GET OUT
Beat Brackett: The Beat Brackett 5K and Baby Brackett 1K races are at 10 a.m. July 4 at Edmonds City Park, Third Ave. S. and Pine St. The goal of the 5K race, in addition to trying to win age and gender brackets, is beating “ol’ man George Brackett,” the founder of Edmonds. Only 49 runners beat the runner designated as Brackett in 2017. The 1K is meant for families with small children who can’t go the full 5K distance. Both routes go through the heart of downtown Edmonds. Registration is $30 for the 5K, $15 for the 1K. More at www.edmondswa.com.
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, July 5 to 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.
Amazing Race Mukilteo: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 14 around Mukilteo; 425-347-1456; www.mukilteochamber.org. Two-person teams compete to be the fastest at finishing challenges around the city in order to win a grand prize. Challenges are a mix of physical, mental and creative tasks. Event ends at Diamond Knot.
Pie Bike Ride: There’s a pie at the end of the road — literally — at the Sea, Trees & Pie Bike Ride at 10 a.m. July 22 at the Keystone Ferry Landing, 1400 Highway 20, Coupeville. The third annual non-competitive bike ride has three scenic routes of 5-, 10- and 20-mile loops through Central Whidbey. At the end, participants receive a slice of pie donated by Whidbey Pies. Registration is $30 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-16. Helmets are required. More at www.wclt.org or by calling 360-222-3310.
Edmonds Sand Sculpting Contest: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 24 at Marina Beach, 470 Admiral Way S., Edmonds; 425-771-0230; www.edmondswa.gov. Form a team or build your own castle. Amateur contest open to all ages. Sign-up begins at 10 a.m., judging at noon, awards at 12:30 p.m. Bring buckets and shovels. Free.
Whidbey Triathlon: Swim, bike and run in the nearly 24-mile Whidbey Triathlon on July 28 on Whidbey Island. The race begins with a half-mile swim across Goss Lake, followed by 19.5-mile ride on paved country roads and a 3.8-mile run on trails and country roads. Compete as an individual or with friends or family on a relay team. More at swparks.org.
Free park-ing: The next day to visit Washington State Parks without an entrance fee is Aug. 25 on the National Park Service’s 102nd birthday. Others free days are Sept. 22 (National Public Lands Day), Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Nov. 23 (Autumn Day). More at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
STAY IN
Evenings at Wallace Falls: Learn about flora and fauna unique to the Northwest during programs over the next two months at 7 p.m. on Fridays at Wallace Falls State Park, 14503 Wallace Lake Road. Meet with park staff in the park’s amphitheater to learn how to interact with wildlife, identify local plants and find out about the region’s history. Topics change monthly. Upcoming dates are July 13, Aug. 10 and Aug. 24. A Discover Pass is required. Call 425-455-7010 or email joy.kacoroski@parks.wa.gov for more information.
Birds of the burbs: Attend “Crows, Ravens, and Birds of the Burbs” at 7 p.m. July 10 at the Northwest Stream Center in McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. John Marzluff, an author and professor of wildlife science at the University of Washington, will talk about the relationship between humans and birds and how to conserve wildlife in the modern world. Call 425-316-8592. More at www.stream keeper.org.
Native trees: Kevin Zobrist, a Washington State University forester and author, will discuss native trees in the Puget Sound area at 7 p.m. July 19 at the Northwest Stream Center in McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE, Everett. The presentation will include photos taken in nearby forests of the intricacies of forest ecosystems. Reservations are required. Call 425-316-8592. Cost is $5 for Adopt A Stream Foundation members, $7 for non-members. More at www.streamkeeper.org.
Backpacking basics: Learn how to pack more efficiently for outdoor excursions at a free class at 6 p.m. July 12 at Alderwood REI, 3000 184th St. SW, Lynnwood. In “Lightweight Backpacking Basics,” a backpacking expert will teach you how to make lighter food, fuel and shelter choices. Register online at www.rei.com. Space is limited.
Camping essentials: The free class “Pacific Northwest Campiong Basics”isset for 6 p.m. July 17 at Alderwood REI, 3000 184th St. SW, Lynnwood. The presentation will cover camping opportunities in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, Pacific Northwest essentials, gear and equipment, plus recommend areas to camp. Register online at www.rei.com. Space is limited.
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