Trailsfest returns for another year at Rattlesnake Lake
July 17, 2009
By Laura Geggel
By Laura Geggel
Outdoor enthusiasts headed to TrailsFest are in for a treat this weekend. Where else can people go bird watching, learn about mountain weather forecasting and take notes on ice climbing basics?
“We like to think of TrailsFest as the coolest outdoors expo in Washington,” TrailsFest coordinator Lace Thornberg said. “It just kind of takes everything that’s great about getting outside and brings it all to one place.”
TrailsFest has spent eight of its 16 years at Rattlesnake Lake in North Bend. Last year, about 3,000 people of all ages showed up for the free event. Thornberg threw in an incentive for all people arriving by bicycle: anyone who bikes is eligible to receive a free raffle ticket for a cycling prize.
Bikers can take a six-mile ride on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail from the lot at Tanner Road and North Bend Way. People who are driving can find Rattlesnake Lake by taking exit 32 off Interstate 90 and turning south on 436th Avenue Southeast.
North Bend’s Pro Guiding Service & Pro Ski Service will present two workshops at the TrailsFest Skills Camps: “Tips and Tricks from a Mountain Guide” at 12:30 p.m. and “A Look Inside a Mountain Guide’s Pack,” at 2:30 p.m.
“Basically, we’re going to bring along a pack we would take out for an overnighter,” said the service’s General Manager Caley George. “We’re going to show how some gear can be used for multiple things.”
Pro Guiding Service & Pro Ski Service has provided demonstrations at TrailsFest for the last seven years.
“It’s a great event and we’re the local shop for this area,” George said. “It’s in our own backyard.”
Other workshops include “Backcountry First Aid for Dogs,” “Backcountry Parenting” and “Find Your Way With Map & Compass.” To find a complete schedule of the July 18 events, visit www.wta.org.
TrailsFest is presented by the Washington Trails Association and has several sponsors, including REI, Hilleberg the Tentmaker, Green Trails Maps and The Alpine Experience.
All of the events are free, save two. Climbing wall trips cost $3 per person and a kayak adventure on Rattlesnake Lake is priced at $3 per person or $5 per family.
Thornberg advised anyone participating in the 10 a.m. Seattle Audubon bird watch to bring their own binoculars.
The event will be held rain or shine. Participants may bring a sack lunch or cash for food vendors like Rhodies BBQ, which will serve veggie dogs, barbecue, soda and water at the food ccourt.
Outdoor enthusiasts headed to TrailsFest are in for a treat this weekend. Where else can people go bird watching, learn about mountain weather forecasting and take notes on ice climbing basics?
“We like to think of TrailsFest as the coolest outdoors expo in Washington,” TrailsFest coordinator Lace Thornberg said. “It just kind of takes everything that’s great about getting outside and brings it all to one place.”
TrailsFest has spent eight of its 16 years at Rattlesnake Lake in North Bend. Last year, about 3,000 people of all ages showed up for the free event. Thornberg threw in an incentive for all people arriving by bicycle: anyone who bikes is eligible to receive a free raffle ticket for a cycling prize.
Bikers can take a six-mile ride on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail from the lot at Tanner Road and North Bend Way. People who are driving can find Rattlesnake Lake by taking exit 32 off Interstate 90 and turning south on 436th Avenue Southeast.
North Bend’s Pro Guiding Service & Pro Ski Service will present two workshops at the TrailsFest Skills Camps: “Tips and Tricks from a Mountain Guide” at 12:30 p.m. and “A Look Inside a Mountain Guide’s Pack,” at 2:30 p.m.
“Basically, we’re going to bring along a pack we would take out for an overnighter,” said the service’s General Manager Caley George. “We’re going to show how some gear can be used for multiple things.”
Pro Guiding Service & Pro Ski Service has provided demonstrations at TrailsFest for the last seven years.
“It’s a great event and we’re the local shop for this area,” George said. “It’s in our own backyard.”
Other workshops include “Backcountry First Aid for Dogs,” “Backcountry Parenting” and “Find Your Way With Map & Compass.” To find a complete schedule of the July 18 events, visit www.wta.org.
TrailsFest is presented by the Washington Trails Association and has several sponsors, including REI, Hilleberg the Tentmaker, Green Trails Maps and The Alpine Experience.
All of the events are free, save two. Climbing wall trips cost $3 per person and a kayak adventure on Rattlesnake Lake is priced at $3 per person or $5 per family.
Thornberg advised anyone participating in the 10 a.m. Seattle Audubon bird watch to bring their own binoculars.
The event will be held rain or shine. Participants may bring a sack lunch or cash for food vendors like Rhodies BBQ, which will serve veggie dogs, barbecue, soda and water at the food ccourt.
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