In the summer, you can float eight miles of the upper Skagit River through North Cascades National Park [1], where the water is a bit rougher, but nothing over class III. It’s a good beginning river for white-water enthusiasts and a perfect run to take the little ones—kids ages six and up are welcome.
Try Alpine Adventures (800/723-8386, www.alpineadventures.com [2], $79) or Orion Expeditions (800/553-7466, http://orionexp.com [3], $85). Both firms offer experienced guides—Orion is a little pricier because it serves a buffet lunch after the trip.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/north-cascades/north-cascades-highway/north-cascades-national-park
[2] http://www.alpineadventures.com
[3] http://orionexp.com