Update July 10, 2019: The Cambodian Festival at Lake Sammamish State Park is being rescheduled to another location.
OLYMPIA – July 9, 2019 – Washington State Parks staff in the Cascade Foothills Area invite the public to a summer full of interactive nature programs, cultural celebrations, art and music.
From July through August, state parks in Eastern King and Snohomish counties will host free programming for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests. Parks in the Cascade Foothills Area include Bridle Trails, Lake Sammamish, Olallie, Saint Edward, Squak Mountain and Wallace Falls state parks.
Bridle Trails State Park
5300 116th Ave. N.E., Kirkland
*** CANCELLED *** Secrets of the Trees Walk
10 a.m., Sunday, Aug.25
Meet at the Trillium Loop trailhead
If trees could talk, what would they say? It turns out trees participate in an underground social network. Take an hour-long guided hike and eavesdrop on the forest and learn about its ancient wisdom.
Lake Sammamish State Park
2000 N.W. Sammamish Road, Issaquah
Junior Ranger Program
3 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, July 12 to Aug. 31
Meet at the Sunset Beach Bathhouse
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.
Wonder Ranger Program
1 p.m., Saturdays, July 13 to Aug. 31
Meet at the Sunset Beach Bathhouse
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.
Folk and Traditional Arts Program
Lake Sammamish State Park will be the location for three exciting events this summer sponsored by the State Parks Folk and Traditional Arts Program:
- Sundae Sermon, July 14
Cambodian Cultural Celebration, Aug. 10 - Indian Independence Day Celebration, Aug. 17
Note: More information about the latter two events will be publicized in future news releases.
Olallie State Park
47600 SE 159th St., North Bend
Nature Station
10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, July 13 to Aug. 31
Meet at Twin Falls Trailhead
People of all ages will learn out how their choices affect native plants and wildlife through interactive learning.
Secrets of the Trees Walk
10 a.m., Fridays, Aug. 9 - 30
Meet at Twin Falls Trailhead
If trees could talk, what would they say? It turns out trees participate in an underground social network. Take an hour-long guided hike and eavesdrop on the forest and learn about its ancient wisdom.
Saint Edward State Park
14445 Juanita Dr. N.E., Kenmore
Kenmore Concert Series
6 - 8 p.m., Thursdays, July 11 to Aug. 15
Meet at the picnic area (west of the seminary)
Learn about our 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 this concert series. The City of Kenmore is covering the parking cost.)
Nature Station
2 – 4 p.m., Saturdays, July 12 to Aug. 31
Meet at the playground (south of the seminary)
Learn about bobcats, woodpeckers and other critters who call this park home through hands-on activities. This activity is appropriate for all ages.
Secrets of the Trees Walk
10 a.m., Sunday, Aug.18
Meet at the playground (south of the Seminary)
If trees could talk, what would they say? It turns out trees participate in an underground social network. Take an hour-long guided hike and eavesdrop on the forest and learn about its ancient wisdom.
Squak Mountain State Park
21430 S.E. May Valley Road, Issaquah
Secrets of the Trees Walk
10 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 11
Meet at the park’s south-end parking lot
If trees could talk, what would they say? It turns out trees participate in an underground social network. Take an hour-long guided hike and eavesdrop on the forest and learn about its ancient wisdom.
Wallace Falls State Park
14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar
Nature Station
3 - 4:30 p.m., Sundays, July 14 to Sept. 1
Meet at Small Falls (along the Woody Trail)
Visit the park’s nature station and learn how to identify native plants and wildlife before you take a hike. The forest will come alive with familiar faces in no time! This activity is appropriate for all ages.
For questions and reservations, contact Adamas Weitzenfeld, Cascade Foothills Interpretive Specialist, (425) 455-7010, adamas.weitzenfeld@parks.wa.gov.
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 at: https://parks.state.wa.us/calendar.aspx.
News media contacts:
Adamas Weitzenfeld, interpretive specialist, (425) 455-7010
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 19-049