Play Whatcom
Private Trips
• Entire boat for 1-6 passengers, booking up to 1 year in advance
• Starting at $420 for 1.5 hours, $280 per hour for longer trips (up to 8 hours)
Open (non-private)
Trips
• Sunset and Day Sail options can be booked 21 days or fewer before desired charter date
• $70 per person for 1.5 hours, 6 passengers max
Teddy Bear Cove ... 2 Squires Lake ... 6
Coastline ... 12
Snowshoeing ... 18
Distillery tours ... 22 Heights ... 26 Clam digging ... 31
Teddy Bear Cove is a great place to shoot photographs
The sky glows with shades of orange and pink during sunset at Teddy Bear Cove. (Joe Kramer/Lynden Tribune)
Tips for capturing sunrise, sunset imagery
By Joe Kramer Sports Editor
Nestled along the coastline of Bellingham, Teddy Bear Cove is a hidden gem for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
With its serene beaches, marine life and captivating views, it’s no wonder that both sunrise and sunset at this location o er breathtaking experiences.
Located just off Chuckanut Drive, Teddy Bear Cove is part of the Chuckanut Mountain Park system.
The cove boasts more than nine acres of natural beauty, including two small beaches teeming with sea critters, tide pools and unique rock formations.
The audibles of wildlife are a constant backdrop, from the chirping of birds at dawn to the rustle of small critters in the underbrush.
See Teddy Bear Cove on next page
The sun rises over Bellingham Bay as seen from Teddy Bear Cove on a calm spring morning. (Joe Kramer/Lynden Tribune)
The shoreline stretches approximately 1,430 feet along the picturesque Chuckanut Bay and provides ample opportunities for exploration and photography.
What to expect
Accessing Teddy Bear Cove requires a moderate hike that combines forested trails with coastal views. Starting from the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead, hikers embark on a 0.2-mile ascent via the Hemlock Trail to reach the Interurban Trail. From there, it’s a 0.5-mile journey south to a spur trail that leads down to the cove.
The descent to the beach is somewhat steep, as it features switchbacks through a lush grove of trees. While the trail is relatively short — approximately 0.5 miles each way — the elevation change can be challenging, especially on the return ascent. Hikers should be prepared for a zig-zaggy path that, while manageable, may be strenuous for beginners.
It’s important to note the trail crosses an active rail line near the bottom, so caution is advised. Despite these considerations, the trail is familyfriendly and the stunning views at the cove make the e ort worthwhile.
Sunrise at Teddy Bear Cove
Experiencing sunrise at Teddy Bear Cove is a peaceful experience. The early morning light casts a golden hue over the calm waters, illuminating the surrounding landscape in soft, warm tones. The stillness of the morning, accompanied by the gentle lapping of waves, creates a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection and photography.
Photographers aiming to capture the sunrise should arrive early to set up equipment and choose the optimal vantage point. The eastern-facing beach provides unobstructed views of the horizon, allowing for stunning compositions as the sun emerges.
Sunset at Teddy Bear Cove
As the day draws to a close, Teddy Bear Cove transforms under the vibrant colors of the setting sun. The western exposure o ers panoramic views
of the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the sky and reflecting o the water’s surface.
The interplay of light and shadow during sunset creates dynamic photographic opportunities. Silhouettes of the surrounding trees and rock formations add depth and interest to images, while the changing colors provide a dramatic backdrop.
Tips for photographing sunrises and sunsets
Capturing the perfect sunrise or sunset photograph requires preparation and an understanding of light. Here are some tips to enhance your photography at Teddy Bear Cove:
• Plan ahead: Use websites such astimeanddate.comto determine the exact times of sunrise and sunset.
• Arrive early: Give yourself ample time to set up and compose your shots. The best light often occurs shortly before sunrise and just after sunset, during the golden hour.
• Adjust settings: Opt for a low- to mid-range ISO (200-800) to reduce noise. Choose a high aperture (f/11 or higher) for greater depth of field and adjust shutter speed accordingly to achieve proper exposure.
• Bracket exposures: Take multiple shots at di erent exposures to ensure you capture the full range of light and detail.
• Be mindful of safety: If shooting during twilight hours, bring a flashlight or headlamp for the hike back. Also, be cautious when navigating the trail in low light.
Final thoughts
Teddy Bear Cove o ers a unique blend of natural beauty and photographic potential. Whether you’re capturing the serene glow of sunrise or the vibrant hues of sunset, the cove provides an idyllic setting for both novice and experienced photographers. With thoughtful preparation and an appreciation for the changing light, your time at Teddy Bear Cove can yield stunning images and unforgettable memories.
Early light casts a golden hue across the shoreline during sunrise at Teddy Bear Cove. (Joe Kramer/Lynden Tribune)
Crossing county border with Squires Lake Park
Changing landscapes
By Racquel Muncy Sta Reporter
More than the landscape changes at Squires Lake Park, the county does too. Squires Lake Park was once an 80-acre private fish and fur farm used by the Squires family and is now co-managed by Whatcom and Skagit counties Parks and Recreation Departments.
The park resides off Old Highway 99,
about a half mile from I-5 or about two miles from Alger and provides a connection into the Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail, which links Glacier National Park to the Pacific Ocean.
The park features Squires Lake Trail, South Ridge Trail and Beaver Pond Loop Trail, all of which are connected to the main Squires Lake Loop Trail.
The optional trails o of the main loop make it a great walk for someone looking for a quick jaunt or those seeking a, still quick,
See Squires Lake Park on 9
Squires Lake Park is o Old Highway 99, about a half mile from I-5 or about two miles from Alger and provides a connection into the Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail, which links Glacier National Park to the Pacific Ocean. (Racquel Muncy/Lynden Tribune)
hike with a variety of landscapes.
Squires Lake Trail is a short .3-mile walk from the parking lot to the main loop trail.
While it is designated as easy it can feel rather steep for a beginning hiker or someone looking for a quick walk, however it is only a short distance and the rest of the trail evens out.
Squires Lake Loop Trail leads hikers around the 10-acre lake, along an easy 1.1 miles trail as it rises and falls along the landscape. There are several vantage points with benches ready for those needing a rest or just wanting to take in the view of the landscape.
One of the first stops when walking along the northwest part of the loop trail has an information board that talks about the history of the park and the changing landscape that now is a county park.
According to the board the first part of the trail up to the lake follows an old railroad grade established in 1889, which was used to transport coal from mines in Sedro-Woolley to the Port of Fairhaven. It didn’t run for long though, as the Great Northern Railway bought the railroad line and by 1904 it was abandoned.
At this same time, in 1905, Victor and Lula Squires purchased the 80 acres for $401.
Along with building the first of the family homes, they built an earthen dam to double the size of the lake. However, the dam failed in the 1920s, so a concrete dam was built.
In 1919, Bloedel Donovan Lumber Mills purchased the now-abandoned right of way to access the old growth forest.
In 1925, the next generation of Squires established “The Cli ’s Fish and Fur Farm”, where customers could catch fish, mink and muskrats.
When the third generation of Squires joined the business they built a private fish hatchery.
See Squires Lake Park on next page
Squires Lake covers about 10 acres and was once home to a fish and fur farm before being bought by the Whatcom Land Trust and Whatcom County to preserve for generations. (Racquel Muncy/Lynden Tribune)
The trail is home to a variety of flora and fauna that hikers of all ages may find interesting. Frequent stops for 7-year-old Brielle Muncy and her 5-year-old brother Jacob included looking at lily pads, mushrooms and a twig dropped from a bird flying overhead. (Racquel Muncy/Lynden Tribune)
In 1995 the Whatcom Land Trust and Whatcom County partnered to buy the Squires property and surrounding areas to preserve the wildlife and by 1997 the park was opened.
The land trust holds a conservation easement on the property, ensuring generations will be able to enjoy the area.
About .4 miles and several vantage stops later there is the optional Beaver Pond Loop Trail that is about a half mile round trip and connects back onto the Squires Lake Loop Trail.
The optional loop takes visitors to an active beaver pond with a scenic lookout.
A second optional trail, South Ridge Trail, is a moderate .4 mile moderate difficulty trail that climbs up the Chuckanut sandstone ridge above Squires Lake.
It is made loop by connecting back into Squires Lake Loop Trail and is also where the junction is for the Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail.
The Squires Lake trail system takes hikers through mature forests, wetlands and, of course, lakeside features.
These diverse environments are home to deer, waterfowl and beavers, all which have a chance at being seen during the brief hike.
According to ebird.org, a site used by many to document birds in an area, more than 70 bird species have been documented, making it a great place for birders to sit back, relax and identify the various area birds.
Park hours are 8 a.m. to dusk and there is parking for about 10 vehicles at the trailhead.
Most of the trail system is friendly for hiking, biking and equestrian use, although part of the northeastern portion is not open for equestrian use.
More information about Squires Lake Park can be found at whatcomcounty. us/3690/Squires-Lake-Park
Get your toes wet at the beach
A few places to go along Whatcom’s coast
By Elisa Claassen For the Tribune
Unlike the beaches in California and Oregon, northwest Washington’s rocky beaches are for kayaking, canoeing, watching whales or finding agates.
In nearby communities, yummy treats, family activities or parks with trails through woodland splendor, the sun may not always shine. But the views will always be amazing.
The following are a few of the more-than-a-few places along the Whatcom County coastline to get sand between your toes.
Birch Bay/Semiahmoo Spit and Resort
Birch Bay State Park is located at the south end of the bay. In contrast to the beach, this has almost 200 acres with much in the woods.
Much quieter in the winter, Birch Bay State Park comes alive in summers with a visit to the historic C Shop Candy Store, which also has ice cream and pizza.
Day outings with families include clamming, birding, boating and go-karts. The actual bay is fairly shallow and a great place to get the toes wet and play in the sand on hot days. Go crabbing in
Beach access is downstairs at the end of the otherwise flat trail at Point Whitehorn Reserve. Overseen by the Whatcom County Parks, Point Whitehorn Reserve is south of Birch Bay on property formerly zoned for industrial use. (Elisa Claassen for the Tribune)
August or September. Since it can vary, visit the local Chamber of Commerce website, birchbaywa.org, for the most up-to-date information about crabbing season, as well as information on other activities and events in the area.
Semiahmoo resort community features a premiere private golf course, a beautiful seaside resort and a small marina, which are adjacent to the Whatcom County Park bearing the same name at one end of the Semiahmoo Spit.
The park, according to the county website, has 360 degrees of views of both Blaine and White Rock, British Columbia. The site, formerly a prosperous fishing cannery, attracts birdwatchers, a venue used for special events, and a paved trail following the narrow road from the park to the resort which is 1.6 miles roundtrip at sea level. Little Squalicum Beach has gained in
An earlymorning rainbow lasted unusually long over the beach and waters of Semiahmoo Park near Blaine. The park is located on Birch Bay/ Semiahmoo Spit, located at the south end of the bay. In contrast to the beach, this has almost 200 acres with much in the woods. (Elisa Claassen for the Tribune)
A spa and several resort restaurants provide eating options. Both Birch Bay and Semiahmoo have free parking and no park pass is needed. Access to restrooms and the beach, to simply enjoy the sounds of the water and views over Semiahmoo Bay and the Strait of Georgia to islands in the distance.
Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve
To the south of Birch Bay is another Whatcom County Parks & Recreation treasure, the 54-acre Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve created with funds originally from the 1999 Olympic pipeline explosion. The property, at 6899 Koehn Road, had been zoned for high industrial use. The easy year-round 0.7 mile, one-way walk is fairly flat, with
See Beach on next page
several viewpoints through the woods to the water below, until the final descent to the rocky beach.
Beachcombers have created little structure along the shore. Search for bald eagles and other birds, look at tidepools and realize this is also a sanctuary for seals, according to wta.org.
Free parking. No pass needed. Vault toilet at trailhead. Please note: no pets.
Lummi Island
Allow a bit more time to visit Lummi Island, since a personal boat or the Whatcom Chief Ferry are needed. The county-run ferry is small and has posted sailing times for the seven-minute ride but makes more runs for special events such as Labor Day and Memorial Day.
The County website also displays dry dock times when the car ferry is not available and another option for walk-
Play Whatcom 2025
ons is substituted. For those eager to have a quick adventure, and leave the car behind, walking on is fairly a ordable and a small grocery store, a beach, Whatcom County Library branch and the Beach Store Cafe (when in operation) are within walking distance. For further exploration, a car is recommended.
The easiest beach access is adjacent to the ferry landing, but there are three public beaches: the others being Sunset Beach and Church Beach. Church Beach has a trail and a labyrinth, from the Lummi Island Congregational Church, at 3913 Legoe Bay Road.
The island community has its own website, lummi-island.com, with stories and history and life amongst artists.
Bellingham Beach Access Areas
Within and around Bellingham there are many additional places to access
the water, purchase freshly-cut fish for dinner, hop onto a boat for an excursion into Bellingham Bay or the islands beyond. Bellingham waterfront parks include Squalicum Beach, Zuanich Point Park, Boulevard Park and its boardwalk, Marine Park in Fairhaven, Clark’s Point, Woodstock Farm, Teddy Bear Cove and Larrabee State Park. Some of these areas, with note to the state parks, do require a park pass. Most of them do not.
The newly rebuilt Little Squalicum Pier at 640 Marine Drive is proclaimed the longest in the state. It extends 1,248 feet into Bellingham Bay, according to the City of Bellingham Parks Department.
It was originally built in 1912 and used for industrial purposes. Several small parking lots are accessed o of Marine Drive near Bellingham Technical College with trails for access.
Marine Park, part of the Bellingham Parks and Recreation system, in the Fairhaven district. Easy parking and views of the islands. (Elisa Claassen for the Tribune)
A winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts
Explore the wilderness along the Mount Baker Highway in Whatcom County by snowshoeing. Winter in the county opens up a range of activities, as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing stand out as popular options. Both are easily accessible near Mount Baker and o er great ways to stay active during the colder months. (Courtesy photo)
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities in Whatcom County
By Merrick Parnell
For the Tribune
Whatcom County is a paradise for nature lovers, as it attracts many who come to enjoy its beauty and embrace outdoor recreation.
Winter in the county opens up a range of activities, as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing stand out as popular options.
Both are easily accessible near Mount Baker and o er great ways to stay active during the colder months.
Pete Tryon, president of the Nooksack Nordic Ski Club, is one of the many locals who take advantage of the snow.
“I’ve cross-country skied and snowshoed in Alaska for over 50 years before moving to Bellingham 12 years ago,” Tryon said. “I love the chance to get outside, enjoy the snow in the woods and mountains and appreciate the exercise that comes with it. It’s also fun.”
Locals have a few options for skiing and snowshoeing in the area. The only groomed cross-country ski trails are at the Salmon Ridge Sno-Park, which is at milepost 46.9 on Mt. Baker Highway.
For anyone interested in ungroomed skiing and snowshoeing, enthusiasts can head further up the Mt. Baker High-
way to areas such as White Salmon at milepost 51.5 or Heather Meadows.
Tryon noted that some dedicated Whatcom County residents are willing to travel long distances for groomed snow, with some who will drive as far as Hollyburn, northwest of Vancouver (75 miles), or Plain, east of Everett (150 miles), for a day of skiing.
Despite the proximity of local trails, Tryon also acknowledged some of the challenges.
“Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are perfect for Whatcom County’s outdoororiented vibe, but the conditions can be so unpredictable, which limits the appeal
for newcomers,” Tryon said. “Many skiers gained their first experience elsewhere and want to continue after moving here. It would be great to have youth programs but scheduling them a month in advance can be problematic. I love these sports, but sometimes the conditions just don’t work out.”
Every winter, many people look to try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and there are several local options, as well as some in neighboring areas.
Anyone new to the sport
See Wonderland on next page
Winter in Whatcom County opens up a range of activities, as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing stand out as popular options. Pictured, cross country skiers meet at the trailhead for a Nooksack Nordic Club excursion. (Courtesy photo)
or the area can join the Nordic Ambassadors for guided outings at Salmon Ridge Sno-Park. Participants can explore narrower, scenic trails beyond the groomed areas, such
as River Trail, Jerry Bourne, Huckleberry and Mom’s (trail descriptions and other helpful information are available at nooksacknordicskiclub.org).
If there’s no snow
when you arrive, consider taking a walk instead.
For lessons or gear rentals, Stevens Pass and Hollyburn offer professional services, though they are farther
away. Locally, the ski club provides limited individual lessons at Salmon Ridge SnoPark. Glacier Ski Shop and Back-Country Essentials rent crosscountry skis and snowshoes.
John Adams said the Glacier Ski Shop rents and sells snowshoes, as well as both classic and skate-style cross-country skis.
“Our rental snow -
shoes are $25 per day, and a full set of cross-country skis with boots and poles is $35 for the day,” Adams said. “During the snow season, we’re open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays, so you can swing by and get set up whenever you’re ready to hit the trails.” More information on the rental offerings can be found at glacierskishop.com.
“[Nordic sports] is an excuse to look forward to winter and fresh snowfall,” Tryon said. “It’s a chance to get outside, have fun and stay active during the winter months.”
Whether a seasoned pro or a first-time adventurer, Whatcom County offers a variety of winter activities for everyone to enjoy. Get out, explore and embrace the beauty of the season.
Chuckanut Bay Distillery Tours
A delicious and historic escape
By Luke Seymour For the Tribune
For most people, summer in Whatcom County means spending the day outside, walking the local streets and seeing the sights.
However, for anyone who wants to beat the heat and have a drink, all while learning a little bit of downtown Bellingham history, look no further than the Chuckanut Bay Distillery tour.
Tuesdays through Sundays until Dec. 31, Chuckanut Bay Distillery will host tours of its highly acclaimed spirits distillery.
Tours typically start at either 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. However, guests can also book private tours with groups of up to 20 people.
According to Matt Howell, one of Chuckanut Bay Distillery’s founders and owners, the origin of the tours date back as far as 2013, only two years after the company itself was formed.
“We’ve always considered the distillery tour to be something vital for our business,” Howell said. “We want to be able to convey to people what it is exactly we do. I mean, there’s still so many folks that call us a brewery.”
Howell also said that although distilleries share many qualities with breweries, namely the process of turning grain into alcohol, the story of Chuckanut Bay goes back further than that.
Tuesdays through Sundays until Dec. 31, Chuckanut Bay Distillery will host tours of their highly acclaimed spirits distillery. Tours typically start at either 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. However, guests can also book private tours with groups of up to 20 people. (Luke Seymour for the Tribune)
Howell said that he wanted the tours to reorient how guests think about their own consumption of distilled liquors.
“For a lot of folks, the way they drink spirits is di erent from how they consume other forms of alcohol like wine and beer, which are both more place oriented for
them,” Howell said. “With spirits, many people see it more as a commodity. It’s just alcohol, how can it intoxicate me?
That’s not what we’re about. We’re about place, we’re about history. We don’t just want you to know what grains we use for the spirits, we want you to know that those
grains were grown right here in Whatcom County too.”
Running roughly an hour long, distillery tours guide visitors throughout almost the entirety
of Chuckanut Bay Distillery’s on-site operation. This includes visiting the barrel rooms, where guests are invited to smell inside the distillery’s
charred American white oak barrels, which are used to store and age some of the company’s bourbons.
Guests also get an opportunity to
see the distillery’s towering whiskey stills up-close and are given an in-depth account by the tour guide on the process of whiskey distillation.
Guests can also sample some of the distillery’s homemade spirits as they receive two free mini-cocktails during the tour.
Dan Weber,
general manager of Chuckanut Bay Distillery, said that it’s this insidebaseball look into
Harry Grantz, right, tour guide at Chuckanut Bay Distillery, said tours like theirs o er an opportunity to connect with history and develop a relationship with the local brewery scene. Also pictured, from left, Tristan McGirk, her mom Lyra McGirk and their friend, Karen MacDonald. (Luke Seymour for the Tribune)
the distillation process that makes the tour a unique summertime activity.
“We try to make the experience be about part looking, part tasting and part feeling,” Weber said. “It isn’t every day you get to visit and tour craft distilleries in historical buildings and try some award winning spirits at the same time. Plus, it’s a great end of the day activity after hiking and enjoying our beautiful surroundings.”
Describing the building as historical almost doesn’t do it justice. Built in 1910, the Chuckanut Bay Distillery building is one of the oldest structures in downtown Bellingham.
Initially used as the headquarters for the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce, the building has passed through the hands of multiple owners and has housed several businesses over the years, including a shoemaking business, a cigar shop and a cafe.
However, before the distillery, the building was most famous for being home to a long-running JC Penney store, which was in business for almost 50 years before closing down in the 1960s.
After some renovations, the building was purchased by the distillery in 2017.
Chuckanut Bay Distillery’s tour guide Harry Grantz said tours like theirs are appealing to tourists and locals alike because they o er an opportunity to connect personally with that history while developing a relationship with their local brewery scene.
In November of last year, Grantz joined the Chuckanut Bay Distillery company after learning about the business and seeing the handful of work opportunities available for applicants.
After dropping o a resume at the company’s in-house restaurant, The Penny Farthing, Grantz soon joined the team as the o cial tour guide.
Grantz also works in the distillery tasting room and informs potential customers
about the company’s spirits so that they can make more informed purchases.
Grantz said the best part of guiding the distillery tours is forming a bond with members of the public by making them feel like they are part of the distilling process.
“Creating long-term relationships with our patrons and surrounding them with our delicious spirits is good for community building,” Grantz said.
Grantz also added their favorite part of the tour itself was when they sample the company’s five-year old bourbon straight from the barrel.
“The flavor is complex, caramelly and perfectly intense,” Grantz said. “People can understand how time in the barrel completely transforms our bourbon.”
One of the people who had the chance to try some of those bourbon samples was Karen MacDonald, a retired teacher from Spokane. MacDonald said she was drawn to the tour due to her abiding fascination for the history and craftsmanship that goes into the creation of bourbon.
“I was just amazed by the distillation procedure,” MacDonald said. “I’ve been to Buffalo Trace Distillery, which is the oldest distillery in America and one of its largest as well. They were great, but to me I liked the size of the building here and the tour felt much more intimate. That is what made for a very valuable experience for me, not just the information but the personability of the tour as well. The spirit creation process is very unique and so it makes for a very unique experience. I think these kinds of tours are for anyone who wants to know a little bit more about Bellingham and a little bit more about these special beverages.”
Chuckanut Bay Distillery is at 1311 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham.
Store hours and more information about the tours at chuckanutbaydistillery.com.
Whatcom County from above
Looking out from the heights, going to where the view is
Elisa Claassen For the Tribune
WHATCOM Whatcom County is a bit unusual as it reaches from ocean level to mountaintop elevations.
There are multiple opportunities for fairly easy visits to see the sites from high points of view.
The highest point in Whatcom County is Mount Baker, with a 10,781 foot elevation.To enjoy the fresh air and views without prepping for the climb, a simple drive in winter to ski or snowshoe or in the summer months to hike doesn’t take too much time.
Unlike Mount Rainier which stands alone and can be seen for miles in its majesty, Baker is part of the Cascade Mountains with nearby mountains just a bit shorter in elevation.
Did you know Mount Bak-
A
view from atop Oyster Dome o of Chuckanut Drive, a jaunt that requires a bit more stamina and sweat but overlooks San Juan Islands where oysters are harvested. (Photos courtesy Todd and Christyna Assink)
er’s ski area is home to the world’s greatest recorded snowfall in one season?
That’s 1,140 inches during the 199899 ski season.
Mt Baker Ski Area has been featured in many ski and snowboard films. “The Call of the Wild,” was filmed there in 1934-35 and premiered at the Mount Baker Theatre.
The narrow two-way Mount Baker Highway — State Route 542 — starts in Bellingham at Interstate 5 and ends at milepost 57.26 atop the recreation area looking down on the ski area.
The closest town, 23 miles away,is Glacier which has a visitor center.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website maintains current conditions:wsdot.wa.gov.
The last portion of the roadway is open for summer hiking usually for several months and closes after the first substantial snowfall usually in late September or early October.
From wildflowers, in bloom for a short time around August, brilliant color follows for fall foliage with wild blueberries before the snow reappears.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for most summertime parking.
Closer to town
Todd and Christyna Assink of Lynden like to hike Oyster Dome o illustrious Chuckanut Drive. Technically in Skagit County, but barely.
At the Washington Trails Associations website, wta.org, learn that Oyster Dome’s trail is five miles long roundtrip with a 1,050 foot elevation gain and a moderate rating.
The rock promontory on the western slope of Blanchard Mountain is part of the Chuckanut Mountain range.
The forested mountain opens to views over the San Juan Islands and toward Skagit County’s agricultural lowlands and of paragliders.
Some hikers have taken their chances and parked along Chuckanut Drive and taken a longer and steeper hike.
Or choose to drive on a dirt road, which could have its share of potholes and limited parking at the Samish Overlook parking lot. This does require a Discover Pass.
From Interstate 5, take exit 240 for Alger, head west on Lake Samish Road, take the first left onto Barrel Springs Road, drive just over half a mile to the sign Blanchard Forest Block.
Turn right onto a dirt road and drive 1.7 miles through yellow gate and then another 2.2 miles to the Overlook Day Use Area.
The lot only has room for 20 vehicles. This parking area requires a Discover Pass.
Friendly service, Island style
The slogan is “Friendly service, Island style” on San Juan Airlines’ website, sanjuanairlines.com. The o ce is blocks from Bellingham International Airport’s terminal, at 4167 Mitchell Way. This small regional airline focuses within the area of the San Juan Islands and saves substantial time from going by the state ferry system.
Within a short flight, the view shows mountains and islands from above.
The website has current schedules
See Heights on next page
for charter flights or tours or call 1-800-874-4434 to ask about additional flight options.
Enter the other side of Whatcom County Drive along the Skagit River on Highway 20 eastbound o Interstate 5 through Skagit County and you will reenter Whatcom County, and at some higher elevations with incredible views which have made national publications, such as Newhalem within the North Cascades National Park.
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), State Route 20 North Cascades Highway reopened for the 2025 season on April 22. The pass closed for winter snows previously on Nov. 18, 2024.
The North Cascades Institute has partnered with Seattle City Light for both showing o the incredible blue-green glacier waters up close on Diablo Lake, which is actually a reservoir,as well as hearing about the history of the project – and having lunch at the center’s Environmental Learning Center from July 4 throughSept. 1.
The plant provides clean, low-cost energy to the citizens of Seattle. See the center’s Skagit Tours page online for pricing and registration details.
The tour lasts approximately two hours or longer if the lunch option is selected. In addition, newer tours of the area in the fall mornings are now available Sept. 6-28. See ncascades.org.
The best and easiest viewpoint is within walking distance of a parking lot: Diablo Lake Vista Point is at mile marker 132. No specialty parking passes required.
ENJ OY MORE.
Farmers Day Parade* 10:30 a.m. ...............JUNE 7
Northwest Raspberry Festival* ...... JULY 18-19
Vintage Farming Days & Antique Tractor Show.......JULY 30-AUGUST 2
Northwest Washington Fair & Lynden PRCA Rodeo................AUGUST 7-16
Lynden Lions Club International Model Train & Circus Builders Show..........OCT. 4
Lynden Music Festival ................... OCTOBER 8-12
Lighted Christmas Parade* 6:00 p.m. DECEMBER 6 *Produced by the Lynden Chamber of Commerce www.lynden.org
Be safe and have fun clam digging
By Merrick Parnell For the Tribune
The shores of Whatcom County attract many nature enthusiasts with their beauty, as rocky coastlines meet the gentle ebb of waves and water.
One popular activity enjoyed along these shores is clam digging, as several prime locations o er opportunities for both seasoned diggers and beginners.
Prime clam digging locations in Whatcom County
Whatcom County o ers a variety of clam digging spots, with two of the most popular public beaches being Birch Bay State Park and Drayton Harbor, inside Semiahmoo County Park.
According to Tom Kunesh, supervisor of environmental health for the Whatcom County Auditor, these two areas are known for their shellfish populations, making them prime locations for clam digging.
However, Kunesh cautioned that certain areas, including the west shore of Semiahmoo Spit, the Semiahmoo Marina and the Semiahmoo Resort, are o -limits for shellfish harvesting due to their proximity to a wastewater treatment plant and its treated wastewater outfall.
Additional clamming areas and resources
In addition to Birch Bay State Park and Drayton Harbor, Whatcom County has other notable clam digging areas.
Austin Rose, a natural resources specialist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, recommends checking the WDFW website — wdfw. wa.gov/places-to-go/ shellfish-beaches — for additional information about shellfish beaches in the area. Before heading out, it’s important to do a bit of research to ensure a safe and legal clamming experience.
Preparation before clamming
One of the first steps before digging is to consult the shellfish safety map for any beach closures or advisories that may be in e ect on the day you plan to dig.
Rose emphasizes the importance of verifying that both the Whatcom County Department of Health and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife season for the specific beach are open to shellfish harvest.
Rose said that to safely and legally harvest shellfish for human consumption, both the health status of the beach and the WDFW season must be open.
Biotoxins such as Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning and Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning can accumulate in shellfish to dangerous levels, so checking for advisories is critical.
Shellfish areas may also be closed due to elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria, which is a public health concern.
For the latest information, Rose suggests visiting the Department of Health’s shellfish safety map at fortress.wa.gov/doh/biotoxin/ biotoxin.html.
Licensing and regulations
To dig for clams in Whatcom County, you’ll need to obtain a shellfish license. Rose and Kunesh both recommend reviewing the WDFW regulations for harvest limits, seasonal schedules and emergency rule updates before heading to the beach.
You can purchase a license at local businesses, including the Bay Center Market at 8050 Harborview Road, Blaine and Pacific Building Center True Value Hardware, at 2677 Bell Road, Blaine. Checking tide tables and weather forecasts is also essential for planning your clamming adventure.
For the best experience, aim to dig during low tide when the shallow shores are exposed and avoid any
See Clam digging on next page
A hand full of clams harvested locally from the tide flats. (Photo courtesy Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)
stormy weather by consulting local forecasts.
Best practices
Once you’ve acquired your license, checked the weather and arrived at your chosen beach, be sure to look for any warning signs or beach closures.
It’s important to identify the shellfish you’re collecting since some may have higher biotoxin levels.
Always fill in the holes you dig to help protect the shellfish population and prevent tripping hazards for others.
Safety is paramount, so never dig alone. Always bring
a buddy or go in groups and inform someone of your location and plans. If you dig at night, bring a light source such as a headlamp, flashlight or lantern. Additionally, to protect the environment, always use public toilets when available. If none are present, remember to scoop, bag and properly dispose of human and pet waste.
Be sure to pack out any trash to leave the beach clean for others to enjoy.
Clam digging in Whatcom County o ers a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific
Northwest. By following safety guidelines, checking for beach advisories and respecting the environment, you can have a rewarding and sustainable clamming experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned harvester or a beginner, taking the right precautions ensures both a safe and enjoyable outing on Whatcom County’s shores.
Key reminders
• Check tide tables, weather and shellfish safety maps.
• Buy a shellfish license.
• Follow all local regulations and advisories.
• Dig responsibly, respecting the environment and other harvesters.
Enjoying harvested clams
Once you have harvested a bounty of clams, you can enjoy them for a fun, farm-totable feast.
Popular methods of eating clams include steamed clams, fried clams, clam chowder or clams in various pasta dishes.
The state’s department of Fish and Wildlife has several recipes at wdfw.wa.gov/ get-involved/wild-eats/manila-native-littleneck-clamrecipes.
Clamming is fun for any ages as shown here by a mother and daughter. (Photo courtesy Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)
