Group Rentals

A sustainable venue inside a national park

North Cascades Institute, a nonprofit organization devoted to conserving and restoring Northwest ecosystems, invites you to join us at the Learning Center for meetings, retreats and celebrations 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, understanding, and connection to the natural world as well as each other.

We welcome business conferences, weddings and reunions, board retreats, staff trainings and other gatherings. We offer:

• Lodging for up to 92 guests

• Catering and meals featuring foods of our region

• Meetings spaces, outdoor shelters, lounges and library

• Hiking, canoeing and guided nature activities

• Audio-visual equipment and wireless internet access

• Proceeds benefit youth environmental education

Please call us anytime to learn more about the Learning Center and the opportunities it can offer your organization or company. For a personal tour, rate and availability information or other questions, please contact Justin Wallace, Group Rentals Coordinator, at 206-526-2565 or justin_wallace@ncascades.org .

Facilities and accommodations

Learning Center classrooms, labs and libraries offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and provide excellent conference space and meeting accommodations. The spirit of the campus is one of refined, understated natural beauty. Throughout interior and outside spaces, the natural world and striking landscape of the North Cascades are close and accessible. Snow-capped peaks tower overhead. High country ravens circle the Douglas firs and sightings of a variety of plants and wildlife are just outside your door.

North Cascades Environmental Learning Center is an intimate, comfortable setting that accommodates people with a wide range of interests and physical abilities. Lodges, public areas and many trails are wheelchair accessible.

Facilities include:

• Our main classroom provides flexible meeting space for up to 50 people. It includes tables, chair, whiteboards and internet connection.

• Three outdoor teaching shelters, nestled in wooded settings along accessible trails, provide settings for break out sessions and small group work

• Sleeping accommodations in 23 rooms with single beds configured bunk style (4 per room)

• Library: This cozy, informal gathering space is perfect for reading and reflection. A dramatic hand-crafted conference table provides seating for 12 people. Note: the library is always open to all groups on campus.

• Salmonberry Dining Hall serves delectable meals featuring regional foods, served buffet style, overlooking Diablo Lake. Seats 70 inside plus an outdoor deck and fireplace.



Accommodations feature three European-style lodges (Fir, Cedar and Pine) feature guest rooms and shared gender-specific bathrooms with private showers. Rooms are configured with with four beds, bunk-style. Bedrooms also include wireless internet, writing desks and built-in wardrobes. Two lodges (Fir and Cedar) have a lounge area with sofas, chairs and a limited kitchenette -- perfect for relaxing and late night conversations. Linens (pillow, sheets, blanket and towels) are supplied.

Meals and food service

We offer three excellent meals a day, served buffet style in the lakeside Salmonberry Dining Hall. Our staff prepare delectable meals which showcase the fresh and flavorful foods of the Skagit River watershed -- our "foodshed." Special menus, including vegetarian or other dietary needs, as well as wine and beer service are available with advance notice. We would be happy to provide recent sample menus.

Outdoor activities

Just outside your door, a network of hiking trails link to a larger network of adjacent National Park Service trails, perfect for a short walk or a launching point to a longer expedition. A one-mile hike leads to spectacular views of a mountain waterfall along Sourdough Creek. An afternoon hike will take you along the Diablo Lake Trail to Ross Dam. We also offer kayak and canoe access to Diablo Lake and nearby Seattle City Light walk-on ferry access to Ross Lake. Experienced staff naturalists serve as highly qualified teaching guides, providing informal natural history education that adds depth and meaning to the conference experience.

Download Group Rentals brochure (pdf)

For more information, please contact:
Justin Wallace, Group Rentals Coordinator
North Cascades Institute
206-526-2565
justin_wallace@ncascades.org