CHELAN, WA. January 23, 2026 - Over the past few weeks we have been working closely with our partners at the US Forest Service (USFS), Chelan County, and others to ensure repairs to Forest Service Road (FSR) 8301 and the reopening of Holden Village to guests and staff happen as soon as possible. USFS is leading this process. They are doing everything they can to put this on the fastest possible path, and we will continue to advocate wherever possible for Holden’s quickest, fullest recovery. However, the repair process will be long and contingent on many variables that are out of our control.
For now, we can share that we do not anticipate being open to guests for summer 2026. Fall and winter 2026-2027 are too far out to know at this time. Our recovery timelines will not be fully known until snow melts this spring, and surveyors and engineers are able to assess the full extent of the damages to FSR 8301. Even after the assessment, the repairs could be impacted by various factors, including fire seasons or process delays, which could stretch recovery work well into 2027 or beyond. We will continue to share updates as we know them, as well as opportunities for support as things unfold.
In the meantime, we are working closely with the Holden Village Board of Directors, as well as staff, volunteers, and partners to provide continuity to the mission, vision, and values of Holden Village. We are busy preparing new opportunities to grow from the love of Christ, connect as courageous community, and renew relationships with God, the earth, and each other. The beauty of Holden is reflected in how many events and gatherings have already taken place since we had to evacuate following the landslides. We may not be able to welcome people into the Glacier Peak Wilderness, but we are all welcomed into the wilderness of this unknown time with the Holy Spirit and each other, even as our beloved Village sits quieter than usual.
As we move into a new phase of response and recovery, we acknowledge the grief and ambiguity that are connected to this season of Holden's life together. There are cherished gatherings, longtime traditions, meaningful connections, and more that will be missed in this time. Once again, Holden is reminded that we are not beyond the reach of what it means to share this Earth. For many involved directly in the evacuations and aftermath, the trauma is real and lingers in our bodies. Healing will take time, and the support of this community is deeply appreciated by all who are navigating the difficulties of this season. Amidst this grief, we know we are held in love, and lean on this Beloved Community.
We have great hope in knowing that Holden has weathered many difficult storms in our long and storied past. Storms that some worried would be the end of our beloved Village. But we are resilient. Our faith in our Creator and each other have carried us through before. We have no doubt they will again, and we find peace knowing we will be on this journey together.
Elise & Bjørn Peterson
Holden Village Executive Directors