Tides and Transformations

Mt. Baker

If you enjoy hiking and want to see some of the most spectacular scenery in the lower 48 states, join us for the 90-mile trip up the Mt. Baker Highway to Artist’s Point. (We will do this only if weather permits, as peaks hidden in clouds would be deeply disappointing, but our odds are good in early September.) It requires an investment of your time, but the views are unparalleled. On the way we will stop in an old-growth grove of Douglas Firs, take a look at Nooksack Falls, and capture Mt. Shuksan’s perfect reflection in Picture Lake. Once at Artist’s Point you can either stroll the ridge between Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan with its endless camera angles or take a more ambitious hike on a choice of trails. We will bring a sack lunch with us on this expedition, and some may wish to sample the ocean views from one of the superb restaurants in Bellingham as we return to Rosario in the evening. We will carpool for this option.

Whale Watching

Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you set sail from the picturesque town of Anacortes, Washington, renowned for its unparalleled whale watching opportunities. Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of some of God's largest water creatures as they glide gracefully through the pristine waters of the Pacific Northwest.

We suggest booking a spot with Island Adventures for the 10am slot. Costs are $119 per adult for a three hour tour (discounts available for booking more than a month ahead of time).

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Get out on the water and explore PNW history in the San Juan Islands! We will take the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Once there we will have the opportunity to visit the Whale Museum, with rich natural history exhibits on resident whale populations like the orca. We will also have the opportunity to walk up to the British and American camps that participated in the 1859 Pig War, a non-military confrontation that ended up determining national ownership of the San Juan Islands (all started over a pig). Costs will include walk-on ferry passage ($16.50/$8.50 seniors) and entry to the Whale Museum ($10/$6 senior/$5 student), which can be arranged ahead as needed.

Rosario Beach

If you don’t feel like a grand adventure to explore Mount Baker, a trip to the whale museum on San Juan Island, or a whale-watching boat excursion out of Anacortes, there is always a lot to do right at Rosario Beach. There will be an organized short hike from the marine station to Deception Pass State Park. From there, we will take the short Lighthouse Point Trail for views of Lottie Bay and the Deception Pass bridge. There will also be time for fellowship at Rosario Beach. In the evening, for everyone who has stayed or returned, we will have supper on the beach together