Chuckanut Drive
The Chuckanut Drive project unveils the rich history and culture nestled along a 21 mile stretch of road where mountains meet the sea. We invite you to take a ride with us from Fairhaven to Bow, Washington as we explore the many facets of this remarkable community offering a closer look into the environment, lifestyles and artwork that have shaped their culture. Enjoy wilderness trails through the eyes of enthusiasts, find out how the landscape inspires local artists and experience a peek into the unique and creative local businesses that thrive there. You will also learn the origin story of how one visionary benefactor changed this landscape for the better by ultimately funding this quintessential scenic road of the Pacific Northwest.
Roots of the Road
A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHUCKANUT DRIVE
What started out as logging road in the 1890s, Chuckanut Drive evolved into a beautiful scenic drive between Bellingham and Bow, Washington. The winding road carved along Bellingham and Samish Bays has a rich history that includes crime, conflict and change. Whatcom Museum photo archivist and historian Jeff Jewell provides insight about Chuckanut Drive as well as Charles Larrabee’s contributions to the road and surrounding area.
Video by Tyler Brown and Macy Adkinson
Chris O’Neill – Narration
Garrett Rahn – Music
Historic photos courtesy of Whatcom Museum
Special thanks to Jeff Jewell, Whatcom Museum Archivist/Historian
The Metal Alchemist
ARTISAN METAL WORKER AARON LOVEITT SHARES HIS EXPERIENCE AS AN ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIENTIOUS ARTIST
Aarron Loveitt discusses his journey and aspirations as an artist residing within the Chuckanut Drive community. Seeking to inspire further conversation on the topic of environmental awareness through artistic expression, Loveitt walks us through his process of metal work and sculpting. Loveitt also introduces his new exhibition space, Canopy Art Gallery, and why he feels a non-monetary driven space for local art is a vital part of any community.
Video by Macy Adkinson, Justin Hecht, Tony Mueantonthian and Christopher O’Neill
Editing by Tony Mueantonthian
Trail Mix
SHARING THE CHUCKANUTS
The Chuckanut Mountain range is home to a variety of outdoor recreation. Among those who share the network of trails are mountain bikers Kalcia Briscoe and Eric Olson and trail runners Drew Weber and Josh Vander Wiele. They shared their experiences recreating in the mountains, detailing the unique aspects of the natural features and local community.
Video by Sophia Beach, Kyle Tubbs and Garrett Rahn
Music by Garrett Rahn
Stars of the Tides
Larrabee State Park, located off of Chuckanut Drive, holds a rich opportunity to see marine species which would normally evade human eyes, when the tide is low. The waterfront’s tide pools are home to a wide array of creatures residing in these shallow depths. Visitors are able to get up close and personal with these sea species for hands-on learning. However, these species face their own struggles to survive, be it by man or nature.
Video by Sela Marino, Cole Mumper and Faith Owens
Editing by Sela Marino
Joe-rassic Park
SEMI-RETIRED INSURANCE AGENT JOE TREAT ENJOYS A NEWFOUND PASSION FOR SCULPTING WITH DRIFTWOOD
It’s never too late to follow your passion is Joe Treat’s motto, a semi-retired insurance agent recently turned artist who repurposes driftwood into lifelike sculptures. Treat gives us a tour of his “zoo” in Bow, Washington, while explaining how the desire for a meaningful hobby led him to becoming a recognized artist within his community.
Video by Macy Adkinson, Justin Hecht, Tony Mueantonthian and Christopher O’Neill
Editing by Tony Mueantonthian