The Henry M. Jackson Hydroelectric Project in Sultan features a powerhouse nearly eight miles from its dam and reservoir. Four turbine generator units produce 112 megawatts of electricity, enough power for 28,000 homes. Their water supply is from nearby Spadea Lake that also has picnic sites. Families are welcome, however children must be 5th grade or older to take the tour. Handicap accessible. Schedule an appointment four weeks in advance; call Michelle Robbins at 425-783-8668.

At Ice Harbor Lock & Dam and Visitor Center, electricity is generated while boat and barge traffic pass through the second largest navigational lock in the world. Watch the many species of fish from the viewing room and tour the powerhouse. Explore exhibits including local American Indian artifacts and fish ladders. Located just outside Pasco on Highway 12, on the Snake River and Lake Sacajawea. The dam is open all year and offers free admission. Visitor Center open April-September. Call 509-547-7781.

Explore the remote Skagit River Gorge high in the North Cascades wilderness. Travel by motorcoach across massive Diablo Dam and board the Alice Ross III for a cruise on emerald green, Diablo Lake. View cascading waterfalls, fagged snow-capped mountain peaks, alpine vistas and abundant wildlife. Two-and-a-half-hour escoreted tours depart from the Skagit Information Center in Newhalem. Operates seasonally June through September. Visit this unique "company town," one of the last of its kind in the country and shop at the Skagit General Store, an employee commissary, now open to the public. Contact 206-684-3030 or online at www.skagittours.com

Grand Coulee Dam is one of the world's largest producers of hydroelectric power and one of the largest concrete structures in the world (just short of a mile). The 3rd power house tour is open daily, on the hour, starting at 10 a.m. Last tour is at 5 p.m. The Visitor Center is open from February-November, 7 days a week. Extended hours offered Memorial Day until the end of September. Grand Coulee is located 85 miles northeast of Spokane. For information and tours contact the Visitor's Center at 509-633-9265.

Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Chief Joseph Dam has the nation's longest straight-line powerhouse. It's nearly a half mile long. In addition to public tours, Rufus Woods Lake offers many recreation opportunities including viewpoints with exhibits, picnic areas, trails, beach volleyball court, campgrounds, and free public boat launch. The 51-mile-long lake is a heaven for fishing and wildlife viewers. Located near Bridgeport on Highway 17. For more information call 509-686-5501 or visit the web site at www.nws.usace.army.mil/opdiv/cj/chiefjo.htm.