Events Calendar for the Mt. Rainier National Park Area

You will depart from the Elbe Depot for a 40-45 minute trip out to pristine Mineral Lake. There you will be greeted by a good Ole' Fashion BBQ with BBQ Ribs, Chicken, Cowboy Beans, Coleslaw, scrumptious dessert and of course a beverage included. During your 30 minute stay, enjoy the peaceful lake area, walking trail or a game of horseshoes. Then re-board the train for a leisurely 40-45 minute return trip to Elbe. The total excursion lasts about 2 hours.

Shop the post monsoon sale, meet world class climbers, watch mountain technique demonstrations, compete in the alpine games, eat BBQ and listen to music, and much, much more...

There are games for kids, book signings by famous authors and slideshows by mountaineering legends.

This is a truly WILD experience! Experience the thrill of the turbulent Elk "rut" or breeding season. Spend two action-packed hours riding the naturalist-guided tram through the Free-Roaming Area, following the elk herd and observing the unique behavior of the rut. Test your bugling skill and see if YOU can call in the herd. Breakfast will be served in the Hellyer Natural History Center located inside the free-roaming areaat the close of the tour. Menu* includes danish pastries, donuts, fresh fruit, bagels with cream cheeseand beverages.

Along with great food and authentic Bavarian music, the 2nd Annual Crystal Mountain Oktoberfest will be featuring a very full and diverse selection of beers from not only here in the Northwest but also from around the country & possibly the world.

• Location: Crystal Mountain Base Area
• Time: 1pm-6pm
• Live Music: 2pm-5pm by Bavarian Village Band
• Price: $20.00

Beginning and ending in Packwood, Washington, this 114-mile ride, with an expected 600 riders, climbs 7,500 feet as it heads up through Gifford Pinchot National Forest to Windy Ridge, at the northeast corner of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Cost: $80. Sponsored by Cascade Bicycle Club.

With a 10 Hour time limit, this is not a ride for the novice rider.

Pre-ride party and carbo-load dinner at Peter's Inn in Packwood from 6 p.m. until close on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Choose from a 5K or 8K run, a 5K walk or Kids Dash and explore Trek's picturesque trails Saturday, September 18. The race is $25 with pre-registration and $35 on the day of the race. Online registration is now closed.

Enjoy:
• USA Track & Field 5k certified course
• Electronic chip timing provided by End Result
• Unique race courses with separate courses for runners and walkers

Free Kids Dash for children of race participants.

Enjoy a leisurely steam train ride to experience a live Civil War re-enactment and feast at the Ole' Fashion BBQ.

This two-day festival of events, now in it's fifth year, takes place at Nolte State Park (5 miles north of Enumclaw) and includes a Half Iron Triathlon and Endurance Duathlon on Saturday, as well as a Half Marathon, Olympic and Sprint Distance Triathlon on Sunday.

The 4th Annual Blues, Jazz, Wine and Brews Festival, presented by the Mt Rainier Regional Visitors Center and Randy Oxford Entertainment, is scheduled for Sept 25, 2010, noon to midnight, at the Mineral Lake Event Center. This year's festival features 12 great Northwest bands, micro breweries, local wineries art arts and craft vendors. Admission is $25.00 at the door or $20.00 with advanced ticket purchases. Active military personnel receive 25% discount. Bring 2 cans of food and get a 10% discount. RV parking and tent sites are available. Call 360-492-5039 for reservations or additional information. Go to oxfordentertainment.com for the band schedule.

This art and music festival, now in its fourth year, showcases a variety of artisans whose work is inspired by Mt. Rainier. Also featured are live music, food and refreshments, demonstrations, workshops, a raffle and a live art auction.

The Rainier Arts Festival seeks to gather artisans and art appreciators together for this annual event. Presented in the clear, mountain atmosphere it is a retreat from the city and a celebration of fall color.

Ride the rails on a steam train to the Ales Festival. Enjoy an afternoon on the lake with many Ale Brewers. Food vendors and live entertainment.

This is a truly WILD experience! Experience the thrill of the turbulent Elk "rut" or breeding season. Spend two action-packed hours riding the naturalist-guided tram through the Free-Roaming Area, following the elk herd and observing the unique behavior of the rut. Test your bugling skill and see if YOU can call in the herd. Breakfast will be served in the Hellyer Natural History Center located inside the free-roaming areaat the close of the tour. Menu* includes danish pastries, donuts, fresh fruit, bagels with cream cheeseand beverages.

8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Imagine a leisurely day trip without the tension of traffic, where kids can get out of their seats and roam around � making for much better moods for the entire family. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Tacoma Rail are teaming up for a very special experience for both train buffs and wildlife lovers alike. Ride the train from near Freighthouse Square in Tacoma out to Eatonville where buses will transfer visitors to Northwest Trek. Enjoy a three and a half hour visit at Trek that includes a tram ride before boarding buses to the train for the return trip.

Featuring works of local as well as out-of-area artists, this juried show is growing in popularity and attendance every year. More information regarding location and schedule is forthcoming.

Load your cameras, grab your equipment, bring extra film, and climb on board a Northwest Trek tram for a free-roaming area photo tour. From the tram you will see moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and more in Trek's 435-acre free-roaming area. Varying habitats provide natural backdrops for amateur to professional photographers. For AGES: 18 and up. Reservations are required.

Get up close and personal with bison, moose, caribou and more during a morning ride on the wild side. Hop into the back of the keeper truck and experience the thrill of having these incredible animals only an arm's-length away as the keeper makes his rounds feeding the animals! Ends with a continental breakfast. Menu* includes danish pastries, donuts, cold cereal, fresh fruit, bagels with cream cheese and hot and cold beverages. SPECIAL NOTE: It does get cold in the back of the keeper truck so please come dressed appropriately. TIME: 8-10 a.m. AGES: All ages 5 and above are welcome.

Join us for a fun-filled evening of murder-mystery and mayhem! It's up to you to solve the mystery as the action unfolds before your eyes. Trains are approx. 4 hour round trip. Starter Appetizers will be served.

Now you can go trick -or- treating and pick a pumpkin all while riding the MRSR train! We will travel to Mineral lake where kids will hunt for just the right pumpkin and have a chance to meet the "Great Pumpkin" in person. Don't forget your costume! 11:00, 1:00, 3:00 Departures.

The first Ashford "On the Road to Paradise" fall wine tasting event is your chance to discover hard-to-find artisanal wines from small producers such as Flying Dreams Winery and Stringtown Cellars. Time and Place: 2 - 9pm, Saturday, Nov. 6th; Ashford Lion's Hall - Mt Rainier (27726 Hwy 706 E), Ashford, WA. Cost: $20; Complimentary with Lodging!

Get up close and personal with bison, moose, caribou and more during a morning ride on the wild side. Hop into the back of the keeper truck and experience the thrill of having these incredible animals only an arm's-length away as the keeper makes his rounds feeding the animals! Ends with a continental breakfast. Menu* includes danish pastries, donuts, cold cereal, fresh fruit, bagels with cream cheese and hot and cold beverages. SPECIAL NOTE: It does get cold in the back of the keeper truck so please come dressed appropriately. TIME: 8-10 a.m. AGES: All ages 5 and above are welcome.

The public may visit federal recreation sites for free on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11. The administrative fee waiver of recreation-use fees applies annually on Veterans Day at public recreation lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, as well as by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation.

This fee waiver applies to day-use fees at Forest Service recreation sites across Oregon and Washington. This includes many picnic areas, boat launches, trailheads and visitor centers. Concession operations will continue to charge fees unless the permit holder wishes to participate. Fees for camping, cabin rentals, heritage expeditions, or other permits will not be waived.

Military veteransreceive free admission. To qualify for free admission on November 11, visitors must bring their military identification cards.

Load your cameras, grab your equipment, bring extra film, and climb on board a Northwest Trek tram for a free-roaming area photo tour. From the tram you will see moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and more in Trek's 435-acre free-roaming area. Varying habitats provide natural backdrops for amateur to professional photographers. For AGES: 18 and up. Reservations are required.

You too will Believe! Catch a ride this December when the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad becomes the "Snowball Express" Children of all ages will experience the magic of a holiday train ride. Passengers will be served cider and hot chocolate. Santa Claus will be waiting for his favorite ' small' passengers to arrive at Mineral Lake, where they have an opportunity to visit "Santa's Workshop car" and receive a gift from Santa. The "Snowball Express" will depart from Elbe, WA and make its way along mountain streams, usually covered by snow this time of year. During the ride enjoy Barber Shop Quartet with holiday carols. These trains will sell out! Please make reservations as soon as possible.

Saturday & Sunday: 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30, 4:00pm
Fares: General (13-61) $25.00, Senior (62+) $22.00, Military $22.00, Youth (4-12) $20.00, Child (3 and under) Free.

Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Morton.  This annual event offers a full day of activities including an arts and craft sale, pictures with Santa, hay rides, a live nativity and a community tree lighting. The day concludes with a family friendly free movie and hot chocolate at the Roxy Theater.

You too will Believe! Catch a ride this December when the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad becomes the "Snowball Express" Children of all ages will experience the magic of a holiday train ride. Passengers will be served cider and hot chocolate. Santa Claus will be waiting for his favorite ' small' passengers to arrive at Mineral Lake, where they have an opportunity to visit "Santa's Workshop car" and receive a gift from Santa. The "Snowball Express" will depart from Elbe, WA and make its way along mountain streams, usually covered by snow this time of year. During the ride enjoy Barber Shop Quartet with holiday carols. These trains will sell out! Please make reservations as soon as possible.

Saturday & Sunday: 10:30am, 12:00, 2:30, 4:00pm
Fares: General (13-61) $25.00, Senior (62+) $22.00, Military $22.00, Youth (4-12) $20.00, Child (3 and under) Free.

Load your cameras, grab your equipment, bring extra film, and climb on board a Northwest Trek tram for a free-roaming area photo tour. From the tram you will see moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and more in Trek's 435-acre free-roaming area. Varying habitats provide natural backdrops for amateur to professional photographers. For AGES: 18 and up. Reservations are required.