If the weather outside is icky, stay inside with these movies that showcase Whatcom
If you don’t want to brave the rain for a holiday hike, cozy up inside instead with these five major movies that showcase Whatcom County in their settings.
“Captain Fantastic”
For hikers enamored with mountain vistas in this beautiful part of the world, “Captain Fantastic” showcases one of the most beloved. That’s Artist Point — located at the end of Mount Baker Highway, more than 5,000 feet above sea level and with 360-degree views of rugged peaks that include Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan — taking a star turn in the movie.
Released in 2016, the film stars Viggo Mortensen as a dad who aims to raise his six children deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, and away from mainstream society.
In addition to Artist Point, the movie features views of the Mount Baker Highway in which Mortensen’s character and a bus full of kids are seen descending the scenic byway.
Other Western Washington views in the movie that might make you say “that looks familiar” include Camp Korey in Carnation; cliffs by Deception Pass State Park; Pack Forest, west of Mount Rainier; Index Town Wall, a hike in the Central Cascades; the general store in Index; and Fall City Roadhouse, a restaurant near Snoqualmie Falls, according to a previous article in The Bellingham Herald.
“Call of the Wild”
Scenes from the 1935 movie, which starred Clark Gable, were filmed by Mount Baker and at Mount Baker Lodge.
Based on Jack London’s novel, “The Call of the Wild,” the film also starred Loretta Young.
“The Deer Hunter”
The 1978 hit about the wrenching legacy of the Vietnam War won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Christopher Walken. Scenes were filmed by Mount Baker, although the rugged backdrop was supposed to represent the rolling Appalachians.
It also starred Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep.
“The Grey Fox”
Released in 1982, the film featured Richard Farnsworth as Bill Miner, a train robber who lived in Whatcom County before becoming a legendary figure north of the border. Scenes were shot on Lummi Reservation and at the south end of Lake Whatcom, with a Lake Whatcom Railway steam train visible.
“The Ring”
A scene from the 2002 hit horror movie, starring Naomi Watts as a journalist, showed a cabin at Lake Whatcom, just south of Sudden Valley.
This story was originally published December 31, 2019 at 11:51 AM.
