OLYMPIA – June 4, 2018 – Washington State Parks invites the public to participate in an exciting, educational lineup of free summer programs in state parks in eastern King and Snohomish counties.
Programs are designed for visitors of all ages and will focus on the natural and cultural resources found in the greater Seattle region of the cascade foothills area. Visitors will learn about wetland habitats, how to identify native plants and interact with wildlife and the importance of forest decomposers. Activities will include guided hikes, junior ranger learning games and interactive demonstrations.
All children attending Junior Ranger hikes, Junior Ranger programs and Mini Ranger programs must be accompanied by an adult.
Bridle Trails State Park
5300 116th Ave. N.E.
Kirkland
Discovery Hike
10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 29
Meet in the main parking lot at Bridle Trails State Park to join park staff in an exploration of forest ecosystems. Explore the unique cultural and natural beauty of this urban state park while discovering the importance of urban green spaces. Programs last 45 minutes and are appropriate for people of all ages. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended. The hike includes one hill, which climbs out of the parking lot.
Junior Ranger Hike
1 p.m. Sunday, July 29
Meet in the main parking at Bridle Trails State Park to join park staff in a fun family-friendly exploration of forest decomposers. Explore and play games while discovering the important role of these often underestimated plants, animals and bacteria in forest ecology. The program is designed for children ages 4 to 8, but all ages are welcome. Sturdy shoes, snacks and water are recommended. The hike will include one hill that climbs up from the parking lot.
Lake Sammamish State Park
2000 N.W. Sammamish Road
Issaquah
Discovery Hike
10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 1
Meet at Sunset Beach to join park staff in an exploration of wetland ecosystems at Lake Sammamish State Park. Explore the unique cultural and natural beauty of this urban state park while discovering the value of wetland habitats. Programs last 45 minutes and are appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended.
Junior Ranger Hike
1 p.m. Sunday, July 1
Meet at Sunset Beach to join park staff in a fun, family-friendly exploration of wetland ecosystems especially tailored for youth ages 4 to 8. Explore and play games while discovering the value of wetland habitats. The program lasts 45 minutes and is appropriate for people of all abilities. Sturdy shoes, snacks and water are recommended.
Mini Ranger Programs
1:30 p.m. Saturdays, June 30 through Sept. 1
Meet at Sunset Beach Bathhouse. Listen to stories and play games while exploring nature in a family-friendly program designed for children age 2 to 5. The 45-minute Mini Ranger programs are provided weekly on different topics.
Junior Ranger Programs
1:30 p.m. Fridays, June 29 through Aug. 31
3:30 p.m. Saturdays, June 30 through Sept. 1
Meet at Sunset Beach Bathhouse. Discover amazing animals, wacky wetlands and how to be a steward of parks while participating in a fun family-friendly program designed for youth ages 4 to 12. Junior Ranger programs are provided weekly on a different topic each week and run 30 minutes.
Olallie State Park
51350 S.E. Homestead Valley Road
North Bend
Nature Nook
10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, June 30 through Sept. 1
Meet at the Twin Falls trails. Before hiking to the falls, drop by the Nature Nook table to discover feathers, skulls, tracks and more. This activity is for people of all ages.
Saint Edward State Park
14445 Juanita Dr. N.E.
Kenmore
Nature Nook
6 to 8 p.m., Thursdays, July 12 through Aug. 16
While listening to the City of Kenmore concert series at Saint Edward, drop by the Nature Nook table to discover feathers, skulls, tracks and more. This activity is for people of all ages.
Wallace Falls State Park
14503 Wallace Lake Road
Gold Bar
Discovery Hike
10:30 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 26
Meet at the park store for a staff-led exploration of forest ecosystems. Explore the unique cultural and natural beauty of the park while discovering local Pacific Northwest flora and fauna. Programs last 45 minutes and are appropriate for all ages. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended.
Junior Ranger Hike
1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26
Meet at the park store for a fun family-friendly, staff-guided exploration of forest ecosystems for children age four to eight. Explore and play games while discovering forest habitats and the importance of water in the Pacific Northwest. Programs last 45 minutes and are appropriate for all abilities. Sturdy shoes, snacks and water are recommended.
Wallace Falls Evening Programs
7 p.m. Fridays, June 29, July 13, July 27, Aug. 10 and Aug. 24
Meet park staff in the park’s amphitheater and discover flora and fauna unique to the Pacific Northwest. Learn how to safely interact with wildlife and identify local plants. Find out about the region’s fascinating history. Topics will change monthly.
A Discover Pass is required for park entrance.
All programs are subject to cancellation due to weather or staffing availability. For more information about programs, contact Joy Kacoroski, Lake Sammamish Interpretive Specialist, (425) 455-7010, joy.kacoroski@parks.wa.gov.
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
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Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.