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Tamarack Festival
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, the anticipation for the winter season intensifies. Autumn in the Cascade mountains unfolds as a breathtaking spectacle, with nature’s transition from green to gold. At Mission Ridge, we invite you to partake in this magnificent display at the Tamarack Festival.
Join us and our friends at Wenatchee Outdoors for a day of live music, guided hikes, tasty food, activities for the kids, and more! You can even stick around after the event and camp in the parking lot overnight and enjoy a beautiful sunrise the next morning. The Tamarack Festival will help you immerse yourself in the autumnal charm of Mission Ridge. Nature’s seasonal transformation graces us with its brilliance for several weeks during fall, but on October 19th, we will come together to celebrate the season that heralds the arrival of winter.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to revel in the beauty of the Cascade mountains, witness the captivating shift from green to gold, and enjoy a day filled with exciting activities and delightful experiences. Join us at the Tamarack Festival and be part of this unforgettable celebration of nature’s grandeur.
A special thanks to our sponsors who help make this happen!
Wenatchee Outdoors | PEPSI | Mela Coffee Roasting Co. | Cascade Autocenter Subaru | HEAD
Event Schedule
- 10:30 AM – 12 PM Breakfast Buffet inside Hampton Lodge
- 11 AM Guided Hikes depart
- 12 PM Booths/activity stations/Food & Drinks outside open
- 12 PM – 1:45 PM Live Music outside in the Base Area by Ilo Curtis
- 12 PM Nature/Wildlife Photography Class
- 2 PM Guided Hikes depart
- 2 PM Presentation on the Western Larch/Tamarack by Connie Mehmel
- 2 PM – 3:45 PM Live Music outside in the Base Area by Homebrew String Band
- 3 PM Nature/Wildlife Photography Class
- 3 PM Presentation on Wenatchee Outdoors by Sarah Shaffer
- 4 PM Presentation Outdoor Preparedness by Adam Vognild
- 4 PM – 5:45 PM Live Music outside in the Base Area by Buck 99
- 5 PM Dinner available inside Hampton Lodge
- 6 PM – 8 PM Live Music Inside Hampton Lodge featuring Whisky Trail
Additional Event Information
More Info About The Wenatchee Outdoors Free Guided Hikes
Join Wenatchee Outdoors team members for a guided hike to enjoy the spectacular views. Choose from a hike to Midway within the ski area or to Clara Lake just outside of the ski area boundaries. There will be two different start times (11am and 2pm) for each hike. The Midway hike (1.54 miles long) is great for most ages and abilities, with the Clara Lake hike (2.8 miles long) being moderately more strenuous and longer. Please register for these free hikes through the Wenatchee Outdoors Outings page on their website. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
More Information About The Outdoor Photography Class
Join photographer Cameron Hein on a guided photography walk as you explore Mission Ridge, capturing fall photographs. This beginner photography class will help you better understand the functions of your camera to make that leap from “AUTO.” You will also discuss the basics of composition so you can capture some amazing larch landscapes. Space in each class is limited, and a small $10 registration fee is required for this event.
Kids Activities Info
Kids of all ages will have a chance to create a variety of free take-home crafts and participate in games. Nature crowns, rock painting, nature walk scavenger hunt, beanbag toss, and horseshoes are on the list of must-dos. Get up close and personal with a Snow Cat (the machine that smoothes out the snow each night) and a Snow Gun (we make our own snow at Mission Ridge!) for a behind-the-scenes look at machines that keep Mission Ridge going in the winter season.
More Info About The Live Music
Enjoy bluegrass jams outside in the Base Area throughout the day with Ilo Curtis, Homebrew Stringband, and Buck 99. Then head inside the Hampton Lodge to turn up the volume with Whisky Trail to cap off the evening!
Ilo Curtis
Ilo Curtis is an upcoming singer/songwriter and mandolinist from the Methow Valley. Coming from a classical background and now specializing in Appalachian-style folk and originals, his performances are marked by a captivating subtlety. Occasionally, by using a looper peddle, he will switch instruments mid-song and add in a mandolin solo before resuming with the guitar and vocals.
Homebrew String band
“A little of this, a little of that and a whole lot of fun!”
That pretty much sums up Homebrew Stringband. The band is made up of Gary and Alyse Read singing and playing the bluegrass, Americana and “oldies” songs they grew up with. Gary (guitar, mandolin, vocals) brings his oldies rock while Alyse (bass, banjo, and vocals) pulls in her bluegrass and mountain roots. Brad Keeler is the third member of the band. He is a talented multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who brings in a great old-time sound as well as blues and bluegrass influences. As he says, “I play covers from the last 100 years; originals from the last 30+ years.” Between the three of them, you never quite know what musical mix you may get. They like to call their style of music “twisted bluegrass”.
Buck 99
Buck 99 is known for their lively performances and ability to blend traditional bluegrass with their own unique twist. The band has become a local favorite, especially at bluegrass festivals and community events. With a lineup that can range from a duo to a larger ensemble, Buck 99 delivers both original songs and covers, showcasing their expertise with classic bluegrass instruments like the banjo, guitar, and upright bass. Their repertoire includes a mix of bluegrass standards and foot-tapping melodies that resonate with fans of the genre.
Whisky Trail
Whisky Trail is a three-time Wenatchee World Best Band winner, known for performing classic rock covers throughout the region. While they might be cheeky with their acronyms, they always refer to their audience as Friends, not Fans—and nothing is more satisfying than seeing Whisky Trail Friends on their feet dancing the night away. Whisky Trail performs year-round as a three to five-piece rock band or a two to three-piece acoustic band. For more intimate settings, their kilted lead performs solo as Taste of Whisky. Get ready to be taken for a ride in the way-back machine, evoking memories and nostalgia of your favorite tunes from simpler times.
More Info On The Presentations
Learn about various topics, including the life and ecology of the Western Larch tree, outdoor recreation and conservation opportunities in the Wenatchee area, and essential outdoor preparedness tips for safe and enjoyable adventures.
Presentation on the Western Larch/Tamarack by Connie Mehmel
Discover the unique characteristics of the Western Larch tree in this engaging presentation by former US Forest Service Pathologist Connie Mehmel. Learn about the seasonal transformation of these beautiful trees and their importance to the Cascade ecosystem.
Presentation on Wenatchee Outdoors by Sarah Shaffer
Join Sarah Shaffer from Wenatchee Outdoors for an inspiring talk about the organization’s mission to connect the community with outdoor adventure opportunities, conservation efforts, and responsible recreation in the Wenatchee Valley. Wenatchee Outdoors Website
Presentation Outdoor Preparedness by Adam Vognild
Adam Vognild is a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach and Personal Trainer who has extensive backcountry experience. He will share essential tips on outdoor preparedness. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to be better prepared for adventures in the wilderness. Adam’s Website
Food & Drinks At The Event
Stay fueled up to enjoy everything the day has to offer! Kick things off with a breakfast Buffet in the Chair 5 Pub from 10:30am to 12pm. Food & drinks will then be available outside in the Base Area from 12pm to 5pm. End the night on a high note with dinner at the Chair 5 pub from 5pm to 8:30pm.
Breakfast Buffet Info
- Adults $21.99 in advance / $24.99 day of
- Kids under 12 $12.99 in advance / $15.99 day of
Eggs scrambled, pancakes, bacon, sausage, seasoned potatoes, mixed fruit, assorted fruit scones, assorted cookies, coffee/tea, and juice.
Overnight Camping Info
- $30 for all overnight camping (RV, Truck Camper, Tent, etc)
Enjoy everything that the Tamarack Festival has to offer and then wake up to a beautiful sunrise the next morning. Primitive camping spots are available to reserve on the night of October 18th or 19th. There are no water or electrical hookups on site.
Overnight Camping Expectations & Etiquette
- Quiet time is 11PM to 8AM. Only quiet generators during quiet time please.
- No campfires allowed. Propane fire pits are permitted.
- Be respectful and courteous to your neighbors, area visitors and ski area personnel. No profanity or unruly behavior.
- Please take pride in your campsite and keep it free of trash. All trash generated during your stay must be picked up and taken with you when you leave.
- No saving of spots is allowed. All unreserved RV spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- All camping must be self-contained. No electrical hook-ups are available.
- All vehicles including RVs must be attended overnight and not take up more than 5ft on either side of the vehicle.
- All alcohol must be kept inside your RV. Washington State Law dictates that without a proper license, alcohol is prohibited in any public place (RCW 66.04.010-23 & RCW 66.44.100).
- All pets must be on a leash, in a kennel or inside the RV at all times.
- Owners may not allow their pet to negatively impact other guests.
- Pets may not be in any buildings.
- Owners are responsible for immediately cleaning up after their pets.
Date: October 19, 2024
Time: 10:30 am - 9:00 pm
Where: Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort
Cost: Free
