Cascade Wayfinders: 2026-2027

The Wayfinder 2026-2027 season theme is Nature Connection Through Fire. Over the course of the season, Wayfinders will practice the art of fire creation, go in depth into fire ecology, and learn about how cycles of destruction and rebirth are seen both in wildfires and in our own lives.

All outings, including dates, times, locations, and staffing are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances and without notice. We will notify you of any changes as soon as possible.

RESOURCES

EXPLORERS CLUB PACK LIST

MENTOR CONTACT INFO

Kay Taylor (she/her) | kay@wildwhatcom.org

Sam Thiele (she/her) | sam@wildwhatcom.org

OUTING 1 | SEPTEMBER | 9:00-5:00PM

EXPLORATION | HIKE | NORTH CASCADES

For the first outing of the year, we’ll strap on our packs and lace up our boots for an epic hike in the North Cascades. For many years, we have honed our hiking skills on Chuckanut mountain, but it is time to take one step further and head into the backcountry. This hike will challenge our bodies and our minds, but we’ll have each other’s support and the surety that we can do hard things. As we explore a landscape that is far different than our local mountains, we’ll prepare ourselves for similar, upcoming transitions in life. Don’t worry though, this day won’t be all hard hikes and on-the-nose metaphors, we’ll also have lots of time to connect and talk about what our year together has in store. Please note that is an 8-hour outing and as such, please get a good night’s sleep and eat a big breakfast. Come prepared with extra snacks, a big lunch, and lots of water.

Directions: 3424 Meridian St., Bellingham. From I-5, take exit 256A (Meridian St). Head south on Meridian St. for three blocks and turn north at the Squalicum Parkway intersection entrance. Map.

OUTING 2 | OCTOBER | 10:00-4:00PM

SKILLS | FIRE ECOLOGY | TBD

This season our skills focus is all about fire. We’ll practice not just fire creation but also learn about fire’s role in this land’s ecology. On this day, we’ll visit a recently burned area and witness the observable effects of wildfire. Though our ecosystem has evolved to include fire as a key contributor to its vitality, many decades of wildfire suppression, the encroachment of human habitation, and global climate change have led to unforeseen consequences. What lessons can we learn from visiting a recent burn site, both ecologically and metaphorically - in our own lives?

OUTING 3 | NOVEMBER | 10:00-3:00PM

SKILLS | BOW DRILL CREATION | YEW STREET WOODS

Fire is one of humanity’s oldest and most important tools, but creating it without matches or lighters requires patience, focus, and resilience. On this outing, we’ll craft our own bow drill sets from natural materials and begin learning the art of friction fire. Through carving, problem solving, and lots of practice, we’ll discover that success rarely comes all at once. Instead, it grows through persistence, adjustment, and the willingness to keep trying even when things feel difficult.

Directions: 853-881 San Juan Blvd. From I-5, take exit 253 (Lakeway Drive). Head east on Lakeway Dr. for 1.1 miles. Turn right on Yew St. and drive for 0.7 of a mile. Turn right onto San Juan Blvd. Street parking will be on your left. Map.

OUTING 4 | January | 3:00-8:00PM

SERVICE | FIRE CREATION | LARRABEE STATE PARK

For this evening outing, we will participate in a tradition as old as humankind - gathering around the fire as the sun sets and night rises. Human history and fire creation go hand-in-hand and on this outing, we’ll learn about some of the ways that fire has changed the course of our species’ evolution. We’ll also engage in other age-old, traditional fire activities, storytelling and campfire cooking. Please come prepared to tell a tale and with a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, warm layers, and dinner. Remember that we’ll be out during a cold night, so this extra gear is just as much for comfort as it is for safety.

Some ideas for stories:

Story of your name: why do you have the name you do? Who or what are you named after?
Story from your family: who in your family tells the best stories? What is your favorite story they tell?
Story of a place: what is a place that means a lot to you? Can you describe it? What has happened in that place to make it meaningful?

Directions: 245 Chuckanut Dr, Bellingham. From I-5, take exit 250 (Old Fairhaven Parkway/Chuckanut Dr.). Head west on Old Fairhaven Parkway to 12th St. Turn left at 12th St and then veer left onto Chuckanut Dr. for approx. 5.0 miles. Turn right into the main park entrance and park in the first lot on the left. Map.

Reminder: A Discover Pass is required for all parking at state parks. If you do not have a Discover Pass, please stay with your vehicle and plan to make drop-off and pick-up quick.

OUTING 5 | February | 10:00-3:00PM

SERVICE | WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION | TBD

For many years, Wild Whatcom has joyfully explored and learned about the forests, beaches, and mountains of Bellingham. Today, we will return the many gifts that this land has provided us through hard work and service. For this year’s service outing, we’ll do something a little different and work alongside a trail crew from Washington Trails Association. We look forward to this day of service and contributing to the well-being of our community.

Directions: TBD

OUTING 6 | March | 10:00-4:00PM

EXPLORATION | FOREST BATHING | FRAGRANCE LAKE

Being alone doesn’t have to be lonely. Once you make friends with yourself, time in solitude can be a treasured gift. Today, we’ll spend some time with ourselves in nature. Depending on the group’s need, mentors will decide just how much time that will be - but please expect at least an 1 hour of solo time. This day will also include a decent hike, team activities, and depending on interest, lake dipping. Please be sure to pack a bathing suit, H2O shoes, a writing utensil, and your nature journal on this day.

Directions: 100-104 WA-11. From I-5, take exit 250 (Old Fairhaven Parkway/Chuckanut Dr). Head west on Old Fairhaven Parkway. Turn left at 12th St, then left again at next light onto Chuckanut Dr. for approx. 5.5 miles. The parking lot is a short distance past the main Larrabee State Park entrance. It will be on your left and is signed Lost Lake Parking Lot. Map.

Reminder: A Discover Pass is required for all parking at Larrabee State Park. If you do not have a pass, please stay with your vehicle and plan to make drop-off and pick-up quick.

OUTING 7 | April | 12:00PM SATURDAY - 3:00PM SUNDAY

CAMPOUT | RASAR STATE PARK

To celebrate the arrival of spring, we’ll have a combined group campout, big fire, and lots of s’mores! During this weekend trip, we will practice setting up camp, fire starting and safety, and team building. We will also have plenty of time to play games, tell stories, and spend unstructured time together. Please review this packing list thoroughly and make sure your Wayfinder has all the gear they need to be safe + comfortable. The temperature for this weekend is forecasted to be dry and warm, with cool overnight temperatures, please see the NOAA forecast here. If your Wayfinder would like to borrow gear and you have not requested, please reach out ASAP.

QUESTIONS

Please contact your group’s mentor(s) listed above or explorersclub@wildwhatcom.org.