Dana Holt
Co-founder and head of trip planning. Has summited every named peak in the local range at least twice and can talk layering systems for an hour if you let her.
It started with a borrowed pack
In 2009, Dana and Marcus Holt were lending so much of their own gear to friends heading into the mountains that they figured they might as well open a shop. Northforge began as a single rented storefront on Cedar Run Avenue with a fitting bench, a coffee pot, and a wall of packs the two of them had personally carried.
Seventeen years later, the coffee pot is still here. So is the fitting bench. We have grown into a full outfitter and guide service, but the idea has not changed: get the right gear on the right person and send them out ready.
What we believe
- Fit beats features. The most expensive pack in the store is useless if it does not ride well on your back.
- Local knowledge is gear. Knowing the trail conditions can matter more than another ounce shaved off your tent.
- Stewardship is not optional. We teach Leave No Trace on every guided trip and back trail-maintenance crews across Whatcom County.
The people behind the counter
Our team holds Wilderness First Responder certs and a stack of guiding credentials between them. More importantly, they are out on the trails every week.
Marcus Holt
Co-founder and gear buyer. Spends the off-season testing next year's boots so the lineup on our wall is one he would actually wear.
Priya Nadeau
Lead guide and navigation instructor. Certified Wilderness First Responder, map-and-compass evangelist, and the calmest person to have on a ridgeline in bad weather.