Conferences and Retreats

North Cascades Institute invites you to reserve space at the Learning Center for gatherings of all kinds. Located on the wooded shores of Diablo Lake in the heart of North Cascades National Park, this unique, green-built venue inspires reflection and connection to the natural world as well as to each other. Welcoming conferences, events, retreats, workshops, trainings, reunions and other gatherings, our venue offers: 

  • Lodging for up to 92 guests, including bed and bath linens
  • Delicious meals served in our lakeside dining hall
  • Conference rooms, outdoor shelters, lounges and a library
  • Guided canoeing and hiking opportunities
  • High-speed wireless Internet and audio-visual equipment
  • An onsite coordinator to help with your event
  • Proceeds benefit youth environmental education

Booking Options

We are currently scheduling 2024 and 2025 conferences, retreats and other group functions.To learn more about these dates, please contact Lindsey McBride, call 360-854-2585 or use our Request Information Form.

Available Dates:

  • June 11-15, 2025
  • July 9-11, 2025
  • July 23-25, 2025
  • August 6-8, 2025
  • August 13-17, 2025

Please note that we will not be hosting weddings in 2025 and 2026. 

  • Discover_ELC

    Facilities

    The Learning Center is a hub of discovery for all ages in one of the wildest, most biologically diverse landscapes in North America. From this green-built base camp, you can explore cascading streams and pristine peaks, wildflower meadows and old-growth forests.

  • Dining

    Dining

    We offer three fresh and flavorful meals a day, served buffet-style in our lakeside Salmonberry Dining Hall, accommodating vegetarian and other dietary restrictions.

  • Discover_ELC

    Activities

    We’re always excited to help people explore, learn, and appreciate the ecosystems of the North Cascades. During your stay, our experienced staff naturalists serve as teaching guides, providing informal natural history education that adds depth and meaning to your retreat experience.

  • Wilderness Medical Courses

    Wilderness Medical Courses

    Medical skill-building courses for individuals working or playing in a remote or wilderness settings, hosted at the Environmental Learning Center.