The Fight to Save America's Last Wilderness

The story of one of the most stunning and untouched stretches of wilderness in the United States- Washington's North Cascades.

📷 Gear I used to make this video:

Further Reading:
Pacific Northwest Seismic Network - Cascadia Subduction Zone:
John Muir - Our National Parks
John Muir - Steep Trails

Archival Articles:

Images:

Graphics:

The links above are affiliate links, from which I gain a small monetary compensation when purchases are made. They help keep the lights on ;)

[ahadmerchant]

Im always so unbelievably jealous of the USA's landscape and geography. I live in the UK and while there are very "pretty" parts of the UK (I'm going lake district in 4 days time myself!), it doesn't quite compare to the jaw dropping views of the national parks.

[stevehaney]

I live in Washington State and have spent much time in the North Cascades. Thanks for this thoughtful and beautiful video. It's a great reminder of the beauty and wonder of nature and something we should never take for granted.

[Crazard]

Aidin's content is an absolute gem of film-making and storytelling. It's so rare to see creators go above and beyond to show both past, and future implications of Earth macrocosms. It may be a small peak into the window of our impact, but it's a hell of a view. Bravo!

[georgekamenov_]

That shot of the marker rolling as you're explaining about the tsunami reaching Japan was so subtle but so clever!!! Man, any time you upload a new video I can't help but feel inspired. Your channel is one of my absolute all time favorites when it comes to filmmaking. The way you're able to combine beautiful travel film visuals with engaging and informational storytelling, and keeping it at such a high quality every time... Honestly man, I can't really explain how important your work is to some of us. There's so much a person can learn from what you share, so genuinely - thank you!

[jack_evoniuk]

Mt. Rainier really is stunning. Even from Seattle, over 50 miles away, it blows me away how much of the horizon it takes up.

[michaelroark]

I live on the Olympic peninsula of Washington state and can definitely say that it is one of the most beautiful places on Earth because of the mountains, verdant coniferous forests, azure bays and seas with islands.

I have been to the North Cascades National Park and have seen the ethereal landscapes of rocky mountains and lakes which have an alpine character. One difference in the trees from where I live is the slender, almost tookpick shape of trees in the North Cascades because of the heavy snowfall there bending the limbs. Where I live near Discovery Bay there is much less snow so the boughs don't bend down but create wider trees. It is a magnificent place in either location with fascinating ecological differences.

[PossiblyNic]

As someone who has spent their whole life right below of Mt. Baker, it really is a blessing that people fought so hard for this. It truly is a magical place.

[Shuksanaudio]

I'm so happy to have grown up in Bellingham. These mountains make me cry when I see them for the first time every time I leave town and come back again. So many memories out there. This video was so well done and the footage just reminded me more and more why I love living here and will never leave. Incredible work, Aidin!

[quarantums]

Wunderful video! I live in Switzerland, where almost all of the Alps are not wild anymore. We sadly just recently struck down two proposed national parks for similar reasons that were relevant back then. It's very nice to see what could have been and that there are places in the world who decided to do the right thing. Can't wait to visit some day!

[sswindler]

I’ve missed the Pacific Northwest since I left a year ago. Things have changed a lot there in the past 6-8 years.. I found peace in those forests, the west side will always have a piece of my heart.

Thank you for the video!

[troopa]

I am always blown away by the absolute pure quality and effort you must put into these awe inspiring videos, keep up the hard work

❤

[CoachBal]

As someone who has been able to grow up in the pnw I feel so unbelievably blessed after watching this video

[ETsJohnIRL]

Those of us who live along the Cascades thank you. Your work, as always, is compelling.

[thevet]

Grew up in the cascades, rode motorcycles, hunted, camped, fished, hiked and even trained with the Army within the mountain range. A great experience, as long as people are allowed to enjoy it.

[TheAride]

Aidin, it's so honorable of you to put so much time and effort into presenting such critical issues. As an European who's had plenty of opportunities to visit the US, I was in constant awe and bewilderment as to how bountiful the natural beauty is. Hard to say which part of the US was my favorite, but the North Cascades are definitely up there among Grand Tetons or Glacier NP. It's something really worth preserving. We have natural wonders in Europe, sure, so what struck me most was the sheer scale of wilderness which is a stark, otherworldly difference as compared to the congestion in Europe. This feeling of solitude in such an enormous land was undoubtedly the greatest and most valuable experience I've ever had an I sure hope US citizens won't take that national treasure for granted because I sure miss it like hell when being back home across the ocean. The silence, the purity, the grandeur of it all and what it all does to the soul... It's all borderline paranormal. Do not ever take these places for granted. Keep spreading the good word of preservation my brother and keep proudly marching down the trails I currently can't.

[kaspz_]

i have watched a handful of your videos now...and words cant describe how good they are.The music, the scenery, the clips, the history lessons, its all combined to make something absolutely magnificent.This is the type of content i love.

[programrl.plsnuts]

His videos keep getting better, better, and better. The fact he isn't one of the most renowned documentary youtubers is mind-blowing, and it needs to change. Full support, you've amazed many

[davkumi]

We spent the summer of 1970 exploring the North Cascades. We used "Routes and Rocks, a hikers guide to the North Cascades". The book was part of the struggle to make it a park. A special season in our life together in a very special and precious place.🥰

[daniellerpace]

I grew up in the shadow of the North Cascades and will never stop being in awe of their beauty: there's just something magical about those wilderness areas. As soon as I could drive I was spending as much of my free time as I could in those woods--hiking, stargazing, or even just sitting and enjoying the view. Thank you for talking about this beautiful place and thank you for using the native names for the mountains!

[caitlinbauer]

My husband and I lived in Seattle for 4 years (recently moved to the East Coast after purchasing a more affordable home and an attempt to save money as we weather this economy). It was NOT an easy decision because this area of the PNW is honestly magical. It's the only word I can use to describe it. I've come to various life-altering decisions hiking these trails. You can't help it - it brings it out of people. The North Cascades has a special place in our hearts. Every summer we'd spend a weekend in the Cascades and never ONCE did I tire of it. My awe would grow with every visit. It's awe-inspiring, humbling, and grounding. It makes me feel the most alive and human I've ever felt.

While we're now living in what's probably the most beautiful area of the East Coast (right outside the Smoky Mountains), sometimes I struggle to appreciate its beauty because it simply doesn't compare to anything in WA, and certainly not the Cascades. I don't get the same feelings and it's a bit sad. My heart swells every time I see videos of the Cascades (and Olympics, and Rainer, and Mt. Baker). I hope a few years from now we have the opportunity to move back because it's where I really want to be. But given the cost of living, constant political unrest, unaffordability of housing, and worry of 'the big one', a LOT of factors would have to fall into place for us to return. But even so, I've made my Husband promise we can visit every few years so that I can get my fix. For now, I will enjoy videos like yours. I learned so much I didn't know about Cascades through your video - thank you for all the effort you put into it :)