Getting to Holden

An Exceptional Journey

How to get to Holden Village

Located in the heart of Washington’s North Cascades Mountains near the beautiful Glacier Peak Wilderness, Holden Village is accessible by a multi-stage journey. On this page, you will find more information about the location and how you can get there.

Where Is Holden Village Located?

The town of Chelan, Washington is the closest city (an approximately 4-hour drive from Sea-Tac airport in good weather), but no roads connect Chelan directly to the Village. Holden 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.

Map artwork by Elizabeth Person

Flying to Washington State

Taking the Train to Wenatchee

Driving to a Boat Dock

If you are traveling in your own car or renting one from an airport, you will travel to either:

We recommend that you park at Field’s Point Landing, which is supervised by Holden Village staff members and includes restrooms and limited concessions. 

Plan to arrive 30 to 40 minutes before the boat departure time so you have time to take your luggage to the dock, pay for a parking permit, and park your car.

Travel Tip: The boat to Holden leaves early in the morning, most people arrive in Chelan or Wenatchee and find overnight lodging a day prior to their arrival in the Village. The Holden Bed & Breakfast offers comfortable accommodations and is a great nearby option.

Taking Public Transit to Chelan Dock

Winter Travel

Hiking To or Through Holden

By Car Then Boat

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.

Public Transport (Planes, Trains, Buses) Then Boat

Traveling from far away? Looking for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to reach Holden? Find what you need to know here.

By Hiking

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.

Winter Travel

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.

Need More Info?

Please let us know if you need more information or help planning your journey to Holden Village. Email registrar@holdenvillage.org

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.