Upcoming Local Activities

Dec
31

CAI-PNW Hike: Meadowdale Beach Park – Lunds Gulch in Lynnwood

What a great way to “Say goodbye to 2024 and ring in 2025” hiking and enjoying the day with CAI PNW friends!

The hike goes down a lushly forested ravine with a babbling creek to its estuary as it empties into Puget Sound. Heading to the beach, enjoy the panorama of Brown’s Bay, Puget Sound, the islands, and the Olympic Mountains. Watch seabirds and gobeachcombing to look for crab shells, anemones, and other treasures.

At the bottom of the staircase (how many stairs you ask…there are 90 gentle stairs!) you start hearing Lunds Gulch Creek. It is named after John Lund, who homesteaded here in 1878. The trail levels out and follows closely along the creek. The forest is now open mixed forest with big leaf maple, Western red cedar, Sitka spruce, and a salmonberry understory. Note the impressive stumps of old growth Western red cedar that were left from logging, with the lumberjacks’ springboard notches still showing.

Closer to the beach, the forest becomes alder forest. There is a covered area for our lunch/snacks and a privy. Or we can sit on logs along the beach, enjoy the view and have lunch. Be sure to fuel up on lunch as the hike back to the parking lot is mostly uphill and includes the stairs!!

As we know, the weather often does not cooperate this time of year! If rainy, we will regroup and enjoy breakfast at the Family Pancake House, a family-owned and operated restaurant in Edmonds. They serve delicious meals made from scratch with fresh, local, quality ingredients.

Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip- out and back hike

Gain: 425 feet

Entry Pass: None

Bring: lunch, snacks, water, waterproof clothing, and binoculars

More detailed information will be emailed to those who sign-up.

RSVP to Kendra by December 28, 2024

Klwanzie2 at gmail.com

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Nov
13

CAI-PNW - Bowling

Looking for an indoor activity to enjoy with the weather turning? Let’s knock down some pins together! What a great way to have fun and enjoy an activity with CAI friends!

The price is: $30.00 per hour per lane for 5 bowlers ($6.00 per person) plus $5.00 per person for shoe rental. If you have your own shoes and ball, please bring them.

Good news ... no fear of throwing a gutter ball as the bowling alley has bumper guards!

Once you RSVP, more specific details will be sent.

RSVP to Kendra by noon on November 10, 2024

Kendra Wanzenried at: klwanzie2 at gmail.com

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Oct
26

CAI-PNW Hike: Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail - West Seattle

Join leaders Sylvia & Sam Shiroyama on this easy to moderate urban trail through the largest contiguous forest in Seattle, public greenspaces, businesses, and residential areas. It is a mixture of nature, historic sites, public art, and businesses. Longfellow Creek is among the historical fishing grounds of the Duwamish People.

Longfellow Creek is one of only two tributaries to the Duwamish River with spawning salmon present (typically in the fall), local wildlife including bird watching, beaver activity, and natural landscape. There is an option to see restored historic peat bogs and ponds. Along the trail are the effects of the destruction of the Creek and efforts to restore it.

There are the following options if you would like to shorten the hike:

Option 1: 2.2 miles one-way ... a signpost marks 2.2 miles

Option 2: 4.2 miles one-way, 578 feet elevate on gain, highest elevation 306 feet

Option 3: As an out-and-back, this can be shortened at any point as needed

Option 4: A few blocks from the end, the C Line can take you back to your car, please check bus schedules if you plan to use this option

Bring: snacks, lunch, water, trekking poles, appropriate clothing for the weather

More detailed information will be sent to those who sign up.

RSVP to Sylvia by Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Sylvia Shiroyama, sashiro at aol.com

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Oct
9

CAI-PNW Hike – Annette Lake – Snoqualmie Pass

Enjoy waterfalls, sheltering forest, mountain views, and an Alpine Lake, on this well- maintained trail. At the lake we can enjoy the views, have lunch and relax for a while. The trip distance and pace will be adjusted in consideration of the weather and group conditions for the day.

If you do not wish to do the entire distance … no problem! Toni Williams will lead a shorter version. Please sign up with Vincenzo and we will divide into two groups at the trailhead.

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/anette-lake

Distance: 7.5 miles, roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,800 ft.

Parking Pass: Northwest Pass

Weather: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?textField1=47.3927574554&textFi eld2=-121.474073344

More information about this trip and logistics will be sent to the participants closer to the trip date. This trip is contingent on weather and driving conditions and may be canceled or rescheduled.

Bring: snacks, lunch, water, trekking poles, appropriate clothing for the weather

RSVP to Vincenzo by Monday, October 7

Vincenzo Lalli - lallivince @ gmail.com

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Sep
28

Festa Italiana Seattle - Grape Stomp

Jump in with both feet and make some vino! Festa Italiana Seattle Grape Stomp takes place on the roof of the Fisher Pavilion at the Seattle Center.

Each team competes against their rivals to create and collect as much grape juice as possible in a messy and frenetic 3-minute stomp!

Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Time: Teams are assigned a time once the registration is completed

Details: All stompers will receive a Tutta Bella Grape Stomp T-shirt and a coupon for a free pizza at Tutta Bella

Each participant on the winning team will receive a bottle of Italian wine!

Stomp Rules:

  • Stompers must use bare feet.

  • Only one team member may stomp at a time.

  • Each four-minute heat allows 3 minutes of stomping and 1 minute of juice collecting.

  • A five-gallon jug is used to collect the juice.

  • The collected juice is measured by the judge, encouraged by the audience.

Stomp Requirements:

  • Each team consists of three participants.

  • Each participant must be 15 years of age or older and in good health.

  • Each team member is required to complete and sign the waiver before stomping.

  • Participants under 18 years of age will require a parent or legal guardian to sign their waiver.

Sign-up:

Contact Kendra by July 19th if you are interested in participating.

I will submit the Grape Stomp Registration Form along with the entry fee once I know who wants to participate.

Contact: Kendra - Email: Klwanzie2 at gmail.com

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Sep
11

Hike - O.O. Denny Park Loop

This 3-mile, easy to moderate, 300 feet of elevation gain loop trail goes up an undeveloped ravine on the shore of Lake Washington. The trail is along the salmon-spawning Denny Creek and passes what was once one of the largest Douglas firs in King County.

After we complete the loop, we will hike the short Beach Park trail and find a lake-side picnic table for our sack lunches, dessert provided! There is a nice toilet building in the park near the parking lot. Plenty of parking and no pass required.

Leader: Cam Bradley

Bring: snacks, lunch, water, trekking poles

More detailed information will be sent to those who sign up

RSVP to Cam by Friday, September 6th

Cam Bradley - camalot31 at gmail.com

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Aug
14

Goat Lake – Mountain Loop Highway Hike

Join leader Joanie Pryor and hike to Goat Lake just past Barlow Pass on the Mt Loop Highway. It is 10.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1400 feet.

The first 4-1/2 miles or so rise gently through beautiful forest, some of which looks like it may be old growth. The trail is well maintained and the tread is with minimal rocks and roots. The last half mile is steeper with areas of rocks and some tangles of roots – all easily navigated – which opens to a beautiful mid-alpine lake with steep granite peaks at the far end.

It is a nice hike with plenty of variety. Beautiful forest, a rushing creek, waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, history, and of course a large blue-green lake surrounded by snowy peaks.

A Northwest Forest Pass is required. There is a privy at the trailhead and a wilderness toilet at the lake.

Distance: 10.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 1400 ft.

Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass

Bring: snacks, lunch, water, trekking poles

More detailed information will be sent to those who sign-up

RSVP to Joanie by noon on Wednesday, August 12, 2024

Joanie Pryor - jmpryor at frc.edu

Goat Lake

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Jul
27

CAI-PNW Annual Potluck & Waterfront Walk

This event kicks off with a walk along the waterfront with Clarence.

Having worked up an appetite, we’ll meet back at Clarence & Toni’s for a potluck. This is a great opportunity to connect with CAI PNW friends!  You won’t want to miss out on the fun!  

Let’s make it a culinary delight with all homemade foods.

More details will be sent to those who sign-up.

Hosts:             Toni Williams & Clarence Elstad

Date:               Saturday, July 27, 2024

Time:               Walk – 1:45 PM

                        Picnic – 4:00 PM

RSVP:              Please RSVP by July 18, 2024

Kendra Wanzenried

klwanzie2 at gmail.com

Food: Once you have RSVP’d, a food sign-up sheet will be emailed to you

Leaders: Colleen Norcott, Toni Williams, Clarence Elstad

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Jun
29

Urban Walk - It’s An Edmonds Kind of Day!

Summer is here … time to head to the Edmonds Farmers Market! Beware … you are sure to find a sweet treat at one of the Market’s bakeries!

The Edmonds Market hosts 90 vendors on Saturday during the summer season. These are family-owned businesses. They grow and raise all the produce; artists and crafters bring items they make. The flower arrangements are always stunning!

While at the Market, visit the Edmonds Historical Museum in the heart of Edmonds. The museum is located in Edmonds’ historic 1910 Carnegie Library building. This building served as the local library from 1911 until 1962, and from 1962 until 1972 was used by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. There is an entrance donation.

Our walk continues taking in wall murals of local artists … please note, Joel Patience is one of the artists! We will also pass by the Edmonds Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary on our way to the waterfront where we will have our lunch.

Distance: 3+ miles

Difficulty: Easy

Parking Pass: None

Bring: snacks, lunch, water, and rain gear

More detailed information will be sent to those who sign-up

RSVP to Kendra by noon on Sunday, June 23, 2024

Klwanzie2 at gmail com

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Jun
12

Wallace Falls Hike

Join Gerlinde Gruber to enjoy breathtaking views of the Wallace River and the surrounding falls on a relatively low difficulty, scenic 5.6 mile round-trip hike.

The trail stands as a true showcase of the diversity and majestic beauty that the Central Cascades can offer to hikers who journey into the heart of this mountain range.

The Trail is consistently gorgeous as you wind your way along the Wallace River and approach the nine dazzling falls.

Viewpoints located at the lower, middle and upper falls let you decide how long you want your hike to be. The middle viewpoint gives you the most panoramic views of the Skykomish River Valley and Olympic Mountains.

Distance: 5.6 miles roundtrip to the Upper Falls

Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet gain to the Upper Falls

Parking: Discover Pass Required

Bring: snacks, lunch, water, rain gear

More detailed information will be sent to those who sign up

RSVP to Gerlinde by noon on Monday, June 10, 2024

Gerlinde Gruber: ivogruber at comcast.net

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Apr
3

Urban Walk - Ballard Locks, Troll Frankie Feetsplinter & Beyond

Join Kathy Biever to explore the Ballard Locks and keep your eyes open for Frankie Feetsplinter, the Troll.

Frankie Feetsplinter is Thomas Dambo’s sixth and final installation as part of “Northwest Trolls: The Way of the Bird King.” 

 Distance: 4.2 miles 

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 125 ft. 

Bring: snacks, lunch, water, rain gear

More detailed information will be sent to those who sign-up

RSVP to Kathy by noon on Monday, April 1, 2024

Leader Kathy Biever

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Mar
30

CAI PNW - Hike — Redmond Ridge Loop Trail

Leader: Glen Strachan

Join Glen Strachan for this hike through forested trails adjacent to a retirement community and as such made for easier walking. This is a 5 mile loop walk with 350 feet of elevation gain crossing several streets on good trails.

The west side borders Redmond Watershed Preserve and has a view towards the Preserve.

Optional lunch or cup of cheer will be enjoyed at the end of the hike at the Village of Redmond Ridge.

Distance: 5 miles 

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 350 ft. 

Parking Pass: None

Bring: snacks, lunch (option to buy lunch), water, rain gear

More detailed information will be sent to those who sign up

RSVP to Glen by noon on Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Leader: Glen Strachan

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Feb
27

Get Together for Ian Murdoch from Australia

Join Steve Johnson and Ann Vess at their home for an afternoon of fun reminiscing with Ian Murdoch, a former CAI-PNW member from Australia.

This is a great chance to reconnect with Ian, share stories and enjoy snacks. Snacks will be provided however if you would like to bring your favorite snack, please do!

Date:   February 27, 2024

Time:   1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Place:  Steve Johnson & Ann Vess’s Home

More details will be emailed once you have signed up with Ann.

RSVP to Ann by noon on February 23, 2024

Leader: Ann Vess

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Feb
14

Valentine’s Day Troll Stroll – Lincoln Park - West Seattle

Join Cam Bradley & Derek Brown for this Lincoln Park adventure!

We will walk the interior loop trail through the towering old-growth maples, madronas, cedars and Douglas Firs. We’ll also explore the beach loop hike along the Puget Sound, hoping to find “Bruun Idun,” a fanciful, 16' tall troll sculpture made of pallet wood along the way.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Pace: Easy

Elevation Gain: 250 ft.

Bring: snacks, lunch, water, rain gear

More detailed information will be sent to those who sign-up

RSVP to Cam by noon on Saturday, February 10, 2024

Cam Bradley: camalot31@gmail.com

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Jan
27

CAI PNW Snowshoeing - Commonwealth Basin Snoqualmie Pass

Join Vincenzo Lalli for this easily accessible, snowshoe trip that takes participants through a forest of snow-covered trees and interesting creeks in the Commonwealth Basin. The trip distance and pace will be adjusted in consideration of the weather and group conditions for the day.

Where: Snowshoeing into the Commonwealth Basin (Snoqualmie Pass)

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/commonwealth-basin-snowshoe

Required pieces of equipment:

Snowshoes (MSR style preferred) /Poles/Microspikes and appropriate clothing for winter conditions. For those who do not have snowshoes and poles...no problem REI has you covered! You can rent them online or in the store for $24 a day.

Weather: View weather forecast

View avalanche forecast

Availability: 6 people

More information about this trip and the logistics will be sent to the participants closer to the trip date. This trip is contingent on weather and driving conditions and may be canceled or rescheduled if dangerous driving and weather conditions exist.

Distance: 3-5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Pace: Easy/moderate

Elevation gain: 500-900 ft.

Bring: snacks, lunch, water, 10 essentials, and dress in layers

Limit: 6 participants

RSVP: Vincenzo Lalli by January 24, 2024

Email: lallivince@gmail.com

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Jan
10

CAI-PNW Hike: Troll Stroll in Issaquah

Join Cam Bradley for a “troll stroll” in Issaquah on Wednesday, January 10. It’s an easy, woodsy hike with a surprise along the trail. 3.5 miles maximum (shorter or longer options available)

Nearly no elevation gain

Heavy rain, snowfall or extreme cold weather will cancel with a message the morning of the hike.

10:00 AM start time

Fun, indoor lunch options near trailhead.

Let Cam know your participation by Monday, January 8 for more details.

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Holiday  Luncheon
Dec
9

Holiday Luncheon

We look forward to seeing you at the CAI Holiday Luncheon!

Details: As a reminder, the Holiday Party is for CAI members only. It’s a time to come together, have fun and share a meal.

Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023

Time: 1:00 PM

Place: Bev Riter’s in South Everett

Let’s keep the tradition of making this a special event with all homemade food with an Italian focus.

Please choose one of the following that serves 12:

  • Appetizer – 4 needed

  • Salad – 5 needed

  • Side Dish – 4 needed

  • Main Dish – 5 needed

  • Dessert – 5 needed

Please email Bev at beverlyriter@gmail.com by December 1 with your food choice. Further information will be sent to those attending.

New this year...we are encouraging everyone to bring canned food items to be donated to a local food bank. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity.

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Oct
29

CAI PNW Italian Dinner – Casa Italiana - Sign Up By 10/20

Italian Heritage Family Dinner

After a great deal of exploring where we (CAI-PNW) might enjoy a traditional Italian Dinner it has been decided to join Casa Italiana in Burien on October 29th for dinner at their location. It is critical that we 'quickly' identify how many are planning on attending. I will need to know the number of people by the October 20th, 2023. DEADLINE!

I have provided information on the dinner but am asking that you not make reservations online. (we need to communicate with Casa Italiana after we determine the number of CAI-PNW members attending) We will deal with the payment of the $20.00 plus tip for the dinner later.

Please email me if you are planning on attending via email, celstad@gmail.com, before October 20th.

We can work on carpooling after we lock in the reservations.

Sorry for the short notice but this should be a great experience enjoying a traditional Sunday Italian Dinner.

Join us for an Italian Heritage Family Dinner! Enjoy ravioli, baked ziti, meatballs, pork roast, Italian salad, rolls, and dessert. No host bar; wine available for purchase.

Adults $20.00

Kids 12 and under $7.00

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Oct
11

Heybrook Ridge

Leader: Ida Callahan

Join Ida Callahan for this short, moderately steep hike that will take you through a rocky, moss covered forest to an incredible view of nearby peaks. This is a short and sweet hike with a big payoff view on a clear day!

Finely crafted rock steps, switchbacks, and turnpikes are a testament to the work of WTA volunteers who created a trail that resists the heavy rainfall of the area. 0.75 miles into the trail there is a bench resting point, with a view of small waterfalls formed by the creek that tumbles down the side of the ridge.

On clear days, Baring Mountain stands to the east, and Philadelphia Mountain is directly across the valley. Just to the west of Philadelphia are Mount Index and Bridal Veil Falls.

Take in the view and appreciate the efforts of the Friends of Heybrook Ridge.  

Mileage: 2.6 miles roundtrip

Elevation gain: 850’

No pass required to park

Bring: snacks, lunch, water, rain gear, trekking poles

RSVP to Ida by noon on October 9, 2023

Ida Callahan - ida.callahan@gmail.com

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