The North Cascades are calling and there are numerous opportunities for you to become involved as a park volunteer. Opportunities exist along the North Cascades Highway corridor and in Stehekin. “Volunteers are integral to park operations,” explained North Cascades National Park Complex Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “And volunteering is a fun way to be healthy and outside with friends and family while surrounded by the beauty of the North Cascades.”
Opportunities along the North Cascades Highway corridor
To learn more about the following North Cascades Highway corridor opportunities, or sign-up, contact Michael Brondi, Volunteer Coordinator, at or 360-854-7275.
July 11: Diablo Lake Overlook Plant Restoration (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) Restore a native plant community at the Diablo Lake Overlook on Highway 20. Join park staff in the removal of non-native invasive plants in the morning and the collection of seed from native plants in the afternoon.
July 18, August 1, 22: Colonial Creek Campground Restoration (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) Combine a family camping trip with a short volunteer opportunity and naturalist walk. Learn about native plants while pulling non-native plants and gathering seeds for replanting.
October 3: Cascade Pass Vegetation Restoration Hike to one of the most scenic areas of the park to restore native vegetation. This wilderness site is accessed by a moderately strenuous and remarkably scenic hike. Meet at the Cascade Pass parking lot at 9:00 a.m., carry plants and tools along this moderately strenuous 3.7 mile trail, and plant until 3:00 p.m.
Opportunities in Stehekin
Stehekin sits within a scenic valley at the north end of Lake Chelan and is only accessible by float plane, boat, or trail. There is one scheduled volunteer opportunity:
September 18-23: Buckner Orchard Maintenance
Help with a wide variety of work in the historic orchard such as non-native plant removal and apple thinning. In addition, organized groups are invited to visit Stehekin and add a volunteer component to their trip. In many cases the park can provide reimbursement for boat transportation and provide bicycles for local transportation and recreation. If one of the following Stehekin volunteer opportunities matches the skills and interest of your group, contact Vicki Gempko, Natural Resource Manager, at
or 360-854-7365 x 17.
Campground Clean-up and Maintenance
Improve campgrounds by leveling tables, renovating tent pads, and installing new fire grates.
Native Plant Restoration Work
Collect native seed and remove weeds in the historic Buckner Orchard.
Park Building Vegetation Clearing
Protect structures by clearing vegetation around building foundations to reduce the fuel load and keep pests away.
High Bridge Camp Shelter Roof Repair
Replace damaged roof frame materials and cedar shingles and shakes on this historic structure.
Bridge Creek Cabin Stove Pipe Replacement
Hike three miles to this historic cabin and replace the stovepipe.
Buckner Orchard Tractor Shed Replacement
Replace an important Buckner Orchard structure that collapsed under winter snow. Salvage reusable materials and prepare for construction of the new shed.
STAFF PICK
Bring your family to one of four free day trips at the North CascadesEnvironmental Learning Center (June 6, July 19, August 2, September 27)
Ramble through the mossy woods. Hike to a hidden waterfall. Paddle on emerald-green Diablo Lake. Learn more about the North Cascades Institute, its programs and the eco-friendly Learning Center campus. These free Day Trips are easy to enjoy - just lace up your boots, pack your lunch and venture to the campus off Highway 20. Bring personal gear, appropriate clothing, food and water. This is a day program only; participants are responsible for their own lodging and meals off campus.
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Doors open for signup at 8:30 a.m. for the following activities:
Forest and Waterfall Hikes
Gently paced, naturalist-led hikes depart from the Learning Center office. Visitors may hike independently as well.
Diablo Lake Canoeing
Voyager canoe trips are weather-dependent and first come, first served. Twelve passengers maximum per trip; must be over six years of age. Prior experience is not necessary and all canoeing equipment will be provided.
The North Cascades are calling and there are numerous opportunities for you to become involved as a park volunteer. Opportunities exist along the North Cascades Highway corridor and in Stehekin. “Volunteers are integral to park operations,” explained North Cascades National Park Complex Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “And volunteering is a fun way to be healthy and outside with friends and family while surrounded by the beauty of the North Cascades.”
Dow Jones
