Family Getaways — North Cascades Institute

Now registering for 5 weekends in July and August!

Connect with your family—and nature too—on the shores of Diablo Lake. Spend quality time together while enjoying the invigorating mountain air and starry night skies of North Cascades National Park, one of the most spectacular wilderness landscapes in all of North America. Situated on the wooded shores of Diablo Lake in the heart of North Cascades National Park—3 hours from Seattle or 2 from Bellingham—the Environmental Learning Center beckons with inspiring design, cozy lodges, access to the lake and network of trails. Institute naturalists provide daily hands-on activities to engage people of all ages. You'll return home knowing more about this special place and feeling inspired, refreshed and grateful for new family memories!

Family Getaways Sample Activities

Hike to Sourdough Waterfall
Learning about the old-growth forest
Treasure hunt in the surrounding forest and lakeshore
Learn how to navigate by map and compass
Discover the tiny critters living in Diablo Lake
North Cascades natural history trivia
Learn about nocturnal animals on a nighttime adventure
Find the Big Dipper in the night sky using a star wheel

Activities change throughout the year depending on the weather, seasonal opportunities, group interest and abilities.

We welcome groups that include parents, grandparents, children, guardians, aunts and uncles and nontraditional families. Children ages two and younger can be added to the family registration at no charge. Children are the responsibility of a parent throughout the program.

Scholarships are available for Family Getaways! Please visit our Scholarship page for more information or call (360) 854-2599.

Coronavirus Safety during your stay

North Cascades Institute is committed to the safety of our staff, guests and community. Please review our Coronavirus Safety Precautions for the latest information.

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