The year 2023 was a significant one for Reconnect Earth. It was our fourth summer running backpacking trips for college-age students in the North Cascades, and our second year running trips in both Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park. It was also our first year offering a trip specifically for female-identified and nonbinary participants–which was a big success! Here are some of the most inspiring moments we’ll look back on from 2023:

Experiencing Kulshan’s meadows and forests. Our Mount Baker Wilderness Immersion trip spent nine days on Kulshan (also known as Mount Baker), experiencing two extraordinary ecosystems. For the first half of the trip, we camped in a beautiful alpine meadow with the mountain’s peak in the background. From there, we set out on day hikes to the Park Butte Fire Lookout and up to the base of Easton Glacier.

For the second part of our journey, we descended into the slightly lower elevation old-growth forest that blankets much of the mountain’s base. We hiked among massive Douglas-firs and western red cedars, camping next to the quite waters of Elbow Lake. During both parts of the trip, we engaged in important discussions about the human and natural history of the landscape, what it means to work for environmental and social justice on colonized land, and how to organize for a better world.

Traversing North Cascades National Park. On the seven-day Forests & Peaks of North Cascades National Park trip, we followed the Bridge Creek Trail into the heart of the national park, pausing to admire ancient trees and breathtaking views of mountain peaks along the way. A highlight of the trip was our day hike up the Goode Ridge Trail, and adventure into an alpine environment where we snacked on wild blueberries and took in the vast landscape stretching away below us. Back at camp we talked about forest ecology, the Indigenous history of the region, and tools for taking positive action.

Creating an empowering space. Reconnect Earth’s first-ever trip specifically for female and nonbinary participants took place over the course of three days in August in the stunning alpine meadows of Kulshan. Despite having to conclude the trip a bit early due to wildfire smoke, participants had an amazing time climbing to Park Butte Lookout, camping beneath a view of the snowy mountain peak, and discussing important issues in an empowering space for folks whose genders have long been marginalized and underrepresented in the outdoors.

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Climbing Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm. Our Cascade Pass Adventure trip was a chance to see some of the most stunning parts of North Cascades National Park–with a major highlight being our climb up the steep but iconic Sahale Arm Trail. We scrambled over boulders, spotted marmots and pikas in the heather meadows, and (very carefully) skirted a bear foraging for berries off to the side of the trail. It was a trip that encouraged everyone involved to stretch our edges and embrace new experiences!

Reconnect Earth began with a vision for taking college-age students onto public lands to connect with wild places and become more effective advocates for ecosystems and communities. We’ve fulfilled that mission for four inspiring summers so far, while also offering shorter day trips and other programs during the school year. Now, our board is in the process of charting the next stage of this organization’s work. Keep an eye out for an announcement coming soon about the future of Reconnect Earth and what the coming years may look like!