North Cascades Institute

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North Cascades Institute We inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature Learn more at www.ncascades.org/get_outside.

North Cascades Institute inspires and empowers environmental stewardship for all through transformative experiences in nature. Since 1986, we have helped connect people, nature and community through science, art, literature and the hands-on study of the natural and cultural history of the Pacific Northwest. Our goal is to help people of all ages experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest – so all will care for and protect this special place. Our offerings include Mountain School, Youth Leadership Adventures, the Graduate M.Ed. Degree Program, Family Getaways and a year-round schedule of natural and cultural history seminars and field excursions. The North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, field campus of the North Cascades Institute, is a hub of discovery for all ages in one of the wildest, heaviest glaciated and most biologically diverse areas in North America. Built in partnership with Seattle City Light and the National Park Service, the campus graces the north shore of Diablo Lake in the heart of the North Cascades.

The Nature of Writing Speaker Series brings community together in conversation to celebrate the creative minds illuminat...
10/13/2026

The Nature of Writing Speaker Series brings community together in conversation to celebrate the creative minds illuminating the natural world with the turn of a page.

Tomorrow, Oct 14, the Institute and Third Place Books welcome naturalist, eco-philosopher & author Lyanda Lynn Haupt for a conversation about her latest book, "Among the Birds: Field Notes from Cascadia." In "Among the Birds", Haupt moves intuitively from species to species, celebrating experience, memory, and the serendipity of daily life. Haupt's signature voice — curious and gently humorous — infuses each vignette with delight as she offers a closer look at the captivating quirks and habits of birds such as Steller's Jay, Anna's Hummingbird, Merlin, Black Oystercatcher, American Dipper and many more.

Haupt will be joined in conversation by naturalist David B. Williams. Acclaimed artist Justin Gibbens, whose realistic yet whimsical illustrations grace the pages of "Among The Birds," will also be in attendance.

📚 RSVP Today: http://ncascades.org/now

Fall is here in the North Cascades 🍂Phenology is the study of cyclic & seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relatio...
10/13/2026

Fall is here in the North Cascades 🍂

Phenology is the study of cyclic & seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life. Cooler temperatures, shorter days & leaves changing colors are all phenological events, but why do these events happen? Let’s talk about the science behind fall colors.

🍂 The main reason leaves change color is not due to changing temperatures, but due to less daylight as nights become longer.

🍂 As days grow shorter, & nights grow longer & cooler, biochemical processes in the leaf begin bringing out those fall colors. The veins that carry fluids into & out of the leaf gradually close off as a layer of cells form at the base of each leaf. These clogged veins trap sugars in the leaf & promote production of anthocyanin. Once this separation layer is complete & the connecting tissues are sealed off, the leaf is ready to fall.

🍂 Chlorophyll, is responsible for absorbing sunlight & gives leaves their green color. As chemical changes begin to take place inside the plant, the combination of reduced light, lack of nutrients, & less water triggers the trees to start the process of breaking down the chlorophyll & the green color fades.

🍂 Chlorophyll is so dominant it hides the other colors of leaves. Once all the chlorophyll is broken down we start to see the yellows & reds showing through as leaves change colors! Carotenoids give leaves their brilliant yellow & orange colors, while anthocyanins are found in deep red & purplish leaves.

🍂 While daylight is the main factor that brings on fall foliage, several other factors contribute to how bright fall colors are: temperature, precipitation, & soil moisture.

🍂 Trees losing their leaves means they conserve water & spend less energy in winter.

Are you noticing the fall colors where you live?

📍Andestral homelands of the Nlaka’pamux, Syilx (Okanagan), Sauk Suiattle & Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
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Ready to experience the wonder & beauty of the Cascades in person? Enjoy 40% Fall Base Camp stays in celebration of our 40th anniversary! Book today: ncascades.org/basecamp

10/08/2026

Hear more from Rena Priest this Sat, Oct 10 at Village Books, Fairhaven as she shares pieces from her moving new collection, "Dancing to the Ticking of the Doomsday Clock."

📚 RSVP for this event and discover more inspiring reads at Nature of Writing events in Seattle & Bellingham this Fall! http://ncascades.org/now

10/08/2026

Thought we’d bring back that gem as it never goes out of style!

The larches are turning, the larches are turning!! It’s many peoples favorite season, , and also one of the busiest.

Larches, a deciduous conifer, are beginning to turn their fall golden yellow as they prepare to drop their needles for winter. It’s a sight to behold every fall in the North Cascades​​​​​​​​⁣​​​​​​​​. If you are going out to see the fall colors please responsibly ​​​​​​​​
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🍁🌲 Prepare to have an alternate plan if trails are too crowded ​​​​​​​​
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🍁🌲 Check road/trail conditions before heading out. ​​​​​​​​
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🍁🌲 Prepare for a possible long day out on the trail and pack extra water and food ​​​​​​​​
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🍁🌲Add any other ways to recreate responsibly when it comes to viewing larches in the comments. ​​​​​​​​
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More larch photos to come and fun facts about this amazing tree.

📸: Meghann & Zach | PNW Adventures

The Nature of Writing Speaker Series brings community together in conversation to celebrate the creative minds illuminat...
10/07/2026

The Nature of Writing Speaker Series brings community together in conversation to celebrate the creative minds illuminating the natural world with the turn of a page.

This Thursday, Oct 8, the Institute and Village Books welcome author & naturalist David B. Williams for a conversation about his latest book, "In The Range of Fire & Ice." Blending human and natural history, this groundbreaking exploration of Washington's Cascades invites readers to see this range not only as mountains, but as a living, evolving realm of fire, ice, and hope. Williams will be joined in conversation by Village Books co-owner Paul Hanson.

📚 RSVP Today: http://ncascades.org/now

The sun has officially set on summer as the transition to fall begins. Putting our favorite summer activities on the she...
10/06/2026

The sun has officially set on summer as the transition to fall begins. Putting our favorite summer activities on the shelf and transitioning to the shorter, rainy days of fall can be a challenge even if fall is your favorite season. ⁣(We see you Larch peepers 🍁)

Here’s some tips to transition from summer to fall:

🍂 Journal for a fresh start. Fall marks a new beginning and a time for change.

🍂 Make a Fall bucket list. What would make you happy and how can you make the most of what the fall season has to offer?

🍂 Find your new routine. With shorter and darker days figure out the best way to maximize your day.

🍂 Shift to different foods. Time for all those fall seasonal foods like pumpkin, squash, apples and sweet potatoes.

🍂 Change your sleep schedule. Days are shorter, you may need to go to bed earlier, since your circadian rhythm may be disrupted.

🍂 Embrace change. Seasons are inevitable and out of our control. Enjoy the crisp air, changing of leaves and all those cozy clothes you get to wear now.

What other tips would you add as we transition from summer to fall?

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Ready to experience the wonder & beauty of the Cascades in person? Enjoy 40% Fall Base Camp stays in celebration of our 40th anniversary! Book today: ncascades.org/basecamp

10/05/2026

Our newest instructors have been busy at the Environmental Learning Center training to lead Mountain School, Base Camp and other exciting Fall programs. They’ve practiced everything from modeling watersheds & wildfires to nature journaling, games, skits and more. This adventurous crew is even embracing life at the ELC with a new staff club - the “Diablo Dunk” - attempting a cold plunge in Diablo Lake every day of the season! Welcome, Ian, Cate, Mike, Lindsey, Clarissa, Chris, Justin, Clarissa, Eamon, and Nore—we’re glad you’re here!

Happy early birthday North Cascades National Service Complex! 🥳🎉🎂🥳 On October 2, 1968 after a long and controversial st...
10/01/2026

Happy early birthday North Cascades National Service Complex! 🥳🎉🎂

🥳 On October 2, 1968 after a long and controversial struggle, Congress protected around 700,000 acres of this range including, some of the nation's most remote and rugged alpine wilderness, as North Cascades National Park Service Complex. (Want to know more of the tea surrounding the establishment of the park? Check out, “Crown Jewel Wilderness: Creating North Cascades National Park” by Lauren Danner)

🥳 North Cascades National Park Service Complex is, well complex. It is composed of a national park (505,000 acres) made up of northern and southern units, and two national recreation areas. Ross Lake National Recreation Area (117,000 acres) is between the park's northern and southern units. Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (62,000 acres) borders the park's southern boundary.

🥳 With over 300 glaciers, jagged alpine peaks, hundreds of miles of trails, designated wilderness areas the North Cascades National Service Complex provides people both educational and recreational opportunities.

Want to wish the park a happy birthday? Leave a 🥳 or write a birthday card in the comments to show the park some extra birthday love

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Ready to experience the wonder & beauty of the Cascades in person? Enjoy 40% Fall Base Camp stays in celebration of our 40th anniversary! Book today: ncascades.org/basecamp

Fall may have just begun, but summer is not far behind us and worth reflecting on as we move through seasonal transition...
09/29/2026

Fall may have just begun, but summer is not far behind us and worth reflecting on as we move through seasonal transition.

☀️ Looking back on your summer, what are three words you would use to describe it, whether your adventures took you near or far? Bonus points if you also want to leave three words to describe how you want your fall to feel.

📍Ancestral homelands of the Upper Skagit, Sauk Suiattle, Nlaka’pamux & Swinomish people
📸: .onfilm

Ready to experience the wonder & beauty of the Cascades in person? Enjoy 40% Fall Base Camp stays in celebration of our 40th anniversary! Book today: ncascades.org/basecamp

09/28/2026

As part of our 40th Anniversary, we are celebrating our Deep Roots. Here is the Institute’s founder and executive director for 35 years Saul Weisberg, sharing a Lew Welch poem that was included in our very first catalog of field programs. If you have spent any time learning outdoors with Saul, you’ve probably been treated to this one before! It still motivates our work today.

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810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA
98284

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