Community Event: Special Interest

The 31st annual Mineral Lake Fishing Derby is scheduled for April 27 and 28, 2024

Mineral Lake, home of the 10-pound trout. On a clear day, the views of Mount Rainier from the lake, along with the great fishing, make for an incredible outing. The Mineral Lake Lions Club and the American Legion Storm King Post 171, in cooperation with the community of Mineral, are hosting the 30th Annual Mineral Lake Fishing Derby!

For many people, “Opening Day” brings fond memories to mind. Memories of camping, family gatherings, new friends made, old friendships renewed, and first fish caught. Opening day is a chance to share the excitement with the current and the next generation of sports fishers. The Mineral Lake Lions Club and American Legion Storm King Post 171 hope to share Mineral’s small-town spirit, the excitement of fishing, and the outdoors.

Local lodging includes campgrounds, vacation rentals, and a historic lodge. Click here for a list of accommodations in Mineral, WA.

Please note that there have been several changes to this year’s Derby. Please review the Public Notice, Derby Rules, Derby Details, and Event Schedule before entering the Derby, purchasing your Derby Tickets, and purchasing a Raffle Ticket.

To ensure compliance with State of Washington Aquatic Invasive Species Decontamination (WAC 220-220-220 7a-b), pre-registration will be required before launching on Mineral Lake to enter your catch in the Derby (dock or shore-caught fish do not require pre-registration; they do require the purchase of a Derby ticket if planning on entering the Derby). The Derby begins Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. The deadline to enter catch is Sunday, April 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $10.00 each. All Derby participants must purchase their Derby tickets before their fishing line hits the water.

Fields & Fins: April 27th and 28th!

Introducing Fields and Fins, a new event designed to connect visitors to family farms, ranches, country stores, and experiences in the Upper Nisqually Valley. From pony rides and live musical performances at EZ Times Horse Rides to a farmers market and plant sale at Frey Family Farm, Fields & Fins offers opportunities to engage with local farmers and experience various activities.

Participating Sites

Morning:

• 12:01 AM (Saturday) to 11:00 AM (Sunday) at Mineral Lake: 🎣 Kick off your weekend by participating in Mineral Lake’s 31st Annual Fishing Derby. Enjoy angling, a beer garden, food trucks, a kids’ zone trout pond, music, and vendors throughout the weekend.
  • Noon (Sunday): Stay for the announcement of the Derby winner.

Morning (Saturday):

• 9:00 AM-6:00 PM: Start your day by visiting the Elbe Country Market for the petting zoo and shopping. Farmers from Chickentopia will be on-site, and there will be a wood carving demonstration at noon. The market is located at 54209 Mountain Hwy E, Elbe, WA 98330, directly across from the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad depot.
• 10:00 AM at EZ Times: 🐐 Enjoy pony rides for kids and farm games. EZ Times is located at 18703 WA-706, Elbe, WA 98330.
  • 11:00 AM: 🐷 Attend a piglet meet and greet with Kuma Tako Ranch.
  • Noon: 🎶 Catch Becky Rowe Berge’s live performance during a free BBQ.

Afternoon:

• 1:00 PM: 🌾 Take some time to relax and explore Frey Family Farm’s plant sale until 5:00 PM. Frey Family Farm is located at 28411 SR 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304. Please note that the plant sale is only available on April 27th.

Evening:

• 5:00 PM onwards: 🍕 Wrap up your day with a delicious meal at Basecamp Bar & Grill. Serving pizza, beer, burgers, salads, and more, this open-air restaurant offers fire pits, covered seating, and a small climbing wall. Find Basecamp Bar & Grill at 30027 WA-706, Ashford, WA 98304.

Area Lodging

Looking for lodging to complete your Fields & Fins experience? Explore a variety of options in the nearby communities:

• Mineral: Stay near the campground hosting opening day festivities, indulge in the charm of a historic bed and breakfast, or relax in cozy vacation rentals.
• Elbe: Experience a unique stay at the Hobo Inn, the largest collection of cabooses in Washington state, where each caboose is converted into a comfortable motel room.
• Ashford: With over 100 places to stay, Ashford offers a diverse range of lodging options including lodges, vacation rentals, treehouses, yurts, cabins, and inns. Find your perfect retreat and make the most of your Fields & Fins weekend!

Don’t let this opportunity be the “big one that got away”! Reel in the fun at Fields & Fins.

Washington’s National Park Fund (WNPF) is partnering with Mill Haus Cider Co for a special “Pints in the Parks” event

Scheduled for June 2 the Pints in the Parks event will celebrate Mount Rainier National Park’s 125th birthday. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to WNPF which will then go to support priority projects at the Mount Rainier National Park.

Join the fun for a night of delicious food and drinks with special guests from Mount Rainier National Park!

For lodging near the event click here.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Mount Rainier National Park without breaking the bank!

Spend time in the great outdoors on six fee-free entrance days in 2024, making it more affordable than ever to plan your visit.

Mark your calendar for these special dates:

• January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 20: First Day of National Park Week
• June 19: Juneteenth
• August 4: Great American Outdoors Day
• September 28: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

On these fee-free days, entry to Mount Rainier National Park is complimentary for everyone. It’s an open invitation to explore the vast landscapes, pristine wilderness, and iconic vistas that make Mount Rainier a true natural treasure.

Take your time to soak in the grandeur of this expansive park. With no entrance fees, you have the perfect opportunity to plan an extended stay and truly connect with the wonders that unfold around every corner. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Mount Rainier offers something for everyone.

To make the most of your visit, be sure to secure your accommodations early. From charming cabins to cozy lodges and welcoming inns, the area surrounding Mount Rainier National Park boasts a variety of lodging options. Don’t miss out on the chance to stay close to the heart of the action—reserve your spot today.

Click here for a list of lodging options in and around Mount Rainier National Park. Plan ahead. Experience an unforgettable adventure in the splendor of one of America’s iconic national parks! We look forward to welcoming you on these fee-free days as we celebrate the beauty and wonder of Mount Rainier together.

The Buckley Log Show™️ on June 29th and 30th is a timber-fueled extravaganza

Get ready for the heart-pounding excitement of the annual Buckley Log Show, where the echoes of chainsaws and the thrill of competition fill the air. This two-day logging spectacle promises a weekend packed with family-friendly fun, jaw-dropping skills, and the crowning of the ultimate “All-Around Logger.”

Highlights:

Saturday Parade on Main Street – 10 a.m. Kick off the festivities with a lively parade down Main Street, featuring floats with a touch of logging history. Grab your spot early to catch all the action!

🪓 Log Show Grounds – Saturday, Noon  Once the parade concludes, make your way to the Log Show Grounds for an afternoon of adrenaline-pumping competitions. Watch as talented loggers showcase their skills in events like axe throwing, chainsaw carving, and speed climbing. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high!

All-Around Logger Crowned – Sunday  As the dust settles on Saturday’s events, anticipation builds for the grand finale on Sunday. Witness the crowning of the “All-Around Logger” as one skilled competitor earns the right to brag for an entire year.

🍻 Beer Garden and Family Fun Area  The arena is divided to cater to everyone! For those 21 and over, the Beer Garden offers a selection of refreshing beverages, creating the perfect atmosphere to unwind and enjoy the show. Families can revel in the large family area, complete with activities for kids.

Why attend the Buckley Log Show?

• 🏆 Witness World-Class Logging Competitions
• 🎉 Enjoy a Family-Friendly Atmosphere
• 🍻 Indulge in the Beer Garden Experience
• 🤝 Connect with the Buckley Community
• 🪓 Experience the Thrill of Timber Sports

Save the Date: June 29th and 30th, 2024

Mark your calendars for a weekend of excitement and celebration at the Buckley Log Show™️. This event is fun for logging enthusiasts, a family looking for weekend fun, or someone seeking a unique experience. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this iconic tradition! Follow us on social media for updates, and we’ll see you in Buckley for a log-tastic weekend!

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Mount Rainier National Park without breaking the bank!

Spend time in the great outdoors on six fee-free entrance days in 2024, making it more affordable than ever to plan your visit.

Mark your calendar for these special dates:

• January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 20: First Day of National Park Week
• June 19: Juneteenth
• August 4: Great American Outdoors Day
• September 28: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

On these fee-free days, entry to Mount Rainier National Park is complimentary for everyone. It’s an open invitation to explore the vast landscapes, pristine wilderness, and iconic vistas that make Mount Rainier a true natural treasure.

Take your time to soak in the grandeur of this expansive park. With no entrance fees, you have the perfect opportunity to plan an extended stay and truly connect with the wonders that unfold around every corner. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Mount Rainier offers something for everyone.

To make the most of your visit, be sure to secure your accommodations early. From charming cabins to cozy lodges and welcoming inns, the area surrounding Mount Rainier National Park boasts a variety of lodging options. Don’t miss out on the chance to stay close to the heart of the action—reserve your spot today.

Click here for a list of lodging options in and around Mount Rainier National Park. Plan ahead. Experience an unforgettable adventure in the splendor of one of America’s iconic national parks! We look forward to welcoming you on these fee-free days as we celebrate the beauty and wonder of Mount Rainier together.