6th Annual Rails Camp West in the North Cascades National Park.
From $730 USD All INclusive
Join us August 30-September 2, in the North Cascades National Park also known as the great “American Alps”
North Cascades Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake.
Operated by North Cascades Institute in partnership with the National Park Service, this award-winning residential campus is nestled on the shores of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park. The North Cascades Environmental Learning Center is located in the upper Skagit River Valley, a wild and remote corner of the Lower 48. The upper watershed sits in the heart of the North Cascades ecosystem, it includes one national park, two national recreation areas, three national forests, nine wilderness areas and the Loomis State Forest.
LODGING AND MEALS
Lodging is shared, 4 beds per bunk room. You can choose to be in a room with 4 or 2 people. If you’d like a private room email us for pricing and availability.
Meals are served buffet-style and feature organic, sustainably-produced and locally-grown food whenever possible. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Transportation
We highly recommend getting a rental car with friends this year because the event leads into Labor Day weekend. There is so much to explore between downtown Seattle, San Juan Islands, Vancouver, and the North Cascades National Park. Check out our Washington Visitor Guide. If you don’t want to drive or rent a car we’ll still have a large bus bring you to camp from the Seattle International Airport.
outdoor activities
Hiking right off the grounds, guided nature walks with North Cascade Institute naturalists, and more to come.
“I can’t understate how incredible Rails Camps are - the fact that I travelled around the globe without knowing anyone and left with a bunch new friends and memories is testament to the community and the true spirit of Rails Camps!”
Day 1
Fly to Seattle International Airport
Drive yourself or catch bus at the airport
Seattle bus will leave at 1:30pm and make a pit stop on the way at a Safeway (grocery store for any last minute things you forgot, snacks, alcohol, camp is BYOB).
If driving yourself do not arrive before 4:00pm
Get settled in cabins and BYOB happy hour
Dinner around 7pm
Attendee and sponsor intros
Free time, night games, and karaoke
Day 2
Breakfast at 8am
Limited 12-person group canoe around Diablo Lake, hiking, or unconference
Lunch
Hiking, walk with North Cascade Institute naturalist or City Light Dam expert, unconference continued, or relax in the quiet and cozy camp library.
Dinner at 6pm
Late night games, campfire s’mores, and karaoke
Day 3
Breakfast at 8am
Limited 12-person group canoe, hiking/running, lake time, or unconference
Lunch
Walk with North Cascade Institute naturalist or City Light Dam expert, relax in the quiet and cozy camp library, do nothing, hike, lake time
Dinner at 6pm
“Job Fair”, if you’re looking or hiring we’ll stay after dinner and casually go around the room introducing ourselves and what we’re looking for (optional)
Late night games, campfire s’mores, and karaoke
Day 4
Breakfast at 8am
Group picture 9:30am-ish
Packing and Goodbyes
Bus departing at 10am
Seattle bus 2pm airport arrival
