ADVENTURES NW >>> SUMMER 2018
SUMMER ADVENTURES IN BC CLIMBING THE BUGABOOS HIKING THE CHILLIWACKS SUP IN THE BROKEN GROUP
NOCA AT 50: HIDDEN LAKE PEAKS WILD & SCENIC NOOKSACK RETURN OF THE HILL CLIMB >>> EXTENSIVE OUTDOOR EVENTS CALENDAR INSIDE
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CONTRIBUTORS Brett Baunton likes his photo adventures with Denise and Luna the Husky. National Geographic, The USPS, Alaska Magazine, National Parks and U.S. Forest Service feature his images. Wild Nooksack is Brett’s current project. Learn more at wildnooksack.com. Long ago, Kathy and Craig Copeland rearranged their lives to make hiking the white-hot molten core of their shared identity. They built their livelihood on a unique ability to express the wonder, joy, and exhilaration they feel in wild places. They’re now Canada’s most prolific hiking-and-camping guidebook authors. Visit hikingcamping.com to see their titles and peruse their blog. Aya Kristina Engel is a passionate outdoor explorer. Residing in Vancouver BC, with the mountains and ocean at her doorstep, she is keen to get outside in all her free time. SUP touring, hiking, camping, ski touring, surfing…you name it, she loves it all! She teaches AcroYoga and has been working as a circus acrobat for the last seven years. After a successful career composing music for TV & Film in Hollywood, Ken Harrison and his family relocated to Bellingham, WA. in 1992. The beauty of the PNW was a reason to move here and a reason to stay. When the music industry changed, Ken easily found his second passion: selling real estate. Adventures with his hiking club helped Ken discover his third passion: capturing amazing images of the outdoors through his photography. “Looking at life as always an adventure” sums up Bob Kandiko’s philosophy. Retired after 33 years as a middle school science teacher, he now has endless time to plan and execute trips with his life companion, Karen Neubauer. Sharon Kingston is a full-time artist working out of her downtown Bellingham storefront studio. She studied fine art after a career in the printing and publishing industry and has been exhibiting her paintings professionally for the past 15 years. Her paintings are held in collections throughout the United States and Canada. Sarah Laing is a nutritionist, author and co-founder of S&J Natural Products, which offers CBD-infused products for healthy lifestyles. She is currently writing
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The heartbeat of Cascadia
Volume 13. Issue 2
SUMMER | 2018
her second book, The Cannabinoid Diet, which focuses on phytocannabinoidbased nutritional guidelines to activate the body’s endocannabinoid system, restoring balance in the body and promoting overall health. Dave Mauro has called Bellingham home for the last 20 years. He is a mountain climber, author, and frequent consumer of emergency room services. His book, The Altitude Journals: A Seven-Year Journey from the Lowest Point in My Life to the Highest Point on Earth was published this month. Christian Martin is a freelance writer and photographer who writes about natural history, travel and environmental issues. He also serves as the Communication Manager for North Cascades Institute. Christian lives on the outskirts of Bellingham. Phill Padgham is a life-long paddler with a deep passion for being on the water. He delights in exploring the west coast of Vancouver Island in Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds as coowner of Hello Nature Adventure Tours, an award-winning kayaking and hiking tour company based in Ucluelet, British Columbia. More info at: hellonature.ca. Saul Weisberg is the executive director of North Cascades Institute. Saul worked throughout the Northwest as a wilderness ranger, field biologist, commercial fisherman and fire lookout before starting the Institute in 1986. He is the author of Headwaters: Poems & Field Notes (Pleasure Boat Studio).
COVER PHOTO by Ken Harrison
A Look Ahead:
Photo by Alan Majchrowicz
Our Autumn Issue
Ice Caves Chuckanut Island Beyond Whatcom Pass Doppelgänger on Mount Baker
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INSPIRATIONS
IN THIS ISSUE
Paddle Hard & Stay Close Exploring the Broken Group Islands by Paddle Board Aya Kristina Engle Moon and Sand
An Insider’s Guide to Camping in the Broken Group
Phill Padgham
Discovering Your Inner Climber
10 16
Dave Mauro
20
Celebrating a Free-Flowing Beauty
Brett Baunton
26
The Wild Choice Hiking the Chilliwacks
Bob Kandiko
28
John D’Onofrio
36
VIa Farreta in the Bugaboos
Wild Nooksack
Hidden Lake Peaks A Walk in the Park
All we have, it seems to me, is the beauty of art and nature and life, and the love which that beauty inspires. - Edward Abbey
The Flow Out & About Letters to the Editor 3 Great Hikes ... for Summer Vital Signs eARTh: The Art of Nature Bright Lines Field Trip: Iceland Outside In Summer Reading Cascadia Gear Race | Play | Experience Calendar Next Adventure
6 8 9 9 19 31 39 42 43 43 44 45 50
stories & the race|play|experience calendar online.
Photo by John D’Onofrio
DESTINATIONS
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THE FLOW
L
ong before I came to Cascadia to live—almost 30 years ago— I was aware of the Nooksack River. As a kid, I was a map aficionado (still am, come to think of it), acquiring and reading maps like they were pulp fiction. While examining a map of Washington State, the sinuous blue of the Nooksack caught my eye. Now that I live a few miles from its alluring shores I have come to begin to understand its power and beauty. I have also come to understand that the Nooksack represents a last, best hope for salmon. It needs no explanation that salmon are the very essence of Cascadia, the icon of our ecosystem. The canary in the coal mine. All five species of Pacific salmon are found in the Nooksack. This river needs Wild and Scenic status, protection that is vital to the long-term health of our salmon. 2018 marks the 50th Anniversary of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, yet less than onequarter of one percent of rivers in the U.S. are included in this protection (three tenths of one percent in Washington). By comparison, some 17 percent of the nation’s rivers have been impacted by dams. We reported on the efforts by American Rivers and others to get the Nooksack listed in 2014 and the effort is gaining momentum. Scattered pieces of riparian riverfront have been protected by the Whatcom Land Trust (WLT) but without whole-cloth protection, the watercourse remains imperiled. A diverse array of interested citizens, business owners, and organizations like American Rivers, Conservation Northwest, and the Whatcom Chapter of the Sierra Club have worked for years to build widespread public support for Wild and Scenic River legislation, designed to permanently protect over 100
Volume 13. Issue 2
river miles and 32,000 acres of riverside habitat in the upper Nooksack basin, including portions of all three forks and eight tributary streams. At stake is more than the river itself. The North, Middle and South Forks are the lifeblood of what is being called the Cascades to Chuckanuts (C2C) Region. At more than 350,000 acres, C2C remains a largely undeveloped area containing the best remaining interconnected marine-to-alpine ecosystem linking the shores of the Salish Sea with the Cascades and Columbia Basin. For the Coast Salish people, the Nooksack holds great cultural and spiritual significance. They lived along its banks for thousands of years and they have held the river and the salmon—once thought inexhaustible—as sacred. As part of its mission to preserve returning wild salmon species, the Whatcom Land Trust supports the efforts to get the Nooksack listed. WLT currently owns or holds conservation easements on more than 1,300 acres of riparian land within the Nooksack watershed and is currently working with a local timber company to protect more than 1,200 acres of land along Skookum Creek, a major tributary of the South Fork. This acquisition, when completed, will permanently protect clean, cold water, limit sediment, and provide habitat for salmon, elk, beaver and a number of other species. It’s a start. But it’s a big job, protecting a river system as complex as this and requires big-picture thinking. And a Wild and Scenic designation.
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SUMMER | 2018
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Out&About
Fun in the Sun: Hovander Homestead Bluegrass Festival
Cascade River House
Enjoy a vacation home and luxury trailer on the wild & scenic Cascade River! World-class fishing, white water kayaking, rafting/floating, hiking, climbing and bird watching. Now Offering Outdoor Equipment Rentals!
Photo courtesy of Rae & Rae Photography
Relaxation and Tranquility at the Gateway to North Cascades National Park.
After only two years, the Hovander Homestead Bluegrass Festival, held over Labor Day Weekend (September 1-2) in Hovander Park in Ferndale, WA. has become a highlight of the summer festival season in the Pacific Northwest. This year’s festival includes such nationally-known performers as Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands; Crary, Evans and Barnick; AJ Lee and Blue Summit; and Modern Tradition (formerly #mashtag). Perhaps the true heart of the festival however is to be found late at night in the free-form jams that emanate from the on-site campground. The festival will also feature numerous instrument and vocal workshops taught by members of the headline acts and provide a chance to hear local and regional bands in an informal setting at the Shade Tree Showcase Stage. Proceeds from the festival go to benefit the Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation, a Bellingham-based non-profit that works to promote parks, trails and recreation opportunities throughout Whatcom County. The Foundation is the driving force behind the construction of the Nooksack Loop Trail, an envisioned route that would connect Bellingham, Everson, Lynden and Ferndale by knitting together existing trails and “connecting the dots” to create a 45-mile loop for non-motorized recreational use.
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Clarification
Photo by Kenneth Kearney
In our spring issue, we featured a story by Lorraine Wilde about the foxes of San Juan Island. Although there is no state law prohibiting the feeding of foxes on San Juan Island, there is a federal law that prohibits the feeding of wildlife within a National Park (36 CFR 2.2(a)(2)) and that includes San Juan Island National Historic Park. The author and this publication firmly agree that, “there is no scenario where feeding wildlife is a good idea.”
YOUR 4 SEASON MT. BAKER GETAWAY
CONDO SALES AND RENTALS | 8
The heartbeat of Cascadia
360.599.2640 | SNOWATER.ORG
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The Mt. Baker Hill Climb Returns! A beloved Cascadian cycling tradition is set for a reboot. For years, the Mt. Baker Hill Climb was a highlight of the summer recreation calendar. The Climb was famous, both for its stunning scenery and its relentless elevation gain (more than 4,000 feet!).
3 Great Hikes for Summer
Skyline Divide
But logistical issues plagued NorKa Recreation, the organization that launched the event in 2003, and after a series of fits and starts, the Hill Climb was no more. Enter Whatcom Events, the Bellingham-based organization behind such landmark recreational icons as Ski to Sea and Tour de Whatcom. Under their management the Climb returns on September 9, beginning at Snowater Rd. on the Mt. Baker Highway and climbing 22.6 miles to Artist Point. Scenic racers will depart at 7 AM, recreational racers at 8 AM and competitive racers at 8:30 AM.
Skyline is one of the North Cascade’s most popular hiking destinations and it’s no wonder. The divide sprawls for miles among flower gardens that, when at their peak, are as good as it gets in these mountains. The route is straight-forward: two miles climbing switchbacks through the woods and then the moment you’ve all been waiting for as the trail bursts from the trees and surmounts the top of the ridge. To describe the views as expansive would be an understatement. Baker, Shuksan, the Sisters, the Border Peaks, the Salish Sea. The trail winds along the Divide for 2.5 miles or so, every step of it surrounded by splendor. At night, the lights of the Fraser Valley mirror the stars. Did I mention that it was popular? Skyline Divide Come mid-week if you don’t like crowds. Total Photo by John D’Onofrio Roundtrip: 9 Miles/Elevation Gain: 2500 feet.
A shuttle will be available for riders who don’t wish to ride back down. The road will reopen to vehicular traffic at noon, according to Whatcom Events Race Director Anna Rankin. Staging will be at Chair 9 Woodstone Pizza and Bar, 10459 Mt. Baker Highway, which will also be the scene of a post-race after-party.
Registration for the reinvigorated Hill Climb will open around June 1. Photo by Burke Hovde
More info: www.bakerhillclimb.com
Letters to the Editor Share your thoughts!
Write to editor@AdventuresNW.com Adventures NW magazine is always beautiful and the stories remind us to set aside our frustrations, get out there and enjoy it all. We especially liked the recent article on the foxes of San Juan Island. As former islanders we’ve experienced the foxes and the rabbits. The story was thoughtful and well-balanced. The author has done her homework and drew on historical and scientific sources for her information. In addition to the rabbits, the native deer, now without predators, also do serious damage to vegetation. The park has responded by fencing areas to protect the endangered island marbled butterfly’s essential plants from both rabbits and deer. Islanders have many stories about the history of the rabbits, but it is more recently that the foxes have become a tourist attraction, especially for photographers. The presence of these two introduced species remains an ecological conundrum, but meanwhile they are a pleasure to watch as the pictures well illustrate. Annie Prevost and Bob Lemon Bellingham, WA. stories & the race|play|experience calendar online.
Trailhead: Deadhorse Rd (FS-37), 12.9 Miles from the junction with Glacier Creek Rd (FS-39) off the Mt. Baker Highway (WA-542).
High Pass The trailhead shared with the Winchester Mountain Trail is a busy place. But most of the pilgrims are heading to the Winchester Lookout. Those seeking a more one-on-one communion with the Mountain Gods can find the possibility of solitude at High Pass, beneath the massive headwall of Mt. Larrabee. Start on the Winchester Trail and then hang a right after a quarter mile. The High Pass Trail meanders along the ridge slope across meadows and through stands of delightful subalpine trees. Climb to beautiful Low Pass on steep, crumbling switchbacks and traverse towards Larrabee. Another short climb brings you to High Pass, three miles from the trailhead, where the views get even better. If so inclined, scale the somewhat-sketchy switchbacks up a shoulder of Larrabee to gaze upon the rugged spires of the Pleiades. Total Roundtrip: 8 Miles/Elevation Gain: 1845 feet. Trailhead: End of the Twin Lake Road (FS-3065), 9 miles from the Mt Baker Highway (WA-542)
Upper Watson Lake The short and easy hike to the Watson Lakes is a great choice for families and those looking for a relaxed walk to some beautiful places for a picnic lunch (or overnight camp). The route gains only 1100 feet along the way as you wind your way through hemlock forest and across small, bee-buzzing meadows before dropping to the Lower Watson Lake, ringed by trees. But don’t stop here. Continue past the first lake, gaining a little elevation to reach the shores of Upper Watson, in its cradle of stone below Mt. Watson. Fine campsites and cross-country exploration in the NoisyDiobsud Wilderness beckon. Total Roundtrip: 6 Miles/Elevation Gain: 1100-1400 feet. Trailhead: 1 mile down spur signed for Watson Lakes from FR-1107, off Baker Dam Road which heads east from the Baker Lake Road (FS-11), 14 miles from the North Cascades Highway (SR-20).
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Paddle Hard Stay Close & Exploring the Broken Group Islands by Paddle Board Story by Aya Kristina Engel
Photo by Ariane Tasca
M
any of us are familiar with the ideas of canoe camping, sea kayaking and surfing. Now the fastest growing water sport in the world is merging these ideas into one incredible experience: Stand-up Paddle Board (SUP) Touring, blending the freedom of ocean kayaking with the adrenaline rush of surfing and the versatility of SUP. What more could you want? The Broken Group Island Chain is an archipelago of over 100 islands on the west coast of Vancouver Island near Ucluelet. Its stunning stretches of white sand beaches and turquoise waters resemble a tropical getaway akin to the Caribbean, but it’s right here in British Columbia. I had heard about these islands and when I searched for images online, I felt like I had struck gold. That’s in Canada?! My current adventure buddies were into rock climbing and multi-day hiking. I approached the girls and 10
The heartbeat of Cascadia
said, “These islands are insane, what if we did it by SUP board?” Neither Sandra nor Ariane had ever even been on a SUP board, but they were intrigued. That weekend we rented inflatable SUPs and headed to Deep Cove. The girls instantly fell in love and started researching boards the next day. The following months we got out on the boards as much as possible, paddling on lakes and up-wind on the ocean. The girls even hiked up to Garibaldi Lake with camping gear and their boards strapped to their backs. They were the first people ever to paddle board on this glacier-fed lake, replete with what looked like miniature icebergs! And so it was that the expedition began to take shape. We would spend seven nights in the Broken Group, a trip never before traversed by SUP boarders. I researched swells, tides and currents and routes that had
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been done by kayaks. I studied all the possible launching points. the waves were crashing continuously with white caps. We I talked to as many people as I could to get advice on gear, safety questioned our ability to maintain course, and we all were and secret gems worth checking out. The months leading up to a bit scared. The fear however only added to the adrenaline. the expedition I was buzzing with excitement. None of us had ‘Paddle hard and stay close’ was the plan. Life jackets, tow any experience paddling on the west side of Vancouver Island ropes, whistles, compasses—we were ready. (which has a much bigger It was a roller coaster swell). There were four of us: of a paddle: We got wet and Celebrating summer in the Broken Group Islands myself, Ariane Tasca, Sandra the ocean clearly showed us Berubé and my partner who’s boss but somehow we Valtteri Rantala. managed to hold our course We arrived at the Secret across the channel. And then Beach Campground, planthe real fun came. We got to ning to camp there and start turn our boards and ride the paddling in the morning. The white caps home. We even water was crystal clear and dared to stand and surf the inviting and our excitement continuously crashing waves. got the better of us, so we It was wave after wave, ride ditched the campsite, packed after ride; the perfect surf set. everything we needed onto I’ve never had so much fun our boards and heading out to on a board before! When we sea that night. finally arrived back to the Stopper Island was only campsite, the kayakers there two kilometers away, so we figured it would be a quick paddle were astonished that we had paddled in those conditions and over, and it was! We arrived in the dark, set up our tents under made it home. They congratulated us with wine, invited us to old growth cedars and salal in the pristine silence of the island, dry off around the campfire, and share our venturesome tales. all by ourselves. The week that followed was filled with so many firsts for each of us—we had never explored the ocean like this before. We navigated with a compass through heavy ocean fog, exploring serene lagoons where we could perfectly see the ocean floor, See the world from a new perspective and paddled against intense winds and waves. “My Mt.Baker climb was the most Backpacking & The most exhilarating paddle was on a day trip to the beautiful & rewarding experience of Climbing Programs aptly named Paradise Beach. The winds had picked up out my life.” –Henry Stevens, Mt. Vernon Intro to Advanced on the water but in the protected cove it was warm and invit1, 2, 6, 12, 24 days ing. We spent the day on the beach, harvesting mussels and Rock climbing seaweed and exploring the tiny island. When the sun started Glacier climbing setting we knew we had to get back to camp. But by now
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Stand up paddle boarding is a rapidly growing sport. With big wave riders, long distance races and incredible multi-day touring, like our remarkable adventure in the Broken Group, there’s really something in it for everybody. We all used inflatable touring boards for this trip, with our gear in a series of dry bags strapped to the board. I love the versatility of paddle boarding. It’s a whole body workout that can be as gentle or as intense as you want it to be. The first time I tried a SUP board was with a grandmother in her late sixties in Portugal. It was her morning workout—a gentle paddle —showing that it is truly accessible to all ages. stories & the race|play|experience calendar online.
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One day we were lucky enough to get invited to the Native Reserve on Nettle Island. A Tseshaht First Nations family cooked us traditional salmon over the fire, shared their creation stories
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with singing and drumming in traditional regalia. Wanda Robinson, known as Tootunooisuks, had started the pilot project and is now accepting paddlers weekdays at noon for lunch and a chance
to learn about their ancient culture and invite westerners into learning about and honoring what was lost. She even gifted us with a hand-carved miniature paddle with Native art - a sacred keepsake we will treasure for years to come. One night on Gibraltar Island we made an effort to stay up late to watch the Perseids meteor shower. While enjoying the shooting stars, bundled in our sleeping bags on the beach, we heard a splash in the water. A seal was causing a commotion. What we didn’t expect was for the splash to be fluorescent green. At 1 a.m., on a cold August night, we ran to our boards; we just had to paddle with the bioluminescence. Every stroke in the water caused a ripple of hundreds of little fish beneath the boards to shoot ahead of us, leaving glowing tracers! It looked like hundreds of green shooting stars under the board, mirrored by the meteor shower above. Sandra couldn’t contain her excitement and jumped in the water. It was alien
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and beautiful and completely magical. We camped on a different island nearly every night. We took our time, hiking, exploring intertidal life, and sea caves. Some islands had campsites that could accommodate 20-30 paddlers with well-worn trails and basic amenities. Other islands were wild with barely enough room for two tents. My favorite nights were when we were alone on the tiny islands. I felt so removed, and yet, so peaceful. The BC coast is so rich in edible abundance —we ate the biggest, juiciest mussels we’d ever seen, endless salal berries, and even nibbled on some edible seaweeds. We learned from the Tseshaht First Nation that they were considered the richest of the tribes, not because of material wealth but because
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the land and sea were so abundant with food that the people had extra time to devote to art. The treasure trove of tribal art they produced spoke eloquently to this cultural richness. It’s so important that people get outside and experience what BC has to offer. Once you hike through an old growth rainforest, your position on logging will be forever changed. Once you paddle on the crystal blue waters of an archipelago,
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Local Summer SUP Hot Spots
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ake Padden: This Bellingham lake is popular with stand up paddlers due to the lack L of powerboat traffic, currents or excessive wind. Drawbacks: Not super exciting and the possibility of swimmer’s itch in summer.
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Glass Beach: Also known as Cornwall Beach, this is a great launch site for excellent paddles to Woods Coffee in Boulevard Park or the Taylor Dock. On a calm, sunny summer evening, this is a Bellingham classic.
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Birch Bay: Very popular and for those more adventurous, Mud Bay and Larrabee State Park (on the Chuckanut Coast) are great. For inflatable SUP boards, you can get a little more creative and hike to some of the mountain lakes like Twin Lakes or the North Lake Whatcom Trail.
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The Muljat Group Broadway
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you’ll never want a tanker to risk its beauty again. There’s an incredible sense of peace that comes over you when you spend an extended period of time outside of cell phone service. You feel connected to something bigger. You feel grounded as a new perspective dawns on you. We might have been the first to paddle board this route, but I have a feeling we won’t be the last. ANW
The heartbeat of Cascadia
Dave Sanford works at Kite Paddle Surf in Bellingham, WA
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stories & the race|play|experience calendar online.
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Moon and Sand
An Insider’s Guide to Camping in the Broken Group Islands Story by Phill Padgham • Photos by Kevin Bradshaw
W
ith their awe-inspiring natural beauty, the Broken Group Islands (BGI), located in Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, have become a Mecca for paddlers from around the world. Established as part of Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park, this cluster of more than 100 islands is famous for its vibrant and diverse marine life and paddling opportunities for all levels of paddlers. The Broken Group is also rich in human history, inhabited for more than 5000 years by the Tseshaht First Nations people who once numbered almost 10,000 souls. Much more recent on the scene were coastal settlers who pioneered the rugged west coast, carving a tenuous living along these
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frequently storm-tossed shores. Since being granted National Park status in 1973, efforts have been made to minimize human impact and to promote conservation, while affording opportuni-
ties for visitors to experience this magical archipelago. Parks Canada has designated seven campsites throughout the park, making it possible for kayakers to spend some quality time exploring these idyllic islands and immersing themselves in the kind of raw, unfettered beauty that is remembered for a lifetime. The Tseshaht beach keepers, who
have traditionally cared for these lands now work in partnership with Parks Canada to maintain the campsites, which today include such environmentallyinnovative amenities as state-of-the-art composting toilets. As a guide who has worked in the Broken Group for six years, I have explored every corner of the Broken Group. Here is an overview of the seven designated recreation sites and my observations about the unique pleasures (and yes, drawbacks) of each one. Happy camping!
Hand Island On the north corner of the BGI, Hand Island is a great place to camp if you are kayaking into the park from the Secret Beach kayak launch located in the Toquaht Bay area of Barkley sound, only
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a 2.5-hour paddle away. It also makes a perfect place to spend the night if you want to paddle out of the park the next morning, affording an opportunity to cross Loudoun Channel before the inevitable afternoon wind picks up. A low tide offers a beautiful white sand and pebble beach, and you can explore the forest beneath a canopy of trees, perhaps discovering the remnants of an old family homestead. The only disadvantage to Hand Island is that it can become quite crowded, owing to its location as a stepping stone for kayaking in and out of the park.
good luck weather charm fails you and you need a place to hunker down for a few days. Dodd also makes a great base camp thanks to its central location that allows you to visit all corners of the park. With its large trees and open forest, this site offers lots of cover from the elements (and easy tarp set-ups) when the rain moves in. Its north beach is especially beautiful at dusk with its inspiring views out over Barkley Sound. The only problems with Dodd are that it loses the afternoon sun early and the rocky beaches are not particularly conducive to swimming.
Dodd island
Willis Island
Located along the northwestern end of the park is a cozy place to camp if your
Moving west from Dodd, approximately a 20-minute paddle away, Willis
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Island has a great sunset beach around the point if you want to make the most of a sunny day! With its big trees, Willis, like Dodd, is a great island to explore and also offers cover during rainy weather. Unfortunately, as big as the camping area on Willis is, there are many areas with uneven ground making that ideal tenting spot somewhat hard to find. It’s a good place for hammocks! In addition, much of the beach disappears at high tide.
Turret Island
Jarvis Lagoon or the sea caves and rock channels on the outside of both Gibraltar and Dempster Island. Gibraltar also sees a lot of visitors due to its proximity to Sechart Lodge and it is popular with beginner paddlers who rent kayaks at the lodge. This proximity makes it an excellent ingress/egress point to the Broken Group. Beware the chipmunks of Gibraltar - they are famous for pilfering camp food!
Gilbert Island
Heading southwest from Willis Island across Thiepval Channel, Turret Island is a favorite spot, offering epic sunsets, grassy camp sites and a trail through big trees on its southern end, reached via a ten-minute paddle through a maze of stunning small islets. The grassy camping spots can become quite crowded and you’ll likely find yourself in close proximity to your neighbors. Not recommended for someone with Agoraphobia! Be sure to pull your kayak up at night as much of the beach disappears at high tide.
Gilbert Island is the place to camp if you want to spend a day exploring the dynamic outer islands on the western side of the park. Located among the outer islands, it has a huge open forest and lots of tenting spots. Its position allows paddlers to explore the outer islands without having to worry about battling the infamous winds crossing Coaster Channel. It has a beautiful beach which gets lots of sun and serves as a choice swimming hole. The only problem with Gilbert is that the camping area is east-facing and loses the light early, a cue for mosquitoes that arrive in clouds at dusk.
Gibraltar Island
Clarke Island
Gibraltar Island is a great place to set up for the night if you wish to access the eastern part of the park. Wonders abound! Check out the face on Reeks Island (a mysterious two meterhigh rendering of a human face carved in the rock), the Jacques-
In the west corner of the park, Clarke Island is the crown jewel of the Broken Group. With its white sandy beaches and amazing sunsets, Clarke offers up one of the most scenic camping spots in the entire BGI. The camping area offers a glimpse
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into the past - an inn (that doubled as a brothel!) once stood here. Today only the chimney and fireplace remain to piqué your imagination. There is a plethora of flat tenting spots, including the unique BGI camping experience of setting up your tent right in front of the old fireplace. The snorkeling around Clark island is phenomenal in the huge lagoon west of the camping area where the waters are filled
with bat stars and other marine life. The beauty of Clarke is both a blessing and a curse, as it draws paddlers like flame draws moths. Sometimes there are 60 people overnighting here. These crowds have also drawn a prodigious population of mice eager to share your evening meal. In all, if you were to ask me what my favorite camping spot in the entire Broken Group is, I would say, “all of
them.” Having spent many seasons in these splendid islands, BGI has become my summer home and each spot has a special place in my heart. If you find yourself here, dipping a paddle into the aquamarine waters, you’ll soon understand what I mean. ANW Phill Padgham is a guide with Hello Nature Adventure Tours in Ucluelet, BC
VITAL SIGNS Beating the Yo-Yo: Find Your Healthy Weight with Endocannabinoid Balance By Sarah Laing, B.Sc. Nutrition
The sunshine is finally here, bringing visions of pools, lakes and beaches galore... and with it, the threat of the dreaded swimsuit. In my last article, I suggested some tips on how to stay on track by incorporating seasonal foods that improve metabolism and keep you fuller, longer. It turns out that the reason, at least in part, for these benefits comes down to small phytochemicals called phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are a class of
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compounds found in vegetables, spices and herbs that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). We have now discovered phytocannabinoids in many of the foods we commonly consume, ranging from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts, to healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil and avocados and omega-3 rich foods such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines,
mackerel), walnuts, hemp and flaxseed, and pasture-raised eggs. These foods enhance the activity of the cannabinoid-2 receptor in the ECS and counteract inflammation, protecting against diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity and cardiovascular risks. Keeping these foods close by will help your body achieve a healthy energy balance and, ultimately, keep your waistline in check.
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Discovering Your Inner Climber Via Ferrata in the Bugaboos Story and Photos by Dave Mauro
Y
ou may have arrived at mid-life and realized you never got around to becoming an expert mountaineer. You meant to. Really. The notion of one day standing atop some rocky spire was the only thing that kept you going as you toiled away in your cubicle at age 24. But one day you came home from work to find you had a family, a mortgage, and a dog named Fritz. The years passed. Now you are an empty-nester with more time and money at hand, and that mountain climber dream has re-emerged. But is it too late? No! With much credit to a climbing method Sky walk: Crossing a 200-ft suspension bridge, Via Ferrata style known as Via Ferrata you can find yourself Via Ferrata is Italian for “iron scaling a sheer rock face next week. The road�. It is a climbing route protected fitness requirements are modest and, by fixed cables which prevent falls and as long as you are guided, the expertise is aided by metal rungs anchored into needed is a big fat nada. Read on. 20
The heartbeat of Cascadia
the rock. During World War I the Italians put up many such routes throughout the Dolomites to aid troops in their effort to command high ground. When the war was over the abandoned via ferratas became a popular form of recreation. Today over 1,000 via ferratas exist worldwide. Though most of these are in the alps, a handful have cropped up lately in the U.S. and Canada. I traveled to the Bobbie Burns Lodge in the Bugaboos of British Columbia last July to try my first via ferrata, a breath-taking ascent of Mt. Nimbus. Perched in a remote location at 6,000 feet, the Bobbie Burns Lodge can only be reached by helicopter. A favorite of heliskiing enthusiasts, the lodge started offering heli-hiking during the summer season several years ago and it caught on. The facilities are marvelous, the food sumptuous, and the >>> Go to AdventuresNW.com
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services, including helicopter transport to and from some of the most difficultto-reach backcountry imaginable, even feature a stretching class each morning to work the creaks out of that mid-life body. Clearly this is an outing for those who favor comfort over cost, but you’re done writing those tuition checks and isn’t it time you did something for you? Remember that dream? Guests rendezvoused in Golden, B.C. at a helicopter pad. A quick flight
later we checked into our comfortable and well-appointed rooms. I then set out to explore the lodge. The dining room featured several long tables where guests would eat family-style. It was nice without being haughty, comfortable without being casual. The great room opened up to high-timbered ceilings above massive banks of windows that devoured the stunning landscape before them. Just beyond, a spacious deck invited guests to stroll about in the fresh pine air. The
downstairs amenities included a yoga room, climbing wall, pool table, equipment room, massage spa, and outdoor hot tub. Later that day I took in a casual trek, tracing a ridge line with several guests and a guide, then flew back to the lodge for dinner. Guests gathered in groups each morning according to the type of hike they were in the mood for, running from “stroll through an alpine meadow” to “pure shot of adrenaline.” The Via
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Ferrata climbers were equipped with breakfast. As someone who has climbed boots, outer gear and lunches. We big mountains all over the world, I felt a shuffled out to the helicopter pad with bit guilty about how I had arrived, but our guides, Tom and Jen, and a few that sensation quickly passed as I gathmoments later we were whisking up glacial valleys The view from the summit past halting cathedrals of granite. Ridge tops plummeted away beneath us as our 14-passenger chopper rose and swooped, banked and flared in an acrobatic dance mimicking the topography below, finally lighting on a flat shoulder of Mt. Nimbus. We crawled out and crouched beneath the rotor wash while Tom and Jen unloaded our packs. Then the helicopter lifted off, vanishing down the valley. It would ered in the snow-capped Bugaboo peaks have taken four days of hard climbing to beneath a Tiffany blue sky. reach the place where we now stood, only A short hike took us to the first pitch, moments after enjoying an elegant buffet where we harnessed up and received a
safety talk by Tom. We were told how to properly clip into and out of the steel cable that would protect us from falls throughout the route. He then pointed out the U-shaped re-bar handholds and steps that had been drilled into the rock face, explaining that we were free to use natural formations instead whenever they presented themselves. Our group consisted of eight men and six women. Leaving out the lone youngster, the average age of team members was 58. Aside from myself and the guides, no one claimed any prior climbing experience. Two short pitches took us to a ridge walk that required modest rock scrambling. Then a short suspension bridge was followed by a narrow traverse. A gap in the ridge was bridged by a 4x4 piece of lumber bolted
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down on both sides, but that ever-present safety line offered welcome reassurance. We lunched on chicken sandwiches and fresh baked pastries from the lodge. The helicopter had dropped a fresh supply of water bottles at this point so we hydrated thoroughly then refilled our bottles before pressing on. Our next pitch was a vertical rock face perhaps 110 feet high. The slate stone was dry and warm to the touch as I laid a hand upon it, comforting in a way that spoke to the communion of our shared endeavor. The route then skirted sideways along a slender ledge that dropped off into yesterday. We toiled upward as the route gained 600 vertical feet, then paused to wind casually around the upright head of our spire. A queue of climbers had formed there, waiting their turn to cross a 200-foot suspension bridge. This skywalk connected our rock tower to the adjacent (and much taller) tower and, as if any further thrill was needed, its decking included only every third slat
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(two out of every three slats are omitted intentionally to keep the bridge from being grabbed in the breeze like a sail). Again, we were safely harnessed to the steel cable, but the 2,000 feet of whispy oxygen below spoke louder still through those absent slats. The bridge bounced and swayed as its chains jangled ominously. We looked on silently as each member of the party took their turn. Some climbers moved with careful deliberation while others veritably skipped across. Yet all fourteen team members screwed up enough nerve to make the crossing. The route then scaled a massive stone buttress, smooth and wide at the base but narrow and increasingly steep as it reached higher. This only intensified the sensation of exposure while also eliminating a climber’s ability to ignore it. Up, up, up we climbed, gaining another 300 feet until ending abruptly below an inverted lip. At this point climbers had to reach around a
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blind corner, seeking hand and foot holds, then trusting them by committing fully. This delivered us to the final and most thrilling challenge of the Mt. Nimbus Via Ferrata. With both feet securely planted on metal rungs, I hung from one hand while searching with the other for something solid above the inverted lip. A generous fissure offered ample grip, so I moved both hands up to it. But the last and final rung was just out of reach, so I squatted down until my arms were straight and legs coiled, then leaped for the rung with all my might. Our guide, Jen, was there to grab me if I missed, but my right hand latched onto the metal rebar solidly, and a moment later I was standing on the summit of Mt Nimbus. I wasn’t alone. Every member of our team summited, including Mansing Fung, age 78, of Calgary, Alberta. We took turns standing on the tiny apex, then scattered across lower ledges to snack and take in
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the kind of view that prompts euphoria. The elation shined from each climber as we chirped with enthusiasm, exchanging On the cat walk traverse
high fives and hugs. All of the Bugaboos fell away from us in every direction, forming undulating waves of green that
rolled off beneath a pure blue sky. Instead of backtracking to descend, our route continued down the other side of the spire, a steep, and often vertical, face offering occasional ledges to catch your breath and belly-scraping traverses along stingy catwalks. Then our route came to a dead end at a stone lip jutting out from the face. Two hundred feet of sky separated us from the ground that would mark our successful round trip. Tom and Jen then each rigged a long line to belay climbers down. The ledge had been fixed with anchors and a smooth round pipe the rope could glide across easily while each team member hung like a spider from a single skein. Several climbers struggled to back off that ledge, to trust the rope and its guide against the reptilian survival instinct that screamed at them to not do it. But Tom and Jen were calm and reassuring, helping each person find the confidence to take that last step. One by one we glided earthward, some with whoops
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and cheers, others dead silent with eyes clenched shut. A short trek beside the edge of a glacier took us to a flat area where Tom called in our bird, the ultimate sag wagon: a helicopter. Fifteen minutes later we were toasting our successful summit in the lodge bar, confiding moments of fear and personal discovery. To be sure, those with a serious fear of heights should think twice before attempting a via ferrata. Little joy awaits. But for the rest of us, us mid-life dreamers who want, for an afternoon, to feel like that twenty-four year old version of ourselves, the Mt. Nimbus Via Ferrata will not disappoint. ANW
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Wild Nooksack Celebrating a Free-flowing Beauty By Brett Baunton The sound of rushing water and songs of an ouzel draw me closer to the river. For years, called to the high mountains, I passed by the Nooksack River on my way to the North Cascades. Now, having cultivated a deep appreciation for the beauty and serenity of this beautiful watercourse, I stop and linger on its banks to soak it in. This river is every bit as aweinspiring as our magnificent mountains. Remarkably, the Nooksack hosts all five native Pacific salmon as well as a rich diversity of other wildlife. It feeds the Salish Sea. It has spiritual and cultural significance. It is our water supply. The National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was created by Congress in 1968 “to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for present and future generations.” This is right for our river. Though there have been many hydroelectric dam permit applications on the Nooksack since the 1970’s, none are currently active and a Wild and Scenic designation would veto any future dams. The era of dams is over. The wild and free-flowing upper headwaters of the Nooksack deserve protection as a Wild and Scenic River. The time has come. More info and petition at www.wildnooksack.com
Clockwise from upper right Rainforest Greens; Timeless Journey; Golden Blues; Aquamarine Dream; Coasting In; Going Home. Middle: Fish Tale, Pacific Pink Salmon
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The
Wild
Choice
Hiking The Chilliwacks Story and Photos by Bob Kandiko
The view from Mt. Webb
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A
mid-summer day in Bellingham. The three-day forecast calls for sunny skies. A few texts and phone calls lure enthusiastic friends for a hike in the mountains. Visions of sublime alpine views coupled with the solitude of wilderness are like a 3-D IMAX movie as the car twists through the curves on Highway 542. After an hour-plus drive fueled by copious swigs of caffeine, the car pulls into the trailhead parking lot….. or tries to. Alas, cars and trucks line the gravel road for 100 yards on either side of the trailhead. Dogs bark. The scents of bug dope and perfumed sunscreen fill the air. Paradise found, paradise lost. The popularity of the trails that emanate from the North Fork of the Nooksack
River is justified. Bellinghamsters know the dozen or so trails with the familiarity of old lovers. Individual trees and switchbacks are anticipated and acknowledged. Memories of past visits are conjured up, adding to the excitement like a Pavlovian urge for a favorite meal. It is all so comfortable, like a security blanket, to return to a location with a certainty of high reward. Yet sometimes one needs, or wants, the adventure of the unknown. One desires to take the trail less traveled. Luckily for us that option lies just north of the border in the Chilliwacks. The international border between Canada and the western states travels in an arbitrary straight east/west line along the 49th parallel. Other borders may follow natural geographic demarcations such as rivers, lake shores, or watershed ridges. Not here. The border cuts across the Cascade Range which geographically extends north to the headwaters of the Skagit River and the Fraser River. Due to this change of political ownership these two parts of the Cascades have totally different characters in respect
to outdoor recreation. The journey to this part of the Cascades that I will simply call, “The Chilliwacks”, starts by crossing the border at Sumas and driving east on Highway 1 to Exit 119 at the town of Chilliwack. Chilliwack used to be a small farming and logging town with a sleepy, backwater feel, but the urban sprawl resulting from Vancouver’s astronomical housing prices has created a booming bedroom community full of fast food eateries and shopping malls. That plastic feel is left behind when you turn left on the Chilliwack River Road less than four miles after leaving the Trans-Canada Highway. The niceties of the Mount Baker Highway such as the North Fork Brewery, Milano’s, Chair 9, and the Wake-AndBakery are absent from the Chilliwack River Road. The experience is more akin to driving the roads out of Darrington and Granite Falls. As one drives east the mountains close in and the crystal clear waters of the river roar by. This is an active logging area so one must keep an eye
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open for the big rigs. “Multi-use” is the Once at the trail expect the steep, the key phrase here, resulting in a mixed bag rough, and the brush. These are not the of ATVs, motorbikes, paragliders, white well-graded, maintained Forest Service water rafters and kayakers, fishermen, trails found south of the border. The hikers, hunters, and climbers. Yet, despite initial section often threads through the this, I have rarely seen a half dozen veold slash of a clear cut. Chilliwack trails hicles at most of the trailheads described below. Speaking of trailheads: A high clearance 4-WD vehicle will get you closer to many of the trailheads. These roads were constructed for logging trucks. Some were decommissioned by adding berms and others have slowly deteriorated and are being reclaimed by the Camping on Williams Peak alder. Part of the adventure of going to the Chilliwacks starts with discovering which roads are passstarting in the valley bottom directly off able, gated, or simply gone. Coming with the main road have enormous elevation a flexible attitude and alternative hikgain—sometimes 4000 to 5000 feet. ing options is a must-do strategy. Only After a trip or two in this area you will a 2-WD vehicle is needed to access the be sending donations to the Washington trails described here. Trails Association thanking them for
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their excellent trail building efforts! So with this description, why go north for hiking recreation? Answer: The views! From the high points on these trails and their nearby summits, one gazes into some of the most rugged alpine scenery in the North Cascades. Looking south one sees the icy, steep, dark north faces of well-known peaks such as Shuksan, Larrabee, and the Border Peaks. Other Cascade giants such as Redoubt, Spickard, Bear, and Challenger appear so close. The lesser-known Canadian peaks such as Slesse, Rexford, Lindeman and Welch are fangs piercing the sky. The vertical relief from the valley bottom is as great as anywhere in the range. Take the time and en-
The art of nature
Sharon Kingston’s Atmospheres
eARTh
Atmosphere is often described as an in-between state: the invisible made visible between here and there but somewhere you cannot go. For me and my studio practice, the Pacific Northwest is wondrously rich in inspiration for my contemplative paintings that focus on this subject. I carry with me into the studio a sense of how the clouds softly touch the earth, how the light struggles to break through the grey and in doing so showers us with nuanced colors, and how every day, if I attend to it, there is a moment of wonder. I consider this place I call home poetry made visible. Explore Sharon Kingston’s work at sharonkingston.com Clockwise from upper left: How the Light Gets In; Day’s Departing Dance; To Arrive Bringing Light; Numinous; Evening Poem, After Rilke
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ergy to haul a light overnight pack to the top and you will be rewarded by alpine scenery rivaling the best in the Cascades. But be forewarned, the Chilliwack Valley acts as a magnet for clouds and moisture, so time your trip north in conjunction with a sunny forecast. The following are a few of the Chilliwack classics sure to entice the adventurous reader to go north. They are listed in order of their location from the start of the Chilliwack River road at the bridge. The trail descriptions are quoted from the Chilliwack Hiking and Adventure Guide which can be viewed at tourismchilliwack.com. • Elk and Thurston – Everyone’s favorite hike will soon become yours! It’s never easy but always rewarding. If the strenuous hike up does not take your breath away, the alpine meadows and stunning views from the top will surely do the trick. Round trip: 7 to 12 miles. Elevation gain: 2500 to 3400 feet • Pierce Lake and Mt. MacFarlane –
The view from Williams Peak
If you like your hikes long and steep, then this is for you. Glorious forests lead to Pierce Lake. The alpine meadows lead to the summit of Mt. MacFarlane making the effort all worthwhile. Round trip: 13 miles. Elevation gain: 5800 feet • Williams Peak – Chilliwack’s answer to the Grouse Grind! Your pulse rate is sure to rise sharply as you climb from the valley floor to gain 3500 feet in 1.2
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miles. And that’s just your warm up… you’re not done yet. The ridge beckons. Round trip: 9 miles. Elevation gain: 5500 feet • Webb and MacDonald/Radium Lake Trail – Plenty of trees, bushes, bridges and swift-flowing water accompany you on this sheltered hike that follows Radium Creek up the valley to the lake. Alas, the lake is no beauty, but if you get that far and still seek reward, follow the flagging up the rocks to catch the view from the saddle between Mts. Webb and MacDonald. Round trip: 13 miles. Elevation gain: 5200 feet. Other worthwhile hikes that require high clearance Multi Day Adventures Sunset Cruises Day Trips Book Your Summer Adventure Now!
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Hidden Lake Peaks NOCA
A Walk in the Park
Story and Photos by John D’Onofrio
Hidden Lake
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N
orth Cascades National Park is home to some of North America’s most awe-inspiring hiking trails. It’s truly a hiker’s park, sharing it’s most transcendent charms only with those willing to meet it on its own terms. The trail to Hidden Lake Peaks epitomizes this pay-to-play scenario, although in this case, the payment in sweat equity is moderate. In truth, you won’t set foot in the National Park until 4.3 miles in, on an epic shoulder between the two summits. The approach up Sibley Creek is through lands administered by the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. And it’s magnificent, overlooked in the drawing of park boundaries. Start from the trailhead parking lot—or perhaps along the road below the parking lot. In recent years the Hidden Lake Peaks area has become very popular and on my last visit, cars
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were parked beside the road for a half mile below the trailhead. If you park
Snow melt pool beneath South Hidden Lake Peak
here, be conscious of the narrowness of the road. Climb through beautiful green
forest on a trail built of roots and duff, the musical creek on your left. You leave the trees behind at a creek crossing, below sweeping meadows that flow down from the Sibley Col and surrounding peaks. From here on, it’s all alpine bliss, albeit accompanied by a steady uphill climb through the meadows. Depending on the season, these remarkable meadows are white (spring), green (summer) or red (autumn). This is a great place to move slowly, stopping often, observing both the grandeur and the details. If you find yourself here in midsummer, you’ll be wading through flowers. Wear long pants to protect yourself from the stinging nettles. Marmots are ubiquitous. You’ll cross the creek again, at the top of the meadows in an alpine rock garden. From here a vague side route ascends at a viciously steep pitch to Sibley Col, directly uphill. Buckets
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of sweat will buy you soli- You can get there tude and grand views in that from here: the Hidden Lake direction. Peaks lookout The trail to Hidden Peaks cabin contours to the south, now in heather and blueberry country, climbing ever upwards towards the saddle between the two Hidden Lake Peaks. The lookout cabin comes into view high atop the wickedlyserrated south peak. From here it looks unreachable. Do not be daunted. There are campsites beclimbing grooved rock interspersed with side the trail, although these days they tiny alpine gardens, nourished by the are in great demand. Water is supplied by snowmelt. The trail bends left towards snow-melt pools. Continue up the ridge,
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the col and oftentimes snow lingers here all summer. Make your way up the gully to near the top of the cleft between the two peaks. At the notch, a weathered sign announces that you are entering North Cascades National Park. Far below, down a chaotic rubblestrewn slope is Hidden Lake. If you wish to camp down there (a dubious proposition, in my opinion), you’ll need a North Cascades National Park backcountry permit. Turn right and ascend the boulders of the South Peak on a trail (of sorts) that
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The heartbeat of Cascadia
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ingeniously transports you up the side of the rocky slope toward the lookout cabin. Switchback up across scree and round a shoulder of the peak. The last bit requires climbing up the boulders to the summit—no exposure mind you, but perhaps not what you had in mind on your walk in the park either. The lookout cabin is cabled down to the rock jumble that
Trails That Turn to Stone by Saul Weisberg Three kestrels scream high above the summit; the wind must be fierce up there.
This dance of boot on rock, each step placed just right, then left behind, forgotten.
They soar into the west, and I resume my slow descent into the world.
So many years of climbing trails that turn to stone and disappear.
Excerpted from Headwaters: Poems & Field Notes (Pleasure Boat Studio)
POETRY FROM THE WILD
Everything looks better framed.
1415 Cornwall Avenue, Downtown Bellingham
360.650.1001
360.676.1977 • www.lithtexnw.com
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bellinghamframeworks.com The heartbeat of Cascadia
39
comprises the summit. No plants of any kind. Not even any dirt. It’s a dramatic, awe-inspiring place. The views are as good as they get: 360 degrees of North Cascades wonderment, the Cascade Pass area front and center. The sea of peaks includes such monumental summits as Mt. Torment, Forbidden Peak, Sharkfin and Eldorado. The range is literally spread before you, mountain after mountain fading into the blue distance.
The lookout is maintained by the Friends of Hidden Lake Lookout (God bless ‘em) and is available on a first come - first served basis if the club hasn’t declared dibs. A once-in-a-lifetime place to spend the night perhaps, contemplating the sky. Total roundtrip distance is nine miles with elevation gain of 3300 feet. Trailhead: The end of Forest Road 1540, 4.7 miles from the Cascade River Road near Marblemount. ANW
Specializing in fresh, handmade pasta and ravioli, homemade bread, and many other favorites prepared from scratch daily along with beer, wine, cocktails, and gluten-free options available. Bellingham’s Favorite Italian Restaurant Since 1997
1317 North State Street, Bellingham
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The heartbeat of Cascadia
Now open for Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 5:00 pm featuring appetizer and drink specials.
360.714.0188
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The Chana Family Invites You to Experience Exceptional Indian Cuisine Fresh, Healthy Food Made from Scratch • Local Microbrews • Full Bar • Buffet 11-2:30 Daily “I’ve been waiting for a great Indian restaurant to open in Bellingham, and here it is! Delicious fresh food, great service and an amazing selection of beer to top it all off.” - Yelp Review 200 E. Maple #101 (across from the Farmer’s Market), Bellingham
(360) 389-5493 • naanandbrew.com
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The heartbeat of Cascadia
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41
Field Trip Adventures beyond the PNW
The Tao of Iceland Story and photo by Christian Martin
I
t was the adventure of a lifetime that got its start from a typo, a fateful slip of the finger.
I had been researching a trip to my ancestral homeland of the Emerald Isle, but instead of typing I-R-E-L-A-N-D, I tapped out I-C-E-L-A-N-D, and that one misplaced consonant opened up the door for a memorable journey to a land I knew next to nothing about. “Iceland? Huh…what about it?” I spent a few hours ogling gorgeous landscape photographs, reading trip reports, browsing Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor and swooping around the island via Google Earth.
Here. Here is where I need to go! Finding a round-trip ticket from Seattle for under $600— and receiving a thumbs-up from my long-time adventure companion Torsten—sealed the deal. Soon after landing, we picked up our pre-arranged camping van, stocked up on groceries and were off for two weeks of road-tripping freedom. Like most other travelers with a desire to explore the country beyond Reykjavík, we set out on Route 1, otherwise known as the Ring Road, a 1,332-km highway that encircles the island. Driving clockwise, we would use the Ring Road as our organizing principle, but utilize the many off-shoot routes to explore the far-flung peninsulas, beaches and lonely hinterlands of Iceland. Within hours of leaving the cosmopolitan bustle of the capital, we were swallowed up by the rugged, raw, astonishingly beautiful country. Every bend in the road revealed a new mindblowing vista. Over the course of two weeks, we would see more 42
The heartbeat of Cascadia
sheep than humans, soak in a dozen different hot springs, stand in the mist of countless waterfalls and have front row seats to nearly-nightly shows of the Northern Lights. Since we didn’t know much about the country, we had no agenda beyond an open attitude of exploration. Each day arrived with the promise of new discoveries, unburdened by expectations. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, for example, offered black sand beaches, fishing villages and centuries-old wooden churches, odd geological formations and the impressive Snæfellsjökull volcano, Iceland’s highest peak at 1,446 meters and widely acknowledged as an “energy vortex.” The area’s long history of magic kept us alert for sightings of the huldufolk—Iceland’s “hidden people” including elves, trolls and sprites. Winding along a sinuous gravel road into the Westfjords region, remote and austere, hours would go by without seeing another vehicle or human, and we were free to explore oddities like an abandoned fish processing factory, a rocky outcropping where wizards were executed in the 1800s, beaches with Russian flotsam tangled in the driftwood and the most stunningly-situated hot spring we’ve ever experienced, embedded in an offshore sea stack. Every few days we would stop in a secluded town for a bakery visit, fresh vegetables and a peek in to a museum, but soon enough were back on the Ring Road, imagining what wonders lay ahead of us. On the final night of our trip, Torsten and I made one last cocktail with a chunk of iceberg we picked up off the beach near Vatnajökull National Park and shared a toast while watching the sunset: “To going with the flow, to loose plans and looser expectations. Not all who wander are lost!” This journey to Iceland reminded me, from the synchronicity of the initial misspelling to the daily choices we made in honoring intuition, of the power of No Plans and the blessings of the Open Road. Like the Taoist master Lao Tzu instructs, “Stop ANW thinking and end your problems.”
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Summer Reading The Altitude Journals: A Seven-Year Journey from the Lowest Point in My Life to the Highest Point on Earth by David J. Mauro (Plaid Vermin Publishing)
In this breathtaking visual exploration, local photographer Bob Kandiko follows the path of the Nooksack River from its source in the North Cascades to the Paciic Ocean, visiting several towns and festivals along the way. Featuring over a hundred full color images, Nooksack Wanderings beautifully showcases the dynamic natural splendor and vibrant communities of northern Whatcom County.
Check out Dave’s story about Via Ferrata climbing in the Bugaboos on page 20 of this issue.
book he has eloquently captured the heart and soul of Cascadia.
Bob Kandiko migrated to the Paciic Northwest in 1976 as a graduate student at the University of British Columbia. He immediately fell in love with the natural beauty of the region and became an active mountaineer, hiker, skier, and sea kayaker. After completing his teaching certiication at Western Washington University, Bob became a middle school science teacher with the Ferndale School District. He and his wife, Karen Neubauer, have lived on the shore of Bellingham Bay since 1981.
Published by Village Books in Bellingham, Washington
$19.95 Bob Kandiko
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Nooksack Wanderings
Bellingham’s Dave Mauro is not your average Joe. At a low ebb of his life at age 44, he became a mountain climber. One thing led to another and over the next seven years he found himself standing atop the seven summits, the highest peak on each continent. Fewer than 500 individuals in human history have accomplished this feat. His amazing journey is told with skill, verve and humor in his new book, The Altitude Journals: A Seven-Year Journey from the Lowest Point in My Life to the Highest Point on Earth. I got to know Dave in 2012 while he was in the midst of his unlikely quest. We ran his accounts of the first six summits on AdventuresNW.com and featured his final crowning achievement, the ascent of Everest, in the Autumn 2013 issue of the magazine. Besides turning out to be a climber par excellence, Mauro is a gifted writer and the Altitude Journals make for an exhilarating and uplifting read. He dives deep with respect to his inner life, probing his personal history with insight and fearlessness and drawing parallels between the almost superhuman exertions at high altitude and the struggles encountered in life. His journey brings him not only the ecstatic joy of accomplishment but a depth of perception and breadth of perspective that is literally breathtaking. Throughout, he recounts his experi-
ences with wide-eyed wonNooksack Wanderings: Images from der and sense of gratitude, Mount Baker to Bellingham Bay driven by forces that only by Bob Kandiko (Chuckanut Editions) become fully understood over the course of the quest. Bob Kandiko is committed. His account of the dramatic Whether it’s climbing mountains, makconclusion of his journey, ing photographs or writing passionately the ascent of Everest, is as about this place that he obviously loves, moving as it is exciting. The he’s an “all in” kind of guy. Nooksack sense of self-realization is Wanderings is a collection of his stuninspiring. ning photographs of Whatcom County, This book is not selfWashington and includes everything aggrandizing but rather from the high rock and ice country of the a heart-felt tale of what it North Cascades to the lush farmlands to means to rise to the occasion, to surprise Bellingham Bay. oneself, to be humbled by discoveries— His lens captures scenes of natural both external and internal. It’s a concept beauty in all seasons as well as the culturthat everyone can relate to. al milieu of the people who live here: the Mountaineering literature is rife with farmers, loggers, native people, tales of derring-do. and recreationalists that give the The Altitude Journals Nooksack Wanderings area its rich character. Bob has offers the reader much spent a lifetime exploring our more. corner of the state and in this
Images from Mount Baker to Bellingham Bay by Bob Kandiko
Check out Bob’s guide to hiking the Chilliwacks on page 28 of this issue.
OUTSIDE IN Reflections on Wilderness by Kathy and Craig Copeland
nature is grand or vast, people say, “Oh, I Insignificance? Wherever feel so small, so insignificant.” They’re just parroting
a cliché. I don’t feel diminished by nature. Witnessing nature makes me feel grand and vast. It heightens my awareness, fills my senses, lofts my emotions, expands my appreciation. Being indoors is what makes me feel small and insignificant. Extracted from Heading Outdoors Eventually Leads Within by Kathy and Craig Copeland (hikingcamping.com)
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Cascadia Gear: Essentials for your next Adventure Outdoor Research Equinox Convertible Hiking Pants Zip-off hiking pants have long been the choice among backpackers looking for versatility. The ability to transform into shorts is a godsend on hot days in the mountains. Outdoor Research’s lightweight Equinox Convertible Pants offer more than this convenience—they protect against rain and sun, courtesy of a water-resistant DWR finish and UPF 50+ protection. They are breathable, so you won’t get wet from the inside. Ankle zippers afford easy removal of the “legs” without taking off your boots. And the zippers are color-coded, making it easy to re-zip with a minimum of fumbling. More info: www.outdoorresearch.com
Osprey Levity 60 Backpack The much-anticipated family of ultralight packs from Osprey has arrived. The Levity 60, one of this new class, carries (as the name would imply) 60 liters and weighs less than two pounds. The Levity 60 offers comforts that belie its scant weight, perfect for thru-hikers and weekend wanderers who have decided that lighter is better. The suspension system is ingenious, the straps are reasonably cushy, and the voluminous front pocket is a great place for your rain gear. The pack is constructed of a combination of 30-denier and more rugged 210-denier nylon, which is used for the bottom half and lid. Of course, the price for ultralight gear is always paid in durability. You’ll need to be careful with the Levity 60. But boy, does it feel good on your back. And carrying a few pounds less to Copper Ridge sounds good to me. More info: www.osprey.com
Gear Spotlight: Rain Jackets 101 by Chris Gerston
I’ve had the luxury of testing tons of different jackets for backpacking, climbing, skiing, farm work, and walking the dog. Considerations are breathability, durability and price, of which you get to choose two priorities. Three-layer construction is used with higher end materials such as GORETEX®, eVent, and NeoShell®. With GORE-TEX jackets, the high price gets you a lifespan of 10-15 years, but you’ll find that you need to use the pit zips in the Pacific Northwest. For both eVent and NeoShell jackets, the high price gets you better breathability, often sans pit zips, but the total lifespan is only about five years. These jackets are for those who want the better breathability and lighter weight afforded by foregoing pit zips. Another factor is two-layer versus three-layer construction. Two-layer jackets are less expensive but their lifespan is limited. At some point after three-five years, these shells feel more like a wind breaker than a rain jacket. But for any shell, the most important factors with respect to performance are keeping it clean and regularly re-treating the durable water repellant (DWR). Water is supposed to bead up and roll off instead of soaking into the material—that is the DWR at work. GORE-TEX, as a leader in the industry, advises re-treating your shell after every 20 days of use for optimal performance. But let’s put that in perspective—if your jacket is kept in a clean pack and isn’t crashing through the understory for weeks on end, then you may be able to stretch out those 20 days. But if you spend just one night standing around a smoky campfire, you’re kind of using up your 20 days worth right there. Gear Aid, a Bellingham based company, makes the industryleading Revivex that we recommend at Backcountry Essentials to keep your rain gear performing. Chris Gerston owns Backcountry Essentials, an outdoor specialty shop located at 214 W. Holly in Bellingham, WA. Check out more of Chris’ gear reviews at AdventuresNW.com
Sponsored review
Lowepro Nova 200 AW II Camera Bag The Lowepro® name has long been associated with quality camera bags, offering a dizzying array of sizes, options and features for 50 years. The Nova series has been their flagship camera bag for decades and the Nova 200 AW II is a messenger-style shoulder bag that will satisfy the needs of the most ambitious photographer hauling multiple digital SLRs and a plethora of lens and other accessories. Besides offering copious amounts of storage space, thanks to its innovative design and All Weather AW Cover™, this bag provides bomb-proof protection from the elements. Its overlid flap (with a single latch) makes ingress and egress easy, its shoulder strap is well-padded and it’s light to boot. The Nova 200 AW II is a serious camera bag for adventurous photographers who take their gear into the wilds. More info: www.lowepro.com
Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleece Pants
Fleece pants, when they fit properly, are my preferred mid-layer when the temperatures in the mountains drop. They can’t be too bulky but they need to leave room for a bottom layer. And they’re great in the sleeping bag, extending its temperature rating. The Helly Hansen Daybreaker fleece pants aren’t for ultralight backpackers, but they fit well between layers and are toasty-warm. More info: www.hellyhansen.com
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The heartbeat of Cascadia
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22 May - 16 June
Dates
MAY >>> Tuesday, 22 May RUN/WALK Wilburton Hillbilly Trail Run––Wilburton Hill Park, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. 4k, 8k, and 12k trail runs over well-marked park trails. Timing, snacks, and prizes.
Saturday, 26 May SPECIAL Street Scramble Gig Harbor––Donkey Creek Park, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm. Run, walk, or ride solo or with friends to find fun checkpoints. FREE.
Sunday, 27 May SPECIAL Ski to Sea––Mt. Baker to Bellingham Bay, 7:30 am – 7:00 pm. America’s largest multi-sport relay race happens right here in your own backyard! Ski to Sea is a 93-mile course from Mount Baker to Marine Park in Fairhaven and features seven sports; Cross County skiing, Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding, Running, Road Biking, Canoeing, Cyclocross Biking and Sea Kayaking. Teams are comprised
RACE I PLAY I EXPERIENCE CALENDAR of 3-8 racers and there are 15 divisions to choose from. Whether you race, volunteer or spectate, we hope you’ll join us for the 46th annual Race!
JUNE >>> Saturday, 2 June SPECIAL The Teanaway Navigation Race––Teanaway Community Forest, 9:00 am – 6:30 pm. Find as many checkpoints as you can in 2, 4, or 8 hours. Free intro. RUN/WALK Girls on the Run 5k––Lake Padden, 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Community Fun Run celebrating confident, strong, hard-working youth. Open to everyone!
Sunday, 3 June RUN/WALK The Teanaway Trail Run––Teanaway Community Forest, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm. 5k, 10k, Half, and Marathon on the sunny side of the Cascades. Wildflowers, snacks, prizes.
Wednesday, 6 June RUN/WALK The Big Run–– Interlaken Park. 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. 5k on mix of flat pavement and hilly trails.
12th Annual
Fun evening with Fleet Feet Sports.
Saturday, 9 June CYCLING Lake to Lake Bike Ride ––Lake Hills Park, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Enjoyable, non-competitive recreational ride for the whole family. Two unique loops; a mostly flat Greenbelt Loop 9-mile route; and the Lake Loop, a more challenging 22-mile route. Routes are about 80% on-road and 20% off-road (gravel). Routes take riders to and through our award winning park system exploring hidden treasures of Bellevue. Benefits the City youth camp scholarship fund. Low entry fees. All receive a custom “buff”. Lots of goodies at post ride fest. RUN/WALK Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series #2––Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. 5k, 8.2mi, and 14.5mi races on beautiful trails raise money for King County Parks.
Saturday-Monday, 9-11 June SPECIAL Mt. Baker Climb––Mt. Baker, Jun 9 @ 7:00 am – Jun 11 @
6:00 pm. Mt. Baker Skills and Climb – an unforgettable 3-day experience.This trip is for novice climbers who have limited time but would like to experience the thrill of climbing one of North America’s most beautiful alpine peaks. Mt. Baker’s 10,781-foot summit is the highest point in northern Washington and offers commanding views of Vancouver, the San Juans, and the North Cascades. Learn new skills, make new friends, enjoy being part of a team working together.
Tuesday, 12 June RUN/WALK Ravenna Run the Ravine––Ravenna Park, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. 4k, 8k, and 12k trail runs over well-marked park trails. Timing, snacks, and prizes.
Saturday, 16 June RUN/WALK St. Edward Sunset Trail Run––St. Edward State Park, 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm. Race the sunset in this beautiful 4-mile and 8-mile forest run. Timing, snacks, and prizes.
Use discount code ANW18 to save 10% on any race entry!
September 30, 2018 FULL • HALF • 10K • 5K • RELAY
bellinghambaymarathon.org @bhambaymarathon event listings at AdventuresNW.com
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19 June - 5 August Monday-Friday, 19-22 June
Saturday, 21 July
SPECIAL Girls on the Run/ Trailblazers Summer Camp––Lake Padden Park, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm. Week long confidence-boosting summer camps for kids 2nd – 5th grades.
CYCLING Tour de Whatcom–– Boundary Bay Brewery, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. The Northwest’s most beautiful ride! With four different rides ranging from 22 to 100 miles, we offer something for every member of the family. You’ll see Lake Whatcom, Mt Baker, valleys, rivers, farmland and beaches. This is a supported ride (not a race) with rest stops and a celebration at the Boundary Bay Beer Garden after the rides. Proceeds benefit WMBC and other local charities. Special rates for families and tandem riders. Registration now open.
Friday-Saturday, 22-23 June SPECIAL Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival––Historic Fairhaven Village Green, 4:30 pm – Jun 23 @ 3:00 pm. Allied Arts of Whatcom County is working with organizations throughout Whatcom County on a twoday Cultural Arts Festival to take place in Fairhaven, June 22-23, 2018. The festival will kick off with the Historic Fairhaven Fourth Friday Art Walk and run throughout the weekend. The Fairhaven Village Green will be the main hub for booths and performances with Fairhaven businesses hosting specials and activities throughout Fairhaven.
Tuesday, 26 June RUN/WALK Sunshine Salutation Trail Run––Redmond Watershed Preserve, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Great novice 5mi or 10mi race: Easy trails, flat to gently-rolling terrain, snacks, and prizes.
SPECIAL Street Scramble Everett–– Everett Family YMCA, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm. Run, walk, or ride solo or with friends to find checkpoints marked on a map.
Monday-Friday, 23-27 June
JULY >>> Sunday, 8 July
Tuesday, 24 July
SPECIAL Street Scramble Bellingham––Whatcom Family YMCA, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm. Run, walk, or ride solo or with friends to find checkpoints marked on a map.
RUN/WALK Seward Sizzler Trail Run––Seward Park, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. 4.2mi and 10k runs over well-marked trails in old growth forest. Timing, snacks, and prizes.
Tuesday, 10 July
Friday-Sunday, 27-29 July
RUN/WALK Carkeek Warmer Trail Run––Carkeek Park, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. 5k and 10k over well-marked trails along a salmon stream. Timing, snacks, and prizes.
SPECIAL Adventures NW Photography Workshop 1––North Cascades Institute, Jul 27 @ 4:00 pm – Jul 29 @ 12:00 pm. Take your photography to the next level at this workshop in North Cascades National Park. Join us for a weekend of shooting in the field and learning how to use Adobe Lightroom software to bring out the best in your images. This workshop is suitable for students who have a basic familiarity with their camera’s settings. No previous Lightoom experience required (but helpful!). More info: https://ncascades.org/
RUN/WALK Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series #3––Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm. 5k, 10.8mi, and 19.5mi races on beautiful trails raise money for King County Parks. TRIATHLON Lake Whatcom Triathlon––Bloedel Donovan Park, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm. Olympic-Distance Triathlon: Tranquil lake+rolling country road+trail through forested waterfall park = How Bellingham does Olympic!
RACE | PLAY | EXPERIENCE
Sunday, 22 July
SPECIAL Girls on the Run/ Trailblazers Summer Camp––Lake Padden Park, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm. Week long confidence-boosting summer camps for kids 2nd – 6th grades.
Saturday, 14 July
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RUN/WALK Lord Hill Pie High Trail Run––Lord Hill Regional Park, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm. 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon runs on hilly course. Pie and prizes at the finish.
AUGUST >>> Friday-Sunday, 3-5 August SPECIAL Adventures NW Photography Workshop 2––Aug 3
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5 August (cont.) - 15 September @ 4:00 pm – Aug 5 @ 12:00 pm. Want to develop your photography skills? Join us at this hands-on workshop geared for intermediate photographers who want to expand their digital processing skill set using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Includes a photography field trip. Suitable for students who have a basic familiarity with both their camera’s settings and Adobe Lightoom, or who have attended the beginner workshop on July 27-29. More info: https://ncascades.org/
56th Annual
June 9 & 10, 2018
Saturday, 4 August SPECIAL Summer Harvest Day––Cloud Mountain Farm Center, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Taste fresh fruits and vegetables, take a tour and learn about our local food system!
Saturday-Monday, 4-6 August SPECIAL Mt. Baker Climb––Mt. Baker, Aug 4 @ 7:00 am – Aug 6 @ 6:00 pm. This trip is for novice climbers who have limited time but would like to experience the thrill of climbing one of North America’s most beautiful alpine peaks. Mt. Baker’s 10,781-foot summit is the highest point in northern Washington and offers commanding views of Vancouver, the San Juans, and the North Cascades. Learn new skills, make new friends, enjoy being part of a team working together.
Tuesday, 7 August RUN/WALK Summer Eddy Trail Run––St. Edward State Park, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. 4mi and 8mi runs over well-marked trails in beautiful forest. Timing, snacks, and prizes.
2018 President
Troy Baisden
2018 Bull of the Woods
Tom VanDyk
Free day parking!
Self-contained Camping Available with Reservations
Adults $8 | Kids $4 | Seniors $4 Main Show 1pm Exhibitions start at 11am Located just 12 miles East of Bellingham, off the Mt. Baker Highway, on Cedarville Road.
www.demingloggingshow.com
Saturday, 11 August RUN/WALK Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series #4––Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. 5k, 14.5mi, and 26.2mi races on beautiful trails raise money for King County Parks.
Saturday, 18 August RUN/WALK Summer Blast at Redmond Watershed–– Redmond Watershed Preserve, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Great novice race: easy trails over flat to gently-rolling terrain. 5mi, 10mi, Half, and Marathon.
Tuesday, 21 August RUN/WALK Interlaken Ice Cream Dash––Interlaken Park, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. 5k and 10k on mix of flat pavement and hilly trails. Finish timing, snacks, prizes.
Sunday, 26 August CYCLING Chuckanut Classic––Boundary Bay Brewery, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. The Chuckanut Classic (formerly Chuckanut Century) is the Mount Baker Bicycle Club’s signature ride. Come join us and ride one of the most scenic rides in Washington. With many routes offered you can pick your distance ranging from 25, 38, 62, or the full century of 100 miles. If you’d rather bring your family on a shorter guided ride, join the family-friendly 10-mile jaunt with treats, entertainment, and other on-route stops and surprises for kids.
SEPTEMBER >>> Saturday, 8 September RUN/WALK Middle Fork Trail Run––Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trailhead, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. 10k, Half, 22mi, and 50k races on well-marked trails in a breathtaking mountain valley.
Saturday, 15 September SPECIAL Bellingham Traverse––Boundary Bay Brewery, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Get Hooked on the event listings at AdventuresNW.com
Sunday, August 26th, 2018 25, 38, 62, or 100-mile routes from beautiful Bellingham Fully Supported Easy guided 10-mile family/kids option
ChuckanutClassic.org Made possible in part by a Tourism Promotion Grant from the City of Bellingham RACE | PLAY | EXPERIENCE
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15 Sept. (cont.) - 30 Sept. Bellingham Traverse, a fun relay race that celebrates the journey of wild salmon. Families, friends and local companies form Chinook (solo), Coho (tandem) and CHUM (relay teams) to run, bike and paddle through Bellingham’s scenic parks, winding trails and open waterways.
Friday-Monday, 21-24 September SPECIAL San Juan Islands Photography Workshop––Gato Verde, Sep 21 @ 10:00 am – Sep 24 @ 12:00 pm. Join us on a Photo workshop/Adventure Cruise aboard the Gato Verde as we explore the magnificent San Juan Islands and capture this world-class setting photographically. Green islands, lonely beaches, plentiful wildlife. Learn digital processing aboard this modified catamaran with creature comforts galore: heated staterooms, spacious salon,delicious food, even hot showers! More info: http://www.gatoverde.com
Friday, Sept. 21
Saturday-Saturday, 22-29 September
Downtown Bellingham & Squalicum Harbor
AND
Saturday, Sept. 22 Zuanich Point Park & Squalicum Harbor
Field of Fun for the kids
Stroll SeaFeast Wharf
CYCLING 2018 Arthritis Foundation California Coast Classic Bike Tour––12:00 am – Sep 29 @ 12:00 am. The 18th annual Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic is a fully-supported boutique tour limited to 250 riders to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation. Ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The CCC covers over 500 miles over 8 days on September 22-29, 2018. Money raised provides educational resources for adults and children, kids’ camps and much more. Register now and receive $20 off using code: ADVNW18.
Saturday, 22 September RUN/WALK Paradise Valley Trail Run––Paradise Valley Conservation Area, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm. 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon races on a forested plateau. Finish timing, snacks, and prizes.
Sunday, 23 September SPECIAL Street Scramble Fremont Oktoberfest–– Fremont Neighborhood, N 35th St & Phinney Ave N, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Run or walk, solo or with friends to find checkpoints marked on a map.
Saturday, 29 September RUN/WALK Run with the Kokanee––TBA, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm. Flat and fast 5k and 10k races in Issaquah. Supports Trout Unlimited’s habitat recovery work.
Sunday, 30 September
Enjoy Traditional Lummi Nation Firepit Salmon
Watch Survival s Suit Race
BELLINGHAMSEAFEAST.COM 48
RACE | PLAY | EXPERIENCE
RUN/WALK Bellingham Bay Marathon––7:30 am – 2:00 pm. Featuring views of Bellingham Bay, San Juan islands, and North Cascade mountains, Bellingham Bay Marathon (which includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and marathon relay options) is often called the most beautiful marathon in the Pacific Northwest. The race is known for fantastic volunteer support, course entertainment, and fun finish line festivities – including a beer garden! All net proceeds support local youth non-profits. Join us September 30th for this well-loved community event!
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6 October - 15 December
OCTOBER >>> Saturday-Sunday, 6-7 October SPECIAL Fall Fruit Festival––Cloud Mountain Farm Center, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Join Cloud Mountain Farm Center for a tasty and festive weekend at their annual Fall Fruit Festival, Saturday October 6 from 10am-5pm and Sunday October 7 from 11am-4pm. Experience the farm firsthand and savor the bounty of our region. This family-friendly event features tastings of over 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables all grown here on the farm. Enjoy live music, kid’s activities, u-pick pumpkin patch, cooking demonstrations, great food, and so much more!
Saturday, 6 October RUN/WALK Moran Constitutional Relay––Moran State Park, 7:30 am – 7:30 pm. Epic 70 mile, 12-leg relay on breathtaking Orcas Island. Teams of 2-6 runners. Meals included.
Saturday, 20 October RUN/WALK Whidbey Woods Trail Run––Putney Woods, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm. 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon races on beautiful forest trails. Finish timing, snacks, and prizes. SPECIAL Whidbey Woods Checkpoint Run––Putney Woods, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Navigate to find checkpoints and finish as many loops as you can in 6 hours.
Sunday, 28 October RUN/WALK Cougar Mountain 50k Trail Run–– Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. 50k, 19.5mi and 7.6mi races on beautiful trails raise money for King County Parks.
NOVEMBER >>> Saturday, 3 November RUN/WALK Carkeek Cooler Trail Run––Carkeek Park, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm. 5k and 10k over well-marked trails along a salmon stream. Timing, snacks, and prizes.
Saturday, 17 November RUN/WALK Ravenna Refresher Trail Run––Ravenna Park, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm. 4k, 8k, and 12k trail runs over well-marked park trails. Timing, snacks, and prizes.
DECEMBER >>> Saturday, 1 December RUN/WALK Redmond Reindeer Romp Trail Run–– Redmond Watershed Preserve, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm. Great novice race: easy trails over flat to gently-rolling terrain. 5mi and Half Marathon.
Saturday, 8 December SPECIAL Street Scramble at the Market––Pike Place Market, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm. Run or walk, solo or with friends to find checkpoints marked on a map.
Saturday, 15 December RUN/WALK Seward Solstice Trail Run––Seward Park, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm. 4.2mi and 10k runs over well-marked trails in old growth forest. Timing, snacks, and prizes.
ANW
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Palouse Sunflowers photo by ALAN MAJCHROWICZ This image of a field of sunflowers was made during one of my first photo trips to the Palouse. After a morning on Steptoe Butte I explored a few short roads at the base of the butte. Accidentally starting down a private farm road, I was surprised to come across this small field of sunflowers. As the sun was about to rise above the hill behind me, I had to work quickly to make this photo while the sunflowers were in shade. I’ve returned to photograph in the Palouse several times since, but have never again come across any sunflowers. See more of Alan’s luminous photography at alanmajchrowicz.com
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The heartbeat of Cascadia
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