WSDOT sets deadline to move Bellingham’s graffiti rock; demolition an option
A new home must be found within two weeks for the iconic graffiti rock on northbound Interstate 5 south of Bellingham, where messages have been painted for more than 50 years.
Otherwise, the rock could be reduced to dust in the wind. Or at least into smaller pieces.
In a letter posted Wednesday at the Bellingham Rock page on Facebook, an official with the Washington State Department of Transportation said WSDOT has been unable to find a place to move the rock, which is in the way of a construction project.
“Despite a reasonable and good-faith effort to find a viable alternative, WSDOT has not identified a feasible relocation site that meets the necessary criteria for public access, safety and environmental protection,” WSDOT project engineer Megan Mosebar said in the letter.
In the letter, Mosebar asks for help finding a place to move the rock by June 1.
“We reached out to Whatcom County, the city of Bellingham and Western Washington University. None of these entities expressed interest in taking ownership of the rock or supporting public access to a new site,” Mosebar said.
WSDOT spokeswoman R.B. McKeon verified the letter in an email to The Bellingham Herald. McKeon said that the June 1 deadline signals the next steps in the process to remove the rock.
“WSDOT will have to look at other options for the rock,” McKeon said. “Examples of what WSDOT may consider as a possibility is breaking apart the rock and preserving some of its pieces. While this process will need to be evaluated further, it could be that public places are able to take smaller pieces of the rock and put them on display. It could also mean the possibility that the public could be offered small pieces of the rock similar to when pieces of historic buildings, stadiums or are otherwise iconic structures have been demolished.”
A Wednesday post at the Bellingham Rock page urges its 4,800 followers to share the plight of the rock.
“Here’s how you can help: Municipalities, tribes, schools, or agencies: If you think you can help save the rock by providing a permanent home, please respond. WSDOT may be able to provide free delivery. Let’s rally together and protect a piece of Whatcom County’s history,” Bellingham Rock page administrator Keith Cook said.
Mosebar said that the rock is in the way of a three-year project to widen salmon-bearing streams that run under I-5 toward Bellingham Bay.
Complicating the rock’s removal is that it weighs an estimated 100 tons, making it difficult to transport across bridges. Further, it is covered in paint that contains toxic material such as lead and cadmium.
“If a location is not found by June 1, WSDOT will be the next phase, which consists of documenting the rock’s story. We would also then look into the possibility of preserving fragments of the rock,” Mosebar said.
According to previous Bellingham Herald reporting, a summer resident of Lake Samish painted its first tag in 1969. In the decades since it has seen messages of love, whimsy and mourning. Images have included smiley faces, high school slogans and birthday wishes.
This story was originally published May 15, 2025 at 1:31 PM.
