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!

Join Reconnect Earth for our most popular fall event: looking for migrating salmon as they return to their natal spawning grounds in Bellingham’s Arroyo Park! Salmon are integral to Pacific Northwest ecosystems and the cultures of Indigenous peoples who have inhabited this region since time immemorial–and every year, hundreds make the journey up Chuckanut Creek to lay their eggs and start a new chapter in the cycle of life. Come with us as we follow the creek through Arroyo Park to look for wild salmon, talk about their role in the local environment, and (hopefully) observe them at close range as they make their annual migration. This event is free, but an RSVP is much appreciated.

When: Saturday, November 11th, 1:00pm – 4:00pm*

Location: Meet at the Arroyo Park parking area off Old Samish Road (a 10 minute drive or 20 minute bike ride from WWU).

What to bring: A full water bottle and clothing to will keep you warm and dry in fall weather.

Difficulty level: Easy

Register here!

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Reconnect Earth would like to respectfully acknowledge that our trips take place on the traditional, sovereign territory of the Lummi, Nooksack, and other Indigenous peoples. In visiting these places we travel through landscapes whose recent history includes theft, genocide, and the displacement of Indigenous and other marginalized groups. We challenge ourselves and other to actively push back against these historic and present-day injustices on our trips and in our daily lives.

Join Reconnect Earth in Summer 2023 for an experience you’ll never forget: hiking, camping, and exploring social and environmental issues in Washington’s North Cascades mountain range. On one of our 3-9 day backpacking trips for college students and folks of roughly college age, you might sleep in a subalpine meadow, hike through groves of ancient old-growth trees, climb to the base of an alpine glacier, or stand on a ridge looking out at forest and mountains stretching away into the distance. Along the way we’ll discuss important topics like Indigenous land rights, colonization, impacts of climate change, and how make a difference on issues you care about.

Apply to join a trip before the June 30th deadline

Reconnect Earth trips are designed to be as accessible as possible, regardless of your income or level of experience in the outdoors. All of our trips have scholarship options, including scholarships covering up to about 80% of the tuition cost depending on the trip. And whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or have never slept in a tent before, we’ll make sure you have the support you need to thrive in the backcountry. Read on learn more about each experience:

Mount Baker Wilderness Immersion: July 13th-21st

Experience the mountain’s diverse natural environments, from subalpine meadows to giant glaciers to lush old-growth forests. We’ll spend the first part of the trip in Mount Baker National Recreation Area, visiting nearby viewpoints like Park Butte Lookout and Easton Glacier. Then, we will descend into the more primitive Mount Baker Wilderness and camp surrounded by ancient trees next to remote Elbow Lake.

During our time in the backcountry we’ll have plenty of time to delve into topics like Indigenous sovereignty and colonization, climate change, how to make a difference on issues you care about, and exploring our own relationships with the more-than-human environment. This 9-day trip is an ideal choice if you want to be truly immersed in a backcountry setting and perhaps stretch your edge a bit (though no prior backpacking experience is required). View more trip details. Tuition: $645

Forests and Peaks of North Cascades National Park: July 28th-August 3rd

On this 7-day trip we’ll follow the Bridge Creek Trail into the heart of North Cascades National Park, through forests of ancient cedars and Douglas-firs and valleys nestled between towering glacier-carved peaks. A highlight midway through the trip will be our day hike to the fire lookout on Goode Ridge, which on clear days offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain range. If we’re especially lucky, we might see some of the wildlife like black bears or martens (tree-dwelling members of the weasel family) who frequent this part of the park. Discussions we have along the way will focus on the human and natural history of the region and caring for more-than-human landscapes. View more trip details. Tuition: $510

Ready to join us in the mountains? Apply here (you’ll specify which trip you want to participate in on the form)

Mountain Glaciers and Meadows: August 18th-21st (female and non-binary participants only)

On this four-day trip especially for female and non-binary participants, get ready to spend four days exploring beautiful subalpine meadows and glacier-carved valleys in the National Recreation Area on Mount Baker, also known by its Indigenous name, Kulshan. We’ll hike to Park Butte Fire Lookout and the base of Easton Glacier, pausing to admire flowers, look for pikas and marmots among the boulders, and (weather permitting) take in amazing views. Our facilitated discussions will focus on root causes of environmental and social justice issues and how to harness your power as an agent of positive change. View more trip details. Tuition: $380

Cascade Pass Adventure: August 25th-27th

On this 2-night backpacking trip be prepared to experience some of the most stunning landscapes in a popular part of North Cascades National Park. We’ll start by hiking up and over Cascade Pass–keeping an eye out for marmots, mountain goats, and other wildlife–before descending into our campsite in a forested valley. Then, over the next couple days, we’ll hike to two of the most renowned and spectacular places in the national park: Horseshoe Basin and the Sahale Arm. Along the way we’ll talk about some of this special area’s unique ecosystems and issues that affect them today. This trip is a great choice for those looking to make the most of a relatively brief time in the backcountry. View more trip details.

Ready to join a trip? Take the first step and apply here by the June 30th deadline! If you’re requesting a scholarship, you’ll have a chance to do so as part of the application process.

Want more information? Check out our summer trips Frequently Asked Questions page. For a preview of questions you’ll be asked to answer on the application form, see here.

Hike to Lost Lake, Sunday, February 26th

One of the most secluded places on Chuckanut Mountain, Lost Lake is accessible via the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead just south of Fairhaven. In late February, join us for an approximately 9-mile out-and-back hike to this beautiful spot. Along the way we’ll pause to learn about plants and wildlife we encounter, admire the massive Chuckanut sandstone formations along the trail, and explore our relationship with local ecosystems.

When: Sunday, February 26th, 11:00pm – 5:00pm*

Location: Meet at North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead (a 10-minute drive or 20-minute bike ride from WWU).

What to bring: A full water bottle, lunch to eat on the trail, sturdy shoes, and clothing for winter weather.

Difficulty level: Moderately challenging.

Register now!

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Springtime on Lookout Mountain, Saturday, April 15th

April is during the height of spring wildflower season in Northwest Washington, and Lookout Mountain is an ideal place to see forest wildflowers (like the trillium at left) in full bloom. We’ll meet at the Lookout Mountain Trailhead, then follow the approximately 4.5 miles of trail in a loop that will take us to near the top of the mountain where we’ll take in the view of Lake Whatcom below. Be ready to stop to admire and identify plenty of flowers, trees, and other plants and animals along the way! We’ll also have a facilitated discussion about our relationship with wild places near and far.

When: Saturday, April 15th, 11:00am – 3:00pm*

Location: Meet at the Lookout Mountain Preserve Trailhead (a 20-minute drive from WWU, also accessible from downtown via the 512 Bus).

What to bring: Lunch, a full water bottle, and sturdy shoes.

Difficulty level: Moderately challenging.

Register now!

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Exploring Clayton Beach, Sunday, May 7th

Clayton Beach in Larrabee State Park is one of the best places in Whatcom County to see tide pool life and other small marine creatures that live along the shoreline. After meeting at the South Lost Lake Trailhead parking area, we’ll follow the trail that descends through the woods to the beach, then make our way along the sandy shore, following the water’s edge. Whether it’s colorful anemones clinging to a rock or sand dollars burrowing in the mud, we’re sure to find some remarkable sea creatures. We’ll also pause for a discussion about issues facing marine life and how we can help.

When: Sunday, May 7th, 11:00am – 3:00pm*

Location: Meet at the South Lost Lake Parking Lot (a 15-minute drive from WWU, also accessible by bike via the Interurban Trail).

What to bring: Lunch and a full water bottle. Sturdy shoes recommended.

Difficulty level: Moderate.

Register now!

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*All end times are approximate. We will do our best to finish up by the time listed on this page, but there is always the possibility of things taking longer than expected and we recommend not making plans that depend on being back by exactly then. Some trips may also finish early.

Reconnect Earth would like to respectfully acknowledge that all our winter and spring trips take place on the traditional, sovereign territory of Indigenous peoples including the Lummi, Nooksack, Samish, Swinomish, and others. We challenge ourselves and others to seek out ways to help rectify past and present-day injustices against Indigenous peoples and work to dismantle systems that perpetuate colonialism.