The first night is filled with nervous anticipation.

Fifth graders settle into their bunks, the forest alive with unfamiliar sounds. For many, it’s their first time away from home—let alone in a national park.

By morning, something has shifted.

They step outside into crisp mountain air and notice things they had not before: the call of a bird, the movement of water, the feeling of being part of a place bigger than themselves.

Somewhere in that experience, something takes root.

We see it again and again. A quiet student begins to speak up. A new friendship forms on the trail. A moment of wonder reframes how a young person sees the world. They are the moments that stay with them.

40% OFF BASE CAMPS STAYS THIS SPRING

Celebrate our 40th anniversary with 40% off BASE CAMP Learning & Lodging through May 9 at the Learning Center.

Spend a cozy weekend reading and playing board games in the Wild Ginger Library, wandering forest trails, slowing down with walking meditation, journaling, watching nature documentaries, and gathering around an evening campfire. Includes guest lodge accommodations, tasty meals, and naturalist-led learning explorations.

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 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!

SHOULDER SEASON RATES FOR FALL 2026 GROUP GATHERINGS 

Nestled on the forested shores of Diablo Lake—3 hours from Seattle and 2 from Bellingham—our unique mountain venue offers an inspiring setting for your conference, retreat, training, reunion or other group gathering.

Now booking November and December 2026 at reduced rates. Call (360) 614-7037 or use our Request Info Form.

2026 FAMILY GETAWAYS

Bring your family to the Environmental 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! 

2026 DATES: July 3-5, 10-12, 24-26 and Aug 7-9, 14-16

HIGH SCHOOLERS—APPLY BY APRIL 30! 

Youth Leadership Adventures are for motivated high school students grades 8-12 who are ready for a fun and challenging summer in the North Cascades. During 5- and 8-day field courses students connect to nature as they explore climate change, build community, and develop leadership skills.

Participants canoe-camp, backpack, and complete hands-on stewardship projects in North Cascades National Park and the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest—gaining confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection to place along the way.

Gear, food, and transportation from Skagit and Whatcom counties are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Scholarships are available and easy to request.

FALL 2026 CREATIVE RESIDENCIES

Applications are now open for the Creative Residency program at the Environmental Learning Center. We invite artists, writers, naturalists, and creative practitioners to  immerse themselves in the landscapes of the North Cascades.

Residencies range from 1 week to 3 months and include workspace, lodging, and opportunities to engage with our learning community. Creative Residents share their process, inspire new conversations, and leave a meaningful contribution to the Institute.

As we celebrate 40 years of connecting people and nature, we’re looking for creatives ready to help shape what comes next. Priority deadline for Fall 2026 residencies is May 15. (Photo by past resident, Pablo McLoud.)