All Stories | Page 13 of 28 | The Filson Journal

hand removing salt crust from a baked fish with lemon and herbs exposed on top of the fish skin

Filson Food: Whole Salt Crusted Fish with Horseradish Cream

Cooking in a salt crust is essentially a method of steaming, but instead of using water to steam, the salt crust holds in the natural moisture from the fish to steam itself. With the addition of herbs and citrus in the salt crust, we are effectively cooking in a flavor pressure cooker.

3 Min

vintage black and white image of large crowd of people all in suits at the oregon improvement co. facility

Field Notes

Journey to the Yukon: Passage Aboard the Steamships from Puget Sound to the Far North

The month of July 1897 was an exciting time to be living on the West Coast. Steamships with names like Excelsior and Portland were docking in the ports of San Francisco and Seattle, respectively, loaded down with tons of gold mined from the Klondike region of the Yukon territory of Canada. Alaska was the gateway by which anyone with a desire to strike it rich could make the journey northward and, if well prepared and lucky, eventually return to civilization a millionaire.

7 Min

black and white image of woman in art studio with assorted paint brushes and reference images strewn about and tacked to wall

Profiles

Marian Beck: The Saltry Restaurant

The first thing you notice about Marian Beck is her hands. Graying Alaskan fishermen all have the same hands, swollen and powerful from decades of picking fighting salmon from gillnets, stacking seining gear, or baiting hooks. Her hands look like they’ve been taken from someone else’s body, twice as big and twice as old, and transplanted onto her wrists.

4 Min

dish of candied, bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers in circular metal dish

Food & Recipes

Filson Food: Roasted Pheasant Jalapeño Poppers with Bourbon Red Pepper Jelly

A version of this recipe can most likely be found in every single hunter’s recipe rolodex from the Florida Panhandle to the Olympic Peninsula and everywhere in between. It is a go-to no matter where you hunt your fowl, and works equally well with ducks or doves.

3 Min

Profiles

For the Love of Wooden Boats: Port Townsend’s Shipwrights Co-Op

Southeast of Port Townsend is a gravel yard where large boats balance on blocks of wood and slender steel stands. Removed from the water, the vessels reveal pleasing, functional curves. Inside massive sheds, deliberate Lilliputians in warm and dusty clothing crawl in and out of the leviathans to a symphony of hand and power tools.

3 Min

Profiles

Western Flyer: The Vessel of John Steinbeck

On the morning of Monday, March 11, 1940, writer John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts boarded the sardine seiner Western Flyer at a wharf in Monterey, California. Both men were moving slowly because a fiesta to celebrate the end of fishing season had gone on late into the night after a boat parade, a barbecue, and seine skiff races. Steinbeck and Ricketts were well-known on the waterfront—and elsewhere—so their departure on a six-week expedition drew a raucous crowd. They didn’t get away until that afternoon, and as the Flyer eased from her berth, Steinbeck noticed that the whiskey they’d loaded for medicinal purposes was gone. “Good,” he thought. “A lot of people I know won’t be getting sick for awhile if the booze does its job.”

7 Min

large derelict wooden ship docked on a black sandy/muddy beach

Profiles

The SS Bering

The story of the SS Bering begins with her launching under another name, the Annette Rolph, on July 4, 1918, in Fairhaven, California. The ship was a wood-hulled “tramp” freighter built for the trans-Pacific trade and joined the fleet of the Rolph Navigation and Coal Company. At 245 feet in length, she was one of hundreds of wood-hulled vessels produced for the maritime industry in World War I.

2 Min

Grainy black and white image of man in white helmet and black coat looking out at large snow capped Mt. Rainier

Profiles

Filson Moto Collection

Whenever you set out into the wild, be it the icy hell of Alaska or the rocky forests of the Pacific Northwest, you can’t do better than to have a Filson Garment on your back. That’s the way it’s been for over 120 years.

black and white image of two chained working dogs with snowy coats standing on rocky ground

Field Notes

Coldfoot: More than just another gold camp – a place that defined those who lived in it

The history of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 promised fortune to many who made the journey north to the gold fields of the Yukon Territory, with many of those headed to Dawson City and Circle City in Alaska as jumping off points. By 1898, the search for riches had expanded to other regions of Alaska, including the remote Northwest interior and its network of rivers and tributaries. History has recorded the efforts of those brave souls, and how their search for gold helped to create new settlements and trade routes.

5 Min

Profiles

The Ocean’s Top Predator: Puget Sound Orcas

Black fins sliced the water and rose higher and higher, close to our boat. With a puff and a blow, the orcas surfaced: members of J pod, the southern resident whales that frequent Puget Sound. The whales blew mighty breaths. They are mammals,
like us.

4 Min

Profiles

Deep Sea Fishermen’s Union

Back at the turn of the last century, a hardy group of men roamed the wooden docks of Seattle. Grizzled and gruff, they would spend days out on the unpredictable and often dangerous waters of the Salish Sea and nearby Pacific Ocean.

3 Min

Squirrel Carnitas tacos on blue corn tortilla

Food & Recipes

Filson Food: Squirrel Carnitas

Hunting squirrels is no easy task. However, if you are lucky enough to catch one of these elusive creatures, these carnitas will prove that it’s well worth the effort. This recipe was provided by renowned wild game chef Hank Shaw, and is inspired by his squirrel hunt 25 miles north of the Mexican border.

3 Min

two seamen one standing at a large telescope and one taking notes on a clipboard

Field Notes

The History and Meaning of Maritime Tattoos

Standing out among a variety of styles and techniques, aesthetics, and traditions, perhaps nothing is more recognizable in the tattooing world than the sailor tattoo. Steeped in maritime lore and echoing a chorus of sea shanties across well-navigated oceans, the relationship between sailors and their ink has earned its place in the identity of modern Americana.

4 Min

a black and white image of the bow of the SS Clallam with passengers prior to its sinking

Field Notes

The Sinking of the SS Clallam

Hazardous weather conditions. Small craft advisory. Strong wind warning in effect. These are common warnings to mariners who may be considering the Strait of Juan de Fuca—the passage running between the south end of Vancouver Island, BC and the north coast of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State—during the fall storm season of 2019.

3 Min

Profiles

Puget Soundkeeper: On the Water Every Week, Stopping Pollution Every Day

On any given day, Puget Soundkeeper’s boat patrol team can be seen monitoring the waters of Puget Sound for illegal pollution and activities that violate the health of our waterways. The signs are often masked and hard to catch but, if you know what to look for, you can find them.

5 Min

a black and white top down view of a nautical chart with a compass laying on top

How-To's

How to Read a Navigational Chart (the basics)

A map will show you where to go. A nautical chart will help you plan your trip, tell you where (and where not) to go, tell you when to go (with the help of tide tables) and where to anchor. This information is continuously changing, which is why it’s prudent to have up-to-date charts.

4 Min

Profiles

WSDOT Ferries

Twenty thousand years ago, a glacier tall as six Space Needles whittled the valley between the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, leaving a complex inland seascape. The First Nations people who followed the melting ice observed the freshly carved Puget Sound and concluded a canoe would be mighty handy.

3 Min

a lay down of a black, white and red flannel pattern Filson Mackinaw Wool Cape Coat on rustic wood

Signature Materials

Signature Materials: Which Filson Wool?

For as long as history has been recorded, wool has protected people from exposure to the elements, and today it works just as well as it always has. No other material, natural or synthetic, performs as well in as many conditions as wool. Other articles in this series examine wool’s history, the science behind its performance, and differences in quality of different wools. This article will take a closer look at some of the specific wools used to make Filson goods.

3 Min

a finished product of west coast chowder in a red pot with the three pieces of grilled buttered bread and a wooden spoon dipped into it

Food & Recipes

Filson Food: West Coast Seafood Chowder

Chowder is a dish that can be found up and down both coasts of the United States and each regional interpretation has its own unique local style. Regardless of the style of chowder, the main theme remains the same. A medley of seafood is cooked in a broth with a mixture of vegetables and commonly served with crackers.

4 Min

Profiles

Seattle Maritime Academy – 50 Years of Training Seaworthy Mariners

Long before Seattle was a tech town, or even an aviation town, it was a maritime town. In fact, it still is. And although some brag that Seattle has more pleasure boats per capita than any other city in the country, it’s the working vessels—and the men and women who serve on them—that make Seattle a maritime powerhouse. For the past 50 years, Seattle Maritime Academy has played a key role in training the professional mariners that keep this powerhouse running.

4 Min

a straight on view of the work in progress build of the ballard bridge as an old car drives towards the cameraman

Field Notes

The History of Ballard: The First 100 Years

Today, the neighborhood of Ballard is well known for its restaurants and atmosphere. However, the history of this Seattle hamlet is a story of industry, community, and entrepeneurship.

6 Min

Profiles

Leif Whittaker: My Old Man & the Mountain

My Old Man and the Mountain is Leif Whittaker’s engaging and humorous story of what it was like to “grow up Whittaker”―the youngest son of Jim Whittaker and Dianne Roberts, in an extended family of accomplished climbers. He shares glimpses of his upbringing and how the pressure to climb started early on.

6 Min

Profiles

Paul Roberts – the Man Behind the Mustache

Father, husband, firefighter, engineer, hockey player, Black Belt, personal trainer, and grave digger—just some of the titles that Paul Roberts has or currently holds. We caught up with Paul to hear more about his tireless work serving his community and why he’ll never get stuck doing something that makes him unhappy.

5 Min

a black and white image of a snowy mountain peak landscape

How-To's

How to Stay Safe in Avalanche Terrain – Tips from NWAC

Every year in the mountains of North America, avalanches kill an average of 45 people and injure many more. Nearly all these incidents involve people recreating. If you’re planning to get into the mountains this winter, there are a few things you should consider regarding avalanches prior to heading out.

7 Min

baked mac and cheese in cast iron skillet

Food & Recipes

Filson Food: Fire Baked Mac & Cheese with Boar Bacon Burnt Ends

Here is a grown-up version of a dish we all loved as kids—and some of us never really grew out of. With the addition of a few spices, aged Gruyere cheese, and boar bacon, this take on mac and cheese will speak to your now-refined adult palate but still please the kid in you. The best part is you don’t have to hide your love for mac and cheese anymore, because this grown-up version is more than acceptable to serve to your friends.

4 Min

info graphic depicting steps of tying a figure eight knot

How-To's

How to Tie 5 Sailing Knots Recommended by US Sailing

“Tie me a figure 8”, “grab that cleat hitch”, “fasten a bowline” – next time you’re aboard or at the docks, make yourself useful to the captain and crew and earn your passage. As they say, practice makes perfect. So whether you’re learning a new skill or brushing up on your technique, keep reading to learn about the top five sailing knots recommended by US Sailing coach Chris Childers.

5 Min

brunette woman standing on the porch of a cabin during a snowy winter wearing a red buffalo plaid sweater and hand knit beanie

Profiles

Amy David: Why I Guide

As a professional skier, Amy David spends most days in the winter backcountry, skiing and snowmobiling while being photographed and filmed for media content. Simultaneously, She leads a backcountry retreat program for women and is currently working to earn a backcountry ski guide certification from the American Mountain Guide Association, the highest standard for mountain guides.

6 Min

a man holding up a whole sheering in a barn that hangs from his hands at his shoulders to his feet

Signature Materials

Signature Materials: Why Filson Wool?

Filson has been a wool expert for over 122 years. In fact, our original name in 1897 was Seattle Woolen Manufacturing Company, Pioneer Alaska Clothing and Blanket Manufacturers. We got our start making woolen goods to outfit the adventurous prospectors heading north seeking fortunes in the Alaskan Gold Rush.

4 Min

a close up shot of a plated duck leg with the fixings on a dark brown cutting board next to the blue and white ceramic cooking pan with a metal spoon for ladling

Food & Recipes

Filson Food: Duck Cassoulet

Some of the best things in life require the most time and effort to do them right. This recipe is one of those things.

6 Min

Profiles

Avalanche Dog Noses: Your Best Chance of Survival

Up in the mountains, avalanches are part of the territory. If you’re lucky, you might only see or hear one. But on the off chance you get caught, there’s little even the most experienced can do to escape. Bright gear, and a beacon, shovel and probe are key to survival.

5 Min

Filson Food: Whole Salt Crusted Fish with Horseradish Cream

Journey to the Yukon: Passage Aboard the Steamships from Puget Sound to the Far North

Marian Beck: The Saltry Restaurant

Filson Food: Roasted Pheasant Jalapeño Poppers with Bourbon Red Pepper Jelly

For the Love of Wooden Boats: Port Townsend’s Shipwrights Co-Op

Western Flyer: The Vessel of John Steinbeck

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The SS Bering

Filson Moto Collection

Coldfoot: More than just another gold camp – a place that defined those who lived in it

The Ocean’s Top Predator: Puget Sound Orcas

Deep Sea Fishermen’s Union

Filson Food: Squirrel Carnitas

The History and Meaning of Maritime Tattoos

The Sinking of the SS Clallam

Puget Soundkeeper: On the Water Every Week, Stopping Pollution Every Day

How to Read a Navigational Chart (the basics)

WSDOT Ferries

Signature Materials: Which Filson Wool?

Filson Food: West Coast Seafood Chowder

Seattle Maritime Academy – 50 Years of Training Seaworthy Mariners

The History of Ballard: The First 100 Years

Leif Whittaker: My Old Man & the Mountain

Paul Roberts – the Man Behind the Mustache

How to Stay Safe in Avalanche Terrain – Tips from NWAC

Filson Food: Fire Baked Mac & Cheese with Boar Bacon Burnt Ends

How to Tie 5 Sailing Knots Recommended by US Sailing

Amy David: Why I Guide

Signature Materials: Why Filson Wool?

Filson Food: Duck Cassoulet

Avalanche Dog Noses: Your Best Chance of Survival