Visit Holden Village

REST & RENEWAL

Welcoming All to the Wilderness

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.

Pricing

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.

Standard Rates

Jan 1-jun 2, Aug 24-Dec 31
Length of StayAdults (18+)Youth (4-17)
1-6 Nights$105/night$81/night
7+ Nights$90/night$69/night

Peak Season Rates

jun 3-Aug 23
Length of StayAdults (18+)Youth (4-17)
1-6 Nights$137/night$96/night
7+ Nights$118/night$82/night

Transport Days and Boat Options

Since Holden Village is extremely remote, busing to and from Lucerne (the dock for boats getting in and out of Holden) is available at a limited capacity. From January to May and October to December, Holden transport runs on Mondays, Wednesday, Friday, and Sundays. From June through September, transport is also available Saturdays. Visits should be planned around days with transport available.

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, which depart from 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 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.

How To Visit

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.

Explore What Holden Has To Offer

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, it’s historic lodging, and the dining options.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about visiting Holden that aren’t answered by these FAQs, feel free to email registrar@holdenvillage.org.

What is the deposit for booking a visit to Holden?

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.

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Yes!

Holden is a year-round retreat center. With an average snowfall of about 270 inches and a winter staff community of about 60 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 not be accessible for people with physical disabilities. 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 cause Holden to cancel transportation.

No, guests do not have access to Wi-Fi and the Village is outside cell coverage.

Holden has a landline available for emergencies and one computer for limited data usage.

What Holden provides:

  • Linens and towels
  • Free laundry facilities and detergent (summer only)
  • Some hiking, camping, and fishing equipment available for check-out

 

What to pack:

  • Masks/face coverings
  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Flashlight/headlamp
  • Cell phone as a camera/alarm clock (Enjoy time in the Village to unplug and connect in person! There is no cell service or Wi-Fi for guest devices at Holden. A laptop in the Library provides community internet access if needed, limited to 20 minutes per use.)

 

Summer Packing:

  • Warm jacket (summer temperatures still dip into the 40s at night)
  • Lightweight casual clothing (summer day temperatures hover in the 70-80s, but can often be hotter)
  • Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
  • Light rain gear
  • Bathrobe – bathrooms are located at the end of each guest lodge hallway
  • Bug Repellent
  • Swim Suit

 

Winter Packing:

  • Have readily at hand (not tucked away in your luggage) cold-weather clothing for the 40-minute bus ride between Lucerne (where you’ll leave the boat) and Holden Village
  • Bring extra medications and other essential personal items that you would need if weather conditions prolong your stay in the Village
  • Warm clothing layers and waterproof outerwear (temperatures generally hover in the 20s and 30s but it can get colder)
  • Bathrobe – bathrooms are located at the end of each guest lodge hallway
  • Snow boots
  • Snow/Ice traction devices (some are available to borrow and more available to purchase in the store)
  • Children’s helmets for sledding (some are available to borrow)

 

What to leave at home:

  • Hair dryers and curling irons (These items strain our hydroelectric plant.)
  • Pets (However, service animals are permitted in the Village.)
  • Firearms (Holden does not allow firearms, including hunting rifles, in the Village or on our transportation. For hunters, please note that Holden also does not transport or store game.)
  • Illegal drugs (Because the Village is located on federal land, marijuana is also illegal, and its use will not be tolerated.)
  • Candles and/or incense
  • Glass (Not recyclable.)

No! 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. While Holden is rooted in the Lutheran Christian tradition, all faith traditions are celebrated and welcomed into this community. Non-Christians can feel comfortable in an atmosphere of mutual acceptance and conversation. We celebrate the unity and diversity of the church, all humanity, and all creation. All are welcome! Learn more about our Mission, Vision, and Values here.

Holden Village has a Village Medic as well as a First Aid Station equipped to handle basic needs as they arise. 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 in most weather conditions, However, 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 regards 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 70F – 80F although it can often be hotter. Temperatures still dip into the 40s at night. Winter temperatures generally hover between 20F – 30F 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.

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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 diapers you must also pack them out.

Any guest 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.

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Read more about Holden’s historic lodges.

Read more about the Holden kitchen. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated.

Education

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.