ENVS 437: North Cascades Wilderness
Image
This course has filled for 2026. Thank you for your interest!
Dates: August 3 - 12, 2026
Location: North Cascades National Park (Camping)
Faculty: Nick Engelfried
2 credits
Prerequisites: None
This field-based class explores the intersections of environmental issues, social justice, and global citizenship in the North Cascades. Students will spend one day in the front country and 9 days immersed in a backcountry setting in North Cascades National Park, learning about the human, natural, and not-so-natural history of one the largest wild landscapes in the contiguous U.S.
This course is open to students of all majors and there are no prerequisites. It is also open to community members with instructor permission.
Informational Meeting Date: August 1
Preparatory hiking at Western: August 3
Dates in North Cascades National Park: August 4 - 12
Expectations of Participants and Preparation for Travel
Students should be prepared to hike approximately four to seven miles per day while in the backcountry, including substantial elevation gain and with a heavy backpack. Students are expected to participate in all class activities to the best of their ability, and to abide by the conduct code.
Students will be sleeping in tents while in the field. You are welcome to bring their own tent or use the provided two to four person tents. Meals are provided.
Let faculty know about any accommodation needs, dietary restrictions or any other health or wellness concerns. Alternatively, you can work with the Disability Access Center to discuss accommodations. More information is available on the Study USA application.
Estimated Costs
| In-State Tuition | |
|---|---|
| Tuition (In-State) | $632.00 |
| Program Fees | $250.00 |
| Non-Refundable Deposit | $500.00 |
| Estimated Other Fees | $36.30 |
| Estimated Non-Billable (i.e. equipment, personal snacks, etc.) | $300.00 |
| Total Estimated Program Expense | $1,718.30 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | |
|---|---|
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $1,008.00 |
| Program Fees | $250.00 |
| Non-Refundable Deposit | $500.00 |
| Estimated Other Fees | $104.20 |
| Estimated Non-Billable (i.e. equipment, personal snacks, etc.) | $300.00 |
| Total Estimated Program Expense | $2,162.20 |
Important Note
If you are interested in financial aid for this course, we recommend you start this process as early as possible. Contact financial aid to go over your options.