No images? Click here 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 NPSMountain 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:
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 PROGRAMSJuly 19 | Spoon Carving and Conservation with Brendan McGarry Scholarships + military, student and disability discounts are available for most programs
STAY & PLAY IN THE NORTH CASCADESLooking 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 VENUENorth 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:
Call 360-854-2583 or use our Request Information Form SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT: David & Cathy HallWe 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.
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-UPEnjoy 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 ImpactDo 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 |