Wenatchee Outdoors

Spirit Whales & Sloth Tales
2023-12-12 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
The Wenatchee Valley Erratics Chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute’s next program will be Tuesday, December 12 at 7:00 PM. This is a hybrid program, with the speakers presenting remotely via Zoom from Seattle. For those who are not computer-or Zoom-savvy, you can attend in-person for a screening at the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 127 S. Mission, Wenatchee. Or at home via Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84520197937 Webinar ID: 845 2019 7937
In Washington, you are never far from the past, including evidence of plants and animals that came before. Fossil flowers in Republic. Trilobites near the Idaho border. Primitive horses on the Columbia Plateau. Tracks of giant birds near Bellingham. Curious bear-like creatures on the Olympic Peninsula. With abundant and well-exposed rock layers, Washington has fossils dating from Ice Age mammals from only 12,000 years ago, to marine invertebrates more than 500 million years old.

Join co-authors Dr. Liz Nesbitt and David B. Williams as they discuss this rich array of past life, which is featured in their new book, Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales: Fossils in Washington State—the first book ever on fossils in the state! Why did they choose the fossils they did? What is the new science that has allowed paleontologists to tease out the 500-million-year long story of life in this region?
Liz Nesbitt is curator emerita of invertebrate and micropaleontology at the Burke Museum. David B. Williams is an author, naturalist, tour guide, and Curatorial Associate at the Burke Museum.Please sign in, or show up, at 7:00 PM, December 12! The program is free and open to the public.

Birding by the River
2023-12-13 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Denver)
Birding by the River
Hosted by Wenatchee River Institute
Second Wednesday of every month from 8-9:30am @ WRI (Dates: 6/14, 7/12, 8/9, 9/13, 10/11, 11/8, 12/13)
Go birding with knowledgeable WRI staff around the WRI campus the second Wednesday of each month! All birding skill levels are welcome. This is a FREE program and no registration is required.
More info: https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/education-programs/community-programs/seasonal-nature-walks.html

Hiking the Geologic Mysteries of North Cascades N.P.
2023-12-13 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Hiking the Geologic Mysteries of North Cascades N.P. – Online
This event is hosted by the North Cascades Institute
Class Tuition: $10
Why are the river canyons cut so deeply and the spires of mountains so jagged and sharp? What makes the rocks of the North Cascades so distinct and famous around the globe?
Join Gina Roberti on a virtual tour of the diverse geology of North Cascades National Park to learn about the geologic story of this place and how it has been interpreted over time. Develop a new lens for interpreting the rocks around you and a deeper appreciation for the complex geologic history of this landscape.
This class will focus on the geology of several hiking destinations and overlooks in North Cascades National Park.
For more information or to register click here.

The Science of Ski and Snowboard Waxing + Tuning
2023-12-14 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Location: Colchuck Consignment 5653 Sunset HighwayCashmere, WA, 98815
Head back to school and come spend an evening at Colchuck Consignment with Aaron from Downtown Bike as he delves into the mysteries of caring for, waxing, and tuning your skis or boards!
The 2 hour syllabus will include:
Physics – More than just gravity.
Getting slick in Chemistry!
Holding a tune in Geometry class?!
Try not to slice your thumbs in Shop.
And let’s not forget about Health Class!
6:30-8:30 PM
Please bring a camp chair to sit in if you have one!

Santa Paws 5k/2k
2023-12-16 10:30 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society for the Santa Paws 5k/2k run/walk event!
The event will take place at Wenatchee Valley Brewing Saturday, December 16th!
For more information click here.

Snowshoe Stroll at the Hatchery
2024-01-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-01-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-01-20 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-01-26 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-01-27 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-02-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-02-03 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Location: Leavenworth Fish Hatchery
Join the Wenatchee River Institute for a two-hour nature walk with one of our knowledgeable naturalists. Our walks are seasonally-based and offered throughout the year!
You will explore the outdoors, learn about the natural and cultural history specific to Leavenworth with many scenic views along the way! You will learn about many topics including local plants and animals, geology, and the p’squosa (Wenatchi) people.
Difficulty level: a ‘walk in the park’ (beginner level)
Not fully ADA accessible
WRI will provide snowshoes for all participants and registration is required. To register click here.
If you would like to schedule a private walk for a large group (over 5 people), please email Joshua to learn more about rates and availability.

Advice for Girls-An All Women Ski Film
2024-01-19 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Film: Advice For Girls-An All Women Ski Film

Friday, January 19, 2024
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Colchuck Consignment5653 Sunset HighwayCashmere, WA, 98815United States (map)

Trailer for the movie
More info coming soon!
$5 suggested donation at the door.
Doors at 6:30; film at 7
Please bring a camp chair if you have one!
For more information click here.

Not Just Chicks on Sticks
2024-01-20 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
This is an event for EVERYONE who wants to join us for a fun day raising money to support those affected by cancer.
This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of Barb Kelly.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Wellness Place. Wellness Place offers compassionate and FREE resources to individuals, their families and caregivers through their cancer journey, from diagnosis to survivorship, for those in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties.
To register and for more information click here.

Skate, Classic or Snowshoe your way through Barb’s Loop at the IRT for a good cause. We encourage you to come dressed up and enjoy this FUNdraiser event with us!
This will be a fun race with no official timing in place!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Saturday, January 20th
9am-9:45am Day of Registrations/Check In (Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Parking Lot)
10am – Group at the Starting Line for Kick off (Barb’s Loop, Course Start)
10:15am – Kids 1k lap (9 years old and under)
10:30am – Ribbon Cutting on Barb’s Loop, Group 8k, 4k, & Snowshoe start
11:30pm – Raffle (Course Start/Finish)
*This is a fun race with no official timing*

The event will be held on Barb’s Loop at the LWSC Icicle River Trails (the back loop)
**ACCESS via the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery
12790 Fish Hatchery Road
Leavenworth, WA 98826
Registration fees:
$25 for LWSC Members (Season Pass holders)
$30 for Non-Members

Winter Snowshoe Hikes
2024-01-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
This event is hosted by the City of Wenatchee and Washington State Parks
Location: Squilchuck State Park
These guided snowshoe hikes are open to all ages and experience levels. Washington State Park Rangers lead each hike on established, family-friend trails to familiarize beginners with the basics of snowshoeing and discuss winter ecology.
Space is limited, so register early!
10:00AM ON JANUARY 20 & 27
Adults (13+) $8.00/$8.50 // Youth (0-12) $5.25/$6.00
SNOWSHOES PROVIDED
MORE INFORMATION:
509-888-3284
www.wenatcheewa.gov/register

Wednesday Wenatchee Birding
2024-01-24 07:30 - 09:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Go birding with knowledgeable WRI staff around Walla Walla Point Park and the Horan Natural Area in Wenatchee! All birding skill levels are welcome. Need binoculars? We have loaner binoculars that you can borrow.
This is a great opportunity to learn about eBird, the largest biodiversity-related community science project in the world, and utilize it to record our observations of local wild birds.
Total walking distance is approximately 2 miles, over a mostly flat and gravel path with some slight hills. Come prepared for the weather. This event will happen rain or shine!
Trail difficulty level: beginner level
Trail is wide enough for ADA access, but trails are mostly gravel and compact earth.
Bathrooms available near the parking lot at the start and end of the walk.
Meet in the north parking lot of Walla Walla Point Park, near the restrooms and playground at 7:30am. The plan is to finish by 9:30am. This is a FREE event and no registration is needed.

CONTACT INFO
Tucker Jonas
tjonas@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org
509-548-0181

RELATED LINKS

Birdability Details
eBird

Thursday Night Drags!
2024-01-25 18:30 - 19:30, 2024-02-01 18:30 - 19:30, 2024-02-08 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
This event is hosted by Mission Ridge Ski Team and Mission Ridge

Join us Thursday nights starting January 25th and compete with and against your friends in head-to-head GS racing! Skiers AND snowboarders welcome!!

Register for just $89 per person!

Sign-up and let us know if you have a team and we will group you together for the series! No team? No problem, we will make one for you!

Details and registration can be found here: https://www.mrst.us/page/show/5904943-thursday-night-drags

Finding Gulo, Wolverines of the North Cascades
2024-01-26 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Title:
Finding Gulo, Wolverines of the North Cascades with David Moskowitz

Event Schedule:
5-6:15 pm: Dinner, benefitting the Community Cultural Center of Tonasket
6:30 pm: Finding Gulo Event, free to the public

Location:
Community Cultural Center of Tonasket. 411 S Western Ave Tonasket, WA 98855

Event Description:

Wolverines (Gulo gulo) are creatures as elusive and rare as they are intriguing. Join David Moskowitz, wildlife biologist, photographer, author, wildlife tracker, educator and cast member of the acclaimed film, Finding Gulo, for an evening learning about the life history, ecology, and conservation of wolverines in our region! As co-founder of the Cascades Wolverine Project, David and his team are working to recover and protect the wolverine population of the North Cascades. The event will include an introduction, a screening of the film, and will finish with a Q&A session. Hope to see you there!

Full Moon Ski
2024-01-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Plain Valley Ski Trails Presents: Full Moon Ski
Friday Jan. 26th
Meet at the meadow loop trailhead across from Plain Hardware.
Hot Chocolate and treats will be provided. Free to all.

Winter Snowshoe Hikes
2024-01-27 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
This event is hosted by the City of Wenatchee and Washington State Parks

Location: Squilchuck State Park
These guided snowshoe hikes are open to all ages and experience levels. Washington State Park Rangers lead each hike on established, family-friend trails to familiarize beginners with the basics of snowshoeing and discuss winter ecology.
Space is limited, so register early!
10:00AM ON JANUARY 27
Adults (13+) $8.00/$8.50 // Youth (0-12) $5.25/$6.00
SNOWSHOES PROVIDED
MORE INFORMATION:
509-888-3284
www.wenatcheewa.gov/register

Skirennen 2024
2024-01-28 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2024
The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club will be hosting this Washington Nordic Cup inter-team time trial.
RACE LOCATION
Leavenworth Winter Sports Club
Icicle River Trails – BACK LOOP
Accessible via the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery
RACE DETAILS
All races will be freestyle.
AWARDS & SCORING
Awards will be held directly following the race. These races will be scored using Washington Nordic Cup Guidelines.
To be scored as a participant in the WNC Series, skiers must follow the below distance guidelines:
5 km – Race open to all ages. Scoring for U16, U18, U20 and Open
2 km – Race open to all ages. Scoring for U12 and U14
1 km – Race open to all ages. Scoring for U8 and U10
US SKI & SNOWBOARD AGE CLASSIFICATIONS
RACE SCHEDULE
10:00am – Course inspection & Bib Pick-up
10:45am – 5k Open
11:30am – 5 km (U20, U18, U16)
12:15am – 2 km (U14, U12)
12:45pm – 1 km (U10, U8)
Directly following 1K race – Lollipop Race (U6)
Awards following
REGISTRATION
Free for U20 and Under! Please register online by end of the day, January 27th. Limited Same-Day Registration.
$20 for the Open category
For more information click here.

Planetarium Night Sky Viewing
2024-02-01 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Location: Wenatchee River Institute
Join WRI to explore the stars and our solar system. We will start our evening by entering our dome shaped planetarium for a realistic view of our night sky. Witness the sky during different seasons throughout the year, learn winter constellations and get to know our sun, moon and stars like never before. We’ll travel through space to explore the planets and moons in our solar system.
After the planetarium, if the evening gives us clear skies, we’ll have an opportunity to have a guided walk with Dr. Cassandra Fallscheer, Associate Professor of Physics at Central Washington University.
Cost: $28 member, $35 nonmember. Not a member? Find our “Membership” page under the Support tab!
If the cost is a barrier for you to participate, follow the “Financial Access Form” at the link below.
For more information click here: Planetarium Night Sky Viewing : Calendar of Events | Wenatchee River Institute
Limit: 16 participants.
Ages: 12+, adult must attend with children.

CONTACT INFO
Joshua Schaub
jschaub@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org
5095480181

Sports Complex Feasibility Study Steering Committee Meeting
2024-02-02 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Sports Complex Feasibility Study Steering Committee Meeting
On Friday, February 2nd, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Confluence Technology Center, the
Regional Sports Complex Steering Committee will be listening to a presentation on
Phase II Objectives as part of the Regional Sports Complex Feasibility Study.
The study, in its entirety, will consist of an existing conditions survey, demographics,
market analysis, public input, regional and local facility comparison, facility options
(including programming and capital costs), site analysis, estimates of financial
performance, economic impact, and funding options. The study area includes all of
Chelan and Douglas counties.
The public is welcome to attend in person or remotely, if interested.
Zoom Link Can Be Found Here
Meeting ID: 828 2059 9174
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Confluence Technology Center
285 Technology Center Way
Wenatchee, WA, 98801

Race of the Methow
2024-02-03 00:00 - 2024-02-04 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles)
The Race of the Methow is Methow Valley Nordic’s premier race weekend which serves as both a Junior National Qualifier for the Pacific Northwest Division and as a community race for all-comers, with a special focus on youth.
When: Saturday and Sunday, February 3 and 4, 2024 (official training and course inspection on February 2).
What: Saturday freestyle sprint, Sunday classic mass start. See below for additional details.
Where: McCabe Trails, Liberty Bell High School, Winthrop, WA (Please note: LBHS is a dog-free campus – thanks for leaving pets at home)
For more information click the link below.
Race of the Methow – Methow Valley Nordic

Bakke Cup 2024 (CANCELLED)
2024-02-03 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
This event has been cancelled due to lack of snow.
The Leavenworth Classic: Alpine GS, Ski Jumping and Nordic
All children are welcome to participate and all proceeds will benefit the LWSC ski teams.
The Bakke Cup is a 3-way race. Racers are encouraged to do at least 2 of the 3 events.
The event is open to any youth ages 6 through 17.
Race categories by gender and age: U8 (6-7), U10 (8-9), U12 (10-11), U14 (12-13), U18 (14-17).
Race category based on on racer age as of 1/1/2024 (US Ski & Snowboard Age Rules)
Getting kids out on the snow and having fun is the idea behind the day – we want kids to leave with good memories and lots of smiles.
REGISTER
Bakke isn’t just a name– Kjell Bakke, for whom the race is named, was a constant supporter of the LWSC and kids programs. He witnessed the North American Distance Records set at the Leavenworth Ski Hill and was a descendant of the men that constructed Bakke Hill in the 1920’s. Bakke Hill was the site of the National Ski Jumping Championships in 1941, 1959, 1967, 1974 and 1978. Kjell was also instrumental in getting the “D” jump behind Ski Hill Lodge built.
EVENT BASICS
Alpine Race:

GS course on the big hill. Places based on combined time for 2 runs.

Ski Jump:

2 jumps per competitor. Distances added for the two jumps.
All kids under 12 will jump on small hill unless they have practiced on the big jump.
Kids 12-17 will have option to jump from the small hill or the big jump.
All kids must have jumped at least one time on the jump prior to the competition. (Practice jumping has been happening during Wednesday and some Friday night Alpine training- Reach out to Alpine Team head coach to confirm). Kids will be allowed one practice jump before the event that day.
A small jump next to the Lodge will be constructed for the kids who have not jumped before (or younger kids not ready for the D jump) and will earn a set minimum score regardless of distance.

Nordic Race:

Racers can either skate or Classic ski.
The Nordic stage is pursuit fashion, based on the results of the first two events. If kids are only doing the Nordic, they will be started after the other competitors.
1K for 11 & under, 2K for 12+.
Starts behind Ski Hill Lodge, loops by ski jump, big tow, back to lodge. 2k is twice around.
Two way competitors will start 20 seconds after the last 3-way racers.

TIMELINE
Check-in/ Bib pick up: 8:30am – on the Ski Hill Lodge patio
Alpine Race: 9:30 – First racer starts (Warm up/course slip only (no racing) – 8:45-9:30am).
Ski Jump Competition: Following completion of the Alpine Race (time dependent on how many racers we’ve got)
*Competitors will have a short break between jump and Nordic to change gear and refuel before the Nordic Pursuit while results are being calculated for Nordic start times.*
Nordic Race: After Ski Jump
Fees: Donation based (donate what you can – all donations benefit the LWSC Ski Team!)
*ALL EVENTS, TIMES AND LOCATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE* We appreciate your patience as details may change, and as always events may run late or early depending on weather, participants and other factors.
Helmets are required for Alpine and Ski Jump for all participants.

We are still looking for volunteers for many positions, if you are available please email events@skileavenworth.com

Clinic for Classic Ski
2024-02-03 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
PVST Clinic for Classic Ski
Saturday, February 3, 2024
10AM-3PM
Cost: $99
Includes a ski in catered lunch at Mountain Springs Lodge

Important Clinic Information:

This is an all ski level clinic, there will accommodations for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
We will meet at the Meadow Loop Trailhead of Plain Valley Ski Trails, there will be free parking available.
All skiers need a 2023-24 Season or Day Pass. If you need to purchase your pass, it needs to be purchased before your lesson at skiplain.com/passes.
Use “PVSTClinic” for 20% discount on your 2023-24 season pass!
Rentals are not included in your clinic. Rentals are available across the street at Plain Hardware.
If you are renting gear please arrive at least an hour before the start of the clinic to provide adequate time.
Please dress for the weather, lessons are snow or shine and dressing in layers is key.
Clinics are non-refundable, if cancelled within 24 hours.

Questions?
If you have any questions regarding the clinic please contact PVST Lesson Coordinator, Izzy Clark at PVST@SkiPlain.com.
Plain Valley Ski Trails Mission: Create and sustain a high-quality ski trail system that serves the community and funds barrier-free ski educational programs that motivate individual and team achievement.
Plain Valley Ski Trails is a community supported 501 (c)(3) non-profit public charity.
For more information and to register click here.

Twilight Snowshoe Treks
2024-02-03 16:30 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Hosted by Mission Ridge
This fun, informative, guided snowshoe trek leaves from the Mission Ridge Base Area and heads up to the Midway Lodge. Each trek’s pace fits the group’s interests and abilities. Great for first-time snowshoers and those looking for a unique, non-skiing, on-snow experience. Twilight Snowshoe Treks are approximately 1.5 miles long, with an elevation gain of roughly 550 feet, and take around 2 hrs.
Suggested Gear: Boots that fit well and offer good ankle support, goggles, gloves, a winter hat, coat, snow pants & headlamp.
Creature Comforts if you have them: backpack, gaiters, and facemask.
Groups will meet at 4:30 PM in front of the Hampton Lodge Rental/Retail Shop and departs promptly at 5:00 PM.
Tours are available by reservation every Friday and Saturday evening from January 6th to February 25th.
Price
$10 to register, $30 to rent snowshoes.
For more information click here.

Norwegians Bring Ski Jumping to the PNW
2024-02-06 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Streaming link: https://youtube.com/live/MiiQcs9UB3k?feature=share

Join the Wenatchee River Institute, Greater Leavenworth Museum, Northwest Ski Museum, and the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club for an evening with John Lundin to learn about the history of ski jumping in our mountain town. Copies of his book, “Ski Jumping in Washington State: A Nordic Tradition,” will be available for purchase at the event.

This is a FREE event with a donation basket at the door.
Doors open at 6:30pm for a community social with beer and wine available for purchase. The presentation will start at 7:00pm.
Norwegians Bring Ski Jumping to the PNW and Leavenworth

Ski jumping, once Washington’s most popular winter sport, was introduced by Norwegian immigrants in the early twentieth century. Beginning at Spokane’s Browne’s Mountain and Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill, the sport moved to midsummer tournaments on Mount Rainier in 1917 and expanded statewide as new ski clubs formed. Washington tournaments attracted the world’s best jumpers–Birger and Sigurd Ruud, Alf Engen, Sigurd Ulland, Reidar Andersen, and many others. In 1941, Torger Tokle set two national distance records here in just three weeks. Regional ski areas hosted national and international championships as well as Olympic tryouts, entertaining spectators until Leavenworth’s last tournament in 1978.

About the presenter:
John W. Lundin is a historian, author, and lawyer. He’s a founding member of the Washington State Ski and Snowboard Museum. John learned to ski using wooden skis, leather boots and rope tows. John has written four award winning books: Early Skiing on Snoqualmie Pass (2017); Sun Valley, Ketchum and the Wood River Valley (2020); Skiing Sun Valley: a History from Union Pacific to the Holdings (2020), (recipient of three national book awards); and Ski Jumping in Washington State: a Nordic Tradition (2021). He helped organize two exhibits on ski jumping: “Sublime Sights: Ski Jumping in Nordic America” at Seattle’s National Nordic Museum in 2021; and “Skiers in Flight: Sun Valley’s Ski Jumping Roots” at the Regional History Museum in Ketchum, Idaho, in 2022. He won the 2023 Western Heritage Prize from the Far West Ski Association and Steamboat Springs Resort for his multi-year “Work to Preserve Ski Jumping History, Expressing Norwegian Identity and Its Role in the Development of Skiing History.

For more information click here.
