Conferences and Retreats

Group Accommodations and Learning Opportunities at our Lakeside Mountain Venue

North Cascades Institute invites you to reserve space at the Environmental Learning Center for gatherings of all kinds: 

  • Family Reunions and Celebrations
  • School and Company Retreats
  • Leadership and Board Meetings
  • Speaker Events and Seminars
  • Trainings and Workshops

Nestled on the forested shores of Diablo Lake—just 3 hours from Seattle and 2 from Bellingham—our award-winning, green-built venue offers a unique and inspiring setting for your next gathering. Surrounded by soaring peaks, towering trees, and cascading creeks, it's a place where groups can slow down, connect, and be inspired by the natural world. The Environmental Learning Center offers: 

  • Lodging for up to 92 guests, including bed and bath linens
  • Delicious meals served in our lakeside dining hall
  • Meeting spaces, outdoor shelters, lounges and a library
  • Hiking, canoeing and guided learning activities
  • Lodges and public areas are wheelchair accessible
  • High-speed wireless internet and audio-visual equipment
  • Onsite coordinator to help with your event
  • Proceeds benefit youth environmental education

Booking Options

We are currently booking for limited Fall 2025 dates and new Spring 2026 dates. To learn about specific dates and details of booking your gathering, please contact Group Programs Specialist Meg Sharples at 360-854-2583 or use our Request Information Form.  
   
Please note our conference and retreat offering requires a minimum 10 guests in a group and that we will not be hosting weddings in 2025 and 2026.


  • Discover_ELC

    Facilities & Dining

    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.

  • 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.