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Craig Hill
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craig.hill@thenewstribune.com

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Jeff Mayor
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jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com

The don't miss list for outdoors enthusiasts for Jan. 15

Author talks of oceans
On the road for Jan. 15: Crab Fest

After spending a day on Camano Island, enjoy a Dungeness crab dinner.
Day trip: Wander from Westport to Tokeland

Westport, and the drive to Tokeland, offers plenty of things to do for a winter day trip.
On the road for Dec. 4: Centralia home tour

Centralia home tour
Hike of the week for Dec. 3: Goldmyer Hot Springs

Hike description: What a destination. Hot springs in an ancient forest. Advertised at 117 degrees F (it felt just a little cooler) are hot springs in a cave with two smaller, cooler springs and one cool-water pool. Be forewarned – there is a charge for using the hot springs and swimsuits are optional. The hot springs are delightful. The attraction isn’t too large and is popular even considering the trouble it takes to get to the springs. If you’re not in the mood to soak in the springs, the hike is great too.
Hike of the week: Paul Peak Trail to Mowich River

Hike description: The Paul Peak Trail is scorned by some as a "reverse hike." That is, the trail goes down on the way in and up on the way out. For those with a summit orientation, this makes no sense. But if your goal is to find a nice destination, whether up or down, this is a great trail. The trail goes through some of Mount Rainier’s wonderful old-growth forest and takes you to a lunch spot by the North Mowich River. And, if your knees/feet/legs don't enjoy going downhill, this hike has you doing that part of the hike at the start of the day when your body is fresh. After lunch by the river, with the opportunity to soak your feet in cold water, you are ready for the uphill trek out.
Weekend getaway: May Day Metric

What: Pick a tour named after a Hostess dessert and spend the day pedaling around Federal Way. The Ho-Ho-Ville route is 50 miles. The Twinkie-Land is 100 kilometers and the Ding Dong Station Mountain Route is 104 miles. Ride organizers describe the event as a "challenging and hilly ride."
Hike of the week: Cedar River Trail

Description: The trail follows the river from where it enters Lake Washington in Renton upriver to the community of Landsburg at the boundary of the city of Seattle's Cedar River Watershed. The total length of the trail is 17.3 miles, with the western 12.3 miles paved and ADA accessible. Hikers, bicyclists, joggers and equestrians use the soft surface of the eastern 5 miles.
Weekend getaway: Anniversary Volksmarch

What: The Daffodil Valley Volks-sport Association celebrates its 25th anniversary with 5K and 10K walks in Puyallup.
Weekend getaway: Crystal Mountain Schlittentag

What: Crystal Mountain's annual dummy downhill is no more. This year, the dummies will be replaced with you. In a dummy downhill, competitors make an unmanned contraption to sled down the hill. This year, Red Bull is sponsoring the Schlittentag (German for sledding day), a similar competition with the notable exception that one of the three team members must pilot the sled. Winners are judged on speed, craftsmanship and style, but mostly style.