By Aaryn Peterson

   Outdoor lovers and learners can experience firsthand what everyone else will read about in next year’s National Geographic, with the help of ExpeditionQuest.com. Whether you are a scientist, explorer or adventure seeker, the Web site offers  information about hundreds of non-commercial expeditions that are taking place all over the world.

   Expedition leaders and participants can publicize their journeys while others can ride along from the comforts of home — all for free.

   Created by Seattle-area resident Jake Stout, a climber, sailor and former guide, the site offers related news, free Web pages for expedition parties, resume listings for those who want to join an expedition or hire another hand, photos and more — all searchable by area of interest, location or keyword.

   One of Stout’s goals with the site, he says, was to provide a place where expedition parties could communicate their experiences and discoveries while out in the field in their own creative way, immediately via a cellular or satellite phone.

   Check out the latest adventures by visiting www.expeditionquest.com.

Current Happenings on the Wenatchee River
By Peter Stekel

   One of Washington’s biggest natural assets – its rivers – is in turmoil. Various factors, from terrorist concerns to pollution, are drying up river access to paddlers, anglers and hikers. As a result, recreation along river corridors could soon become a thing of the past and conservation might become a quaint historical term.

   A group of dedicated volunteers want to turn that tide. The Wenatchee River Festival June 10-12 will celebrate the beauty, culture and resources provided by Washington rivers. Sponsored by the Washington Kayak Club, the festival will donate all proceeds to American Whitewater, the only organization dedicated exclusively to conservation, restoration, access and safe enjoyment of whitewater rivers.

   Staged at the Riverside Center in Cashmere, Wash., the festival will include an auction, raffle, food and beverages, along with clinics, races and informational booths. But most people will come to enjoy the river’s Class III whitewater, including play spots such as “Rodeo Hole,” “Drunkard’s Drop” and “Granny’s.” In addition to the Wenatchee’s play run, several other local rivers are within a few minutes drive of Cashmere. Icicle Creek, Peshastin Creek and the Chiwawa are just a few of the excellent runs nearby, ranging from Class II to V+. And, the low water year means the normally heinous Tumwater Canyon will be merely frightening.

   Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and bird watching opportunities are also plentiful. Camping and hotel accommodations are abundant, as is good company.

If You Go:

Directions: Cashmere is located along Highway 2, less than 10 miles east of Leavenworth and 15 miles west of the town of Wenatchee. To reach the Riverside Center, turn off Highway 2 at milepost 111.1 onto Aplets Way. Cross the river and enter Cashmere. Follow the signs that direct you to Riverside Park, which is located on the downstream, river right, side of the bridge.

More Information: www.wenatcheeriver.com or festival@wenatcheeriver.com.

Join National Trails Day

   On June 4, nearly a million people will hit the trail to participate in the 13th annual National Trails Day. Started by the American Hiking Society in 1993, the event has become the largest single-day annual trails celebration in the country. Groups throughout Washington and Oregon will host almost three dozen events, ranging from group hikes to volunteer work parties to instructional workshops.

   To find an event near you, see www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd/

 Celebrate Greenway Days

   Whether you join the Mountains to Sound Adventure Relay or you merely stroll through the Greenway Art Show, expect to find something fun at this year’s Greenway Days, June 10-12. The event spans hundreds of miles between Seattle and central Washington and raises money for the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust. Other events include a 100-mile scavenger hunt between Seattle and Thorp, a hunt for a hidden cache near Snoqualmie Falls, family hikes and outdoor concerts.

  For more information, see www.mtsgreenway.org.

Bicycle Saturdays and Sundays

   Wonder what it would be like if streets were open only to bicyclists? Every summer, Group Health Bicycle Saturdays give Seattle residents the chance to cycle along Lake Washington Boulevard south of Mount Baker Beach and around Seward Park – traffic-free.

   This year the Seattle tradition has been extended to include Sundays as well. Plan to attend one or all events, which begin at 10 a.m. and end at 6 p.m. The Cascade Bicycle Club will also offer free helmet fittings from 1-4 p.m. This event is made possible by Seattle Parks and Recreation, Group Health Cooperative, Adobe, and Cascade Bicycle Club, in cooperation with the Seattle Police Department.

   Group Health Bicycle Saturdays and Sundays: June 11 and 19, July 9 and 17, Aug. 13 and 21 and Sept. 10 and 18.

   For more information, see www.cityofseattle.net/parks/athletics/bikesatsun.htm.

Rachel Scdoris to Lead Rose Festival Parade

   Rachael Scdoris, the February 2005 Outdoors NW “Peak Performer,” has been named the Grand Marshal of the 2005 PGE/SOLV Starlight Parade. The 20-year-old from Bend, Ore., recently became the first legally blind athlete to compete in the Iditarod, Alaska’s famous long distance dog sled race.

   Rachael and her team had to pull out of the race early due to sickness among her dogs, a disappointing yet necessary end to her dream. The Starlight Parade takes place on Saturday, June 4 at 8:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Portland’s KGW-TV.

   For more information on Scdoris, visit www.gorachaelgo.com.