In the grandeur of the North Cascades, moonless nights with clear skies offer fantastic opportunities to capture vivid images of the galaxy.

Join photographer Andy Porter — an award-winning Skagit Valley photographer based in Skagit Valley whose photographs have been featured in the Smithsonian Museum, books and calendars — on this small-group evening expedition to capture images of the Milky Way on a moonless night in North Cascades National Park.

We’ll begin the adventure with a delicious, organic dinner and short evening workshop on the Art of Night Photography at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. Then we’ll head a short distance to Diablo Overlook where Andy will guide us in capturing our own images of the night sky.

You will need to bring your own camera equipment including a DSLR camera, wide-angle lens (preferably 14 to 24 mm), sturdy tripod and a cable release.

Most participants choose to stay in our guest lodges at the Environmental Learning Center after our evening adventure, an option that includes overnight accommodations and breakfast, lunch and a guided naturalist activity the following day. There is also a commuter rate available that includes dinner on Friday if you prefer to camp or travel back home — choose “Cost No Lodging” during checkout.