Hit the trail for free

The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is joining in the 14th annual observance of National Trails Day on Saturday. For the day, the Northwest Forest Pass daily fee, which usually is $5, is being waived, and that means a free day in the national forest.

The free day applies to more than 130 trailheads in the national forest, as well as six picnic sites, a boat launch and two rustic campsites that normally require fees.

But "free day" doesn't apply to developed campgrounds and picnic areas not included in the Northwest Forest Pass program.

The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in this state extends more than 140 miles along the western slopes of the Cascades, from the Canadian border to the northern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park. It is one of the most visited national forests in the nation. Information: 425-775-9702 or 800-627-0062, or online: www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/.

More information about National Trails Day is online at www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd/.

A walk in the park

The nonprofit Asian Counseling and Referral Service's 16th annual Walk for Rice, a benefit for the agency's food bank, will be at Seward Park on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The route is a 2.5-mile loop around Seward Park on Lake Washington.

Proceeds from the walkathon and fun run will be used to buy rice and other Asian/Pacific staples to be distributed to thousands of local low-income households. This year's fundraiser will include a "Year of the Dog" costume contest.

Information is online at www.walkforrice.com, or call 206-695-7551.

Bike safety

Parents can have youngsters custom-fitted for bike helmets for $6 each on Saturday at the Sand Point Metropolitan Market, 5250 40th Ave. N.E. Event hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center, Cascade Bicycle Club and the Sand Point market are partnering to promote safe bicycle riding. Helmets for adults also will be available for the same price.

Doggie day

Members of three scouting groups — Kenmore Elementary Cub Scout Pack 622, Lockwood Elementary Cub Scout Pack 582 and Boy Scout Troop 582 — will be in Magnuson Park's off-leash dog area in Northeast Seattle on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., passing out doggie treats for the canine crowd and bottled water for pet owners, along with information about two organizations — Animal Critical Care & Emergency Services (ACCES) Blood Bank, which operates a canine and feline blood bank, and Guide Puppies of Seattle.

The Scouts are calling the event "Dog Day in the Park." The park entrance is at 7400 Sand Point Way N.E.

Summer games

Athletic competitions for this weekend's Special Olympics Washington summer games for people with disabilities will be held at Fort Lewis military base south of Tacoma and at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

Opening ceremonies will be at 7:30 tonight at McChord Air Force Base. Former Seattle Sonics basketball star Slick Watts will preside over opening festivities in one of McChord's historic aircraft hangars.

Competition in several sporting events will be Saturday and Sunday. Closing ceremonies will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Fort Lewis' Cowan Stadium. Events are free, and spectators are welcome.

Special Olympics Washington offers year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with disabilities. The summer-games schedule and information about public access to the military bases is online at www.sowa.org. Information: 800-752-7559.

Here & Now is compiled by Seattle Times staff reporter Charles E. Brown and news assistant Suesan Whitney Henderson. To submit an item, e-mail herenow@seattletimes.com or call 206-464-2226.