Summer is here, the days are long, the North Cascades Highway is finally open—and the mountains are calling. Read on to discover all the ways you can experience the North Cascades and surrounding ecosystems with us, from Base Camp Learning & Lodging stays and Skagit Tours to Family Getaways and a robust slate of Field Excursions. Be sure to plan ahead—many programs are filling quickly.

If you’re in Bellingham, we hope you’ll join us and Setting Sun Circle for a special event in our Nature of Writing Summer Series. Highlights include a July 16 reading at Village Books from Sierra magazine editor Jason Dove Mark’s new book The Earth Said Remember Me, as well as a slideshow from Guardians of Life with award-winning National Geographic photographer Kiliii Yüyan. Through vivid portraits of Indigenous communities—youth and elders, hunters and farmers, spiritual leaders and craftspeople—Yüyan's new book offer powerful perspectives on relationships to land and care. Details are below.

OPEN ENROLLMENT FALL 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

Beginning JULY 3, 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!

This July, North Cascades Institute, Setting Sun Circle and Village Books invite you to explore our changing planet during the Nature of Writing Summer Series, featuring conversations with National Geographic Explorer and photographer Kiliii Yüyan, and environmental journalist and author Jason Dove Mark. The time to support Indigenous leadership is now. But we can all do our part: Go outside. Bear witness. Make a record. Pass it on.

The Earth Said Remember Me with Jason Dove Mark
July 16, 6PM | Village Books, Fairhaven

Guardians of Life with Kiliii Yüyan
July 18, 3PM | Lhaq ’temish-ew’xw ets’e Xwlemi’
House of Healing, Bellingham

READY, SET, EXPLORE! FREE OUTDOOR SKILLS CLASSES IN BELLINGHAM

This summer, North Cascades Institute and Backcountry Essentials are offering FREE outdoor skills classes to help you learn backpacking and leave-no-trace basics, map out your summer adventures with local trail tips, and discover the PNW's unique seasonal wonders.

• July 25, 7 PM: Great Hikes in the North Cascades

• Sept 17, 7 PM: Larch Madness - Where to Go

Hosted at Backcountry Essentials in Bellingham, no registration required. Join us for gear demos, pro tips, swag giveaways, and more!

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.