Out & About

Friday Harbor tour

Nov. 5: $60. Recharge and reconnect in the peaceful, historic seaport of Friday Harbor. This bustling harbor is the largest town in the San Juan Islands and one of the most popular destinations, but it’s hardly a metropolis. The coastal village boasts a multitude of restaurants offering the finest in dining, from lovely open-air bistros to delicious ice cream parlors. Stroll through art galleries, clothing and gift shops, antique and collectible stores. Time on island: 4.5 hours. (Ages 12 and younger: $30) Family-friendly trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs.

Tayuha bike ramble

Nov. 5: $35. Ride a maze of twisting single-track trails through mud, water, sand and more. Perfect for beginners who want something a little challenging, come ready to get wet and dirty by the end of the ride. Bike, gloves, helmet, transportation and guide provided. Distance: 14.3 miles; time: 3 hours; difficulty: beginner/moderate; elevation gain: 50 feet. Minimum age: 16.

Mystery waterfall hike

Nov. 6: $30. Explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest on a hike that will take you to one of the most spectacular waterfall views that Washington has to offer.

All ages and abilities are welcome. Rain or shine. Bring your lunch, plenty of water, and dress for the weather. (Ages 12 and younger: $15) Family-friendly trip.

Aquarium-Pike Place

Nov. 6: $35. Visit the Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Market. The aquarium is filled with local exhibits, a visiting Harbor Seal and many amazing things to see and touch. Pike Place Market has an assortment of unique food and shops for you to try, so join us. As always, we’ll provide the transportation; you just need to enjoy the ride! Cost includes parking, admission to the aquarium and fuel charge. (Ages 4 to12: $25; 3 and younger: $5) Family-friendly trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs.

Grand Prix racing

Nov. 9: $40. You’re invited to a fast time on the track at the Grand Prix Raceway in Tacoma. Work up an appetite on more than 4 miles of thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing. Fee includes transportation, lap fee, kart, helmet, head sock and basic driver instruction. Minimum age: 16; minimum height: 5 feet. Family-friendly trip.

Horseback riding

Nov. 12: $80. Head to Elbe, a town located on the outskirts of Mount Rainier National Park, for a two-hour guided afternoon horseback ride. No experience is necessary for you to participate in this trip. Bring the entire family along for a great day; all children ages 7 and older are welcome. Family-friendly trip.

Kayak Cutts Island

Nov. 12: $40. Don’t miss this South Sound classic! Begin in Horsehead Bay and paddle North in Carr Inlet to Cutts Island.

This small island has a steep rock face on the south end, and there are many birds that make this island their home. Stop to enjoy your lunch and explore the island Minimum age: 12.

Shop, gamble Seattle

Nov. 13: $35. For the serious bargain hunters, spend a full day of shopping at the Seattle Premium Outlet Mall in Marysville. Stores include Burberry, Calvin Klein, Coach and Chico’s. If you get tired of shopping, a short walk will bring you to Tulalip Resort Casino. Make the trip north. Trip fee includes round-trip transportation. (Ages 12 and younger: $15) Family-friendly trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs.

Geocaching adventure

Nov. 13: $30. Geocaching is often described as a game of high-tech hide and seek where you use a GPS to find caches that somebody hid. In this seminar you will learn how to use a GPS to navigate your way to the caches. The first couple of hours are spent at Lewis North learning the basics, and the rest of the day will be spent finding local caches. Fee includes instruction, equipment and transportation. (Ages 12 and younger: $15) Family-friendly trip.

After-work bike trip

Nov. 16: $20. Enjoy an evening of mountain biking through trails at Lewis North. Fee includes equipment and guided ride.

Hike High Rock Lookout

Nov. 19: $30. This could be the best view of Mount Rainier around. Challenge yourself on this short but steady ascent to an old wooden fire lookout perched atop a massive rock face. Lace up your boots and join us — this one shouldn’t be missed. Difficulty: moderate; distance: 3.5 miles; elevation gain: 1,400 feet; time: 4-5 hours. Minimum age: 12.

Visit scenic Leavenworth

Nov. 19: $45. Travel to the east side of the mountains to the beautiful Bavarian town of Leavenworth. Shop and unearth imported treasures, or sit down and enjoy wine tasting at one the city’s many wineries. Trip fee includes transportation.

Crabbing at Westport

Nov. 20: $30. Have a day of fun at Westport. Outdoor Recreation Program staffers will teach you how to catch, identify and cook crabs. Gear, transportation and bait included. You’ll need to purchase your fishing license. Family-friendly trip; reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with special needs.

Ape Cave adventure

Nov. 20: $35. Travel to Mount St. Helens to explore the largest continuous lava tube in the Western Hemisphere. Hike deep into the underside of a 2,000-year-old lava flow to scramble under and climb over volcanic formations. The average year-round temperature is a constant 45 degrees, so dress appropriately. Difficulty: easy; distance: 3 miles; elevation gain: 250 feet. Minimum age: 12.

Register early for tours

Pre-registration is required for all trips.

Schedule, fees and trip details, to include meeting times, are subject to change without notice. Register through WebTrac at https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/jblmrectrac.html or at the Northwest Adventure Center at Lewis North.

Trip pick up locations are the NAC and McChord Field’s Adventures Unlimited. Group rates/private trips available. For more information, call 967-6263 or visit JBLMmwr.com.