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August has arrived, and summer in the North Cascades is in full swing. Long days, alpine wildflowers, and open trails make this one of the best times of year to get outside. (Check the PurpleAir air quality map before you head out!) Read on to discover all the ways you can experience this remarkable landscapes with us—from Base Camp Learning & Lodging stays and Diablo Lake Boat Tours to Family Getaways and a robust slate of Field Excursions. There’s still time to join us this season, but many programs are filling quickly.
August 2026
▸ MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OPEN-ENROLLMENT: 3-DAY, 2-NIGHT OUTDOOR LEARNING PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES, HOMESCHOOL LEARNERS AND OTHERS THIS FALL
▸ WEEKEND FOR ALL AT THE ELC, AUGUST 28-30: WELCOMING PEOPLE OF COLOR AND PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
▸ NEW CLASSES: DRAWING AND PAINTING ORCAS, SOIL SCIENCE, BOTANICAL SKETCHING, FOREST HEALTH, HOW BIRDS FLY & MORE
Looking ahead to the fall, we'll welcome authors Rena Priest, David B. Williams and Lyanda Lynn Haupt, illustrators Julia Kuo and Emily Poole, and environmental journalists Marina Richie and Miriam Horn to the Nature of Writing Speaker Series. The season kicks off on September 3, with a 40th Anniversary Moment at Third Place Books, where Lynda V. Mapes joins David B. Williams in conversation and we're hosting a Happy Hour at Vulpine Brewing beforehand.
If you find yourself exploring North Cascades National Park or the Mount Baker region this summer, stop in and say hello at one of our gift shops. You’ll find us in Marblemount, Newhalem, Sedro-Woolley, Heather Meadows, and—new this year—the Glacier Ranger Station. From trail guides and local art to postcards, kids’ activities, maps, and apparel, your purchases directly support youth education in the North Cascades. Can’t make it in person? Visit our online store.
Learning Opportunities
FIELD EXCURSIONS, ELC SEMINARS & ONLINE LEARNING
Aug 13-14 | Exploring the Geologic History of the Skagit River By Boat with Jon Riedel
Sept 5 | Wild and Fire: Illustrating Poetry with Sarah Gilman - ELC
Sept 9 | North Cascade Glaciers with the North Cascade Glacier Climate Project - online
Sept 12 | Forest Bathing AM & Forest Bathing PM with Mileva Huljev - St. Ed's State Park
Sept 16 | Fire on the Landscape: Past, Present, and Future with Dr. Susan Prichard - online
Sept 19 | Data Art Inspired by the North Cascades with Jill Pelto - Artist Point
Sept 25-27 | Fall Stewardship Weekend - ELC
Oct 3 | Beat Poets of the North Cascades with Nathan Drapela - Thunder Arm
Oct 7 | Drawing and Painting Orcas with Sara Shimazu - online
Oct 16-18 | North Cascades Fall Naturalist Seminar with Chris Byrd - ELC
Oct 21 | A Year in the Life of North American Woodpeckers with Paul Bannick - online
Oct 25 | Lichenology 101 with Hannah Prather - Northern State / Baker Lake
Oct 31 | Baker Lake Fungal Foray with Erin Moore
Nov 4 | Cougars in the Pacific Northwest with WDF&W's Brian Kertson - online
Nov 12 | Scientific Botanical Sketching with Crystal Shin - online
Nov 14 | Introduction to Tracking with Matthew Fortin - ELC
Dec 2 | Forest Health in the North Cascades with Rachel Brooks - online
Dec 9 | Soil Ecology of the North Cascades with Toby Rodgers - online
Dec 12 | Skagit Valley Winter Birding with Brendan McGarry
Dec 16 | How Birds Fly with Peter Cavanaugh - online
Scholarships + military, student and disability discounts are available for most programs
Questions? Contact us at info@ncascades.org or (360) 854-2599
CREATE DATA ART INSPIRED BY THE NORTH CASCADES |
STEWARDSHIP WEEKEND |
WEEKEND FOR ALL: Come As You Are. Be Outside Together.
Join us August 28–30 at the Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake for a 3-day, 2-night gathering for people of color and partner organizations. Spend time hiking, paddling, creating art, and connecting in a welcoming, low-pressure outdoor setting. Whether you’re new to outdoor spaces or a regular, you’re welcome here.
OPEN-ENROLLMENT MOUNTAIN SCHOOL
Experience Mountain School as a family in the heart of the North Cascades this fall. This 3-day, 2-night program invites families to explore forests, watersheds, and wildlife together through hands-on learning, reflection, and play—while connecting with a community of curious learners.
Rooted in Mountain School curriculum and approach
For families, homeschoolers, and community members
Designed for ages 7–12 (minimum age 7; older siblings welcome)
Emphasis on scientific inquiry, observation, and place-based learning
Get a peek at the Mountain School experience in our latest blog post: Mountain School Highlights of Spring 2026.
Learn more and register for one of these sessions:
OCTOBER 12–14 and NOVEMBER 16–18
SUMMER BASE CAMP LEARNING & LODGINGLooking for an overnight adventure in North Cascades National Park this summer? BASE CAMP LEARNING & LODGING offers learning activities with Institute naturalists, three meals and overnight accommodations in our guest lodges. Solo travelers, couples, friend or family groups—come for a night or an extended stay and let us show you the best of the North Cascades! |
2026 FAMILY GETAWAYS ON DIABLO LAKEBring your family to the Learning Center this summer for a weekend of adventure, connection, and fun! Each day, Institute naturalists lead hands-on activities — hikes, nature crafts, outdoor games, big canoe explorations, songs by the campfire, and stargazing the night sky. Lodging and meals included, and anyone you call family is welcome! We still have spots left for these dates: August 7–9, 14–16. |
This summer through September, the Alice Ross IV sets sail on the azure waters of Diablo Lake in the North Cascades! North Cascades Institute, in partnership with Seattle City Light, offers visitors fun, educational tours of Diablo Lake July through September. Experience jaw-dropping views of glacier-clad peaks, learn about the quirky history of the Upper Skagit Hydroelectric Project and enjoy lunch at the Environmental Learning Center!
For group bookings or questions, contact our registration team Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at (360) 854-2589.
Institute Events
DAVID B. WILLIAMS + LYNDA V. MAPES
Sept 3, 7 PM at Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park
We're welcoming back David B. Williams for a conversation about his new book, In the Range of Fire and Ice. Blending human and natural history into a vivid portrait of one of North America’s most dynamic landscapes, In the Range of Fire and Ice is a lively, groundbreaking exploration of Washington’s Cascade Range. Environmental journalist Lynda V. Mapes will interview David on stage. Before the event, join us to celebrate 40 years of transformative outdoor experiences in the North Cascades with a happy hour mixer and author meet-and-greet at nearby Vulpine Taproom, 5-7 pm.
ASLAN ROUND-IT-UP & TRIVIA NIGHT
From Aug 24-29, round up your tab at Aslan’s Bellingham Brewpub and The Depot, and they’ll donate the difference to the Institute to support outdoor education for local youth. And mark your calendars for "Parks & Rec" trivia at The Depot on Thur, Aug 27 from 6-8 pm. Test your knowledge of local public lands and outdoor recreation for a chance to win great prizes like books, gear rentals and more! $1 from every pint of Hop Water & beer poured on trivia night will be donated to the Institute.
Institute News
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT: JOHN MILES
We’re honored to recognize longtime supporter John Miles, whose connection to North Cascades Institute stretches back to our founding. As the Institute’s first Board President and former Dean of Environmental Studies at Western Washington University, John has helped shape environmental education in the Pacific Northwest for decades.
During his career, John helped create the WWU-NCI Graduate M.Ed. Residency Program, mentoring generations of environmental educators while championing the Institute’s mission.
“I have been involved with North Cascades Institute from the beginning and consider my involvement a highlight of my career as an environmental educator. I care deeply for its mission and celebrate the profound impact it has had through high-quality programs that serve people of all ages and backgrounds. Naming the Institute in my will is the least I can do to help ensure this work continues for future generations.”
In honor of his retirement in 2014, friends, former students, and colleagues established the John Miles Endowed Scholarship Fund, ensuring future generations continue to benefit from transformative learning experiences in nature.
In 2023, John published Teaching in the Rain, chronicling the Institute’s first 35 years. As we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, he continues to invest in the Institute’s future as both a Headwaters Club donor and Legacy Circle member.
HOST YOUR GROUP GATHERING ON DIABLO LAKE
Reserve space for your family reunion, retreat, group training or other gatherings at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center! Nestled on the wooded shore of Diablo Lake in the heart of North Cascades National Park, this unique venue inspires reflection and connection to the natural world as well as to each other. Lodging for up to 92, delicious meals, and learning opportunities included.
* Now booking November & December 2026 and March & April 2027 at reduced shoulder season rates! Call (360) 614-7037 or use our Request Info Form.
Available 2026 Dates:
- Sept 21-25 (Mon-Fri)
- Oct 30-Nov 1 (Fri-Sun)*
- Nov 6-11 (Fri-Wed)*
- Nov 13-15 (Fri-Sun)*
...and more in 2027!
NATURE NOTE
An irruption of Evening Grosbeaks occurred on Diablo Lake over the past several weeks, with large numbers of this semi-rare finch seen flying and feeding over Thunder Arm. Great photo shared by Eric Ellingson—did you see them?
NOW HIRING: Fall Program Instructors
Do you love teaching and being outdoors? Are you inspired by different ways of knowing and engaging science through art, play, creativity, relationship and nature connection? We are looking for team players from diverse professional backgrounds who want to make a difference as a part of our mission-driven organization. Fall Program Instructors support Mountain School, our 5th grade overnight outdoor school program, as well as various adult and family programs at the Environmental Learning Center, Sept 8 - Nov 22, 2026.
NORTH CASCADES GIFT SHOPS
Visiting the North Cascades this summer? Stop at one of our gift shops for an eclectic selection of souvenirs, books, local art and gifts. From North Cascades National Park apparel, patches and magnets to a variety of books, local art, jewelry, toys and activities for kids.
- North Cascades National Park Visitor Center
- Skagit Information Center
- North Cascades Environmental Learning Center
- Sedro-Woolley Visitor Center
- Marblemount Wilderness Information Center
- Heather Meadows Visitor Center
Can't make it in person? Shop in our online store and feel good knowing that your purchases benefit youth education in the North Cascades!
NATIONAL MAKE-A-WILL MONTH
Did you know that August is National Make-A-Will Month? No matter what age you are, it’s never too early to start planning for the future. Join our Headwaters Club Legacy Circle today and make a lasting impact by naming the Institute as a beneficiary in your will, life insurance plan, retirement account, or trust.
Top Image: 2026 Youth Leadership Adventures participants; see more Institute program photos here!
