Whatcom County, Washington
The Board of Directors approved a policy that using an artificial intelligence tool (an AI Notetaker) to record general meetings, meetings of the board of directors or other club events is not allowed. Should anyone attending a meeting or event launch an AI Notetaker, they are required to halt the recording and delete the recording.
Read the policy and rationale near the bottom of the “About the Club” page.
With some new vendors at the store, it is now open on Tuesdays again. Members who wish to volunteer for consistent shifts at the store are welcome. Your duties would be to aid customers and watch for shoplifters.
This page is part of the Whatcom Geology section and describes some of many kinds of erratic rocks that can be seen there.
During the transition to new vendors the club’s retail store will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. Members who wish to volunteer for consistent shifts at the store are welcome. The club would like to be open on Mondays again.
The March, 2026 newsletter is available now.
The newsletter is available on the Club Newsletters page.
The newest one has been added to the newsletter page found at “About the Club”.
Saturday, October 4th
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY – all vehicle friendly, families welcome – adult must sign waiver
Swift Creek @ Baker Lake – Swift Creek Campground
Coming from Whatcom County: Meet at REI @ 9 am to carpool
Coming from the South: Meet at Cook Rd. Park & Ride, exit 232 @ 9:30 AM
Open to dues-paid members of the Mount Baker Rock & Gem Club only, a waiver must be signed to participate.
We will convoy east on State Rte 20E to Concrete, WA and venture up Baker Lake Road, then park in the gravel lot after the bridge just past the Swift Creek Campground.
For folks leaving from Bellingham, expect about 80 minutes of drive time to get to our destination. Those joining at Cook Rd. will drive ~ 60 minutes. Park restrooms will be closed for the season, so bring your own TP!
Terrain is a flat dirt road, with trail access through the campground, and then a small hill to get down to the creek. For those who don’t want to walk as far, there are agates to be found just under the bridge, but gators or waders are recommended for the best hunting! Expect to walk up to .5 miles to the search site.
Arrival ETA: 10:40 am
Departure: ~3 pm for about 3.5 hours of agate hunting
What to bring: Bucket or pail, snacks, water, waders, clothing layers – the water will be COLD!
This field trip will be happening rain or shine, so please plan accordingly.
Contact person: Trevor Duncan (check your email for contact info, and please do not share.)
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Saturday, October 18th
ADVANCED HIKE – Dirt road has been filled to accommodate most vehicles, SUV recommended.
Swift Creek @ Swift Creek Trailhead #607
Coming from Whatcom County: Meet at REI @ 9 am to carpool
Coming from the South: Meet at Cook Rd. Park & Ride, exit 232
@ 9:30 AM.
Open to dues-paid members of the Mount Baker Rock & Gem Club
only. A waiver must be signed to participate.
We will convoy east on State Rte 20E to Concrete, WA and venture up Baker Lake Rd., then access NF-1130, and bear right onto NF-1144, parking at the Hot Springs/Swift Creek Trailhead.
For folks leaving from Bellingham, expect about 80 minutes of
drive time to get to our destination. Those joining at Cook Rd.
Will drive ~ 60 minutes. There are no toilets at this trail, so bring
your own TP.
Terrain is a steep downgrade, with an ~ 0.6 mile hike to get to the
creek from the parking lot. There may be logs, large rocks, pebbles, and sand to traverse. Expect mud puddles along the way.
The hike back will be a steep incline; be mindful you must carry
out what you carried in + any finds collected.
Arrival ETA: 10:40 am
Departure: ~ 3 pm for about 3.5 hours of agate hunting.
What to bring: Boots, bucket or pail, snacks, water, waders, walking stick, clothing layers – the water will be COLD!
This field trip will be happening rain or shine, so please plan accordingly
Host/contact: Trevor Duncan 360-920-2393