GET OUT
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.
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. Family-friendly hikes are scheduled for Jan. 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.
Starlight Beach Walk: Join Discovery Programs staff and the WSU Snohomish County Extension Beach Watchers for an evening of winter discovery under the stars from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 17. Free. Explore the beach as the tide goes out, then return to the visitor station to enjoy hot beverages to take the chill off. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. Sturdy footwear or rubber boots are recommended. Meet at 7 p.m. at the Olympic Beach Visitor Station, 200 Admiral Way, Edmonds, at the base of the fishing pier. All ages are welcome. Call 425-771-0227 or go to www.edmondswa.gov/2011-10-03-01-14-39.html for more.
Free park-ing: The next day to visit Washington State Parks without an entrance fee is on Jan. 21 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Other free days are March 19 (Washington State Parks’ 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: Attention snow enthusiasts: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
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.
“White Birds of Winter:” Thousands of trumpeter and tundra swans and snow geese have migrated from Alaska and Canada to feed in the farm fields of Washington. Martha Jordan, executive director of the Northwest Swan Conservation Association, will present a slide show about these birds at 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Adopt A Stream Foundation’s Northwest Steam Center, 600 128th Street SE, in Everett. Registration is required. Call 425-316-8592. Cost is $5 for Adopt A Stream Foundation members, $7 for non-members. More at www.streamkeeper.org/about/contact-us.
The Paddle Pilgrim: Marysville’s Outdoor Adventure Speaker Series continues at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 with Dave Ellingson’s presentation on “Kayaking the Fjords of Norway” at the Marysville Opera House, 1225 Third St., Marysville. Ellingson’s monthlong kayak expedition to his ancestral Sogne and Hardanger Fjords in Norway included 24-hour daylight, battling big waves bouncing off 1,500-foot cliffs and terror when a rudder broke and ice water filled his kayak. Entry is $5 at the door. Call 360-363-8400.
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