If you can see Mt. Baker, you are part of The Experience
The multi-stage, multi-day, multi-sensory Bellingham Exit Festival is back for its final edition, with an exciting lineup and an array of experiences sure to captivate festivalgoers. Set around multiple venues throughout the heart of Bellingham from October 8 to 12, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, offering a weekend of live music, art, culture, and community.
This year’s festival will showcase an eclectic mix of performers spanning multiple genres, from indie rock to electronic beats. Headlining the event are acts like singer-songwriters Lucinda Williams and Joy Oladokun, alt-country act Amigo the Devil, comedian Demetri Martin, and R&B powerhouse Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears. The week of live shows is sure to draw fans from all over the Pacific Northwest. In addition to these headliners, Exit will continue into October with shows from various local bands at the Wild Buffalo and Blue Room.
Bellingham Exit attendees can explore immersive art installations, interactive experiences, and diverse food vendors that reflect the local culture and vibe. The festival will also feature sustainability initiatives, ensuring that this event leaves a positive impact on the environment.
Beyond the performances and exhibits, the festival’s location in Bellingham provides attendees with stunning views and easy access to outdoor adventures, including hiking, cycling, and exploring the nearby coastlines.
Whether you’re a music lover, art enthusiast, or simply looking for a great time with friends, the Bellingham Exit Festival 2025 will offer something for everyone. Prepare for an unforgettable weekend filled with top-tier entertainment and lasting memories.
Super early bird festival passes are on sale now at bellinghamexit.com.
Mountainfilm On Tour returns to Whatcom Community College on Saturday, November 15, to celebrate the power and spirit of the great outdoors.
This year’s film festival will benefit the Rotary Club of Bellingham, and will feature an array of short films.
The evening of films kicks off at 7:15 p.m. and concludes at 10 p.m., at WCC’s Syre Theatre, 237 W. Kellogg Road. Doors open at 6 p.m.
While this year’s lineup of films has yet to be announced, last year’s films were an eclectic mix, covering topics like disability awareness in the climbing community, the story of the Boston Marathon’s first female runner, and a group of Afghan women who picked up rock climbing after escaping the Taliban.
The Rotary Club of Bellingham has contributed more that $4 million to non-profits in the community and around the world since 1985, and focuses on funding youth programs, scholarships, and hands-on service projects.
Tickets for this year’s festival are available at bit.ly/4mEKyrh.
Outdoor enthusiasts in Bellingham have reason to celebrate as Outdoor Research opens its newest outlet store in the city’s historic Fairhaven District. Located at 1501 12th St., this location marks a significant milestone for the well-known outdoor gear brand, bringing quality equipment and apparel closer to the Mt. Baker community.
The new store, which opened its doors this July, offers a wide range of outdoor gear for activities like hiking, climbing, skiing, and more – making it a one-stop shop for both seasoned adventurers and newcomers. Visitors can expect discounted prices on high-performance products from a brand renowned for its commitment to durability and sustainability.
Fairhaven, with its charming cobblestone streets and proximity to outdoor recreation, provides the perfect setting for the new store. Located near the Bellingham waterfront and abundant parks, it’s the ideal location for the local outdoor community to access top-tier gear and apparel.
The grand opening event was met with excitement, featuring exclusive deals, giveaways, and a chance to meet local outdoor enthusiasts. Outdoor Research, a company committed to both innovation and environmental responsibility, has been an advocate for promoting outdoor activities while minimizing environmental impact.
For Bellingham residents and visitors alike, the opening of this outlet store adds a convenient and affordable option for accessing premium outdoor gear. Whether you're gearing up for a weekend hike or preparing for an epic climb, the new Outdoor Research store is sure to be a go-to destination in the heart of Fairhaven.
The store is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ross James Wallette, a respected adventure photographer and climbing guide, died on August 18, after a tragic fall while ascending Mount Fury in Washington’s North Cascades. He was 43.
Wallette, of Kennewick, was climbing with a partner when a handhold unexpectedly gave way near a feature known as “The Finger,” at roughly 8,100 feet elevation. He fell an estimated 200 to 300 feet, officials said. His climbing partner immediately activated an SOS beacon, and a helicopter was dispatched around 5:45 p.m., but Wallette could not be saved by paramedics.
Known for his artistry behind the camera and deep love of the mountains, Wallette had recently completed the Bulger List – summiting the 100 highest peaks in Washington – and was featured in the 2024 documentary “100 Summits: Bulgers in a Season.” He was scheduled to shoot a story for Outdoor Magazine on Mount Rainier later that same week, according to his social media.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Wallette was a husband and father. He leaves behind his wife and young daughter.
Mount Fury, deep within North Cascades National Park, is known for its remote and technical terrain. Wallette’s death is a somber reminder of the risks even experienced climbers face in the mountains.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the mountaineering and photography worlds, Wallette is being remembered not only for what he achieved, but for the way he lived – with purpose, humility, and awe for the natural world.
A memorial service for Wallette was held in Richland, Washington on August 29, according to Wallette’s social media.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who loved, laughed and celebrated a truly amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandson, friend, photographer, guide, peak bagger, musician, and follower of Jesus,” Wallette’s family wrote in a social media post.
This fall was the second highly publicized fatal climbing accident in the North Cascades this year. Three Seattle-area climbers died after a May 10 fall during a descent of the Early Winters Spires.
The highly anticipated 2025 Mt. Baker Hill Climb, scheduled for Sunday, September 14, has officially sold out. A total of 450 cyclists will tackle the challenging 22-mile route from Chair 9 in Glacier, Washington, to the summit at Artist Point–a grueling ascent with over 4,462 feet of elevation gain through sweeping alpine switchbacks.
Organized by the volunteer nonprofit Whatcom Events, the Mt. Baker Hill Climb continues to gain national recognition. In 2025, it was ranked the number one hill climb in the United States and number eight gran fondo in North America by Gran Fondo Guide.
Riders can expect full road closures along State Route 542 to ensure a safe event. Snowater Road to Artist Point will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., followed by Canyon Creek Road to Artist Point from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Cyclists are grouped into three start waves: Social at 7:00 a.m., Recreational at 8:00 a.m., and Competitive at 8:30 a.m. E-bikes are welcome in the Social category.
Participants should plan ahead for logistics. Packet pickup will be available in Bellingham and at Chair 9 Pizza the day before the event. There is limited cell service near Glacier, and a $5 Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at Artist Point. Shuttle services (the Baker Bus) will be available for rider descent and gear transport, though cyclists are responsible for their own bikes.
With its steep climbs, striking mountain views, and strong community spirit, the 2025 Mt. Baker Hill Climb promises to be a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Fairhaven Park, located in Bellingham, WA, is offering a thrilling new way to explore its scenic trails and lush forests: the Geocaching Adventure Lab. This interactive experience is part of a growing trend that blends outdoor recreation with technology, and it’s available now for adventurers of all ages to enjoy.
Organized by Recreation Northwest, the Geocaching Adventure Lab at Hundred Acre Wood invites participants to embark on a treasure hunt-like adventure. Geocaching is a popular outdoor activity where players use GPS coordinates to hide and seek containers, known as "caches," in a variety of outdoor locations. The Adventure Lab takes this activity to the next level, offering a more immersive experience that combines clues, puzzles, and historical trivia about the park’s unique landscape.
The event is part of a larger initiative to engage the local community with outdoor activities while promoting physical activity, environmental awareness, and a sense of connection to nature. Participants can explore the park's diverse ecosystems, from wooded paths to serene meadows, all while solving challenges and discovering hidden "gems."
Geocaching enthusiasts and newcomers alike can download the Adventure Lab app on their smartphones to start their journey. The app provides step-by-step directions, puzzles, and hints to guide explorers along the route. Not only is this a fun activity for individuals, but it’s also a perfect family outing or a team-building experience for friends and colleagues.
The Geocaching Adventure Lab offers a unique way to appreciate the natural beauty of Fairhaven Park while engaging in an exciting, technology-enhanced adventure. So, grab your smartphone and get ready to uncover the hidden secrets of this local treasure. X
