Properties
Places to Gather, Celebrate, and Belong
Nature Friends LA offers two unique properties designed for connection, celebration, and retreat. Our main lodge in Sierra Madre sits at the edge of the San Gabriel Mountains, offering rustic charm, open-air gathering spaces, and a welcoming setting for weddings and events. Just a couple hours away, our mountain cabin in the San Jacinto range provides a more secluded, back-to-nature experience—perfect for quiet getaways, small group retreats, and time spent surrounded by forest and fresh air.
As part of a larger network, members also enjoy access to other Nature Friends properties, including a lodge near Muir Woods National Monument, the historic Oakland lodge in Oakland, and the scenic Heidleman Lodge not far from Lake Tahoe. Together, these spaces create a broader community rooted in nature, hospitality, and shared experience.
Members also have access to hundreds of properties throughout Europe via the Nature Friends International network.
Clubhouse Property, Sierra Madre
The clubhouse site has been a place for celebrations and gatherings for over 100 years, and today it continues that tradition as a unique outdoor venue for weddings and events. Though the original clubhouse was lost in the Eaton Fire, and while we plan to rebuild, the venue has been thoughtfully adapted in the meantime into a beautiful open-air setting. The space includes a bar and kitchen, multiple bandstands for live music and performances, a biergarten-style dining area, tiered seating that flows naturally from ceremony to reception to celebration, WiFi, a sound system, event lighting, and other useful amenities for hosting memorable gatherings.
Surrounded by California native flowers and the wilderness of the Angeles National Forest, the setting feels secluded, romantic, and deeply connected to nature. Birds, lizards, butterflies, squirrels, bobcats, deer, and even the occasional bear move through the landscape, creating an atmosphere that feels alive, immersive, and truly unforgettable.
The Dormitory, Sierra Madre
Our dormitory offers a comfortable and flexible option for overnight stays, making it a great complement to events, retreats, and member visits, while also being available for simple overnight stays even when no event is taking place. The space includes two private rooms for overnight guests, each with a full bed and its own complete bathroom, providing a more quiet and self-contained stay.
In addition, there is a shared bunk room with multiple bedding options, allowing for a range of group sizes and sleeping arrangements. Overnight guests also have access to the kitchen area for the preparation of breakfast and lunch, making it easy to start the day and enjoy casual meals on site. Whether hosting a gathering or simply staying the night, the dormitory is designed to be practical, welcoming, and easy to use, giving guests a convenient place to rest while enjoying the property.
The Cabin, San Jacinto
Our cabin is one of the special perks of Nature Friends LA membership. Tucked away in the San Jacinto Mountains, it gives members and their guests access to a quiet, rustic retreat surrounded by forest, fresh air, open skies, and breathtaking views.
The cabin is a simple, comfortable place for weekend getaways, small retreats, hiking trips, and time spent outdoors. It is ideal for members who want to unplug, cook together, share meals, enjoy the mountain scenery, and reconnect with nature in a peaceful setting away from the city. While the cabin is typically reserved for members and their guests, it may occasionally be available for rental by select groups seeking a private and authentic mountain retreat experience.
Other Lodges and Retreats around the world
As part of Nature Friends LA, members are connected to a broader network of properties throughout California and around the world. This includes historic lodges and retreats such as Nature Friends San Francisco, the Oakland lodge in Oakland, and the scenic Heidleman Lodge.
Internationally, Nature Friends properties can be found throughout Europe, offering unique opportunities to stay in rustic lodges, meet like-minded travelers, and experience new landscapes in an affordable and community-oriented way. For members, this network expands the experience beyond a single location, creating access to a wide range of destinations rooted in nature, tradition, and shared values.
