In 2025, Reconnect Earth returned to the North Cascades for one of our most exciting summers yet! From climbing to the base of a mountain glacier, to hiking through alpine meadows and old-growth forests, to standing under centuries-old trees, participants on our summer backpacking trips had some truly unforgettable experiences in Mount Baker National Recreation Area and Mount Baker Wilderness Area.

But Reconnect Earth’s work isn’t only about enjoying and appreciating what makes the North Cascades special (though that’s certainly part of it!). Our backpacking trips also about developing skills to make the world a more just, sustainable place. Students on our trips learned about and discussed important topics including Indigenous history and colonization, impacts of climate change on alpine environments, tools for taking action in our communities, and much more.

Summer 2025 also featured the first-ever Western Washington University class based on Reconnect Earth’s groundbreaking curriculum. Over the course of ten days, eight students in this one-of-a-kind class took their understanding of local, regional, and global environmental issues to a new level while in the field with us. And, they earned precious college credits along the way!

Didn’t make it on a trip this year? Check back here soon for news about our 2026 trips. In the meantime, check out these photos from the summer: