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Did you hear? A moose was spotted at Colonial Creek Campground last month, taking a dip in the chilly waters of Diablo Lake! Moose only occasionally make appearances in our neighborhood, so we always feel lucky when they do.
According to the WDFW, approximately 3,000 moose live in the state. Most reside in the northeast, though smaller populations are known to inhabit parts of the North Cascades. Moose prefer cooler climates—typically below 60°F in summer and 30°F in winter—and favor forested areas rich in lakes, marshes, and wetlands. Fun fact: the name “moose” comes from an Algonquin word meaning “twig eater,” which makes sense given their diet of leaves, twigs, buds, and aquatic vegetation.
July 2025
▸ DIABLO LAKE BOAT TOURS SET SAIL BEGINNING THE FOURTH OF JULY
▸ STAY AND PLAY IN THE NORTH CASCADES THIS SUMMER WITH BASE CAMP
▸ SUPPORT THE ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER BY SUBMITTING A COMMENT TO THE NPS
Mountain School wrapped up after a vibrant spring, with more than 1,300 students, teachers, and chaperones from across the region visiting the Environmental Learning Center. During the three-day program, students hiked to waterfalls, explored ecosystems, asked big questions, and reflected on their connection to the natural world. We loved this reflection from a La Conner Elementary teacher:
“I've seen real growth in students simply by letting them walk up the mountain and engage in drawing by the creek. It’s powerful to witness when we resist doing for them what they are fully capable of doing themselves.”
Teachers note how the program helped students apply science concepts in real-world settings while building community and confidence. Whether building river models in a sandbox, setting fire to their forest models, identifying skulls in evening programs, or simply sharing meals and stories, students experienced learning that reached far beyond classroom walls.
Our stellar program staff have shifted gears to support summer activities at the Environmental Learning Center. With Family Getaways, Base Camp Learning & Lodging, Diablo Lake Boat Tours, Conferences & Retreats, and a handful of seminars on the horizon, it’s shaping up to be a busy and exciting season in the mountains! ps. If you want to be a part of the action on Diablo Lake, we are hiring for program instructor and seasonal cook positions!
Beginning JULY 4, 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 all summer. 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 personalized assistance or questions, contact our registration team Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at (360) 854-2599.
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE NORTH CASCADES!
The National Park Service is inviting public input on a new frontcountry planning process for the Ross Lake National Recreation Area along State Route 20—the most accessible part of the North Cascades National Park Complex. This area includes Ross, Diablo, and Gorge Lakes; campgrounds such as Newhalem Creek, Colonial Creek, and Goodell Creek; the North Cascades Visitor Center; and the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center.
This is an opportunity for you to express your support for North Cascades Institute as the operator of the Environmental Learning Center and encourage National Park Service support for our operations and programs in the future.
Your feedback will directly inform how the National Park Service serves visitors into the future, including people of all ages and backgrounds attending educational activities at the Environmental Learning Center, and works towards conservation of the unique natural and cultural heritage of the North Cascades.
Learn more about this planning process and proposed changes, find our suggested comments to support North Cascades Institute, and access a link to submit comments on our blog. Thank you for your support!
Learning Opportunities
2025 PROGRAMS
July 19 | Spoon Carving and Conservation with Brendan McGarry
July 26 | Night Sky Photography at Artist Point with Juan Aguilera - waitlist available
Aug 17 | A Naturalist's Journey Up Sauk Mountain with Hannah Black - waitlist available
Aug 22 | Floating the Skagit River's Geologic History with Jon Riedel - waitlist available
Sept 3 | Wildfires and Lynx with Carmen Vanbianchi - Online
Sept 5-7 | North Cascades Naturalist Seminar with Chris Byrd - ELC, waitlist available
Sept 5-6 | Watercolor Wildflowers Seminar with Molly Hashimoto - ELC, waitlist available
Sept 20 | Writing and the Natural World with Holly Hughes
Sept 27 | North Cascades Carnivores with Bill Gaines
Oct 18 | Baker Lake Fungal Foray with Erin Moore
Oct 26 | Befriending Fungi with Evan Holstrom
Nov 16 | Drawing Mountains in Ink with Claire Giordano - Online
Scholarships + military, student and disability discounts are available for most programs
Questions? Contact us at info@ncascades.org or (360) 854-2599
WRITING WORKSHOP |
NORTH CASCADES CARNIVORES The North Cascades ecosystem is one of the most intact wildlands in the contiguous United States—home to iconic carnivores like the wolverine, gray wolf, grizzly bear, and Canada lynx. Wildlife biologist Bill Gaines has spent decades studying these ecologically vital species, and in this field trip, he will guide us through the lives and habitats of these remarkable animals. |
STAY & PLAY IN THE NORTH CASCADES
Looking for an overnight adventure in the North Cascades this summer? We have two great options at the Environmental Learning Center!
BASE CAMP LEARNING & LODGING offers guided learning activities with Institute naturalists, three meals and comfortable overnight accommodations in our guest lodges. New July-August dates added & Fall dates announced soon!
FAMILY GETAWAYS include meals, accommodations and a daily slate of engaging, hands-on activities and outdoor adventures designed for people of all ages. We welcome anyone you call a family: parents, children, grandparents, guardians, aunts and uncles, friends, and nontraditional families. Limited spots left for August 8-10.
Institute News
WELCOMING GROUP GATHERINGS AT OUR LAKESIDE MOUNTAIN VENUE
North Cascades Institute invites you to reserve space at the Learning Center for conferences, retreats, workshops, trainings, reunions and other group gatherings.
Located on the wooded shores of Diablo Lake in the heart of North Cascades National Park, our unique venue offers:
Lodging for 10-92 guests, including bed and bath linens
Meals served in our lakeside dining hall
Conference rooms, outdoor shelters, lounges and library
Guided canoeing and hiking opportunities
High-speed wireless Internet and audio-visual equipment
An onsite coordinator to help with your event
Call 360-854-2583 or use our Request Information Form
SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT: David & Cathy Hall
We want to express our sincere appreciation for longtime Institute supporters and program participants David & Cathy Hall. In addition to being members of our Headwaters Club, David designed our Environmental Learning Center campus.
"One of the reasons we moved to the Skagit Valley in 1972 was our love for the North Cascades ... I’ve always felt very fortunate to have been involved in the design and planning of the Environmental Learning Center in such a remarkable environment. Cathy and I continue to support the Institute because we believe strongly in the Institute's mission to connect youth to the outdoors."
Over the years, David has continued to provide many significant architectural contributions, including in-kind services for staff housing expansion projects.
SPRING INSTITUTE PHOTO ROUND-UP
Enjoy a fresh collection of our best photos from the Spring season at the Institute! Mountain School's 35th year, Youth Leadership Adventures field training, Adult field excursions, and more!
HEADWATERS CLUB: Make a Lasting Impact
Do you care deeply about the environment and want to help ensure future generations can experience the wonder of the North Cascades? Consider joining our Headwaters Club—a community of dedicated supporters who make a lasting impact by contributing $1,000 or more annually, or by including the Institute in their estate plans.
Headwaters Club members enjoy special benefits, including invitations to exclusive events and insider updates from our Executive Director.
Your commitment helps sustain transformative outdoor education and environmental stewardship for years to come.
Top Image: Moose spotted at Colonial Creek South Campground; photo courtesy of NPS
