Outdoors

POSTED: Saturday, Jun. 27, 2009

OUTDOORS: Road closures affect access to popular trails, climbs

Winter, long over, still continues to take a toll on area outdoor activities. Road closures, mostly due to avalanche damage, may make or break a trip to some of the area's more popular destinations.

This week, folks at the Glacier Public Service Center reported hikers and climbers continue to show up with plans to access the popular Heliotrope Ridge Trail, and destinations like the Coleman Glacier, but don't realize they'll need to hike or bike seven miles just to reach the trailhead. Glacier Creek Road is closed until at least Aug. 10 while maintenance crews repair the roadway.

The closure has deterred some people while others have continued on, knowing their roundtrip will be increased by total of 14 miles.

Hannegan Pass Road will also be closed until Aug. 2, meaning gaining trailhead access will take a roughly six-mile walk or bike ride. Six avalanche debris fields will also make the trek difficult, though not impossible.

Several other road closures have been announced throughout the area, so doing a quick check before heading out could save outdoor enthusiasts a possible headache.

Visit the Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest Web site at fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/ for current road and trail information. To navigate the site, try selecting "Trip Planning" under the "Recreation" tab listed on the left side of the Web page. Then look for a "Road and Trail Conditions" on the right.

LOCAL TRIATHLETES TAKE ON LAKE PADDEN THIS SATURDAY

The race is already full, meaning people who haven't already registered for Saturday's Lake Padden Triathlon will have the excuse they need to just kick back, rest those legs and watch the racing action.

And there should be plenty of it. Look for inspiring performances by local triathletes in the competitive division, which kicks off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 27, and involves a .5 mile swim, a 21 mile bike ride and a run that covers 5.2 miles. The recreational class, which starts at 1 p.m., will cover legs including a .25 mile swim, 10 mile bike ride and 2.6 mile run.

For those planning to just be a spectator at Saturday's race, there's always next year, right? Sure, but those who can't wait can check out the Clear Lake Triathlon in Skagit County on July 18.

Visit http trithecookie.com/pages/lake_padden_triathlon.html to download a map of the race course.

SEATTLE'S INAUGURAL ROCK 'N' ROLL RACE KICKS OFF SATURDAY

Just a bit further down the road Northwest runners will be racing to the tune of 26 miles and change --- and half that --- during the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathon race in Seattle on Saturday, June 27.

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, currently holding court in destinations like San Diego, Las Vegas and Chicago, pits runners against long distances, but rewards them with live music every mile. And for this weekend, rapper Keb Mo' at the finish!

Considering the Northwest music scene, that means marathoners should be able to take in a pretty good show. Organizers have taken to describing the event as "A Racing Nirvana." Groan.

The actual races --- the marathon and half-marathon --- are full, so those not registered already are out of luck.

But people can certainly take in the spectacle --- and there should be plenty to take in --- and plan on getting those hooves prepped for next year's race.

COMMUNITY BOATING CENTER CLASSES, TOURS THIS SUMMER

No reason to be bored this summer. Paddling classes and guided tours are being offered by the Community Boating Center on Bellingham Bay.

Classes slated to start Sunday, June 28, include Sea Kayaking 101, which costs $65, and Experienced Sailing, which costs $35. Each session lasts three hours.

A new tour that combines paddles and pedals and a leisurely pace will also be offered. People can sign up for a guided day trip that involves a scenic three-hour paddling experience from Fairhaven to Larrabee State Park via kayak, eating lunch, then returning via a bike tour along the Interurban trail.

The trip runs from 9 a.m. to 4p.m. on the last Saturday of each month through September and costs $110. The first tour will take place this weekend.

The Community Boating Center offers classes, tours and boat rentals, including annual kayak rentals for $99, throughout the year.

Visit boatingcenter.org for details.