Embark on a transformative 3-day backpacking adventure in the stunning North Cascades. This immersive ethnobotany trip offers a hands-on learning experience focused on high-elevation plants, sustainable foraging, and traditional plant uses. Starting from the trailhead on Friday, we’ll hike into the wilderness, explore the unique plant life of the high mountains, and set up base camp for an in-depth foraging journey.
Throughout the weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to identify and harvest wild plants, learn about their medicinal and edible uses, and craft with the natural materials found in the region. The program includes plant identification hikes, foraging exploration, and nature-based craft workshops, all designed to deepen your connection to the land and the plants that thrive in this high-altitude ecosystem.
This backpacking trip is ideal for those seeking to expand their foraging knowledge while gaining practical skills in a rugged wilderness environment. It’s a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, ecological exploration, and sustainable foraging practices.
Dates: Friday - Sunday, July 25-27, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM Friday - 2:00 PM Sunday
Location: Within 1-2 hours of Mount Vernon, WA or 2-3 hours of Seattle, WA
This is an optional outing for our Foraging Apprenticeship students; however, all are welcome to join. If you are a current or former apprentice, you will receive 10% off of this intensive or 20% off both of our overnight ethnobotany intensives including our East Cascades Ethnobotany Intensive course.
Join us for a 3-day Backpacking Expedition
Registration is $999 per person.
Schedule
This is a sample schedule and is subject to change. A more in-depth itinerary will be sent out prior to the program start date.
-
10:00 AM - Meet at Trailhead & Orientation
Check-in, group introductions, and overview of the weekend
Safety reminders, group expectations, and packing review
Start the hike from the trailhead
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Morning Hike (Approx. 1-3 miles)
Begin hiking to base camp at a comfortable pace (1.5-2 mph), stopping to observe plants and the landscape
Discuss ecology and plant identification along the way
Take breaks as needed for hydration and rest
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch Break
Stop for lunch along the trail
Share thoughts and relax during the break
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Continue Hike to Base Camp (Approx. 1-3 miles)
Continue hiking toward base camp at a comfortable pace
Stop to observe plants and the environment, learning about the flora of high elevations
Settle into base camp and finish any setup work
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM - Base Camp Setup
Arrive at base camp, set up tents, and organize shared spaces
Ensure everyone has a designated camp spot
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Dinner & Campfire Discussion
Prepare your own packed dinner
Gather around the campfire to reflect on the journey, discuss the upcoming weekend, and begin learning about high-elevation plants and foraging
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Evening Reflection & Rest
Relax by the fire, reflect on the day’s hike, and rest for the next day's adventure
-
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM - Morning Routines
Individual morning reflections, movement practices, or guided dreamwork
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Breakfast & Camp Prep
Prepare your own breakfast
Pack for the day hike (water, snacks, notepad, camera)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Plant Identification & Foraging (1-2 miles)
Day hike from base camp
Discuss plant life and sustainable harvesting practices along the way
Explore the landscape, identify high-elevation plant species
Practice sustainable harvesting techniques and learn about their traditional uses
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Lunch Break
Take a break in a scenic spot and enjoy packed lunches
Informal discussion on the day’s discoveries and plant properties
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Continued Exploration & Learning (1-2 miles)
Continue plant identification and foraging, focusing on edible and medicinal species
Practice harvesting techniques and learn about their applications in food and medicine
Hike back to base camp
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Crafting & Nature Connection
Invitations for crafting, journaling, or individual nature/plant studies
Reflect on the day's experiences and discoveries
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Dinner & Campfire Reflection
Prepare your own dinner
Gather around the campfire to discuss the day's experiences, plant uses, and share insights
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Evening Activity or Rest
Optional quiet time, journaling, or stargazing
Rest for the hike out the next day
-
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM - Breakfast & Pack Up
Prepare your own breakfast
Pack up camp and prepare for the hike out
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Hike Out from Base Camp (3-5 miles)
Begin the hike out of the wilderness, traveling at a comfortable pace
Take breaks as needed to hydrate and reflect on the weekend
Discuss how to integrate the plant knowledge gained into future foraging practices
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Final Group Discussion & Reflection
Stop along the trail for final group reflection and sharing
Discuss the weekend’s experiences, insights, and how to apply the knowledge gained
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Return to Trailhead & Departure
Arrive at the trailhead and conclude the trip
Final circle to share feedback and thoughts on the experience
Depart at your leisure
What to Expect
The High Elevation North Cascades Ethnobotany Backpacking Trip is an immersive experience designed to connect you with nature while expanding your foraging knowledge in one of Washington's most breathtaking wilderness areas. Here’s what you can expect during this weekend adventure:
Hiking & Foraging Exploration: You’ll spend your days hiking through the high-altitude ecosystems of the North Cascades, where you’ll identify and learn about local plant species, including medicinal, edible, and utilitarian plants. As you forage, you’ll practice ethical harvesting techniques and discover how these plants have been used by indigenous peoples for centuries.
Hands-on Learning: This trip is all about getting your hands in the earth! You’ll learn not only to identify plants but also how to sustainably harvest them.
Connection to Nature: Being fully immersed in the wild for three days, you’ll deepen your connection to the land and the plants that grow in this high-elevation environment. The slower pace of hiking and foraging will allow you to tune in to the natural world and gain a deeper appreciation for the ecosystems that sustain us.
Group Reflection & Shared Learning: Evenings around the campfire will offer opportunities for group reflection, sharing stories, and discussing your experiences from the day. You’ll engage in meaningful conversations about the plants you’ve encountered, their traditional uses, and the ethical practices that guide sustainable foraging.
Final Hike & Reflection: On Sunday, we’ll hike out of the wilderness, reflecting on the lessons learned and the plants we’ve discovered. It’s a time to reflect on the weekend’s journey, integrate new knowledge, and discuss how you can apply what you’ve learned to your future foraging adventures.
Throughout the trip, you’ll be supported by expert instructors who are passionate about plant identification, sustainable foraging, and wilderness education. Whether you're new to foraging or have previous experience, this trip will expand your understanding of the natural world and provide you with practical skills for future adventures.
What to Bring:
-
Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad/mat
Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries
Lightweight backpack for day hikes
Camping stove (if planning to cook meals)
Water bottle or hydration system (at least 2 liters)
Cooking utensils (if applicable) and personal food supplies
Small tarp or groundsheet (optional, but helpful for camp setup)
-
Weather-appropriate clothing for mountain conditions (layers recommended)
Hiking boots with good ankle support
Rain jacket and waterproof gear
Hat, gloves, and sunglasses
Extra socks, underwear, and thermal layers for evenings
-
Gloves for harvesting
Harvesting bags or containers for plants
Notepad or journal for note-taking and reflections
Pen or pencil
Camera or smartphone (optional) for photos of plants and landscapes
-
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, biodegradable soap, etc.)
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
Personal medications (if needed)
Snacks and energy food (e.g., trail mix, granola bars) for daytime hikes
Any necessary permits or IDs
-
Meals are not provided. You will need to bring all your own food for 3 days and 2 nights. Plan to bring lightweight, non-perishable meals that are easy to prepare.
Backpacking stove, fuel, and cooking utensils for meal preparation.
Make sure to pack sufficient snacks and meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
We will provide a more in-depth packing list after registration. If this is your first time backpacking or you aren’t sure what you will need, we are happy to provide you with resources and advice regarding what gear, clothing, and food to bring. Please Contact Us, if you have any questions or need assistance finding/borrowing gear.
Transportation to and from the trailhead will need to be arranged by the participants. We do send out an email list to help participants carpool with one another prior to the program start.
Meet Your Guides
Matt Hale is a mycologist and naturalist from the Skykomish Valley of Washington State. His lifelong passion for wilderness, plants, and fungi led him to studying at Alderleaf Wilderness College where he graduated in 2015 with Permaculture Design and CyberTracker Level II certificates. Over the last 10 years, in addition to teaching wilderness skills to youth and guiding wilderness therapy trips, Matt owned and operated a farm and forage business in Sedro-Woolley.
Ansley Roberts is an Appalachian-born, desert-grown kid with more tree sap running through her veins than blood. She apprenticed with Ariella Daly of Honey Bee Wild in beekeeping, dreamwork, and goddess study as well as in wilderness ceremonial leadership with Cascadia Quest. As a trained herbalist, wilderness rites of passage guide, and dreamtender, Ansley has the great honor and joy of leading others to their belonging on this earth and to the stories in their bones.
Join us for a 3-day Backpacking expedition
Registration is $999 per person.
Nature education should be available to all people regardless of financial status. If finances are a deterrent and you feel called to join us, please Contact Us directly about our Sliding Scale Pricing or other opportunities to make our classes more accessible for you.