Play Whatcom 2018

Photo by Katherine Haveman

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LYNDEN WASHINGTON 2018 Upcoming Calendar of Events

Farmers Day Parade* 10:30 a.m. .......................... June 2 Northwest Raspberry Festival* ....................July 20-21

Razz & Shine Cruise-in Car Show • Local Bands on 2 Stages • Beer Garden 3-on-3 Basketball • Street Fair • Kids Zone • $2 Raspberries & Ice Cream

Antique Tractor Show & Threshing Bee.............August 1-4 Northwest Washington Fair & Lynden PRCA Rodeo................... August 13-18 Lynde 500 Pushcart Race............................... September 3 Puget Sound Toy & Tractor Show................. September 29 Lions Club Model Railroad Show ................... October 6-7 Fall Craft & Antique Show...........................October 18-20 Lighted Christmas Parade* 6:00 p.m. ............. December 1 *Produced by the Lynden Chamber of Commerce

www.lynden.org

Play Whatcom Experiencing Our Big Backyard

Table of Contents

2. Oyster Dome hike 6. Dragonfly Kayak Tours 8. Tennant Lake Park 10. Winchester Mountain Lookout 16. Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema 18. Renting outdoor gear 22. Summit Trampoline Park

Lynden Tribune • Ferndale Record

Photo & Cover Photo by: Katherine Haveman/Lynden Tribune

1

Oyster Dome:

A hike that TOPS ALL

The long hike up to the top of Blanchard Mountain is well worth this view. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune)

Classic climb close to Bellingham offers spectacular views of Samish Bay, San Juan Islands Ask locals about the most special places to hike here and Oyster Dome in the Chuckanut mountains is sure to come up.

The trail skirting the border of Whatcom and Skagit counties delivers stunning views out toward Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. The hike’s proximity to town draws a huge weekend crowd, but the hike itself is more than worth dealing with the congestion.

The day hike of over six miles round-trip has an esti-

mated elevation gain of 1,050 feet, with the peak being at 2,025 feet.

Prepare for a high concentration of what Washing-

ton beauty has to offer: plen- many destinations of the ty of trees, water features, trails on Blanchard Mouncolorful nature landscapes tain, an area where oyster and small animals.

Continued on page 3 Oyster Dome is one of

Hikers retreat down the mountain. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune)

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fishing and logging industries predominated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, according to the Washington Trails Association.

During the 1920s the forested portions of Blanchard became state trust lands.

Some evidence of logging still is visible on the mountain today.

What to bring The amount of time to allow for this day hike will depend on the person. You should plan on spending a good chunk of your day on this, to reach the ultimate view at the dome and reap the full rewards of the effort.

So a day pack full of water and snacks, along with appropriate footwear, is recommended. It’s best to dress in layers. As the physical exertion up the mountain increases, hikers will want to Continued on page 4

The forest on Chuckanut is full of vibrant plant life. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune)

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Lynden Tribune • Ferndale Record

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shed layers. But at the higher elevation the temperature will drop, and you may need to dig out that jacket.

If starting your adventure after work or later in the afternoon, consider packing a head lamp for navigating your way back down.

In all of its green-tree glory, this hike is best to catch after the winter chill has passed. Cold temperatures at the top of the Chuckanut mountains lead to trail ice formation, which can result in some tricky situations on the numerous switchbacks of the trail. If determined for a snowy hike, bring hiking poles and shoe spikes.

Accessing the trail Start the trail at one of two points, depending on the amount of time you have and the physical ability of the hikers.

If you seek a more leisurely jaunt experience, it would be best to approach the trail from the Samish Overlook parking area on

Some choose to paraglide down from the mountain top. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune) Blanchard Mountain. The road to the 20-car lot can be rough, but this starting point makes the hike accessible to those not used to climbing steep inclines.

To access this trailhead, take exit 240 (Alger) off Interstate 5 and head west on Lake Samish Road. Turn left onto Barrel Springs Road and travel about a half a mile to

a sign for Blanchard Forest Block. Turn right onto a dirt road and travel an additional 1.7 miles to a sign for Samish Overlook. Pass through the yellow gate and go another two miles.

There’s also access to the hike from Chuckanut Drive.

This point of entry means you walk more of the trail and experience plenty of switchbacks up Blanchard Mountain. But the drive to the Chuckanut trailhead provides equally beautiful views as the hike itself.

If traveling from Bellingham, the entrance can be found 11.5 miles south down Chuckanut Drive. It’s a little past the Oyster Creek Inn, and you will usually see other cars parked along the right side of the road. The trailhead is to the left and just heads up the mountain.

What to expect From the Chuckanut Drive start, expect highdegree switchbacking in the first mile of the the trail. After almost a mile, you’ll come to

Tall trees guide the path up to Oyster Dome. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune)

Continued on page 5

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Groups often make the long trek together. (Ashley Hiruko/Lynden Tribune)

Lynden Tribune • Ferndale Record

the first viewpoint of the trail, accompanied by a bench.

Continue on the path and follow signs up the mountain to Oyster Dome. Once passing a flurry of more inclines, switchbacks and forks in the road, you’ll eventually reach cliff warning signs that signal the top of the mountain is close.

This part of the hike can become tricky since you have to continue up through trees, and it’s hard to truly see a marked path to the top.

Listen for the sound of wind hitting on the mountainside, and the sight of sun breaking through.

Once reaching the top, take in the view and stay a while to enjoy everything before heading back down.

If wanting a longer hike, backtrack a portion and check out the peaceful Lily Lake. ­—­ ­­Ashley Hiruko

5

Hit Whatcom’s waterways with Dragonfly Kayak Tours Owner Victoria Ayres is a new but enthusiastic arrival, offering first trips this summer

With great access to Bellingham Bay, Birch Bay and, of course, the San Juan Islands, there are many ways to explore what the waterways of Northwest Washington have to offer the water sports enthusiast.

From paddle boarding to sailing to your motorized fishing boats, it’s not uncommon to see the waterfront nearly as busy as a Whatcom roadway during the summer season. However, if you are seeking a local kayak company to explore the islands or to simply get out for an evening sunset paddle, you’ll find your county options to be limited.

That’s where Bellingham’s Dragonfly Kayak Tours comes in.

Officially opened by entrepreneur Victoria (Tori) Ayres in October 2017, Dragonfly is preparing for its first season of tours this summer, mostly sticking around Bellingham Bay with occasional adventures in Birch Bay or Burrows Bay of Anacortes.

Ayres, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, came to Whatcom County on a whim in late September 2016. She had been offering kayak tours to friends back home and was looking for the perfect place to start her business. Despite having never visited Bellingham before, Ayres could tell that northwest Washington would provide a great opportunity to turn her passion into a career.

“Looking on the map, I could tell (Bellingham) was going to be a kayaker’s haven, a kayaker’s paradise,” Ayres said. “Seeing the (San Juan) islands, it looked the perfect place to go.”

Ayres waited until summer 2017 to hit the water and explore her new office. “I got out every chance I got,” she said. “Around Bellingham Bay, overnight to Lummi Island — I immediately fell in love with it here.” So once the end of the summer rolled around, Ayres buckled down and started doing everything necessary to get her business off the ground.

Once she came up with a name, logo and design, Tori turned the concept of her business into Dragonfly Kayak Tours, a name inspired by Philip Martz’ poem “Voyages of the Heart.”

Ayres is offering a range of tours, from overnight excursions to half-day trips to bioluminescence tours, which she says will likely be the most popular.

Dragonfly can also teach you the basics of kayaking with a two-hour training session to get you comfortable in the water. “No island hopping, but it will still be a fun time

to get some paddling in and get your feet wet,” Ayres said of the basic training course.

Dragonfly has tandem and single-person kayaks. Tori said most people will be comfortable in tandem boats, especially those who are new to the sport. She has made an effort to support the local economy by purchasing products, including kayaks, from community businesses.

While this summer will be her first season of taking clients out on the bay, Ayres has an extensive background in leading friends and family on trips back in Tennessee. The young business owner says she has such a strong passion for kayaking that it is often infectious.

“I have turned so many friends on to this sport because it’s my passion and it’s infectious, and now it’s their passion as well,” Ayres explained. “I love that I’ve been able to turn

people on to it and show people that you don’t really have to be super athletic (to kayak). As long as you can move and function like you can drive a car, then I’m sure you can kayak.”

Before Ayres arrived, Whatcom County had just one kayak touring company in operation, Bellingham’s Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures, which is surprising when compared to the numerous kayaking options you’ll find on the San Juan Islands.

Based on community feedback she’s received, Tori believes the county is more than ready for another local touring option.

“I’ve received great feedback,” Ayres said, adding that she attended the Recreation Northwest Outdoor Expo in April. “People are really excited to have another company like this that offers tours. People want to get out this summer and try (kayaking) for the first time.”

With that positive feedback, Ayres anticipates a busy first season and says it is best to reserve trip dates well ahead of time. She strives to provide an “intimate” tour, meaning all of Dragonfly’s trips will be small with no more than five people.

Reservations are especially vital for the bioluminescence tours, which have to be scheduled around new Continued on page 7

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moons and are usually offered only about three times a month.

Tori will also have sunset tours most weeknights and will offer more specialized overnight tours to the islands.

She said customers will need to contact her well in advance of an overnight trip to figure out which dates are best.

As she heads into her first summer of operation, Ayres hopes to share her passion and spark more interest in exploring and preserving the amazing waterways that are right here around Bellingham Bay. “We have such a beautiful bay here to explore,” she said. “I want to get people in this area more excited about the sport and our waterways, and teach people about preserving what we have and about being good stewards of our waterways here in Bellingham.”

For tour information, visit Dragonfly Kayak Tours at www. dragonflykayaktours.com. You can contact the company at info@dragonflykayaktours.com or 360-453-7036.

— Nick Elges

Dragonfly Kayak Tours owner Victoria Ayres brings her kayaking passion to Bellingham Bay for her first season of tours this summer.

Ayres offers day tours, overnight trips and basic training courses.

(Courtesy photo)

Lynden Tribune • Ferndale Record

7

Learning, with a view

The Fragrance Garden and lookout tower are two big draws of Tennant Lake Park. The boardwalk (shown on page 9) takes visitors to various spots around the lake. (File photos)

Tennant Lake Interpretive Center is a quiet respite very close to Ferndale

For a spot located just minutes from the center of the city of Ferndale, Tennant Lake Park feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Consisting of 624 acres, this

Whatcom Wildlife Area features a shallow lake surrounded by fields, forests, wetlands and riparian zone. Migratory birds can be seen and heard from the multiple vantage points situated around the park.

After parking, the visitor’s first stop should be the Interpretive Center, which presents mounted wildlife, displays and maps to show exactly what plants and animals live in and around the park. There is also a variety of hands-on activity for kids. Naturalists are available

on-site to answer any questions.

One of the most striking parts of the Whatcom County park is the viewing tower, a 50-foot-high structure giving a 360-degree view of Tennant Lake and the wetlands around it. A screen at the base of the tower lets people who can’t climb it experience the views in any direction. Mount Baker is often visible to the east.

A boardwalk leads visitors through the wetland areas, bringing them through swamps and marshes around the lake.

This boardwalk is only open from mid-January through midOctober.

The Fragrance Garden is another draw, providing visitors with the ability to view, touch and smell more than 200 plants.

The beds are wheelchair-accessible, and plant identification is also provided in Braille.

A few different options split off from Tennant Lake, including: • Boardwalk Loop Trail Continued on page 9

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— This one-mile round-trip features views of the lake and Mount Baker. Beavers, great blue herons and frogs can be visible from this trail, which is closed from early October through the end of January (waterfowl hunting season).

• Hovander Homestead Trail — This half-mile one-way walk heads over to Hovander Homestead Park from the Tennant Lake parking lot, giving views of waterfowl along the walk.

• River Dike Access Trail — Also a one-way, half-mile walk, this trail connects with the River Dike trail and provides views of birds.

Tennant Lake Park is located on Nielsen Road, which connects to Hovander Road. Nielsen ends at the Tennant Lake parking lot. The park is closed after dark, and there is a wheelchairaccessible restroom facility on site.

— Brent Lindquist

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Lynden Tribune • Ferndale Record

9

Looking out for adventure

The Winchester Mountain Lookout, located in Whatcom County just south of the Canadian border, is the second of 44 fire lookouts featured in Amber Casali’s new book. (Courtesy photo/Amber Casali)

New guidebook on fire lookouts includes local Winchester Mountain one, built in 1935 Fire lookouts dot the landscape across Washing-

ton, many of which were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps under President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s.

Avid Seattle hiker Amber Casali had hiked to a few of these fire lookouts when she realized that no guidebook existed detailing these lookouts and how to travel to them.

“There were guides to hot springs, but weirdly, there was no lookout book,” Casali said.

She met the editor of

Mountaineer Books during an editing course and asked what the Seattle publisher was looking for in terms of book pitches. She got the inside scoop and had the idea to write a book on Washington’s fire lookouts.

Casali set to work crafting a chapter outline and researched the number of lookouts she could write about.

Eventually, she narrowed it down to 44 lookouts, all of

which are accessible by trail and don’t require any technical climbing skills. That book became “Hiking Washington’s Fire Lookouts.”

Casali visited all the lookouts herself, taking her own photos to be featured in the book. She did about half of the hikes with friends and family and half of them by herself.

She said taking the phoContinued on page 11

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tos herself allowed her to further absorb her surroundings.

“It really just gave me an added layer of really paying attention to my surroundings and just really paying attention to the place,” she said. “Paying attention to the view, the plants, the architectural details of the building.”

Casali said she enjoyed seeing how different each of the lookouts is in the group.

She also enjoyed how remote some of them are. This was especially true of the Tyee Mountain Lookout near Entiat.

“I didn’t pass one car on the Forest Service road,” she said. “There were about five names on the trail register for the past year, and three of them were hunters. This is just not a known hiking destination at all.”

Casali lists a few lookouts among her favorites, including Alpine Lookout near Lake Wenatchee on Highway 2, which was still staffed when The Winchester Mountain Lookout is no longer staffed, but it is open to visitors who See Winchester on page 14 make the rough drive and short, steep hike up to it. (Courtesy photo/Amber Casali)

Lynden Tribune • Ferndale Record

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Winchester Continued from page 11

she visited it. She also enjoyed Heybrook Lookout near Skykomish, which was recently renovated for rental and opened last September.

Another she counts in her top five is the Winchester Mountain Lookout, built in 1935 and located here in Whatcom County.

“Hiking Washington’s Fire Lookouts” is structured into different regions of the state.

“North” comes first, and so Winchester Mountain is the second lookout featured in the book as a whole.

“The Winchester (road) was quite a steep climb,” Casali said. “It just has really deeply rutted potholes, and it’s deeply rutted where the road switches back.”

She said Winchester Mountain probably represents the most difficult lookout to access of all 44. Her account begins in Glacier. The route is up State Route 542 (Mt. Baker Highway) for about 12.5 miles, then left on Forest Road 3065 (Twin Lakes Road) just past the state Department of Transportation maintenance facility.

The road is drivable for most vehicles until the Yellow Aster Butte Trailhead, when it gets quite rough for the last 2.3 miles.

Casali said she borrowed a friend’s high-clearance SUV Continued on page 15

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when she trekked up to experience the Winchester Mountain Lookout for the book.

“It’s all about going slow and paying attention,” Casali said. “There are plenty of folks up there.”

The road levels out and then ends between the Twin Lakes, 6.8 miles up from the highway.

There’s ample parking there, and the trail picks up at the north end of the parking lot. The hike to the lookout tower itself is a quick jaunt, but it can prove quite strenuous.

It climbs up through beautiful wildflowers and greenery in the summer. Stay left when the trail splits at High Pass Trail and keep climbing past even more wildflowers.

Switchbacks rise upward from there, and the view changes with each 100 feet climbed. Surrounding peaks are visible, as well as subalpine evergreens and a small, permanent snowfield to the northwest.

A bit farther and the lookout is visible. It is open to visi-

tors in the summer, featuring a cot, firefinder stand, long bench and a chair. It is also stocked with batteries, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, maps and books.

Casali’s book notes that the lookout was maintained in the early 1980s by the Mount Baker Hiking Club,

which restored it and cared for the structure. It hasn’t been regularly staffed by the government since 1966.

A variety of mountain peaks are visible from the lookout. In fact, Winchester Mountain is only three miles from the Canadian border, so many of these peaks are

Lynden Tribune • Ferndale Record

located in Canada, including Mount McGuire to the north.

“It’s just so stunning,” Casali said. “As long as you can get up the road.”

Casali will visit Village Books in Fairhaven at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, to talk about her book. ­— Brent Lindquist

15

Outdoor Cinema series returns Kickoff is ‘The Goonies’ on June 23 on Fairhaven Village Green

The Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema draws many movie fans to the Fairhaven Village Green throughout the summer. (Courtesy photos)

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BELLINGHAM — Bigscreen movies and a variety of fun entertainers return to the popular Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema series on the Village Green this summer.

This will be the 19th season of Saturday night movies, kicking off on June 23 with the 1985 adventure comedy “The Goonies,” followed by superhero hit “Wonder Woman” on June 30.

More than movies, the Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema includes a variety musical performers, cirque shows and Continued on page 17

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even improv comedy.

Movies are shown on the 30-foot screen at the Village Green in the historic Fairhaven community of south Bellingham. Events go on whether rain or shine, with ground seating available on grass and very limited chair seating on the surrounding brick areas.

Admission of $5 per person covers all the live entertainment, giveaways and all event festivities. Age 5 and under get in free.

For more details, go to www.FairhavenOutdoorCinema.com or on Facebook. The series is produced by Epic Events and supported by Ben Kinney & Keller Williams Realty, First Federal, Country Financial, KAFE 104.1, Cascadia Weekly and the Historic Fairhaven Association.

This is the full slate of films and entertainment: • June 23 — “The Goonies” and Aaron J. Shay on banjo • June 30 — “Wonder Woman” and Kuungana on marimba

• July 7 — “Ferdinand” and live music by The Sweet Goodbyes • July 14 — “Jumanji” and cirque entertainers Wren & Della • July 21 — “The Greatest

Showman” and Jules the Juggler • July 28 — “Coco” and cirque performer Strangely • Aug. 4 — “Thor: Ragnarok” and cirque performer Clay Mazing

• Aug. 11 — “The Sandlot” and Improv Playworks • Aug. 18 — “Black Panther” and touring musician Brian Ernst • Aug. 25 — “The Princess Bride” and special guests

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Lynden Tribune • Ferndale Record

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Getting outside, you’ve got help

Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the swim area of Lake Padden Park in the summer. (Courtesy photo)

REI offers many classes; several Bellingham places rent gear Eager to get into the outdoors, but need some guidance or some gear doing it?

There’s help.

Because the Pacific Northwest is such a splendid place to hike up into the mountains or get out onto the water, plenty of local resources are available to enable you

to do it.

If you are a beginner, pehaps you need some training or orientation as to just what you are getting into. And even if you are experienced, you periodically need refreshing on the latest in your sport. And you always need the proper gear for safety and success.

Your local sporting goods store can be a start. In Lynden, Dave’s Sport Shop (Fairway Center) has been outfitting local fishing and hunting enthusiasts for decades. In Bellingham, Yeager’s Sporting Goods (3101 Northwest Ave.)

is the equivalent for all things outdoors-related.

The Washington Trails Association is quick to point out that REI stores around the state, including Bellingham (400 36th St.), should be a prime destination for recreation equipment sales of all types. Another standout for sales and rentals is the Equipment Shop at the American Alpine Institute in Fairhaven (1515 12th St.).

REI Classes REI certainly has the corner on offering classes, out-

ings and events for grounding a person with basic information needed to venture out and enjoy.

Many of the opportunities at the Bellingham store are booked full well in advance, so hustle in a reservation pronto. Fortunately, the main ones are frequently repeated.

One popular class at REI is Hands-On Bike Maintenance, with specific sessions focusing on topics such as the drivetrain, fixing a flat and disc brake systems. These trainings Continued on page 19

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are $20-$30 for members, $40$65 for non-members.

A number of classes are offered free at the Bellingham REI store: Backpacking Basics, Paddling Whatcom County, First Aid Essentials, Camp Cooking Basics for Backpackers, SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) Basics, and Yoga for Outdoor Fitness.

Into June and July 2018 are these topics: Map and Compass Navigation Basics, Elevated Camping: Hammocking Basics, What Knot to do Camping, and GPS Navigation Basics.

REI also arranges outings to start putting into practice what you have learned. A National Trails Day kickoff work party on summer trails building was set for June 2; actual trail work starts June 30 and continues July 22 and July 29.

A campout at Birch Bay State Park is on July 15-16.

For all that the Bellingham REI offers, and to sign The Community Boating Center in south Bellingham has added six new RS Quest sailboats to its fleet for 2018 rentals, lessons and summer camps. It’s a type of boat Continued on page 20 suitable for both beginning and established sailors to enjoy. (Courtesy photo)

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Alex Kayser can steer you to any needed camping gear, from tents to water pumps, at Dave’s Sport Shop in Lynden. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune) yourself up, go to: www.rei. com/stores/bellingham.html.

Hiking/Climbing Rentals The Alpine Institute rents climbing gear, camping gear and other alpine terrain equipment. Rates vary based on whether the rental is one day, two to three days (weekend), or up to a week. It’s recommended to come in to be sure all gear is right. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Backcountry Essentials (214 W. Holly St., Bellingham) carries crampons, ice tools/ axes, snowshoes and other alpine terrain equipment.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Saturday,

noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

If you are a Western Washington University student, staff or faculty member, or in the alumni association, you have privileges at the Outdoor Center (Viking Union 150, lower level off Garden, 360-650-3112), which rents out bikes, camping, climbing and mountaineering gear.

Summer quarter hours are 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Water Sport Rentals Whatcom County is home to more than 100 miles of saltwater shoreline, plus its delightful inland waterways such as Lake Whatcom and the Nooksack River.

In the summer, Yeager’s is present at the Lake Padden Park swim beach with rental of canoes, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.

The WWU Outdoor Center also rents out kayaks and canoes. See info above.

Classes, lessons and rentals for paddling and sailing are all possible at Fairhaven’s Community Boating Center (555 Harris Ave.). Six new small sailboats were added to the fleet for 2018. Humanpowered boats are $15 per hour, $75 for all day.

Rental kayaks and paddleboards are available at Paddle and Pedal Adventures, Birch Bay (4810 Beachcomber Dr.), starting at $35. Bikes may

also be rented, starting at $25.

Stand-up paddleboard rentals and lessons, as well as kiteboarding lessons, are offered by KitePaddleSurf (2620 North Harbor Loop at Squalicum Harbor), open to 7 p.m.

The county’s Silver Lake Park (9096 Silver Lake Rd.) offers rowboats, pedal boats, canoes and stand-up paddleboards for rent at the day lodge during regular business hours. (There may be restrictions during a parking lot improvement project to June 22.)

A parent/guardian of children must be present with the boat at all times, and life jackets must be worn.

— Calvin Bratt

20 Play Whatcom 2018

Welcome to Fairhaven Originally its own city, Fairhaven Village became a part of Bellingham on October 27, 1903. Best known for its Victorian-era charm, its stunning views of Bellingham Bay and its many shopping venues, Fairhaven has become a popular tourist destination.

Below are just a sampling of the sort of unique shops you will find.

New & Used Books, Unique Gifts, Candy, Cards, and More!

1200 11th St. 360-671-2626 villagebooks.com Also in Lynden!

Fairhaven’s Art Glass & Jewelry Gallery 915 Harris Avenue 360-647-4592

Lynden Tribune • Ferndale Record

A Woodworking Co-op for 30 years

1000 Harris Ave. 360-647-1628 artwoodgallery.com

Specializing in locally handmade pottery & ceramic art for nearly 50 years!

1000 Harris Avenue www.goodearthpots.com 360-671-3998

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New Summit Trampoline Park set for fall

A foam pit at a Summit location provides a soft but chunky landing spot for jumpers. (Courtesy photo)

This will be the company’s first U.S. site, at former Costco location

Parents, looking for something physical to do with your kids? Look no farther.

A new trampoline park will be opening in Bellingham this fall, bringing attractions not seen in Whatcom County before.

An October opening is

planned for Summit Trampoline Park, to be located at the former Costco location in the Cordata Center on Meridian Street.

Summit will be in the burgeoning area already home to HomeGoods and the Sierra Trading Post and soon-to-start Hobby Lobby.

This will be the first Summit Park to exist in the United States, although internationally Summit operates in Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Panama and

Uruguay.

The new attraction will involve 20 to 25 part-time jobs and about three full-time positions.

This Summit, at 21,500 square feet, will be the largest indoor trampoline park in the Whatcom region. It will have over 100 interconnected trampolines and plenty of in-park party areas for birthdays, corporate team outings, church groups and sports teams.

Unlike similar establishments, Summit will feature various hosting tables for large party

groups.

“Kids don’t really like to be in a room,” owner Dave Jones said. “They like to be out where they can still see their friends and hear the music.”

The large indoor trampoline setting will offer children an alternative to the typical indoor fall activities of video games and television. You can know that all the bouncing action delivers health benefits too.

Specific features will be Wipe-out, a large arm that Continued on page 23

22 Play Whatcom 2018

spins around as trampoline goers jump over or duck under the arm; high-performance trampolines similar to those used in the Olympics; a cage ball and a rope swing. Also planned is a Battle Beam, somewhat similar to a gymnastics balance beam placed low to the ground on which people can joust each other off using foam sticks.

Opening a Bellingham location of Summit has been a longtime dream of Ferndale resident Dave Jones. Jones spent 30 years working at Lynden Door before helping his brother Allan Jones with a trampoline park in Puerto Rico. That’s when he decided he wanted to open one as the owner back home.

Once the park is open, Dave Jones anticipates a busy weekend rush, with a fun atmosphere of kids and adults reverting back into a child-like states of glee.

“I just like making people happy,” Dave Jones said. “I like watching these kids come in and have fun with their families.”

Competitors use foam jousting sticks in attempting to knock each other into the — Ashley Hiruko foam pit below. (Courtesy photo)

A house is not a home without delivery of the Lynden Tribune We cover the town... in fact, we cover several of the local communities.

Week after week, people in-theknow turn to our pages for the latest coverage of community news and events.

We’re a great resource for finding sales and services, things to do, and things to see.

Don’t miss out!

Call 360-354-4444 and subscribe today!

Lynden Tribune • Ferndale Record

23

Whatcom County Dining Guide

A Destination Always Worth the Drive!

Food & Fun for all Ages.

Wood Fired Pizza • BBQ • Sandwiches • Micro Brews • Full Bar

709 W. Orchard Dr., Suite 1, Bellingham M-F 10-9, Sat 11-9 • 360-715-9100

Serving Lunch & Dinner Daily From 11:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.

(360) 595-2200

974 Highway 9, Acme, WA

Herb Niemann’s

STEAK AND SCHNITZEL HOUSE

OPEN DAILY AT 5 PM • GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Monday - Saturday 5:00 - 10:00pm • Sunday 5:00 - 9:00pm Reservations Recommended • Accommodations for large groups of up to 50

203 West Main Everson, WA • 360-966-2855 www.eversonsteakhouse.com

GREEK & ITALIAN RESTAURANT 2020 Main Street, Downtown Ferndale

360-384-6767

24 Play Whatcom 2018

Lynden’s Fairway Center “Has it ALL!”

1750 Front St., Lynden Across from the NW Wash Fairgrounds

✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻

Quilting Supplies Fabrics Books Patterns Notions Alterations

Sewing Machine Sales & Repair ✻ Custom Sewing ✻

Fairway Center 1722 Front St., Lynden, WA (360) 354-4832

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1726 Front Street • Fairway Center • 360-318-1302 • Hunting • Shooting Sports • Fishing • Security Safes • Camping • Clothing • Archery 1738 Front St., Lynden, WA in Fairway Center (360) 354-5591 • www.davessports.com

$267.95

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$35/DAY

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BOOKS • BIBLES • GIFTS • CARDS

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360-366-8917 1730 Front St, Lynden Mon.-Sat. 9am-6pm

Friendly Owner-Operated Businesses!

FREE Convenient Parking

851 Coho Way, Bellingham, WA 98225 360-734-3336 or 800-426-8860 www.lfsmarine.com Weekdays 8-5 Saturdays 9-5 • Sundays 9-4

SilverReefCasino.com I-5 Exit 260 • Ferndale, WA