Located in the heart of Washington’s North Cascades Mountains near the beautiful Glacier Peak Wilderness, Holden Village is an iconic retreat center that is accessible only by a multi-stage journey. On this page, you will find more information about the location and how you can get there. Start planning your visit today and make a reservation if you haven’t already.
Map artwork by Elizabeth Person
Holden Village is a remote wilderness retreat center that sits in the mountains on the north end of Lake Chelan. The town of Chelan, Washington is the closest community (an approximately 4-hour drive from Sea-Tac airport in good weather), but no roads connect Chelan directly to the Village.
The Village is accessible only by boat or foot!
This gives visitors the chance to take a scenic two-to-four hour ferry boat ride or hike in via the Cascade Mountains. Boat passengers land at Lucerne, The Port of Holden Village and finish their journey with an 11-mile ride (40 minutes) in a Holden Village vehicle. Please note that Holden Village transportation meets the boat only on days when pre-registered visitors arrive or depart.
Throughout the year, the schedule for Holden Transport from Lucerne, The Port of Holden Village changes with the seasonal ferry boat schedule.
See Seasonal Transport Schedules for Arriving and Departing the Village for more information.
Whether you’re taking your own car or renting one, the first step you’ll need to take is to drive to one of two boat docks. Click here for driving directions and parking information.
Traveling from far away? Looking for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to reach Holden? Find what you need to know here.
If not traveling by boat, the only other way to get to Holden Village is to hike. Get information on popular hikes and other important hiking information here.
Holden Village is a remote wilderness destination. Winter travel can be affected by snow. Click here to get important information you’ll need if traveling to Holden in the winter.
Please let us know if you need more information or help planning your journey to Holden Village. Email registrar@holdenvillage.org
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.
