Family Getaways

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 intergenerational learning and new family memories!

Family Getaways Sample Activities

• Hike to Sourdough Creek Waterfall
• Learn 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.

Family Getaways was ideal for us as we were able to spend time doing what we love in the outdoors, with three generations of our family: my son, my husband and my dad. There are few organizations that offer this multi-generational experience and do it so well, with activities that are meaningful for each age." —Gena

We welcome groups that include parents, grandparents, children, guardians, aunts and uncles, and nontraditional families. Children under 3 years old 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.

2026 Dates