On August 21st, participants on Reconnect Earth’s final trip of the Summer 2022 season returned from the field after an amazing weekend exploring North Cascades National Park’s Cascade Pass and Horseshoe Basin. We held more trips than ever before this year, ranging from three to nine days in length and in multiple locations in North Cascades National Park and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. From camping in the snow on Kulshan (the original, Indigenous name for Mount Baker), to taking in stunning views of mountain peaks from the Goodee Ridge Trail, to hiking through old growth forest on the way to Elbow Lake, to spotting mountain goats at Cascade Pass, students on this summer’s trips had many amazing experiences visiting some of the most beautiful places in Washington State.

On each of our trips, students not only camped and hiked through spectacular landscapes, but engaged in important conversations about environmental issues, social justice, and activism skills. Topics covered in our facilitated discussions and activities included climate change impacts in the North Cascades, the history of colonialsims and Indigenous resistance in Northwest Washington, grassroots campaign planning, how to organize a protest, and much more.

While this summer’s trips may be over, the impacts from the conversations we had, connections made, and experiences shared are only just beginning. Check out the photos below from this action-packed summer–and stay tuned for more upcoming opportunities to get outside with Reconnect Earth!