TrailsFest event offers outdoor family fun

NORTH BEND - TrailsFest, an all-day event that offers a jam-packed sampling of the best of Washington's great outdoors, will arrive at Rattlesnake Lake on July 19.

The free event, hosted by the Washington Trails Association, offers attendees the chance to hike, bird watch, take a wagon ride, paddle a kayak, learn how to forecast the weather and track down sasquatches, all in one day. In addition, TrailsFest visitors will have the chance to learn about the latest in outdoor gear, talk to local rangers about the best places to hike and camp and visit with local activists to learn what to do to protect the area's wild and outdoor spaces.

TrailsFest is designed to be fun and informative for the entire family. A forum for women covering the issues they encounter in the wilderness will be offered, along with a slideshow and chat with hiking guidebook author John Zill aimed at the dayhiker. Novices will enjoy the Get Out More workshop and aspiring meteorologists will have the chance to speak with KING 5's Rich Marriot.

Kids will meet animals, such as llamas and horses, along with an invitation to go boating on Rattlesnake Lake. Representatives from the Woodland Park Zoo will be on hand to make a presentation, along with Native American storytelling events and tag-type games led by the Seattle Audubon Society.

Prizes also will be awarded at the event.

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