Tours

North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. Come here for information on park hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, climbing, boat rentals, and fishing, as well as classroom education and hands-on nature experiences. Guided tours staged from the center include lake and dam tours, mountain climbs, pack-train excursions, and guided canoe trips on Diablo Lake. Other choices range from forest ecology and backpacking trips to writing and art retreats. Family getaway weekends in summer are a fun way to unplug from technology and introduce kids to nature. There's also a research library, a dock on Diablo Lake, an amphitheater, and overnight lodging. The center is operated by the North Cascades Institute, in partnership with the National Parks Service and Seattle City Light. 1940 Diablo Dam Rd., Diablo, Washington, 98283. 360/854–2599; 206/526–2599; www.ncascades.org. Day programs from $65; overnight lodging (including meals) from $210 per couple.