The lead story in this week's section is based on a recent trip I took to the Deception Pass area. I knew the state park there was the most visited of our state parks, but I wanted to know what else there was to do in the area. The answer is plenty. We went on a wildlife watching tour, hiked, played on beaches, watched boats cruise the North Sound and based in the sunshine.

We also preview Saturday's TrailsFest 2008. This is the annual event put on by the Washington Trails Association. Individuals and families will find plenty of activities all designed to get people outdoors.

In my column, I talk to famed climber Lou Whittaker about the 20th anniversary of the American Lung Association's Climb for Clean Air.

We also have a preview of the upcoming western regional waterskiing championships to be held outside of Orting.

Among our regular features, the Gear Guy is talking about bike racks, the Weekend Getaway will take biking at Mount Rainier National Park and the Hike of the Week is Rattlesnake Ledge.

Families who haven’t tried camping before, or want a little help getting started, should plan on attending a family campout July 26-27 at Kopachuck State Park.

Metro Parks Tacoma and REI are teaming together to help families who are less experienced with camping, said Tony Trautmann of Metro Parks.

The event will include several interpretive programs like a guided walk, a variety of outdoor activities and games. It also is an opportunity for families to learn about equipment and basic camping skills, said Trautmann. Staff members from both organizations will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice.

“We will educate families that are new to camping with the essential tools that it takes to be in an
overnight camping environment,” Trautmann said.

This is the fourth year of program and the second year in which campers have gone to a state park. Last year, participants went to Belfair State Park.

“We want to get them into a more natural setting,” said Metro Parks’ Julie Dames.
“We also made it longer so we can give them more information and resources so they can do this themselves,” Dames said.

Getting there: Kopachuck State Park is located five miles west of Gig Harbor. Take the second Gig Harbor exit off Highway 16. Look for the Kopachuck State Park sign. Take that exit and follow signs to the park.

When: July 26-27. Check in will be between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on July 26 at the campground.

Equipment: A list of recommend equipment will be mailed out. A limited amount of equipment, including tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads will be available.

Cost: $5 for residents of the Metro Parks district and $7 for nonresidents.

To register or for information: Contact REI’s Brianna Charbonnel at 253-591- 5297 or bcharbo@rei.com.

Here is an interesting item from The Associated Press:

The U.S. House has passed a bill that would continue fish stocking in North Cascades National Park if the National Park Service determines it won’t hurt lake ecosystems.

The bill sponsored by Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., passed Monday. An amendment limits the program to 42 lakes and to fish that are sterile and native to the Cascade Range.

The park service had asked Congress to grant it legal authority to continue stocking trout in the North Cascades, a practice fishermen began in the late 1800s. Most national parks have discontinued stocking trout in lakes that historically had no fish.

The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate.