the Snohomish River’s most picturesque spots to see the color-changing leaves. No experience necessary. Kayak tours are 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Oct. 14 and Oct. 24 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. There may be a wait list. Cost is $79 for members, $99 for non-members. More at www.rei.com.
Cross country skiing 101: Cross country skiing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in winter. REI is hosting a “Cross Country Skiing Basics” webinar 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 via Zoom. During this presentation, you will learn about the differences between in-track, skate and backcountry skiing, get tips on the right kind of gear and accessories, plus build confidence with winter safety knowledge. A Zoom link will be emailed with registration. More at www.rei.com.
The Banff Film Festival: REI presents 2021’s Banff Film Festival World Tour, a virtual presentation of short films and documentaries about mountain culture, sports and the environment. There are two film programs (each two hours long) available for streaming via Now! — Amber and Onyx. Tickets are $15 for one, or $28 for both programs. You have three days to watch one program; 14 days if you sign up for both. Films streamable through Oct. 21. Register at filmfest.banffcentre.ca/?campaign=WT-152515. Call 425-640-6200 or go to www.rei.com for more information.
Green Everett: The next Green Everett Partnership work party is from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 23 at the South Everett Forest Preserve, 1018 109th St. SE, Everett. Help improve Everett’s parks and natural areas by removing invasive species, planting trees and maintaining plants. The Green Everett Partnership is a collaboration between the city parks department and Forterra, formerly the Cascade Land Conservancy. Call 425-238-0065 or go to www.greeneverett.org.
Sno-Park ups fees: When Washington Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1, winter recreationists will see a fee increase for the first time since 2009. The Sno-Park permit fees for the 2021-2022 season are: seasonal permit, $50 (up from $40); annual snowmobile permit, $50 (up from $40); special groomed trail sticker, $70 (up from $40); daily Sno-Park permit, $25 (up from $20). The Discover Pass is not needed for parking at Sno-Parks.
Outfitting at home: You can now make a free virtual outfitting appointment with an Alderwood REI expert on Nov. 12 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.
Winter camping 101: Camping in the winter gives you year-round access to natural spaces — and the beautiful calm that comes with the coldest nights. REI is hosting a “Winter Camping Basics” webinar 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 16 via Zoom. This presentation will go over trip planning, setting up camp, and most of all, how to stay warm. A Zoom link will be emailed with registration. More at www.rei.com.
Snowshoeing 101: Exploring your favorite trails and natural areas on snowshoes is a great way to experience the outdoors in winter. REI is hosting a “Snowshoeing Basics” webinar from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18 via Zoom. During the presentation, you will learn about gear selection, how to stay warm in cold weather and about winter preparedness. A Zoom link will be emailed with registration. More at www.rei.com.
Stevens Pass: Stevens Pass Mountain Resort is set to open Dec. 3. 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.
Wilderness first aid: If you work at wilderness camps, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities or recreate outdoors, this course is for you. REI is hosting a “Wilderness First Aid” class taught by the National Leadership Outdoor School from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10-19 at Gold Creek County Park, 16020 148th Ave NE, Woodinville. Be prepared for hands-on instruction on wilderness medicine over the course of two days. You’ll earn your Wilderness First Aid certification with completion of the class. There is a waitlist. Cost is $245 for members, $275 for non-members. Go to www.rei.com for more information.
Hiking recommendations: Let the Washington Trails Association suggest your next hike. WTA’s website features a tool that offers personalized suggestions of hikes you might want to add to your to-do list. The tool is designed to educate, spark curiosity and shift focus from a small number of often-recommended trails to the many trails that Washington has to offer. Find the hike recommender tool at wta.org/recommender. More at www.wta.org.
Find your favorite park: 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.
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