Seabeck
Over the years, my friend and paddling partner Jason Goldstein and I have done some very interesting projects together…explore old leper colonies, travel by ferry to SE Alaska in search of old shipwrecks, etc. And although this was in our backyard, this trip to Seabeck to guide photographers from around the country to capture American Bald Eagles turned out to be a surprisingly interesting day in its own right. And if I’m honest, there was a bit of envy as I looked over some of the photo gear these guys were packing!
The little community of Seabeck started out as a small lumber mill. It was founded by Marshall Blinn and William Adams, doing business as The Washington Mill Company. Their lumber was in such demand they built a second mill, then a shipyard to build boats to haul the lumber to California, which had high demand due to the California Gold Rush. The town had four saloons and two general stores that still stands today. In 1886, a spark from the ship Retriever started a fire that consumed both mills, forcing residents moved to other towns with mills.
It’s a great event to get outside and enjoy nature. I find it very exciting no matter how many times I see bald eagles. – Karen Armstrong
Today it is a mostly rural area, consisting primarily of a conference center across the road from the general store, coffee shop, antique store, a small cafe, and a pizza parlor. The Olympic View Marina is available for those who would like to come by boat.
Although the Eagles have probably been coming to feast on the salmon when they run for as long as time itself, it’s only been in recent history that it attracts such a large number of photographers, all lined up shooting from the shoulder of the road. Kiwi has been providing them with an alternative angle for the last few years, and as I mentioned I was lucky enough to have been invited along to join in the fun. Great day for all involved.
