What we’re about
Hello and welcome to the Skagit Whatcom Adventure Group! We are all about getting outside, having adventures of all kinds, meeting new people, and, most of all, having fun. We are open to anyone with an adventurous spirit. Our vision is to have a variety of different events hosted by a diverse leadership team.
In the past year we’ve led lots of hikes, played in the snow, attended live music events, gone to outdoor-related movies, and, of course, eaten plenty of good food. We hope to see you on one of our adventures soon!
Dues for this group are $5 annually, which covers the fees Meetup charges to host and maintain the website. We have set this price low to keep it affordable to all and we believe it’s a great value for your money.
The fine print:
- If signing-up for an event, please make every effort to attend. We understand that life happens at inopportune times, however no-shows will be documented and three no-shows may result in removal from the group. Please update your RSVP with as much advance notice as possible, even if it’s just an hour before the start. Otherwise, the group can end up waiting for someone at a carpool location or a trail-head (where there's often no cell reception).
- Organizers in this group are not guides, instructors, or medical professionals. You alone are 100% responsible for your own safety and comfort and for the safety of those you bring as guests. We may give you our opinions on whether or not an activity is suitable for you, but the ultimate responsibility lies with you, as we are not experts. Certain activities may require other gear. If you don't know, ask! Someone can likely share advice or ideas.
- Be respectful and have fun. We are a group of fun-loving people who enjoy the outdoors and staying active. We are also a diverse group of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities, and we believe in treating everyone fairly and equally. We ask that you do the same and we’ll all have a great time.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Heliotrope Ridge and Coleman GlacierHeliotrope Ridge Trailhead, Deming, WA
If you'd like nose-to-nose access to Mount Baker, this first-rate woodsy walk delivers. Over a well-maintained and well used trail with graded elevation gain, you can be glacier-side in no time if the creek crossings allow. They can be challenging, but always crossable if you permit yourself to get wet. Water footwear is necessary. Due to the crashing water these are not bare foot crossings and poles help resist the pull downstream. That said most people this year complain more about the road in.
There are options once past the woods walk and into the meadows. As a group we will consider backtracking to the Climbers' Trail junction and exploring a bit. True to form, the Climbers' Trail climbs steeply and directly up the neighboring Hogsback Ridge and gains elevation quickly, 900 feet in half a mile. We will not go onto the glacier or any snowfields.More: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/heliotrope-ridge#hike-full-description
This trailhead shares access to the most popular climbing route on Mount Baker. The road in was in great shape one day long ago but is now suffering. Low clearance vehicles are making it up the eight miles but there are some degraded areas requiring care.
As always bring the ten essentials and as always be prepared for changeable mountain weather. This is an organized trip, not a guided trip. Each person is responsible for themself as typical for Bellingham HIking Co op outings. Mountain hiking competence is assumed.
Six miles RT, 1500 feet gain (and loss), highest point 5200'.
Side trip to Climbers Camp adds 1 mile RT, 900 foot additional gain (and loss).Trailhead comes up on Google Maps by searching for 'Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead'. The Glacier Creek road turns off Hwy 542 one mile past Glacier townsite and the actual time is slower than estimated. There is no cell service past Maple falls.
Boots on the trail at 8.30am. Please RSVP as a courtesy to everyone. The Bellingham Hiking Co op keeps their hiking groups small to encourage a quality mountain experience. Option for pizza at North Fork Brewery afterwards. Greg Aanes, trip leader cell 360-224-6166. - Aug. 12 Chain Lakes hikeHeather Meadows, Mt Baker, WA
This gorgeous loop hike has it all: big views of Mounts Baker and Shuksan, as well as the North Cascades, alpine lakes for swimming, and a well-maintained trail winding through meadows, rock slopes, and over cols. This is widely considered one of the most scenic hikes in all the Cascades, if not THE most scenic!
STAMINA ALERT: This is a moderate hike of 7 miles with 1,800 feet in elevation gain and a high point of 5,400 feet. We will be hiking at an average pace and you will need to be in decent hiking shape for this hike. We'll stop for photo, lunch, rest, and hydration breaks as desired. Hiking poles and good hiking boots are recommended - most of the trail is rocky.
We'll be hiking clock-wise this time, so we'll start our hike at the Artist Point parking lot. We'll hit the trail there and end at the Heather Meadows visitor center/Bagley Lakes (where we may leave a car so we don't have to walk back uphill).
- Well behaved dogs on leash welcome.
- Bathrooms are available at trailhead.
- Northwest Forest Pass or Senior Pass required at parking area (WA Discovery Pass will not work).
The total time for this hike, including the drive to and from, is 8 hours but you should plan for 9 - 10 to allow for delays and/or food at Chair 9 on the way home.
Carpooling: Let's meet at the Lowes parking lot in Bellingham at 8:00 am near the KFC/A&W. We can carpool/caravan from this point. If you plan to drive directly to the trailhead, please leave a comment below so we don't wait for you.
- Driving Directions to Lowes in Bellingham: From I-5 take Exit 255 (Sunset Dr./Hwy. 542), turn east on Sunset Dr., and almost immediately turn right into Lowes. We'll meet in the Lowes parking lot near the KFC/A&W at 8:00am.
- Driving Directions to Trailhead: Drive east from Bellingham on the Mount Baker Highway (Hwy 542) for 57 miles to Artist Point. The carpool will arrive here about 10:00.
We will postpone this hike for heavy rain, high winds, or thunderstorms, so check this site the day before. We will not cancel for light rain or clouds. Please do not make plans for later in the day as we do not know exactly when we will return.
For more information, see:
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/chain-lakes-3
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/chain-lakes-loop-trailHousekeeping:
You must sign-up and be on the “Going” list to participate.
If you sign-up for this event, out of respect for the group please make every effort to attend.
We will cancel for high winds or monsoon rains. We will hike sun, rain, snow, or sleet.
Please practice leave-no-trace. Hope to see you on this hike!Disclaimer: We are not professional hiking guides or medical professionals. You alone are 100% responsible for your own comfort and safety. By attending this hike you agree to these terms and do not hold hike organizer(s) liable for injuries and/or medical issues during or after this event.
