February 2, 2012 Buzz: Outdoors News Shorts

Route Change to Seattle Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon

Photo at right: The old Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon starting line in Tukwila. Photo courtesy of Competitor Group

The 2012 Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon has a new route. Say goodbye to busses to Tukwila: this year’s event will start and finish at Seattle Center. The half and full will both route around iconic spots in Seattle, while the full will take runners around Seward Park and out and back over I-90. It’s a familiar route for local runners, but with the bands every mile on the course adding a twist to an old favorite.

http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/seattle/event-details

Burke-Gilman Trail Re-Opening Delayed

The long-awaited re-opening of the Burke-Gilman redevelopment project between NE 145^th and Ballinger Way NE has been pushed back again, due to the recent storms. Originally scheduled to re-open back in December, soil problems and drainage issues have held up the project. The new opening date is tentatively set for Feb. 10.

“We lost an entire week of work because of the recent snow, and some of the bigger items on our remaining work list need to be done in dry weather – including much of the work involving the 170^th intersection,” said Doug Williams of King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. Here’s hoping there are no more unexpected delays – riders are itching to get back out on the trail to train for upcoming cycling season.

For the details on this project, go to: http://www.kingcounty.gov/operations/capitalImprovements/parkscip/projects/burkegilmantrail.aspx

Get ready to Hog Loppet

The spectacular 30k Hog Loppet is back for its 24^th year Feb. 25. Starting from the top of Mission Ridge, the trek continues through the Cascades to Blewett Pass near US 97.

Aid stations provide snack, water, and emergency equipment along the way. Though this isn’t a competitive event, it’s not recommended for first-time skiers. Participants should be prepared to be self-sufficient throughout the day.

http://www.skileavenworth.com/events/hog-loppet

Climb for a Cause

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has taken breast cancer research fundraising to new heights. For those seeking to experience a thrilling adventure while raising funds and awareness of breast cancer, the Climb to Fight Breast Cancer offers a unique opportunity.

Participants are paired with professional climbing guides to help them navigate some of the world’s most breathtaking mountains, while volunteers help out with fundraising guidance. Training groups are formed based on the peak of your choice – Mt. Rainier, Denali or Kilimanjaro among others. Participants looking to donate without picking up an ice axe can do a virtual climb.

http://getinvolved.fhcrc.org/site/PageServer?pagename=2011climb_greeting

Sno-Park, Discover Pass permit updates

Hitting the snow trails this winter? Here’s a tip: If you have a current Seasonal Sno-Park Permit, you don’t need to purchase a Discover Pass to visit a designated Sno-Park between now and March 31.

However, if you have a Daily Sno-Park pass, you’ll also need a one-day Discover Pass or an annual Discover Pass to visit the following locations: Crystal Springs Sno-Park, Lake Easton State Park, Lake Wenatchee State Park, Fields Spring State Park, Mount Spokane State Park and Mount Tahoma Trail system.

Sno-Park Seasonal Permits are non-transferable between vehicles. Some Sno-Parks require only a seasonal permit for season parking. Others require both the seasonal permit and the special groomed trails permit (sticker) in order to use the designated Sno-Park.

These special Groomed Trails Permits are required at only the following eight Sno-Parks: Cabin Creek, Chiwawa, Crystal Springs, Hyak, Lake Easton State Park, Lake Wenatchee Park, Mount Spokane State Park and Nason Ridge. Funds from these sales pay for more frequent trail grooming at these Sno-Parks and the maintenance and replacement of snow grooming equipment owned by Washington State Parks.

Find out more at: http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov and http://www.parks.wa.gov/winter/permits/.

In Oregon: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/vehicle/sno_park_permits.shtml

 

 

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