Outdoors classes and activities around Snohomish County
Published 1:30 am Sunday, June 30, 2019
Jetty Island Days: The 2019 season runs from July 5 to Sept. 2. Ferries depart 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 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.
Necklace Valley: The Everett Hiking and Backpacking Committee is leading an easy/moderate day hike of Necklace Valley southeast of Gold Bar on July 6. The 10-mile trip along the East Fork Foss River includes a 600-foot gain, but will be walked at a relaxed pace. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. Space is limited. Meet at 7:30 a.m. the Monroe Park & Ride just off U.S. 2. More at www.themountaineers.org.
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, “Beavers in Cama Beach’s Backyard,” is set for 7 p.m. July 17 at the Island County Multi-Purpose Center, 141 NE Camano Drive, Camano Island. Call 360-387-2236 or go to www.camanowildlifehabitat.org.
Find Your Park: Need some place to explore? Maybe the North Cascades meet your fancy. The next free “Find Your Park” class is at 6 p.m. July 30 at Alderwood REI, 3000 184th St. SW, Suite 952, Lynnwood. Learn about two recreational areas in the North Cascades, along with some tips for how to best enjoy the trails. Space is limited. More at www.rei.com.
The Dragonfly Whisperer: “The Incredible Lives of Dragonflies and Damselflies” presentation is at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Northwest Stream Center, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. Scientist and author Jim Walker will share interesting facts about dragonflies, such as how they predate dinosaurs, have six legs but don’t walk and have acute vision but can’t hear. He’ll also teach you how to coax them onto your finger. Reservations are required. Cost is $5 for Adopt A Stream Foundation members, $7 for non-members. Call 425-316-8592. More at www.streamkeeper.org.
Ride to Canada: Join the Cascade Bicycle Club on a ride from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C., Aug. 23-24. The 175-mile route of scenic backroads starts at the north end of the University of Washington’s E-18 parking lot and finishes in downtown Vancouver over two days. More at www.cascade.org.
Free park-ing: The next day to visit Washington state parks without an entrance fee is Aug. 25, National Park Service’s birthday. Other free days are Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Nov. 29 (Autumn free day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Mount St. Helens: Want to know more about the May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens? Washington State Parks offers a diverse series of programs through Sept. 15 at Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, 3029 Spirit Lake Highway, Castle Rock and at Seaquest State Park across the highway. Programs include interactive talks and demonstrations on the region’s history and the eruption, guided walks through the wetland ecosystem of Silver Lake and Junior Ranger evening activities. More at www.parks.state.wa.us/245/Mount-St-Helens.
Climb a tree: Washington State Parks and AdventureTerra of Seattle teamed up to offer guided, educational tree-climbing adventures to visitors at Deception Pass State Park, Hoypus Point area, 41020 U.S. 20, Oak Harbor. Cost is $149 for session lasting four hours. Helmets, harnesses, safety glasses, foot holds and instruction included. For ages 7 and older. More at www.AdventureTerra.com.
Washington Outdoor Women: Registration opens in July for the WOW’s Weekend Workshop, featuring hands-on workshops to increase the outdoor confidence of women, Sept. 13-15 at Lazy F Camp near Ellensburg. Choose from 20 classes, including archery, basic freshwater fishing, fly-fishing and fly-tying, big-game hunting basics, map and compass reading, survival, beekeeping, birding, Dutch oven cooking, duck hunting, wildlife awareness and wilderness first aid. Registration fee and deadline TBD. More at www.washingtonoutdoorwomen.org.
