Spring has arrived in the North Cascades, and the 35th year of Mountain School is rolling along. In recent weeks, classrooms from Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley and Concrete have spent time at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. Through hands-on outdoor activities, students engaged with the natural and cultural history of our region and strengthened their relationships with classmates and the environment. We’re looking forward to welcoming upcoming groups from La Conner, Acme and the Lummi Nation.

(Check out this inspiring new blog post on Mountain School's recent visit to Seattle Children's Hospital, bringing a bit of the North Cascades to in-patient youth!)

Through immersive outdoor experiences like Mountain School and Youth Leadership Adventures, local youth build lasting connections to nature, community, peers, and themselves. At a time when access to the outdoors remains inequitable, we are committed to providing opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to explore, grow, and thrive. With your support, we will inspire today's youth to take root and rise as the next generation of environmental leaders.

To celebrate the 35th year of Mountain School, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $35,000!

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!

BASE CAMP LEARNING & LODGING offers guided learning activities with Institute naturalists, three meals and comfortable overnight accommodations in our guest lodges. New summer dates added!

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 for July 25-27 and August 8-10

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

BLOOMING ON THE BLOG

Spring has brought a fresh crop of stories: “The Healing Power of Nature” shares the inspiring day our Mountain School team visited Seattle Children’s Hospital, offering in-patient youth hands-on activities that brought a bit of the North Cascades to them. “Wild Work & Community Connections” highlights Institute staff volunteering with local nonprofits like Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Padilla Bay Stewards, and Washington Trails Association. And don’t miss “Birding the Salish Sea: Scoters, Loons & Harlequin Ducks, Oh My!”—a roundup of spectacular spring birdlife on the water.