Elakah's Locations

Elakah has two base locations, that share a spirit of being just outside the mainstream-Lopez Island and Bellingham, Washington. These spots have some of the best kayaking in the region, but they are also special little towns.

Lopez Island

Lopez is the quieter, tucked away San Juan Island known for it's friendly locals, rolling hills and active farming culture. It reminds us a bit of the West Coast of Ireland only with fewer pubs and internet start-ups. A few quirky little guidelines for when you visit Lopez.

• Everyone will give you at least a two finger wave as they drive or walk past. Be alert for this and wave back; you will blend like a local.
• Set aside your low-carb aspirations and be sure to stop at Holly B's Bakery. If you are coming on a trip with us, it will be our first stop off the ferry. Forego the ferry's vending machines and be prepared to sink into a delectable pastry from this baking institution.

Bellingham

Bellingham just keeps winning all those awards for the "best places". Our favorite, the mention in Outside Magazines 2001 Dream Towns. And, trust us, it is a pretty nice place even just for a visit. Bellingham is a little ol' college town perched half way between the far more cosmopolitan meccas of Seattle and Vancouver.

Bellingham is a study in opposites living along side each other. You can often find a hog-riding neighbor stopping for a chat with a trek-riding triathlete. Mt. Baker ski area, just outside of town, has some of the best snow conditions in the US. Imagine the joy of spending the morning in powder and the afternoon kayaking along a sunny shore.

Bellingham is obviously well known for its outdoor adventures, but its culture is where it truly shines. Artists abound and the many summer festivals and gallery crawls are ideal for catching great deals on crafts from talented, little-known virtuosos.

Links A few links to give you the inside track to our favorite local secrets:
Bellingham/Whatcom County Chamber of Commerce
Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce
Kulshan - a great site for Bellingham activities and information

Places to stay
The Chrysalis Inn and Spa
Hotel Bellwether
The Willows Inn on Lummi Island
The Edenwild Inn on Lopez Island
Mt Baker Lodging - provides a service for finding private lodging near the ski area.

Artists
Patrick Reeves Photography - a local wildlife artist.
Chris Moench - a unique artist who makes striking prayer wheels.

Partner Kayak Companies and Groups
Seawolf Adventures - If you are ready for the trip of a lifetime in Alaska, this is your best bet.
WAKE - Whatcom Area Kayak Enthusiasts

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