Take a free guided day trip in the North Cascades
Published 10:14 pm Sunday, July 6, 2008
Problem: With gas prices mountain high, a drive to the Cascades may feel like an expensive day trip — one full tank of gas too many.
Tip: Fortunately, the North Cascades Institute is offering free guided excursions at its scenic Learning Center, nestled on glacier-fed Diablo Lake in the North Cascades.
Canoeing and hiking trips are on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-up begins at the Learning Center office at 8:30 a.m. the day of the activity, with trips scheduled on July 12 and 19, Aug. 2, 9 and 23, and Sept. 6 and 13.
Diablo Lake canoeing trips accommodate 12 people. All passengers must be at least 6 years old. The trips, which are weather dependent, last two hours. No prior canoeing experience is required, and all equipment is provided. Trips leave at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Meanwhile, a naturalist from the North Cascades Institute leads three hikes, leaving from the Learning Center office at 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. The gently paced hikes may take people on a scramble to a hidden waterfall beyond a forest trail.
Heading east on Highway 20 from I-5, the Learning Center can be found by turning onto Diablo Dam Road, at mile marker 127.5.
For more information, go to www.ncascades.org or call 360-856-5700, ext. 209.
Herald Staff
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