Upcoming Special Events
Each year, the Fun, Fit & Over Fifty Club sponsors many special events that take place locally, in the Northwest, and around the world. We place newly-identified trips on the Weekly Update and on the calendar. We post them with room for more detail and a place to link from emails.
2024 Events
RV Trips
As you are making reservations, please contact the trip leader so they know who is planning to attend and can coordinate with the RV Park if there are any questions by the RV park.
You don’t have to have an RV to have fun with the RV/Camping group! Although, we stay in state and city parks and RV resorts/campgrounds, most events are in places where members without RV's can stay in cabins, hotels/motels or B&B's. We have several couples and individuals who take advantage of the fun by staying close by the park in other accommodations. If you like walking, hiking, bicycling, kayaking/canoeing, fishing, and group tours of interesting places in the area, come join us.
As you are making reservations, please contact the trip leader so they know who is planning to attend and can coordinate with the RV Park if there are any questions by the RV park.
You don’t have to have an RV to have fun with the RV/Camping group! Although, we stay in state and city parks and RV resorts/campgrounds, most events are in places where members without RV's can stay in cabins, hotels/motels or B&B's. We have several couples and individuals who take advantage of the fun by staying close by the park in other accommodations. If you like walking, hiking, bicycling, kayaking/canoeing, fishing, and group tours of interesting places in the area, come join us.
June 6-13 Blackwell Island RV Resort, Coeur d'Alene, ID
Come join the fun in Coeur d'Alene, ID. You can kayak, canoe, ride your bikes on the Hiawatha Trail, walk along Lake Coeur d'Alene and more. We will be staying at the Blackwell Island RV resort. Reservations can be made beginning April 2024. https://www.idahorvpark.com/ phone number is 208-665-1300. They have reserved 12 sites for FFOFC. Be sure to talk to Matthew, Ann or Karen when making reservations. The wagon masters are Bill and Mary Kay Edwards. They can be reached by cell phone 509-531-2540 or email at edwardsend@gmail.com.
Come join the fun in Coeur d'Alene, ID. You can kayak, canoe, ride your bikes on the Hiawatha Trail, walk along Lake Coeur d'Alene and more. We will be staying at the Blackwell Island RV resort. Reservations can be made beginning April 2024. https://www.idahorvpark.com/ phone number is 208-665-1300. They have reserved 12 sites for FFOFC. Be sure to talk to Matthew, Ann or Karen when making reservations. The wagon masters are Bill and Mary Kay Edwards. They can be reached by cell phone 509-531-2540 or email at edwardsend@gmail.com.
July 22-26 Premier RV Resort of Lincoln City, OR
The beach is calling! Join us for a week of exploring the central Oregon coast from Cascade Head to Siletz Bay. You’ll have a chance to check out tidal pools, pottery, gardens and glass blowing. Reservations may be made by calling (541) 996-2778 or online at https://www.premierrvresorts.com/lincoln-city-or. This is a small RV park and sites are filling up fast so call soon. The park will try to put us together and will assign spots at a later time. The wagon master is Carolyn Zingmark 509-760-3827 or email at carolynzingmark@gmail.com
The beach is calling! Join us for a week of exploring the central Oregon coast from Cascade Head to Siletz Bay. You’ll have a chance to check out tidal pools, pottery, gardens and glass blowing. Reservations may be made by calling (541) 996-2778 or online at https://www.premierrvresorts.com/lincoln-city-or. This is a small RV park and sites are filling up fast so call soon. The park will try to put us together and will assign spots at a later time. The wagon master is Carolyn Zingmark 509-760-3827 or email at carolynzingmark@gmail.com
Sept 9-13 Ft. Worden State Park
Join us at the historic Ft. Worden State Park for a week of fun and history. Reservations can be made by going to the WA reservations website https://washington.goingtocamp.com/ or calling 888-226-7688. There's no way we can group ourselves in a state park. There are two campgrounds in Ft. Worden, the upper forest and lower beach. Depending on availability people will probably be scattered between the two campgrounds. If the campground is full put your name on the cancellation list and they will notify you, by email, if a site becomes available to reserve. Ft. Worden is a 433-acre multi-use park with more than 2 miles of walk able beach shoreline and a wide variety of services and facilities. Fort Worden, Fort Flagler and Fort Casey, with their big guns and strategic locations, once made up the coastal defense system known as “The Triangle of Fire.” Wagon masters are Teri Warner 509-531-2652 and Linda Munson 509-521-8981.
Join us at the historic Ft. Worden State Park for a week of fun and history. Reservations can be made by going to the WA reservations website https://washington.goingtocamp.com/ or calling 888-226-7688. There's no way we can group ourselves in a state park. There are two campgrounds in Ft. Worden, the upper forest and lower beach. Depending on availability people will probably be scattered between the two campgrounds. If the campground is full put your name on the cancellation list and they will notify you, by email, if a site becomes available to reserve. Ft. Worden is a 433-acre multi-use park with more than 2 miles of walk able beach shoreline and a wide variety of services and facilities. Fort Worden, Fort Flagler and Fort Casey, with their big guns and strategic locations, once made up the coastal defense system known as “The Triangle of Fire.” Wagon masters are Teri Warner 509-531-2652 and Linda Munson 509-521-8981.
Oct 1-6 Grande Hot Springs RV Resort, La Grande, OR
Join us near La Grande for a fun weekend. Activities will include hiking, golf, "tubing", dining, and afternoon gatherings. On Saturday, October 5th, we will be boarding the Eagle Cap Excursion Train for a ride along the Grande Ronde River on their "Fall Foliage". The RV Resort is next door to the remodeled "The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs". Reservations can be made by calling the RV resort at 541-963-5253. Visit their website at https://grandehotsprings.com.
Further details will be available in February. Ray and Susan Williams will be Wagon Masters.
Contact: Text 509-975-0254 or e-mail at maxrwilliams@aol.com.
Join us near La Grande for a fun weekend. Activities will include hiking, golf, "tubing", dining, and afternoon gatherings. On Saturday, October 5th, we will be boarding the Eagle Cap Excursion Train for a ride along the Grande Ronde River on their "Fall Foliage". The RV Resort is next door to the remodeled "The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs". Reservations can be made by calling the RV resort at 541-963-5253. Visit their website at https://grandehotsprings.com.
Further details will be available in February. Ray and Susan Williams will be Wagon Masters.
Contact: Text 509-975-0254 or e-mail at maxrwilliams@aol.com.
Snow Sports
Jan 24-26, 2024 Downhill/XC skiing and snowshoeing at Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Anthony Lakes Ski area in northeastern Oregon has opportunities for all 3 snow sports. Pick one or try them all! There is one triple chair which gives access to groomed runs of various difficulties, plus groomed X-country ski trails and packed trails for people who snow shoe. Lift tickets are free if you’re over 70 yrs. old!
Contact Gretchen Makinson at glmakinson@aol.com or 509-554-7239.You will be responsible for arranging your own lodging. The Anthony Lakes website has some good links for making reservations. The trip involves driving down on Wed., skiing on Thurs. and Friday and driving home on Fri.
Anthony Lakes Ski area in northeastern Oregon has opportunities for all 3 snow sports. Pick one or try them all! There is one triple chair which gives access to groomed runs of various difficulties, plus groomed X-country ski trails and packed trails for people who snow shoe. Lift tickets are free if you’re over 70 yrs. old!
Contact Gretchen Makinson at glmakinson@aol.com or 509-554-7239.You will be responsible for arranging your own lodging. The Anthony Lakes website has some good links for making reservations. The trip involves driving down on Wed., skiing on Thurs. and Friday and driving home on Fri.
Guided Snowshoe, Snoqualmie Pass February 8th
This will be a 2-day activity. Wednesday we will spend the night in the
Snoqualmie Pass area. Thursday morning, we will join a Forest Service ranger at9am, on a guided snowshoe tour (limited to 10 FFOFC members). This snowshoe tour takes about 4-5 hours and travels about 5 miles. This snowshoe will take us
into the heart of Commonwealth Basin, a landscape that is rich with snowshoe routes and winter life. A donation ($30 last year) may be requested when you sign up online. Snowshoes and poles are supplied by the Forest Service if your personal gear does not meet their safety requirements.
This event will be repeated on March 14 (so 10 more slots); the March event is geared for photography and will be a shorter distance.
If you are interested, contact Herb McGilton at 509-439- 0284 or chmcg98846@gmail.com. Herb will maintain a list of the 10 FFOFC slot
holders for each trip & will provide the slot holders with the necessary info for online Forest Service registration. Members have already signed up, the number of open slots is limited. A waiting list will be maintained for a third trip if possible.
This will be a 2-day activity. Wednesday we will spend the night in the
Snoqualmie Pass area. Thursday morning, we will join a Forest Service ranger at9am, on a guided snowshoe tour (limited to 10 FFOFC members). This snowshoe tour takes about 4-5 hours and travels about 5 miles. This snowshoe will take us
into the heart of Commonwealth Basin, a landscape that is rich with snowshoe routes and winter life. A donation ($30 last year) may be requested when you sign up online. Snowshoes and poles are supplied by the Forest Service if your personal gear does not meet their safety requirements.
This event will be repeated on March 14 (so 10 more slots); the March event is geared for photography and will be a shorter distance.
If you are interested, contact Herb McGilton at 509-439- 0284 or chmcg98846@gmail.com. Herb will maintain a list of the 10 FFOFC slot
holders for each trip & will provide the slot holders with the necessary info for online Forest Service registration. Members have already signed up, the number of open slots is limited. A waiting list will be maintained for a third trip if possible.
Snow Shoe & X-Country, February 12-15
We have Mazama Ranch House reserved for the nights of Monday, February 12 – Thursday, February 15. Cost for the house which has five bedrooms is $350 /night + tax. So far, 3 of the rooms are taken (2 couples and 2 singles who are sharing a room), leaving room for 2 more couples or two singles. Snowshoe, x-country trails and hot tub right outside the door. Large kitchen for group meals. Jaunts to Sun Mountain and Early Winter trails, story-telling, wine tasting and games are part of this special experience in the Methow Valley. Sign ups may be able to come for part of the time —and, if reserved early enough, there is the chance of getting a separate “wing” room down the walkway or for sure a room at the Mazama Inn, close by. Let us know your interest or questions – Sharon sharon.grantghan@gmail.com, 509-783-6558 (m) or Steve, 509-308-9023.
We have Mazama Ranch House reserved for the nights of Monday, February 12 – Thursday, February 15. Cost for the house which has five bedrooms is $350 /night + tax. So far, 3 of the rooms are taken (2 couples and 2 singles who are sharing a room), leaving room for 2 more couples or two singles. Snowshoe, x-country trails and hot tub right outside the door. Large kitchen for group meals. Jaunts to Sun Mountain and Early Winter trails, story-telling, wine tasting and games are part of this special experience in the Methow Valley. Sign ups may be able to come for part of the time —and, if reserved early enough, there is the chance of getting a separate “wing” room down the walkway or for sure a room at the Mazama Inn, close by. Let us know your interest or questions – Sharon sharon.grantghan@gmail.com, 509-783-6558 (m) or Steve, 509-308-9023.
Guided Snowshoe, Snoqualmie Pass March 14
This will be a 2-day activity. Wednesday we will spend the night in the Snoqualmie Pass area. Thursday morning, we will join a Forest Service ranger at9am, on a guided snowshoe tour (limited to 10 FFOFC members). This event is geared for photography and will be a shorter distance. This snowshoe will take us into the heart of Commonwealth Basin, a landscape that is rich with snowshoe routes and winter life. A donation ($30 last year) may be requested when you sign up online. Snowshoes and poles are supplied by the Forest Service if your personal gear does not meet their safety requirements.
If you are interested, contact Herb McGilton at 509-439- 0284 or chmcg98846@gmail.com. Herb will maintain a list of the 10 FFOFC slot
holders for each trip & will provide the slot holders with the necessary info for online Forest Service registration. Members have already signed up, the number of open slots is limited. A waiting list will be maintained for a third trip if possible.
This will be a 2-day activity. Wednesday we will spend the night in the Snoqualmie Pass area. Thursday morning, we will join a Forest Service ranger at9am, on a guided snowshoe tour (limited to 10 FFOFC members). This event is geared for photography and will be a shorter distance. This snowshoe will take us into the heart of Commonwealth Basin, a landscape that is rich with snowshoe routes and winter life. A donation ($30 last year) may be requested when you sign up online. Snowshoes and poles are supplied by the Forest Service if your personal gear does not meet their safety requirements.
If you are interested, contact Herb McGilton at 509-439- 0284 or chmcg98846@gmail.com. Herb will maintain a list of the 10 FFOFC slot
holders for each trip & will provide the slot holders with the necessary info for online Forest Service registration. Members have already signed up, the number of open slots is limited. A waiting list will be maintained for a third trip if possible.
Kayak Trips
Jul 23-25, 2024 Trip is full at this time Paddle Pend Oreille River Metaline, Washington to Boundary Dam & Lower to Upper Priest Lakes
For more information, sign up or to request a boat please contact Jim Burns at 509-308-8321 or montanadl1956@gmail.com. A limit of 15 kayaks/canoes has been placed on this paddle.
This is a Level 3 paddle.
Where: Noisy Creek Campground Metaline Riverfront Park Beaver Creek Campground
Total mileage is around 630 miles RT, including distance to the campground. If your boat is on the club trailer the fee will be $20. Anyone using a club boat will be required to pay the $7 fee for the Idaho Invasive Species Permit.
July 23 – Travel to USFS Noisy Creek Campground on Sullivan Lake. FFOF has reserved the group campsite for July 23 & 24. Other lodging can be motels in Metaline
July 24 -Paddle approximately 12 miles along the Pend Oreille River, starting from the boat launch at Metaline WA Park and ending at Boundary Dam campground. The river offers scenic views of canyons, waterfalls, and impressive rock formations. If the water level permits, there may be an opportunity to explore caves by kayak. The entire trip, including breaks for lunch and stretching, is expected to take 6+ hours. Due to potentially low water flow, most of the journey will involve paddling. It's important to note that there are no designated points to exit the river between the boat launch and the Boundary Dam campground. You must feel comfortable paddling for 6 hours with breaks.
July 25 – The group will launch from the Beaver Creek Campground on Lower Priest Lake and paddle the thoroughfare to Upper Priest Lake and back. A 6-mile round trip. Return to the Tri-Cities. - A Idaho $7 Invasive Species Permit is required for each kayak/canoe.
For more information, sign up or to request a boat please contact Jim Burns at 509-308-8321 or montanadl1956@gmail.com. A limit of 15 kayaks/canoes has been placed on this paddle.
This is a Level 3 paddle.
Where: Noisy Creek Campground Metaline Riverfront Park Beaver Creek Campground
Total mileage is around 630 miles RT, including distance to the campground. If your boat is on the club trailer the fee will be $20. Anyone using a club boat will be required to pay the $7 fee for the Idaho Invasive Species Permit.
July 23 – Travel to USFS Noisy Creek Campground on Sullivan Lake. FFOF has reserved the group campsite for July 23 & 24. Other lodging can be motels in Metaline
July 24 -Paddle approximately 12 miles along the Pend Oreille River, starting from the boat launch at Metaline WA Park and ending at Boundary Dam campground. The river offers scenic views of canyons, waterfalls, and impressive rock formations. If the water level permits, there may be an opportunity to explore caves by kayak. The entire trip, including breaks for lunch and stretching, is expected to take 6+ hours. Due to potentially low water flow, most of the journey will involve paddling. It's important to note that there are no designated points to exit the river between the boat launch and the Boundary Dam campground. You must feel comfortable paddling for 6 hours with breaks.
July 25 – The group will launch from the Beaver Creek Campground on Lower Priest Lake and paddle the thoroughfare to Upper Priest Lake and back. A 6-mile round trip. Return to the Tri-Cities. - A Idaho $7 Invasive Species Permit is required for each kayak/canoe.
Hiking Events
May 7-9: Columbia Gorge Hikes: Dog Mountain, and more!
Hiking Safety Level 3.
RSVP REQUIRED : Jane Giardino at janieter71@gmail.com or 509.999.6463.
Spend 2 days in the Columbia Gorge area with a 1-2 night stay. A federal pass, Golden Age etc. is required for parking at the Dog Mountain trailhead.
Arrive Tuesday May 7 and stay in lodging - your responsibility, Jane can offer suggestions. Reserving early recommended. Meet at the Dog Mountain trailhead at 8 am or sooner.
The trail is a 6.5 mile loop trail located near Stevenson WA. The hike is rated hard by All Trails and recommended for only experienced hikers. Elevation gain is 3,000 ft. The duration of the hike is 5 hours + 1/2 hr. for lunch.
This trail features a variety of landscapes and habitats, which makes this area special within the Columbia River Gorge. Close to the parking lot and trailhead, you will enjoy a mix of temperate and high-desert flora. As the trail climbs through the mountain, the climate cools and the landscape transforms into temperate Pacific-Northwest forest, with plenty of large moss-covered trees and shade. Then, the trail makes its way to higher elevations through alpine meadows. The meadow is a beautiful place to emerge from the dense forest, as the warm spring sun allows for stunning wildflowers and views of nearby snow-capped mountains.
Return to lodging Wednesday evening to relax and join the group for dinner locally , or drive back to the TriCities if desired.
Thursday May 9, optional hikes near Mosier, OR, Tom McCall Point or the Rowena Plateau. This is a beautiful area for wildflowers! Depart for home with a local stop: options might be Hood River, Maryhill winery. See this link for a description of these hikes: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/rowena-plateau?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAopuvBhBCEiwAm8jaMXOfpRT_gvo6NMUgiz4M12RbJ_9ddp5PCZEtOS7Y9d1JwD-9dOD1lRoCqdAQAvD_BwE
Hiking Safety Level 3.
RSVP REQUIRED : Jane Giardino at janieter71@gmail.com or 509.999.6463.
Spend 2 days in the Columbia Gorge area with a 1-2 night stay. A federal pass, Golden Age etc. is required for parking at the Dog Mountain trailhead.
Arrive Tuesday May 7 and stay in lodging - your responsibility, Jane can offer suggestions. Reserving early recommended. Meet at the Dog Mountain trailhead at 8 am or sooner.
The trail is a 6.5 mile loop trail located near Stevenson WA. The hike is rated hard by All Trails and recommended for only experienced hikers. Elevation gain is 3,000 ft. The duration of the hike is 5 hours + 1/2 hr. for lunch.
This trail features a variety of landscapes and habitats, which makes this area special within the Columbia River Gorge. Close to the parking lot and trailhead, you will enjoy a mix of temperate and high-desert flora. As the trail climbs through the mountain, the climate cools and the landscape transforms into temperate Pacific-Northwest forest, with plenty of large moss-covered trees and shade. Then, the trail makes its way to higher elevations through alpine meadows. The meadow is a beautiful place to emerge from the dense forest, as the warm spring sun allows for stunning wildflowers and views of nearby snow-capped mountains.
Return to lodging Wednesday evening to relax and join the group for dinner locally , or drive back to the TriCities if desired.
Thursday May 9, optional hikes near Mosier, OR, Tom McCall Point or the Rowena Plateau. This is a beautiful area for wildflowers! Depart for home with a local stop: options might be Hood River, Maryhill winery. See this link for a description of these hikes: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/rowena-plateau?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAopuvBhBCEiwAm8jaMXOfpRT_gvo6NMUgiz4M12RbJ_9ddp5PCZEtOS7Y9d1JwD-9dOD1lRoCqdAQAvD_BwE