Looking Back on Bellingham Beer Week #3

Beers at Wander Brewing

The third annual Bellingham Beer Week was a sampling of everything Bellingham has to offer: a united community of excellent independent business, gorgeous scenery, and most importantly a hoppin' beer scene! From September 12 to 21, all of Bellingham shone a golden spotlight on our favorite beverage. From a film series and chocolate-beer pairing happy hours to Oktoberfest celebrations and a walk in the woods, there was something for everyone.

Oktoberfest

Photo: The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County

The headlining event of this year's Beer Week was the first ever Bellingham Oktoberfest. Sponsored by area businesses, proceeds benefited The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County, and by all accounts was a huge success. Twenty-five breweries participated, pouring 50 different beers. Five special Beer Week beers were on tap including 10 Barrel's Bellingham Crush and Wander Brewing's Tripel. The night also included yodeling and costume contests.

We attended Oktoberfest as set-up volunteers. With so many great beers there was no way we could taste them all, but that didn't stop us from trying! Our favorite? Fremont's Cowiche Canyon Hop Lab #3. Delicious!

Hike + Brewery Meetup

On the final day of Beer Week, Beers at the Bottom led our second annual Hike + Brewery Meetup. We decided to highlight Bellingham's two newest additions: the Rock Trail and Wander Brewing.

Last year's Beer Week hike fell on the 4th rainiest day of 2013 and was bit of a wash (in more ways than one). This year, we couldn't have asked for better weather. The sun shone down upon us, and we bade summer farewell as we hit the Rock Trail.

Unfortunately, we made the error of scheduling our event in the middle of a Seahawks game. Our small - but enthusiastic - turnout enjoyed the beauty of this walk through the Larrabee State Park woods. Descending stairs past mossy erratics, we made our way out to the Lost Lake overlook before retracing our steps and heading to Wander Brewing. See more photos of the hike below!

Our hiking party reconvened at Wander Brewing for some traditional Beers at the Bottom. It was perfect weather for the beer garden. The tap selection at Wander has a little something for everyone from wheat beers to a rye IPA. Wander opened their doors earlier this year, and they have already developed quite a following. A big thanks goes out to the folks at Wander for hosting our meet-up, Ramblr for the great trail-tracking app, and especially to all of those that joined us for our hike. 

For those who missed the hike, take a look at our Ramblr map below. Track our route and check out some photos from along the way!

Hiking/Backpacking

Sep 19, 2014

Duration (Total) 0h 0m , Distance 3.5 mi

-Tracked by bsfralic, on  Ramblr

 

 

Beers at the Bottom led a hike along the Rock Trail to Lost Lake during Bellingham Beer Week 2014. Afterwards, we met up for pints at Wander Brewing!

Rachel at the beginning of the Rock Trail

　　　　　　　　　　

Hiking down the 100+ steps to Lost Lake

　　　　　　　　　　

Our group at Lost Lake

　　　　　　　　　　

Our group at Lost Lake

　　　　　　　　　　

Hikers on the Rock Trail

　　　　　　　　　　

One of our hikers just couldn't resist...

　　　　　　　　　　

Froggy friend!

　　　　　　　　　　

View from Cyrus Gates Overlook

　　　　　　　　　　

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