High Elevation Ethnobotany Backpacking Trip

Embark on a 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 and/or our East Cascades Ethnobotany Intensive course.

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.

Participants will be responsible for transportation to and from the trailhead, as well as any gear and food for 3 days and 2 nights. We are happy to provide resources and advice regarding anything you may need for a backpacking trip whether this is your first trip or one of hundreds. Please Contact Us for more info.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Darrington, Workshops in Darrington.