Outings

We will take an easy walk on the lowlands around this jewel of a preserve near Edison / Samish Island to see wintering birds on Padilla Bay and in the surrounding fields.

Meet 10 am at the Fairhaven Park & Ridge at I-5 exit 250.  Bring snacks & lunch and also water, and dress for the weather. Open to the public.

Contact Terese VanAssche for more information and to sign up, at terrasolutions@hotmail.com or 253-234-2157. (MB) Late lunch at the Rhododendron Cafe afterwards if the group likes.

A simple and easy low tide beach walk. Enjoy the fresh air and sights of Puget Sound along Whidbey Island’s southern shore. Explore the tidelands and watch for eagles and other wildlife. Meet on the north shore of the Clinton Ferry Terminal at the Clinton Beach Fishing Pier-Dock Facility (www.portofsouthwhidbey.com/clinton_park.htm). Wear good waterproof boots, rain gear and warm clothes. Bring binoculars, a snack and a hot beverage.

6 miles RT / 1100 Ft. elevation gain. Outing geared to advanced beginners and intermediate snowshoers. Travel through deep woods that open up to a ridgeline & Lanham Lake above the Stevens Pass Nordic Ski area. Part of this trail is wide and groomed, some through the woods climbing steep sections to the lake.

Here's a chance to enjoy this alpine lake jewel in a winter wonderland with relatively low avalanche danger. Work off that Holiday feast! Bring snowshoes, waterproof boots and poles, gaiters, lunch & water, and wear appropriate outdoor winter gear (NO COTTON!) Cameras too! Open to the public; limit of 8 participants. Trip location or date could change based on weather conditions and avalanche danger.

Jan. 10th Sunday

Smithbrook Road at Stevens Pass. Wide trail, gradual uphill climb. Bring your own snowshoes and poles, wear waterproof boots, warm clothes in layers, bring raingear in case the weather changes, high calorie lunch and 2 liters of water. Get in shape now for this great outdoor exercise, fit participants only. This is a moderate level outing with moderate elevation gain.

Trip may change depending on weather, snow levels, or avalanche danger. For details, please contact Jacquie Powers. powers.jacqueline@gmail.com 425-771-7715

JULY 3-4, 2010

Join a spectacular early summer overnight campout at Cutthroat Creek campgound, and hike the Cutthroat Pass trail.  This is a high elevation hike from east to west between Rainy and Washington Pass on the North Cascades Highway (SR 20). 12.5 miles one-way, elev. gain & loss 2500 ft. We will join the PCT and hike back to Rainy Pass. A vehicle will be left at Rainy Pass to shuttle back east to pick up vehicles. Wildflowers should be in a riot of bloom - Avalanche lily, Monkeyflower, and Bird's Beak Lousewort were plentiful on our last trip here. 

Join eighteen other modern-day voyageurs on the unique adventure into the timeless and pristine wilderness of Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park and the Boundary Waters in the north of Minnesota.

July 30th to August 8th - 9days

Two 9-person crews will traverse the park one way, one crew from an Ely, Minnesota base and the other from Atikokan, Ontario, meeting along the way in a grand rendezvous. Expect to see wildlife and ancient Ojibway pictographs, travel the waterways and portages of the trappers and voyageurs, explore from wilderness camps, fish and swim in drinkable lakes, learn about Quetico’s natural and cultural history and stargaze through crystal-clear skies.

Sea kayak the fascinating inter tidal zone of the Pacific Northwest in several National Wildlife Refuges and estuaries along the Oregon and Southwest Washington Coasts. We will be camping from our kayaks for multiple day paddles and staying in Oregon State campgrounds for day paddles. This is a Sierra Club National Outings sea kayak vacation trip suitable for advanced beginners so all meals, campsite fees, and transportation from Portland, OR. are included in the cost. You’ll need to bring your own personal camping gear and sea kayak. Rentals available. 

SEPT. 10-12, 2010

Please join the Sierra Club on this Northern Loop backpack of Mt. Rainier's Wonderland Trail.  We will travel about 34 miles over 3 days, starting out from Sunrise camp.  This trip is rated strenuous due to the length and elevation gain & loss. We will cross Skyscraper Pass, gaining 2900 ft. See the natural bridge and Yellowstone cliffs.

This trip will require good hiking boots, sleeping bag & tent, pad, backpackers pack, and your own lunch food for 2 days.  Hiking poles are recommended due to bridge and footlog washouts from the devastating 2006 floods, river crossings, and steep terrain. Leader will cover dinner Friday, and breakfast & dinner meals Saturday and Sunday. Contributions welcome! Trip cost is $35 epr person for backcountry camping fee and cost of meals.