Get ready for an exceptional experience at the highly-anticipated Sippin’ on Cider: A Bellingham Cider Tasting Festival, hosted by local nonprofit Shifting Gears. Join us on October 14 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Lost Giants Cider Company for an event that will tantalize your taste buds and ignite your senses. This dynamic festival will showcase a diverse range of ciders hailing from the Pacific Northwest, paired with live performances by local bands and a delectable array of culinary offerings from renowned Bellingham-based food trucks. Please note that this event is exclusively for individuals aged 21 and above. Early bird tickets are priced at $30 until October 8, with prices rising to $40 thereafter.
Anticipate an enchanting entertainment lineup featuring some of Whatcom County’s very own musical talents, complemented by delectable bites from cherished Bellingham Food Trucks.
Speaking on the growth of the festival, Executive Director Krysy Keller expresses, “We are thrilled to bring back the Sippin’ On Cider festival to Bellingham this year! The event not only offers the chance to savor some of the finest ciders from the Pacific Northwest, but also serves as an opportunity for our community to unite in celebration through music, food, and enjoyment. As a major fundraiser for our organization, this event will contribute to continuing our mission of offering outdoor recreational access to women of all backgrounds — a true win-win!”
The festival’s lineup comprises a selection of esteemed local cideries, with non-alcoholic cider options available alongside a couple of local hard seltzer vendors — ensuring there’s something for everyone. Each attendee will receive an 8oz tasting glass along with four drink tickets.
The excitement doesn’t stop at the ciders. The event boasts an array of captivating activities designed to engage and entertain. As autumn embraces us, the third annual Sippin’ on Cider Festival is set to create indelible memories.
For further details, kindly visit the Sippin’ on Cider Facebook event. Secure your tickets at www.letsshiftgears.com. Early bird tickets are available until October 8th.
Since its March 2023 unveiling, the Opportunity Council’s glossy yellow electric school bus has been quietly and cleanly taking east county students and community members where they need to go.
The Blue Bird-built bus — powered by a dual-port level 2 charging station installed at Kendall’s East Whatcom Regional Resource Center (EWRRC) — was obtained thanks to generous support from Puget Sound Energy. The utility provider installed and maintains the charger and provided partial funding for the bus as part of PSE’s Up & Go Electric pilot programs, which include a focus on equity in transportation electrification.
Amy Melin, OppCo’s family engagement and services coordinator, says adding an electric bus to their fleet made a lot of sense. Its east county Head Start preschool students are often dispersed over a larger geographic area than those in Bellingham, so switching to an EV is a way to lessen their carbon footprint while saving money on high gas prices. The area around EWRRC is also prone to stagnate air pollution, so the bus makes the area’s air a little bit cleaner.
Although Melin said children have expressed disappointment that the ‘green’ bus isn’t actually green-colored, they seem to be benefiting from the less noisy rides.
“It’s great how quiet it is,” she says of the bus. “We have a lot of children with sensory issues and developmental needs. The reduction in noise that happens with the bus has made transportation to and from school a lot more comfortable for them.”
Lending a Hand
PSE’s Up & Go Electric program began in 2019, and in the years since, it has examined ways to fill gaps in electric mobility.
“We’re committed to ensuring all customers have access to transportation electrification,” says Mackenzie Martin, a PSE clean energy product manager. “This project required a strong partnership between PSE and Opportunity Council and we’re thrilled that the community has started benefitting from it.”
Learning from its pilot programs, PSE has expanded and launched various iterations of its Up & Go Electric program, including Up & Go Electric for Workplace, Up & Go Electric for Multifamily and Up & Go Electric for Fleet. The latter helps public and private entities transition vehicle fleets from gas to electric. The program offers savings on operating, maintenance, and capital expenses and supports customers’ sustainability goals. Next year, Up & Go Electric plans to launch its public charging and single-family residential charging programs, Mackenzie says.
While electrifying large portions of existing community infrastructure is an expensive task, Mackenzie says PSE is committed to lending a hand.
“We recognize there’s a certain amount of operational lift that goes with managing and installing a charger,” she says. “So, we really want to be that trusted community partner who helps organizations like Opportunity Council — that are busy providing other critical services — by stepping in when we can.”
Reaching Resources
All Up & Go Electric programs have enhanced services and incentives for projects that benefit historically underrepresented communities, and eastern Whatcom County is one of those places.
“In rural communities, there’s a trend towards isolation, especially as transportation becomes less and less accessible for folks on a low income,” Melin says.
The Head Start program, which takes place at the EWRRC, provides free early education to qualifying families while also connecting them to other OppCo resources like rental assistance and financial literary classes. The EWRRC is host to a range of other community resources as well, including a food pantry, community garden, and space for community meetings.
“There are so many families in the Mount Baker area that work within Bellingham, or further out in places like Sedro-Woolley,” Melin says. “Being able to have reliable transportation for their children to get to Head Start has made a huge difference in accessibility for our pre-school program. It’s allowed parents to continue working full-time while giving their children high-quality early education.”
In addition to Head Start students, OppCo’s EV bus has transported seniors to Nooksack Falls for a field trip organized by the South Fork Valley Community Association. It was also part of SFVCA’s summer Blueberry Bonanza youth and family event in July, held at Van Zandt Community Hall.
With loan help from Bank of the Pacific, Bellingham's Structures Brewing opened its second location, a taproom and restaurant along West Holly Street, in March 2023. Photo courtesy Bank of the Pacific
Home to more than a dozen breweries, Bellingham is clearly a beer drinker’s paradise. But it’s also a great place for community banking, thanks to Bank of the Pacific.
Recently, those efforts came together when Structures Brewing opened their new Old Town location in March 2023 at 601 West Holly Street, in the former Chuckanut Brewery location. Structures’ second location offers pet-friendly, all-ages seating for up to 250 people, along with a terrific tap list and affordable food menu.
The new location substantially redeveloped the building space, including the addition of ample outdoor seating. Photo courtesy Bank of the Pacific
In addition to outdoor waterfront seating, the Old Town location also has an event space that can host live events and entertainment. None of it would have been possible without a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan from Bank of the Pacific.
Bank employees like Glen Marsh, Commercial Banking Center Manager, and Camryn Boulette, Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager, worked closely with Structures owners James Alexander and Bryan Cardwell to ensure everything turned out as it needed to be.
“Having Glen and Camryn there to answer questions was invaluable, they really did walk us through a lot of the process,” says Cardwell. “We’re very grateful to have them on our side.”
Structures Brewing Co-Owner James Alexander behind the bar at the brewery’s second location. Photo courtesy Bank of the Pacific
Structures made significant changes to the building vacated by Chuckanut Brewery, and Boulette and Marsh saw firsthand how committed and hard-working Alexander and Cardwell were in making the new spot a successful reality.
“These guys were wonderful to work with,” Marsh says. “They obviously know how to brew beer, and when Camryn or I would talk to them about something in the banking arena, they picked up on it real quick. They were more than kind about some of the process and procedure that folks have to go through today when you’re looking to finance a project like that.”
Community Commitment
Structures first opened its doors in the fall of 2015 at 1420 North State Street. For its first six years, it was the solo effort of Alexander, who’d spent years working in breweries from Washington to Vermont. Cardwell joined in 2021, bringing his expertise in lagers to join Alexander’s IPA specialization.
Together, the duo continues to churn out high-quality and innovative beers. Among them are ‘Fuzz,’ their flagship New England IPA, and its derivative Raspberry Fuzz, brewed with over 800 pounds of Skagit Valley raspberries. Marsh and Boulette are fans of each, respectively, though when it comes to beer, Marsh has a simple philosophy.
“If it pours into a glass,” he says, “I’m happy.”
The taphouse location also features an event space for live entertainment. Photo courtesy Bank of the Pacific
Lending at Bank of the Pacific, Marsh adds, can be a more creative and flexible proposition compared to larger corporate banking institutions. While claiming to be a ‘community bank’ can verge on being overused in the industry, Marsh says they truly put emphasis into forging strong relationships with their clients in the communities where they work and play.
“We’re no different than Structures,” says Marsh. “We’re maybe a little bigger, but we’re a small business trying to survive in the same community. When these guys are successful, we’re successful, and we try to keep that in mind.”
While the lending process can be complex and time-consuming, Alexander says the bank offered excellent communication throughout the project.
“They made sure all of our stuff was squared away,” he says. “We’re super thankful for it. Every bit of the way, I enjoyed working with them.”
Structures Brewing Co-Owner Bryan Caldwell (left) and Bank of the Pacific Marketing Director Jesse Sturgis (center). Photo courtesy Bank of the Pacific
A Great Place for a Beer
As summer turns to fall, Alexander and Cardwell hope people will stop by the new taproom and restaurant, which offers some of the best waterfront seating of any brewery in Bellingham.
A grassy area facing the water is decorated with Adirondack chairs, allowing customers to sit back with their favorite brew, perhaps even glimpsing fish heading to the mouth of nearby Whatcom Creek.
“Salmon season is coming up,” Alexander says. “You’re going to be able to sit out there drinking a beer, watching all the salmon go upstream. It’s a pretty cool spot.”
As that part of downtown Bellingham continues to be redeveloped, Structures is grateful for Bank of the Pacific’s help in making their expansion possible.
“Old Town is kind of going through a whole revitalization,” Alexander says. “We’re pretty excited to be a part of the community down there.”
Roald Amundsen in Svalbard before his failed 1925 attempt to cross the North Pole by plane. Photo courtesy Preus Museum, Wikipedia
In 1908 people crowded into Bellingham’s Beck Theater to hear noted Norwegian Artic explorer Captain Roald Amundsen speak. Invited by local Norwegian Americans, he would return in 1913 and 1926, each time with more stories and accomplishments to share.
Amundsen was born in 1872 in Norway. The youngest son of a wealthy shipowner, he was fascinated from a young age by the polar regions. More explorer than scientist, most of Amundsen’s expeditions were focused on achieving “firsts.”
Though sometimes supported by the Norwegian government, his travels were largely funded privately. Faced with continuous money problems, lecture tours, like his visits to Bellingham, helped pay off his debts.
Amundsen Visits Bellingham in 1908
Amundsen and his crew were the first to cross the Canada’s Northwest Passage by ship, an expedition that stretched from 1903 to 1905. During this expedition, he stayed with indigenous group the Netsilik Inuit and learned many critical polar survival skills that would aid in his later voyages.
After this trip, Amundsen embarked on a lecture tour in the United States. The Sons of Norway, a Norwegian American organization, sponsored Amundsen’s Tuesday, March 24, 1908 talk at Bellingham’s Beck’s Theater. Tickets cost from a quarter for schoolchildren and up to a dollar for adult attendees.
Bellingham mayor James deMattos introduced the speaker before his presentation, echoing Caeser by saying of Amundsen that: “he came, he saw, he conquered.” Giving a “graphic account” of his travels, Amundsen shared 150 stereopticon views. Images of Inuit sparked great interest in the crowd.
“The Great Artic Explorer” was too tired from travel for a proposed banquet but held an informal reception to meet people after his talk. He stayed overnight at Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Udness’ home on Garden Street before continuing his tour.
South Pole Discoverer Returns to Bellingham in 1913
In 1911, Amundsen achieved his greatest claim to fame: being the first to reach the South Pole in Antarctica. His claim was heavily disputed at the time. A British expedition, led by Captain Robert Scott, arrived a few weeks later to find the Asmundsen team’s Norwegian flag already placed in the snow. Sadly, Scott and his crew perished on their return trip.
Amundsen went on another speaking tour in the United States to raise money. The Sons of Norway again scheduled him to give an illustrated lecture at Beck’s Theater, now renamed the Metropolitan Theater, on Wednesday, April 9, 1913. Many people traveled to hear the lecture and a special train even came from Sumas. Tickets sold from 50 cents to $2.
An advertisement from the April 4, 1913, issue of the Bellingham Herald for Roald Amundsen’s lecture. Photo courtesy Washington State Library
This time Amundsen was given no introduction when he took the stage at 8:30. Everyone knew who he was. The “modern Viking” shared charts, moving pictures, and stereopticon images of his travels. People especially enjoyed hearing about his sled dogs.
Reporters praised him as modest, using “I” only once. The last image in his presentation was him and a group standing before a Norwegian flag over the South Pole. He spoke of his plans to reach the North Pole next, by freezing his ship into an ice floe. He also praised Captain Scott’s expedition.
Before the talk he was served dinner by Mr. and Mrs. E.T. Fremming and Mr. and Mrs. P.P. Lee at the Lee home. The dining room was decorated with Norwegian flags and red carnations. His place card had hand-painted Norwegian flags. After dinner they took him for an auto tour of Bellingham. A “luncheon” in his honor was served at Henry Engberg’s home after the talk.
Bellingham 1926 Visit After North Pole Flight
Although his attempt to float over the North Pole ended in failure in 1919, Amundsen was not ready to retire. He tried to fly across the Pole in 1923, but his party was forced to turn back after the plane was damaged.
Undeterred, Amundsen tried again in 1925. This attempt failed as well. The two planes went down. Running low on food, they shoveled tons of ice off the planes before Riiser-Larsen was able to bring the crew back in one of the planes. They had been believed lost.
A year later, Amundsen gave his final lecture in Bellingham. Sponsored by the Optimist Club, it was held February 22, 1926, at the Whatcom High School Auditorium. Themed “Our Airplane Dash for the North Pole,” Amundsen discussed his latest attempt to reach the Pole. Tickets cost $1 or $1.50.
Roald Amundsen spoke at Whatcom High School when he returned to Bellingham in 1926. Advertisement from the February 22, 1926, issue of the Bellingham Herald. Photo courtesy Washington State Library
Over the North Pole
In May 1926, mere months after his visit to Bellingham, Amundsen set off with American millionaire explorer Lincoln Ellsworth and Major Umberto Nobile to cross the North Pole in Nobile’s airship, the Norge. Though the Norgewas basically a framed, hydrogen-filled, rubber-cloth balloon with a gondola attached — and was hard to maneuver — they were successful.
Bellingham Mourns Amundsen
In 1928, Amundsen’s plane was lost on an international rescue attempt to save Nobile and his crew, whose airship had gone down in the Arctic. Although Nobile and his crew were eventually rescued, Amundsen’s body was never recovered.
Bellingham mourned. Visiting Rev. Frederick Ring of Chicago, a friend of Amundsen, held a memorial service at the Scandinavian Methodist Church. The city’s mayor ordered flags to be flown at half-mast on December 14.
Many things have since been named after the explorer, such as the Amundsen-Scott Station in Antarctica as well as the Amundsen Sea in the Southern Ocean. Roald Amundsen’s life was an inspiration to many across the world, as well as right here in Bellingham.
Chinook salmon attempt to jump the old dam in Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls but most often use the adjacent fish ladder. Photo courtesy Olympia Tumwater Foundation
Every fall, Chinook salmon instinctively return from the Pacific Ocean, through Puget Sound and up the connecting rivers and streams. One spot to get a great glimpse of that process is in nearby Olympia. Make an afternoon of paralleling the spawning salmon along a paved, urban hike while enjoying scenery and taking advantage of prime photography opportunities. Grab your favorite walking shoes, pack the kids in the stroller and your day bag to follow the salmon. The three-mile walk down from Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls to Capitol Lake is all paved, family friendly and has great pauses for photography along the way.
From Tumwater Historic Park, the old Olympia Brewery building is visible and makes for creative photo opportunities. Photo credit: Rebecca Sanchez
Salmon Egg Harvesting at Tumwater Falls Hatchery
Start your journey at what is the terminus for Chinook hatchery salmon. See where tiny fry left the Tumwater Falls Hatchery holding pools at Brewery Park. You can follow the path they took to the 5th Avenue dam where they commenced their 1- to 5-year excursion through Puget Sound, into the Pacific Ocean and on to Alaska. Furthermore, you’ll possibly see other species such as pink, coho and chum salmon along with harbor seals and blue heron at the dam.
Returning Chinook originally came from eggs collected at Tumwater Falls Hatchery, which happens annually when the new cycle of salmon return. Hatchery workers sort them for the egg collection and fertilization of new salmon eggs to start the cycle over again. Catch a glimpse of this mid-September on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings through early October.
Following the salmon run along Capitol Lake in Olympia also means many opportunities for photography. Photo credit: Rebecca Sanchez
Following the Salmon Run to Downtown Olympia
As you head north out of Brewery Park, connect with Simmons Lane down the wooded hill with the river on your right and Deschutes Parkway on your left. When you reach the bottom of the slope at Tumwater Historical Park, you will find public restrooms and a playground. From the grassy area near the Deschutes River, take a look across the water at the Historic Olympia Brewery building. If the afternoon light is behind you, it should be unshaded and ready to have its picture taken.
Head north towards the Interstate-5 bridge and take up your comfortable walking pace along the paved path running under the freeway and along the river. Continue on to Capitol Lake Interpretive Center to find more restrooms and a picturesque dock where the ducks hang out. Take caution as the dock has no railing. Next, walk along the perimeter of Capitol Lake on Deschutes Parkway. Great photo opportunities of the Capitol dome towering over the lakeside forest should be noted. Restrooms are available again at Marathon Park on the south side of Capitol Lake.
Chinook salmon gather at the 5th Avenue dam in Olympia where they dodge seals and herons to muster up strength to jump through the ladder into Capitol Lake. Photo credit: Rebecca Sanchez
Viewing Salmon at the 5th Avenue Dam in Olympia
As you near 5th Avenue and pass along the lake, this is a great opportunity to take some great photos of the capitol building with the water in the foreground. Curvature of the lake wall, quaint lamp posts and benches are nice details. With birds as frequent visitors and even otters sometimes showing themselves at the lake, a zoom lens might be helpful.
Cross 5th Avenue to the bridge, dam and wooden pedestrian viewing bridge. Seasonal Stream Team pamphlets and laminated posters along the bridge are great resources to learn more about salmon species on site.
Herons waiting to eat fish at the Olympia 5th Avenue dam often sit still enough for their photos to be taken. Photo credit: Rebecca Sanchez
From the wooden walkway, peer down and see hatchery Chinook salmon gathering, prepping to climb the ladder into Capitol Lake and make their way up to Tumwater Falls. The salmon you see gathering to pass through Capitol Lake are several years old, having spent time in the ocean and the Puget Sound.
Having followed part of the salmon run and collected great photos, the return journey to Brewery Park can be made by either backtracking or via public transportation.
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation in collaboration with PeaceHealth this week announced plans to restore an enhanced outpatient palliative (OPPC) care program to serve the citizens of Whatcom County.
“The community feedback has been loud and clear since PeaceHealth’s May announcement to reduce comprehensive palliative care services. On behalf of the Foundation Board and PeaceHealth, we want you to know that we are listening,” said Dr. Jason M. Stoane, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation Board president. “With mutual appreciation, the Foundation and PeaceHealth have listened to each other and now understand the collective concerns and the need for a more comprehensive, sustainable and scalable outpatient palliative care program.”
As the chief executive of PeaceHealth Medical Group, Dr. Scott Foster was asked to take a leadership role in working with the Foundation to conduct a comprehensive review of the service offering under the prior palliative care model. This review revealed several opportunities for improvement, and a proposed model emerged through collaboration between PeaceHealth Medical Group, the local palliative care team, and the Foundation. Crucially, this new model has been designed with sustainability in mind and will serve more patients more efficiently, ensuring accessibility to both cancer and non-cancer referrals.
Approved by the Foundation Board on Aug. 29, the proposed model envisions the OPPC service operating out of PeaceHealth’s cancer center building, where 65% of historic referrals originated. While some home-based care will be available, clinic-based care will be the primary focus, bolstered by a dedicated interdisciplinary team under the medical direction of Dr. Angie Lee, a palliative care specialist. Closer alignment with existing PeaceHealth services, such as home health, hospice, and ambulatory care management, aims to holistically provide more comprehensive care that addresses patients’ needs. ?PeaceHealth is actively hiring and assembling the team with plans to fully launch the new program in early 2024, pending recruitment.
“PeaceHealth’s decision around the previous OPPC program was made with urgency and without fully consulting PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation and other key PeaceHealth and community stakeholders,” said Dr. Foster. “This was a regrettable oversight, and PeaceHealth apologizes for the angst this caused.”
“The PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation values its long history and sacred relationship with this community,” said Donna Inglis, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation Board vice president. “We look forward to demonstrating that PeaceHealth is committed to its mission to improve the health and lives of the people of Whatcom County.”
Moving forward, PeaceHealth is committed to continued dialogue and a transparent and collaborative partnership with the Foundation and the community on this and other important issues impacting the people of Bellingham and Whatcom County.
Please join Whatcom Peace & Justice Center (WPJC) at Structures Brewing on September 17th from 3 to 6 p.m. as we celebrate and honor labor and immigrants’ rights advocates, Alfredo Juarez Zeferino (Lelo) and Betsy Pernotto, during WPJC’s 20th International Day of Peace. With Labor Day just around the corner, let’s continue to celebrate by supporting and honoring two community members who have dedicated themselves to ensuring the safety and equity of workers in Whatcom County.
Recognized by the United Nations since 1982 and the City of Bellingham since 2017, the International Day of Peace stands as a vibrant platform for envisioning a world free from violence, weaponry, and oppression. This year’s theme, “Transforming Justice,” emphasizes peaceful approaches to prevent and address systemic violence and interpersonal harm.
Betsy Pernotto at the 2021 International Day of Peace. Photo credit: Sattva Photos
In the context of current affairs that have tested our resilience, this theme is our rallying call. It’s a call to action against the surge of domestic and militarized police violence during the pandemic, the setbacks in safeguarding LGBTQ+ youth, censorship of books and sex education, carceral expansion and threats to labor and reproductive rights. “Transforming Justice” speaks to the pressing need to reevaluate conventional notions of justice and safety, advocating for preventive, educational, and care-centric strategies to cultivate a peaceful society.
To enhance the event’s festive atmosphere, local drag artist Nävouny Divinne will deliver a performance highlighting the transformative power and talent within the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community. WPJC is also excited to announce that Seattle-based Forró band, Foleada, will be performing live so that attendees can dance and celebrate together. Forró is the heartbeat of Northeast Brazil, and it draws on many musical styles, from Afro-Brazilian music like samba and baião to European polkas. Forró dance borrows from Cuban salsa and Samba de Gafieira, a Brazilian ballroom dance. Come dance your heart out with us at Structures Brewing!
There will also be interactive ways to participate during the event, including an activity to envision a transformed world, our silent auction, and visiting the booths at the Info Fair offering attendees a chance to engage with critical issues, community grassroots organizations, and local initiatives. Our Info Fair will feature Whatcom Care, Amnesty International, Jobs with Justice, Bellingham Tenants Union, Birchwood Food Fighters and a Laos woman-led organization called Legacies of War. Come learn about their work on local and global scales and how you can get involved!
This is a family-friendly event with free childcare and youth-friendly activities provided for the duration of the event.
For more information about the event, how to donate, or to get involved with Whatcom Peace & Justice Center, please visit WhatcomPJC.org/IDP2023. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook.
Embarking on its 21st year, the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center remains dedicated to promoting lasting peace, social justice, and a culture of nonviolence locally and abroad through partnerships, education, and direct action. Connect with us by visiting our community resource hub at 1220 Bay St., joining our Alternatives to Military Service training, or supporting our Transformative Justice Learning Lab Pilot Program. To learn more about our endeavors, contribute as a financial sponsor, or volunteer, please contact Executive Director Aline Prata at (360) 734-0217, office@whatcompjc.org, or visit www.WhatcomPJC.org today!
Feature photo of Lelo Juarez at 2023 Marcha Campesina by Sattva Photos
What are you wearing? What’s for dinner? What show should you stream? Where should you go, eat, work, live…woah! Big or small, we’re faced with decisions from the moment we wake up in the morning — and they can be exhausting. In fact, the more decisions we make, the more difficult making them can become — a psychological phenomenon known as decision fatigue (medicalnewstoday.com). And that fatigue can lead to something we could all use a lot less of: stress.
Imagine grocery shopping for a last-minute dinner without knowing what’s in your pantry, what your guests like, or how much time you’ll have to make it. Lack of information is a big stressor in making decisions. And for many, lack of information forces avoidance of making decisions altogether — especially when those decisions are large or are not something we fully understand.
Whether you need heating, cooling, solar, or plumbing, you can count on our new transparent pricing information to support you in making educated decisions for your home. Photo courtesy Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing
So when you’re presented with important home decisions regarding your family’s safety and comfort — like your heating and cooling system, your fireplace, or your water heater, we understand how difficult those decisions can be. It’s common for companies to provide work estimates well after their initial customer consultation. This means you, the customer, are often left wondering and waiting on an estimate, that often comes in with a surprising lack of detail as to what’s included, like parts, shipping, warranty, labor, etc. At Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing, we can empathize — and we know there’s a better way.
That’s why we’re proud to introduce something that will transform your WholeHome™ comfort decisions — Barron’s new Upfront Pricing. This new pricing model takes the guesswork out of our estimating process. It isn’t smoke and mirrors. It doesn’t dupe customers into paying more. It’s a better business model because it’s clear and straightforward. It’s about transparency, efficiency, and value — all items that make up the foundation of strong customer relationships and business (ignitionapp.com).
With Barron’s Upfront Pricing, our Home Performance Experts will provide you with honest and accurate knowledge on the spot, allowing you to compare all your options, from the most economical to the best of the best. This kind of information transparency helps you to choose the right products that meet your comfort, health, and efficiency needs, all within your budget. And with our “Buyers Guide”, we’ll help you navigate your project decisions with ease.
With Barron’s Upfront Pricing, our Home Performance Experts will provide you with honest and accurate knowledge on the spot. Photo courtesy Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing
No more waiting on estimates that still leave you in the dark. Whether you need heating, cooling, solar, or plumbing, you can count on our new transparent pricing information to support you in making educated decisions for your home. Like right now — we’re offering cooling options for as low as $99 per month. Plus, slide into the next season and add a furnace for just $30 more!
At Barron, we believe a knowledgeable customer is our best customer, and we’re excited to share this new process with you: no surprises…no compromises…just clear and straightforward Upfront Pricing. Less stress is a win for everybody — so you can get back to the smaller things. Like deciding what’s for dinner! As your Pacific Northwest home and building performance experts since 1972, We stand by our mission: Improving Lives™.
Chinook salmon make their way upstream in the Deschutes River to reach the hatchery were they were first released. Photo credit: Michael Humling, U.S Fish & Wildlife Service
Make an afternoon of paralleling the spawning salmon run from downtown Olympia to Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls while enjoying the scenery and taking advantage of prime photography opportunities along the route. Every fall, Chinook salmon instinctively return from the Pacific Ocean, through Puget Sound and up the connecting rivers and streams. We are very lucky that we can get a glimpse of that migration in Olympia and in Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. Grab your favorite walking shoes and pack the kids in the stroller to follow the salmon. The three-mile walk from Capitol Lake to the falls is all paved, family friendly and has great photo-ops along the way.
From the 5th Avenue bridge wooden walkway, peer down into the water and see hatchery Chinook salmon preparing to climb the fish ladder into Capitol Lake and make their way up to Tumwater Falls. Photo credit: Rebecca Sanchez
Viewing Salmon at the 5th Avenue Dam in Olympia
A good place to start is the 5th Avenue bridge in downtown Olympia. From the wooden walkway over the dam, peer down into the water and see hatchery Chinook salmon prepping to climb the fish ladder into Capitol Lake and make their way up to Tumwater Falls. The salmon you see gathering below will swim through Capitol Lake, returning after having been gone 18 months to several years, growing stronger and bigger in the open ocean and Puget Sound.
Seasonal Stream Team pamphlets and laminated posters along the view bridge are great resources to learn more about salmon species on site. It’s amazing to consider they stop eating and devote all of their energy toward getting upstream to spawn. No matter how far they swam, they are thought to follow the sun, smell or possibly the earth’s magnetic field back to the exact stream from which they began.
Take the crosswalk south toward Capitol Lake and take note of great photo opportunities of the Capitol dome with the water in the foreground. Birds are frequent visitors, and even otters sometimes show themselves at the lake. Curvature of the lake wall, quaint lamp posts and benches are nice photo details too.
At Capitol Lake Interpretive Center, you’ll find restrooms and a scenic wooden dock that overlooks the lake where ducks frequent the area. Take caution as the dock has no railing. Photo credit: Rebecca Sanchez
Following the Salmon Path Along Capitol Lake and up to Tumwater Falls
Take up your comfortable walking pace along the paved sidewalk that runs the perimeter of Capitol Lake along Deschutes Parkway. Restrooms are available at Marathon Park on the south side. At Capitol Lake Interpretive Center, you’ll find restrooms again and the next leg of your journey. A scenic wooden dock overlooks the lake there, and ducks frequent the area. Take caution as the dock has no railing. Follow the paved pathway that diverts east from Deschutes Parkway under the Interstate-5 bridge to emerge at Tumwater Historical Park where there are more restrooms and a playground.
From the grassy area near the Deschutes River, take a look across the water at the historic Olympia Brewery building. If the afternoon light is behind you, it should be unshaded and ready to have its picture taken. As you head south out of Tumwater Historical Park, follow Simmons Lane up the wooded hill with the river on your left and Deschutes Parkway on your right. Be on the watch for water views, wildlife, or beautiful greenery along the walk. Joining the river side trail means closer views of water and bridges both underfoot and overhead.
Tumwater Historical Park is a great place to look for salmon headed upstream and a good nature photography setting. Photo credit: Rebecca Sanchez
Photo Opportunities in Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls
Tumwater Falls cascades over an old dam and down through Deschutes River boulders surrounded by Pacific Northwest vegetation, and it’s all very picturesque. Many photo opportunities present themselves along the riverside trail. Impressive stonework installations are good photo spots, and Brewery Park has many pieces from Tenino Stone Carvers artisans. A stone half-wall by the visitor center is great for group photos or portraits, and carvings with the Olympia Beer logo commemorate the historic location.
From Tumwater Historic Park, the old Olympia Brewery building is visible and makes for creative photo opportunities. Photo credit: Rebecca Sanchez
Salmon at Tumwater Falls Hatchery
While the salmon have climbed three previous fish ladders, you can finish the hatchery Chinook salmon journey as you walk right over the length of the last ladder all the way to the viewing windows. Around the middle of September, you should be able to see salmon before they reach the holding tanks. Tumwater Falls Hatchery workers will then sort them for egg collection and fertilization of new salmon eggs to start the cycle over again. Catch a glimpse of this process mid-September on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings through early October.
“It’s great for the public to understand how the salmon cycle works, how their life cycle works, where they’ve been, what they come back to, to understand the species and how they function,” says Lee Pilon, hatchery specialist at Tumwater Falls Hatchery.
Having made part of the salmon run and collected great photos, the return journey to downtown Olympia can be made by either backtracking or via public transportation from Capitol Boulevard adjacent to Brewery Park. Take advantage of the easy-access locations to see the salmon return this fall.
You don’t have to be an expert kayaker to spend a day kayaking in Thurston County. Kayaking in Budd Bay from the launch at West Bay Park provides for an easy, all-ages day of fun. Experience wildlife, incredible local restaurants, and Instagram-worthy scenery — all while gliding through the calm waters of Budd Bay.
Exploring Budd Bay
Pacific Northwest kayakers know all the good spots to take in our natural beauty, and Budd Bay is one of them. Whether you’re looking for a short, 45-minute tour, or a 4-hour journey, you’ll be treated to all the delights of the area.
One of the best things about kayaking in Budd Bay is seeing all the wildlife! Photo credit: Kristina Lotz
With its shimmering waters, bordered by lush forests and rolling hills, the bay offers an unrivaled visual feast. Paddle through its tranquil expanse and you’re treated to inspiring vistas, which include the majestic outline of the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a novice adventurer, Budd Bay’s calm waters and gentle currents make it an ideal location to embark on a kayaking journey that caters to all skill levels.
Look for seagulls, seals, eagles, and other wildlife while you explore. Particularly in the spring, watch for whales — including orcas and humpbacks — as they stop off in Washington State on their migration.
Kayaking in Olympia at West Bay Park
West Bay Park is the perfect place to launch kayaks in Olympia. With the parking lot less than 30 yards to the put-in location, and just a slight descent, you’ll be in the water in no time.
West Bay Park is a perfect spot to launch your kayak into Budd Bay, with parking just 30 yards from the put-in location. Photo courtesy ThurstonTalk
Local kayaker tip: Check tide schedules and plan on arriving at high tide to put in. This keeps you in the sand and rocks rather than mud, making it much easier to launch. You also won’t have to haul your kayak out a few more yards to reach the water.
Along with ample parking, West Bay Park has sandy can toilets, picnic tables, and year-round walking paths.
Kayak Safety Tips
West Bay Park’s launch point offers a safe and easily accessible entry into Budd Bay’s waters. The calm nature of the bay, combined with the relatively sheltered conditions, provides an excellent environment for both beginners and experienced kayakers. As with any outdoor adventure, it’s crucial to adhere to safety guidelines, including wearing proper personal flotation devices (PFDs) and being mindful of weather conditions before setting off.
Where to Eat in Budd Bay
There’s nothing like getting a taste of local cuisine before, after, or during your Olympia kayaking trip. As you paddle through the bay, consider making your way to iconic destinations such as the Olympia Oyster House (320 4th Avenue E, Olympia), Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill (1675 Marine Drive NE, Olympia), or Tugboat Annies (2100 W Bay Drive NW, Olympia). These renowned eateries provide a unique experience where you can dock your kayak and indulge in the freshest oysters, seafood, and locally sourced dishes while enjoying stunning waterfront views.
When you get hungry, simply pull your kayak in by a nearby restaurant on the shores of Budd Bay and have a bite! Photo courtesy ThurstonTalk
At Anthony’s, try their wild Alaskan cod or barbecue garlic prawns. Olympia Oyster House favorites include oyster stew, OH Po Boys, and Dungeness crab. Tugboat Annies offers a taste of classic Pacific Northwest cuisine, complete with seafood chowder and hearty comfort food. Not a seafood fan? Each restaurant has a variety of delicious options to please any palate.
Kayak Rentals Near Budd Bay
Need to rent a kayak? Head to Tugboat Annies. Their Kayak Manual will teach you everything you need to know before, during, and after launching. To set up your rental, just give Tugboat Annies a call at 360.943.1850.
Places to Stay Near Budd Bay
Making a weekend of your kayaking adventures? Many fun, local lodgings that will give you a taste of the romantic history of the area, such as The Marie Bed & Breakfast and the Swantown Inn. If you’re looking for more modern accommodations, check out the DoubleTree.
Experience Olympia via Kayak
Kayaking in Budd Bay, Olympia, is a wonderful way to experience the Pacific Northwest and all its delights. From whales and seals to stunning landscapes and incredible restaurants with expansive, fresh seafood menus, it’s all waiting for you via the calm waters of Budd Bay. Head to West Bay Park and have a South Puget Sound experience you won’t soon forget.
Kevin Wiebe is a Ferndale native. Although he graduated from Ferndale High School, he admits he wasn't a model student. His teachers and administrators...
