Nestled in the mountains of the beautiful Glacier Peak Wilderness, Holden Village welcomes all people into the wilderness to form and renew their relationships with God, the earth, and each other. Whether joining for the excitement of summer programming or prefer a more quiet winter retreat, Holden Village invites you to join us in the beauty of the North Cascades any time of year.
Since Holden strives to welcome all, the price to visitors is kept low and hasn’t been increased since 2017. Most of Holden’s operational budget is accrued through support. In 2015, the Holden Access Fund was created to assist those who wish to visit but don’t have the financial capacity to do so.
Holden pricing includes full room, board, access to programming and hiking gear, as well as transport to and from Lucerne. There are no additional taxes or fees. The only add-on costs may include craft supplies, a dollar or two for ice cream, or items purchased in the store. Read about Holden’s deposit and cancellation policies.
| Length of Stay | Adults (18+) | Youth (4-17) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-6 Nights | $105/night | $81/night |
| 7+ Nights | $90/night | $69/night |
| Length of Stay | Adults (18+) | Youth (4-17) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-6 Nights | $137/night | $96/night |
| 7+ Nights | $118/night | $82/night |
Holden Village provides transport between Lucerne, the dock which leads up to Holden, and the Village on a limited basis. Only one trip per scheduled day is available. Guests should plan their arrival and departure days accordingly. From January to May and October to December, Holden transport runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. From June through September, transport is also available Saturdays.
There are two boat companies that stop at Lucerne, Lake Chelan Boat Co. and Stehekin Ferry. On the way Uplake, the trip entering in the Village, Holden recommends booking with Lake Chelan Boat Co. either the Lady of the Lake or the Lady Express boat, which depart from both Chelan and Field’s Point Landing. On the way Downlake, the trip departing the Village, the Stehekin Ferry is the fastest option for getting to Field’s Point Landing, its final destination. If Chelan is the preferred destination, then booking through Lake Chelan Boat Co. is the only option.
Holden transport departs the Village in the morning, typically between 9 and 10 a.m., arriving at Lucerne with ample time for those departing to make either the Stehekin Ferry or Lady of the Lake boats. Transport stays at Lucerne until the Lady of the Lake boats have arrived. Those entering entering the Village can expect to arrive between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. where lunch awaits.
Holden Village does not coordinate boat tickets for guests. Visit the boat company pages for the most accurate and up-to-date information on boat times.
Learn more about the different ways of traveling to and from Holden, the perfect place to stay on the way in and out of the Village, as well as how to take advantage of group pricing.
Holden is fun for the whole family with a diversity of programs available in arts, education, and outdoor recreation. Learn about the accessibility of the Village, its historic lodging, and the dining options.
If you have any questions about visiting Holden that aren’t answered by these FAQs, feel free to email registrar@holdenvillage.org.
At the time of booking, your credit card will be charged a deposit equal to the amount of one night’s stay.
Cancellations that take place at least a full week before the booking begins will be fully refunded, including the deposit. Cancellations within seven days of the stay will be charged a $25 per person cancellation fee.
Yes! Holden is a year-round retreat center. With an average snowfall of about 270 inches and a winter staff community of 50 to 80 people, the winter season offers special opportunities for renewal. However, due to the extreme snowfall in the Railroad Creek Valley each winter, the Village may be challenging to navigate for people with physical disabilities. Travel to and from the Village may also be difficult. Check mountain pass information and Washington State travel alerts before winter travel to Holden. Please note that there is an increased risk of avalanche danger throughout winter, which may require Holden to cancel transportation between Lake Chelan and the Village.
Guests do not have personal access to WiFi and the Village is outside cell coverage.
Holden has a landline available for emergencies and a shared computer in the library for limited data usage. For those personal logins that require two-factor authentication, access on the shared computer will only be available by the use of a Third Party Authenticator such as Microsoft Mobile Authenticator Application or Google Authenticator). This service must be set up prior to arrival in the Village.
What Holden provides:
Year-Round Basics:
Summer Packing
Winter Packing
What to leave at home:
The mission statement of Holden Village calls us to “welcome all people into the wilderness.” This means everybody! Holden Village welcomes and embraces people of all races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. Holden is rooted in the Lutheran Christian tradition and all faith traditions are celebrated and welcomed into this community. Everyone can feel comfortable in an atmosphere of mutual acceptance and conversation. Each day we celebrate the unity and diversity of the church, all humanity, and the whole of creation in Sacred Space, a brief devotional moment usually in the evening. All are welcome! Read more about faith and spirituality at Holden as well as the Village’s mission, vision, and values.
Holden Village has a Village Medic as well as a First Aid Station equipped to handle basic needs. Common over-the-counter medications are located next to the First Aid Station and some are available for purchase in the Holden Store.
The Village is not well equipped to handle medical emergencies on site. Emergency evacuations are possible, but due to our isolated location, evacuation can take many hours or even days in winter. Helicopter evacuation, if available, is very expensive and you are responsible for the cost.
If you have any questions about coming to Holden in regard to your health, please contact your doctor and/or the Village Medic before finalizing your visit. If you use medication, be sure to bring more than enough for your stay, including an extra 5-10 day supply in the event of possible delays leaving the Village. Learn more about Health & Safety at Holden Village.
Be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and conditions depending on the season in which you visit.
Summer daytime temperatures are usually in 70°F – 80°F although it can often be hotter. Temperatures still dip into the 40s at night. Winter temperatures generally hover between 20°F – 30°F but it can get colder. The average annual snowfall at Holden Village is 270 inches.
Read more about seasonal changes at and find current conditions and the forecast for Holden Village on our weather page.
No. However, service animals are permitted in the Village. Notify Registration in advance if you plan on bringing a service dog. There are no restrictions about where the dog can be, but the dog must be leashed at all times and the owner is required to pick up after the dog as they would in any public environment. Holden’s remote location excludes the possibility of veterinary care. Should the dog need medical services, they would need to seek care outside the Village.
Holden has youth programming available throughout the summer. Read more about visiting as a family.
Volunteering at Holden Village with your family is also a possibility. Learn more about the Family Option.
Holden provides cloth diapers and diaper service for no additional charge. Visitors should indicate that they’ll need diaper service when making their reservation.
If you bring your own disposable diapers you must also pack them out.
Guests over the age of 21 may bring alcoholic beverages into the Village. We request that you limit the enjoyment of these products to your living space or the porch of your lodge. Providing alcohol to persons under 21 or drinking alcohol under the age of 21 is not allowed.
Holden Village is located on federal land, so marijuana is illegal and therefore not allowed.
Read more about volunteering at Holden.
Read more about Holden’s historic lodges.
Holden’s diet utilizes mainly local & organic produce, whole grains, legumes, and occasional fish & meat options. Read more about the Holden kitchen.
Yes! Holden can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and preferences, including vegan and gluten free. You are invited to describe your dietary needs during the registration process and when you arrive in the Village.
Learn about the journey of getting to Holden.
Holden Village is a community where your questions are valued and encouraged. Most programs led by visiting teaching faculty occur during the summer months. However, Holden also invites faculty to teach sessions for special events and retreats throughout the rest of the year.
View upcoming summer faculty.
