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North Cascades and San Juan Islands Area ActivitiesWhile 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 (Map)JuneBurlington Berry Dairy Days - June 18-21 JulySedro-Woolley Loggerodeo - July 1-5 AugustAnacortes Arts Festival - August 7-9 Hiking (Map)Safety Tips
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 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. Family Fun (Map)
Tours (Map)
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!" 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. 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. 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. Other Skagit Valley Wine Tasting EventsJune"Gertrude's Hearse" Opens the Summer Music Series at Eagle Haven Winery JulyWinemakers Dinner Theatre at Challenger Ridge Winery AugustWinemakers Dinner Theatre at Challenger Ridge Winery OctoberHarvest & Crush Party at Challenger Ridge Winery 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.  Washington White Water Rafting
 Wenatchee Whitewater River Rafting - Wenatchee River Full Day Trip - Wenatchee River Express Half Day Trip - Wenatachee - Whitewater & Wine Tours - Wenatchee / Methow River Overnighter Methow Whitewater River Rafting - Methow River - Black Canyon Day Trip - Wenatchee / Methow River Overnighter White Salmon Whitewater River Rafting - White Salmon River Full Day Trip Tieton Whitewater River Rafting - Tieton River Full Day Trip Skagit River Scenic Float Trips - Bald Eagle Viewing Float Trips WA Whitewater Rafting Guide School - Blue Sky Outfitters Raft Guide Training
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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.
