TrailsFest is Saturday at Rattlesnake Lake A trails celebration

If you’ve ever wanted to travel by kayak, learn how to read mountain weather, or hang out with a pack goat, the shores of Rattlesnake Lake will be a great place to start this weekend.

If you’ve ever wanted to travel by kayak, learn how to read mountain weather, or hang out with a pack goat, the shores of Rattlesnake Lake will be a great place to start this weekend.

TrailsFest, an annual outdoor adventure show hosted by the Washington Trails Association, will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the lake.

The event features activities and workshops on everything from hiking with children and dogs, backcountry cooking and mountain first aid. Visitors can take a guided hike to a lookout, paddle canoes, learn to make s’mores, try a climbing wall, check out new outdoors gear and plenty more besides. Dozens of exhibitors, gear companies and outdoor groups will be on hand.

Admission is free.

TrailsFest activities are meant to inform and entertain as well as get people outdoors. The event offers plenty of options for families and children, novice adventurers or experienced hikers.

The various TrailsFest clinics include:

• Exploring North Cascade trails with day hiking author Craig Romano.

• Whipping up tasty backcountry meals.

• Responsible hiking with dogs.

• Smart packing with Hilleberg the Tentmaker.

• Identifying common birds with the Seattle Audubon Society.

The event winds down with s’mores and a campfire singalong.

To get to TrailsFest, take Interstate 90 to Exit 32, then turn right on 436th Avenue Southeast. Follow this road 2.7 miles to Rattlesnake Lake.

To learn more, call (206) 625-1367 or visit www.trailsfest.org.