June 9 is National Get Outdoors Day!

The U.S. Forest Service and the National Parks are celebrating National Get Outdoors Day—an effort to make us all aware of the benefits of enjoying the big, beautiful American outdoors. On Saturday, June 9, entrance to all Forest Service parks are free as is entrance to the Northwest National Parks listed below. On this day, many of the parks are offering special events, walks, exhibits, and a chance to experience the wild in an up-close and personal way.

IDAHO

• Craters of the Moon National Park

• Yellowstone National Park 

Glacier National Park

MONTANA

• Glacier National Park

• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

• Yellowstone National Park

• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

OREGON

• Crater Lake National Park

• Lewis & Clark National Historical Park

WASHINGTON

• Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, Seattle

• Mount Rainier National Park

• Olympic National Park

• Fort Vancouver National Park

• Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Maritime Fun at the Anacortes Waterfront Festival

Anacortes, gateway to the San Juans, is a delightful destination in itself, worthy of a day trip, or an entire weekend. Like next weekend, for instance, June 2-3! That’s when the Anacortes Waterfront Festival draws local artists and crafts-people, offers up delicious local goodies, and toe-tappin’ live music. The wide variety of events includes a milk carton derby; the High Tide Ride, a 5-mile cycle race; a Custom Classic Car show; free boat rides and guided waterfront walks; and a radio-controlled sailboat regatta.

On Saturday, the Quick & Dirty boat-building competition gives us the chance to watch students from local trade schools and the marine industry build a seaworthy vessel in six hours flat. You’ll even get to join the judges in determining the winner! 

On both Saturday and Sunday, at the Seafarer’s Memorial Park, the Hole in the Wall Paddling Club hosts the opportunity to learn about paddling sports, and the U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue helicopter team gives exciting demonstrations.   

In addition to public and private campgrounds in and around the area, RVers traveling to Anacortes can look to Encore and Thousand Trails RV Resorts and Campgrounds for accommodations during the festival. To book a visit to any of Encore and Thousand Trails RV Resorts and Campgrounds in Washington or around the country, call 866-730-0637, or visit www.RVonTheGo.com.  

DETAILS:

Anacortes Waterfront Festival

Saturday & Sunday, June 2 & 3

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.