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North Cascades and San Juan Islands Area Activities

While you’re in the area for river rafting, there's so much more to see and do in the North Cascades and San Juan Islands area. Here are some other recommendations for things to do to make your getaway complete...

Festivals	Tours
Hiking	Restaurants
Rafting	Wineries and Wine Tasting
Family Fun	Wine Tasting Events

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Festivals (Map)

June

Burlington Berry Dairy Days - June 18-21

July

Sedro-Woolley Loggerodeo - July 1-5
Skagit Valley Highland Games - July 11-12
Darrington Bluegrass Festival - July 17-19

August

Anacortes Arts Festival - August 7-9

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Hiking (Map)

Safety Tips

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-timer, whether you're delicate and dainty or strong and strapping, whether you're taking a quick frolic or an extended expedition, here are several essential items and preparations to always keep in mind while hiking:

Before you embark on any hiking adventure, plan it first. Make sure you know: where you're going; what to expect; and when you plan to start and finish the trail. Leave an itinerary behind with someone. Also, never go hiking alone.

Learn the local rules and regulations for parking, camping, and building fires.

Respect the wilderness and wildlife. LEAVE NO TRACE.

Remember to bring the essential gear which is appropriate for your hiking trip, including but not limited to: an area map; a compass; seasonal clothing; food and extra water; a flashlight; waterproof matches or fire starter; a first aid kit; a whistle; a pocket knife; sunscreen; and/or insect repellent.

Additional Resources: For maps of North Cascades National Park or more specific regions, contact the Outdoor Recreation Information Center at the downtown Seattle REI. For park passes, visit Northwest Forest Pass and Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permit. Be sure you need the pass or permit before you buy it. For any other questions or for more information, contact the North Cascades National Park Visitor Centers.

Recommended: Desolation Peak
Length: 13.6 miles
Directions:
Go east on Hwy 20 past Marblemount, Washington. Turn left onto Diablo Dam. Turn immediately right into the Ross Lake Resort parking area. From there, take a ferry to the Ross Lake Water Taxi, which services the trailheads.
About:
Desolation Peak gained its fame from the tales of Jack Kerouac, in his book Desolation Angels, while he was working for the National Forest Service there. Nowadays, book fans and hiking adventurers alike still journey out to this truly desolate locale. Desolation Peak Trail features a burned hillside and, still farther up into the tortuous ascent, streams and lakes seem a distant luxury. Forget your Camelbak and regret it! Be sure to tote a copy of Kerouac to complement the fantastic views from Desolation Peak itself.
Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead

Lookout Mountain
Length: 9.4 miles
Directions:
Go east on Hwy 20. On the east side of Marblemount, Washington turn right onto Cascade River Road, which immediately crosses the Skagit River on a steel trussle bridge. Go 6.5 miles to the trailhead on the left, just before the border of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
About:
Not for the short-of-breath, the Lookout Mountain Trail climbs a staggering 4,000 feet from trailhead to summit. Precarious switchbacks scale through gorgeous old-growth forests, which later open up into broad meadows bursting forth with wildflowers and alpine life. As the name suggests, the apex of the hiking trail delivers nothing short of the most breath-taking views of the Cascades.
Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead

Sourdough Mountain
Length: 11.5 miles
Directions:
Go east on Hwy 20 past Marblemount, Washington. Turn left at Diablo, near mile marker 126. The trailhead is behind the swimming pool at the end of town.
About:
Like the Lookout Mountain Trail, this path is dauntingly steep, rising 5,100 feet in just 5.7 miles. Huff and climb through great forests of douglas fir, interrupted by occasional subalpine meadows. However, the payoff is worth all the pain. Panoramics at the peak of Sourdough Mountain stretch in every direction, with photo-ops of Colonial Peak, Snowfield Peak, and the Picketts amongst the rolling ranges of the Cascades.
Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead

Thunder Creek
Length: 38.8 miles
Directions:
Go east on Hwy 20 past Marblemount, Washington. Turn right at mile marker 130 (Colonial Creek Campground). The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot above the boat ramp.
About:
A traditional North Cascades hiking route, the Thunder Creek Trail tours old-growth forests all the way to Lake Chelan. Plenty of trekkers go a few miles and turn around, while the western red cedars and views of icy, glacial peaks line the entirety of the trail. If you plan to rough it for a while, numerous campsites dot the valley.
Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead

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Boating

Rafting With Blue Sky Outfitters!

The Skagit River is a Northwest classic and we offer both whitewater and float trips year-round. If you're journeying through the North Cascades on the Cascade Loop, you'll find the Methow River on the other side for spring and early summer adventure.

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Family Fun (Map)

Skagit Childrens Museum
Burlington, Washington
Phone: (360) 757-8888
Through educational exhibits and events, the Museum provides a hands-on learning and explorational experience for children from birth through eight years old. Exhibits Include: 21 foot Tug Boat, Sand Pit, Saltwater Aquarium, Semi-Truck, 10' Crane, Farmer's Community Market, River with Fishing, Splash Wall, Toddler Farmyard, Reading Area, Art Studio, Drama Stage, Lights & Electricity Zone, plus a Party Room and Classroom!

Tulip Country Bike Tours
Mt. Vernon, Washington
Phone: 360-424-7461
The signature tour is customized each day for weather and field bloom. We make stops at select display gardens, view open fields, stop at a local garden cafe for a hearty lunch and experience the festival from a locals perspective.

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Tours (Map)

Anacortes Kayak Tours Anacortes, Washington Phone: 1-800-992-1801 If you're driving the Cascade Loop, join these guys for kayaking in the San Juan islands.
Deception Pass Tours Anacortes, Washington Phone: 888-909-TOURS (8687) Deception Pass is the most photographed attraction in Washington State. Learn about Deception Pass, the Bridge and surrounding area on this amazing tour aboard the "Island Whaler." Enjoy the thrill of the fast jet boat through Deception Pass with a knowledgable interpreter.
Alki Tours Seattle, Washington Phone: 206-935-6848 For more than 15 years, our daily goal at Alki Tours Worldwide has been to deliver the highest quality, best value and exceptional service to our family of travelers, every single time. Our mission is to inspire, inform and equip travelers on tours that are fun, affordable and culturally broadening. We value travel as a powerful way to better understand and contribute to the world in which we live. We strive to deliver a first class travel experience, with unique itineraries all while stretching your travel dollar further than its ever gone.

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Restaurants (Map)

Our choices for great food:

Marblemount Diner
60147 State Rte 20
Marblemount, Washington
Phone:360-873-4503

Al & Lori welcome you to their new restaurant in Marblemount.
Saturdays & Sundays: open for breakfast with buffet 8:00AM-11:00AM.
Monday, Thursday, & Fridays: 11:00AM-8:00PM.
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday.

Dave at the Chamber says, "Great Coffee!"

Buffalo Run Restaurant
60084 State Rte 20
Marblemount, Washington
Phone:360-873-2461

Buffalo Run Restaurant features exotic meats such as buffalo, venison, elk, and ostrich, in addition to more traditional fare such as beef, pork, chicken, fish, pasta, and vegetarian dishes. Salad bar with home made soups, salads, and dressings.

Cascadian Farm Roadside Stand
55749 Highway 20
Rockport, Washington
Phone: 360-853-8173
Offering organic fruits and vegetables, as well as coffee, ice cream, and more.

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Wineries and Wine Tasting (Map)

Washington's known for its wineries and the Skagit Valley is another great location to visit some of what the state has to offer.

Glacier Peak Winery
58575 State Route 20
Rockport, Washington
Phone: 360-873-4073

Five acres along the Skagit River specialize in Pinot Noir, Agria and a rare German grape called Siegerrebe. They also offer Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.

Glacier Peak is host to our new
Skagit River Wine Tasting Float Trips!

Challenger Ridge Vineyard & Cellars
43095 Challenger Rd.
Concrete, Washington
Phone:425-422-6988

Challenger Ridge Vineyard & Cellars is the largest Pinot Noir Vineyard in Washington State.  This 67 acre Estate is becoming a destination winery with plans for wine bungalows, amphitheatre, bed & breakfast, fishing excursions, jet boat rides and spa facilities.  A beautiful selection of red and white wines including award winning blends and Pinot Noirs.

Eagle Haven Winery
8243 Sims Road
Sedro Woolley, Washington
Phone:360-856-6248

Eagle Haven Winery is located in the foothills of the North Cascades in the Skagit River Valley where fertile soils and mountain streams combine to create a very rich agricultural region which produces wines which are truly special. Among its unique Washington wines, Eagle Haven Winery features a Silver Medal winning Madeline Angevine Siegerrebe and a Bronze Medal Sangiovese.
Carpenter Creek Winery
20376 E. Hickox Rd.
Mount Vernon, Washington
Phone:(360) 848-6673

Carpenter Creek Winery has been producing premium, handcrafted wine in the Beautiful Skagit Valley since 2001. Situated on seven acres at the end of a country lane in Mount Vernon, Washington, our facility is nestled amongst tall fir and cedar groves just far enough off the beaten path. With our namesake gently burbling in the background, this is an idyllic place to sample fine wines, to come for a vineyard/winery tour or event, or to simply enjoy a picnic along the beautiful banks of Carpenter Creek.


Tulip Valley Vineyard and Orchard
16163 State Route 536
Mt Vernon, Washington
Phone:(360) 428-6894

Home of the well-known Red Barn Red, a hearty blend of Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, as well as several unique varieties of Washington apple cider.

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Other Skagit Valley Wine Tasting Events

June

"Gertrude's Hearse" Opens the Summer Music Series at Eagle Haven Winery
June 26, 2009
6-9pm

Don't miss this inaugural music event that opens the Summer Music Series at Eagle Haven Winery. If you haven't heard Gertrude's Hearse before, get ready for a musical feast! If you have, you know how well they will fit at this unique winery with their 'certified Honky, Rock, Folk & Grass'.

July

Winemakers Dinner Theatre at Challenger Ridge Winery
July 18, 2009
3:30-8:30pm

Join Challenger Ridge in their vineyard for a four course meal paired with wine for each course. This elegant wine tasting event also features Events on the Edge Productions, Spirit of Washington Dinner Train Theatre Group, for a Murder Mystery Dinner!
$90 per person/$75 Wine Club Members
Call Rachel at (425) 422-6988 to reserve your space!

August

Winemakers Dinner Theatre at Challenger Ridge Winery
August 1, 2009
3:30-8:30pm

Join Challenger Ridge in their vineyard for a four course meal paired with wine for each course. This elegant wine tasting event also features Events on the Edge Productions, Spirit of Washington Dinner Train Theatre Group, for a Murder Mystery Dinner!
$90 per person/$75 Wine Club Members
Call Rachel at (425) 422-6988 to reserve your space!

Vintage Mustangs in the Vineyard! at Eagle Haven Winery
August 15, 2009
10am-4pm

Pass the time at Eagle Haven with selections of our Estate wines, food, and music while reliving the days of these great Mustangs, then head up to Challenger Ridge Winery for their annual "Classic Corvettes in the Vineyard"

Classic Corvettes in the Vineyard! at Challenger Ridge Winery
August 15, 2009
10am-4pm

Come see these beautiful Corvettes parked among the vines and enjoy music, food and and Jet Boat Rides! Fun for the whole family!

October

Harvest & Crush Party at Challenger Ridge Winery
October 10, 2009
11am-5pm

This party is getting bigger every year! BBQ, Live Music, Jet Boat Rides, Pumpkin Carving, Pumpkin Bowling, Wine Tasting, Winery Tours and Stomping of the Grapes with your Bare Feet! Also featuring The Troy Fair Band!

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Online Booking Now Available!

Click on any of the links below to check available dates, book your trip, and ask us any questions.

Or, if you'd prefer, feel free to give us a call at (206)938-4030 or (800)228-RAFT or send us an . We'd be happy to help you plan the perfect trip.