North Cascades Institute (360.854.2599, www.ncascades.org) offers a wealth of courses and experiences throughout northwest Washington. Many programs take place right in the heart of North Cascades National Park at North Cascades Environmental Learning Center on the north shoreline of Diablo Lake. Programs include bird watching expeditions, photography classes, mountain hikes, and educational discussions. Cost is anywhere from $125 to $250 per day. Meals and lodging are often included at the Learning Center campus.
Stehekin Outfitters (800.536.0745, www.stehekinoutfitters.com), located in Stehekin at the head of Lake Chelan, provides unique opportunities to explore the North Cascades. They offer hiking trips (~$150/day), horseback rides ($50, 2.5 hours), kayak tours ($35), and whitewater rafting adventures ($50).
Biking: Bikes are only allowed on park roads. Road cyclists have one option: North Cascades Highway. Traffic is manageable, but the elevation gain is sure to make your thighs burn. Bicycling is also a great way to explore Stehekin Valley Road. Bicycles can be brought aboard the Chelan Lake Ferry ($12/one-way, $24/roundtrip) or you can rent one from Discovery Bikes (rkscutt@gmail.com, www.stehekindiscoverybikes.com). Rentals cost $4 (hour), $20 (8am – 5pm), and $25 (24 hours).
Fishing: Stehekin Fishing Adventures (www.stehekinfishingadventures.com) offers guided fishing trips on Lake Chelan and around Stehekin Valley. Rates are $130 – 195/person (half-day) and $210 – 295/person (full-day).
Opportunities for mountaineering, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are also available at North Cascades. Refer to the What’s Nearby section for a list of the park’s approved outfitters.