August 4 Buzz: Outdoors News Shorts
Crystal Mountain Brew Fest Aug. 6
Enjoy all that Crystal Mountain has to offer in the summer — including The Mt. Rainier Gondola offering scenic rides daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — and finish the day this Saturday with a nice cold beer (or two or three or four samples) at the base area during the annual Brew Fest on the Mountain. Cold beer, fresh air, live music, jugglers and an outdoor BBQ will run from noon to 5 p.m.
Your $15 fee includes entry to the beer garden (21+ only), five beer tasting tickets and a souvenir mug. Over 15 breweries are participating and will be sampling seasonal brews and many of your favorites. There will also be a family-friendly area to enjoy the music and barbeque. Enjoy live music by The Islanders, a steel drum band, and The Brown Edition, a jazz/funk band.
While on your way to Crystal…
Check out the new Hancock Gallery Café along Highway 12 in Packwood which is receiving a lot of attention from the outdoor enthusiast crowd. Dine-in or pre-order a box lunch to-go for your day hike. Not only does the Café provide great food, espresso and ice cream but it has an associated wildlife photography art gallery. www.HancockGalleryCafe.com
Paddle Kitsap this weekend
Billed as the best paddle in Washington state, Paddle Kitsap is a fantastic 35-mile, two-day paddle from Port Gamble to Poulsbo and quickly becoming a mid-summer paddling classic! PK is a fully supported trip with beautiful views immersed in a great paddling community. Not ready for 35 miles? Day 2 offers a shorter route and reduced fee. Price includes most meals, snacks, shuttles, water/drinks, t-shirt, safety boats and parking. Kayak equipment rentals are available as are lessons for additional fees.
>>Click here for more information
Family Gone Wild?
It’s not too late for one last summer blast before school starts with a cool trip to Southern Oregon. Don’t forget your camping gear as Wildlife Images hosts its annual Family Gone Wild Camp Out Aug. 27–28. Cost is only $75 per tent and participants will have a unique opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes night tour of the facility’s wildlife sanctuary. Reservations are mandatory. (541) 476-0222; www.WildlifeImages.org
Like sunshine?
With 300 days of sunshine a year and the Columbia River running through it, the Wenatchee Valley in eastern Washington boasts unbeatable outdoor adventures throughout the year for enthusiasts of all levels and interests. Check out its Apple Capital Loop Trail, an 11-mile paved riverside trail ideal for running, bike, strolling or skating. Apple Capital Loop Trail or visit www.wenatcheevalley.org for more information about the valley.
Bike Pierce County
Like to bicycle in Pierce County? Pick up the new 2011 Pierce County Bike Map in printed and online versions. www.piercecountywa.org/bikemap
New Bike Race in Redmond, Wash.
Since you’ve been bicycling all summer long, the all-new 425-mile Coup de Cascades Sept. 24–25 will be the feather in your helmet summer finale! It’s the ultimate end of the season ultra-marathon race starting and ending in Redmond, Wash. http://www.coupdecascades.org/sample-page/
