How to Visit

The North Cascades Environmental Learning Center is located approximately 75 miles east of Interstate 5, at milepost 127.5 on the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20), on Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park. The drive is slow but scenic as the highway winds through small towns along the Skagit River corridor. If traffic is light, we recommend allowing three hours travel time from Seattle, two hours from Bellingham and one-and-a-half hours from Winthrop.

Visit our Visitors Info page for a map, current weather and webcam images from the region.

How to get here

From West of the Cascades: take Interstate 5 to exit 230, North Cascades Highway/State Route 20 East. Drive 65 miles to Diablo Dam Road, milepost 127.5. Turn left, drive over Diablo Dam and park at the end of the road in the lot to your right. Estimated time from Seattle: 3 hrs, Bellingham: 2 hrs, Sedro-Woolley: 1.5 hrs.

From East of the Cascades take North Cascades Highway/State Route 20 West. Drive 35 miles west from Washington Pass to Diablo Dam Road, milepost 127.5. Drive over Diablo Dam and park at the end of the road in the lot to your right. Estimated time from Winthrop: 1.5 hrs.

Tours, Rentals and Reservations

The best way to experience the Environmental Learning Center is by enrolling for one of our many programs, including Base Camp, Family Getaways and Skagit Tours.

The Institute also hosts special events for organizations and our Conferences and Retreats offers groups facilities and staff services for conferences, trainings, reunions and retreats.