GET OUT
Northwest Stream Center: Through December, the Adopt A Stream Foundation is offering free admission to the Northwest Stream Center at McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. Enjoy a half-mile nature walk on an elevated trail through forest and wetlands. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Call 425-316-8592 to make a reservation. Visit www.streamkeeper.org for more information.
Guided snowshoe hikes: Washington State Parks is offering guided snowshoe hikes this winter at Lake Easton Park, a camping park 17 miles east of Snoqualmie Summit. The next family-friendly hike is Jan. 1. Others are scheduled for Jan. 12, 13, 26 and 27; and Feb. 9, 10, 23 and 24. Bring snowshoes, poles and water, and wear layered clothing and boots for 3 miles of hiking on moderate terrain. Guides will talk about the area’s natural history, teach snowshoeing basics and share safety tips. Meet at 12:30 p.m. at the Lake Easton State Park day-use area at 150 Lake State State Park Road, Easton. Call 509-925-1943.
Skagit Eagle Festival: The month-long celebration is held during eagle-watching season in nearby Skagit County. Events and activities take place in Concrete, Rockport and Marblemount each weekend in January. More at www.concrete-wa.com/skagit-eagle-festival.
Winter Walk: Explore Cama Beach State Park with the Friends of Camano Island Parks on a guided hike from 9:50 a.m. to noon Jan. 5. Meet at the northeast corner of the park, at 1880 W. Camano Drive, Camano Island. The one-way, 2.7-mile hike follows the Cut Off, Marine Loop, Bluff and Old Entrance trails. Shuttles will provide a ride back. A Discover Pass is not required. Wear appropriate clothes and sturdy shoes or boots. More at www.friendsofcamanoislandparks.org.
Free park-ing: The next day to visit Washington State Parks without an entrance fee is on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. Other free days are Jan. 21 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), March 19 (state parks system’s birthday), April 20 (Spring Day), April 22 (Earth Day), June 1 (National Trails Day), June 8 (National Get Outdoors Day), June 9 (Fishing Day), Aug. 25 (National Park Service’s birthday), Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Nov. 29 (Autumn free day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Arlington-Stillaguamish Eagle Festival: With winter comes the return of the eagle to the Stillaguamish River. The 12th annual festival along Olympic Avenue held Feb. 1-2 includes animal talks, bird walks, river rafting, chainsaw carving, live music and an art show. More at www.arlingtonwa.gov/eaglefest.
Sno-Park permits: Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Program’s Sno-Park permits are available for purchase online and at various vendors statewide through April 30. The permits allow visitors to park in cleared, designated parking lots with access to areas around the state for skiing, skijoring, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, tubing and other winter fun. More at www.parks.state.wa.us/winter.
STAY IN
A walk to the world’s edge: Marysville’s Outdoor Adventure Speaker Series continues at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8 with Beth Jusino’s presentation on “Walking to the End of the World.” An award-winning local author, Jusino will talk about her journey along the Camino de Santiago Trail. Also known as the Way of Saint James, it’s a 500-mile-long trail in Spain that leads to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great. Entry is $5 at the door. Call 360-363-8400.
Winter camping: A free “Winter Camping Basics” class is at 6 p.m. Jan. 17 at Alderwood REI, 3000 184th St. SW, Lynnwood. REI winter camping experts will share tips on what you need and what to expect when camping in a winter destination. Topics to be covered include how to plan, how to stay warm, how to select appropriate gear and what to expect when setting up camp and through the night. More at www.rei.com.
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