Washington State Parks in Eastern King and Snohomish counties will host free programming this summer for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests. The Cascade Foothills area parks, easily reachable from the Puget Sound area, are Bridle Trails, Lake Sammamish, Olallie, Saint Edward, Squak Mountain and Wallace Falls state parks. Here is some of what's going on:
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Secrets of the Trees walk
If trees could talk, what would they say? It turns out trees participate in an underground social network.Take an hourlong guided hike and eavesdrop on the forest and learn about its ancient wisdom.
10 a.m. Sunday, Aug.25
Trillium Loop trailhead
Bridle Trails State Park
5300 116th Ave. N.E., Kirkland
10 a.m., Fridays, Aug. 9-30
Twin Falls Trailhead
Olallie State Park
47600 S.E. 159th St., North Bend
10 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 18
Meet at the playground (south of the Seminary)
Saint Edward State Park, Kenmore
10 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 11
Meet at the park’s south-end parking lot
Squak Mountain State Park
21430 S.E. May Valley Road, Issaquah
Junior Ranger program
Kids age 6 through 11 can become birds, bats, beavers and Junior Rangers as they learn about local wildlife and conservation through 30-minute interactive programs. Topics will differ each week.
3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, July 12 to Aug. 31
Sunset Beach Bathhouse
Lake Sammamish State Park
2000 N.W. Sammamish Road, Issaquah
Wonder Ranger program
Youth ages 8 and older can deepen their sense of wonder in nature through inquiry, exploration and art. In this program, they will cultivate communication, critical thinking and creative skills during hour-long programs on topics such as love and beauty. Programs will differ each week. Reservations are encouraged.
1 p.m., Saturdays, July 13 to Aug. 31
Sunset Beach Bathhouse
Lake Sammamish State Park
2000 N.W. Sammamish Road, Issaquah
Folk and traditional arts program
Sundae Sermon: July 14
Indian Independence Day Celebration: Aug. 17
Lake Sammamish State Park
2000 N.W. Sammamish Road, Issaquah
Nature Station
People of all ages will learn out how their choices affect native plants and wildlife through interactive learning.
10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, July 13 to Aug. 31
Meet at Twin Falls Trailhead
Olallie State Park
47600 S.E. 159th St., North Bend
2-4 p.m. Saturdays, July 12 to Aug. 31
Playground south of the seminary
Saint Edward State Park, Kenmore
3 – 4:30 p.m., Sundays, July 14 to Sept. 1
Meet at Small Falls (along the Woody Trail)
Wallace Falls State Park
14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar
Kenmore Concert series
Learn about local wildlife and how you can protect their homes as you enjoy Malian, bluegrass, Hawaiian slack key, country blues, flamenco and soul tunes. For all ages. (No Discover Pass needed for concerts. The City of Kenmore is covering the parking cost.)
6 – 8 p.m., Thursdays, July 11 to Aug. 15
picnic area west of the seminary,
Saint Edward State Park
14445 Juanita Dr. N.E., Kenmore
All programs are free. A Discover Pass is required for day-use vehicle parking, except on Sunday Aug. 25, which is a State Parks’ free day in celebration of the National Park Service’s birthday, and for the concert series at Saint Edward State Park.
Children must be accompanied by an adult during all programming. Programs are subject to cancellation.
Many Washington state parks host great programs for people of all ages, all summer long. More events are listed on State Parks’ online calendar.
