Family Vacations Afloat!
Ross Lake Resort has a series of floating cabins on fjord-like waters. The reservoir extends some 20 miles north of Ross Dam into Canada, opening a wonder-world to families, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and camping. It’s open from June into October.(206-386-4437) or www.rosslakeresort.com

Little Skippers Cruise
While in Skamania County, take a tour of the Bonneville dam and jump aboard a sternwheeler for a “little skippers cruise,” where kids’ tickets are half regular price. Call Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at 360-274-2100.

Easy Family Living at Lakeside Resort
Can’t keep the kids out of the water? Campbell’s Resort on Lake Chelan offers packages that include a deluxe waterfront room, free meals for kids 12 and under, passes to Slidewaters water park and free transportation to and from the park ( www.campbellsresort.com). The resort also offers children’s fishing classes, Monart drawing classes, swimming lessons, and evening campfire entertainment by jugglers and magicians.

Family Paddling
Paddle around in a three-person kayak! Outdoor Odysseys out of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island takes families on kayaking adventures. Kids as young as 5 can take a three-hour tour to Dinner Island to spot marine animals such as Harbor Seals and very rare Minke Whales. One-day trips and 35 day trips are also available for older kids, and provide excellent whale watching opportunities. Call 360-378-3533 or visit www.outdoorodysseys.com for more information.

Wave Running and Kneeboarding
Potholes Reservoir State Park offers something quite remarkable for teens, a chance to camp in the desert and canoe or waterski between sand dunes and islands. Fishing and wildlife watching here are excellent. (www.parks.wa.gov/potholes) Wave runner and kneeboard rentals are available at nearby businesses ( 509-346-2528).

Check This Out, Dude
In the blustery but totally rad Columbia Gorge, you can rent everything you need and take lessons to prepare for sail-boarding. (windsurf.gorge.net/WINDSURF.HTM)