Crater Lake Lodge Again Opens Doors

One of the West’s most famous lodges, at Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon, is open again after a six-year, $15 million renovation.

First opened in 1915, the rustic lodge - a mix of American Arts and Crafts, Adirondack and Mission styles - has had a major overhaul, including the rebuilding of the Great Hall wing and the installation of new utility systems.

All rooms have either lake or valley views, and loft rooms have views of both. Rates start at $99 double; loft rooms for up to four people are $169. (The season ends Oct. 14.) Call (503) 594-2511.

Short takes: Bits and pieces from around the Northwest:

The nightly laser light festival at Grand Coulee Dam is now operating; for information, call (509) 633-3074.

Red Lion hotels around the West are adding coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards to all rooms, eliminating telephone access fees for credit card and tollfree calls, and designating 70 percent of their rooms as nonsmoking.

A free guide of places to stay in British Columbia is now available, featuring 160 pages of information on hotels, motels, B&Bs, resorts, campgrounds, inns and RV parks. Call Discover British Columbia at (800) 663-6000.

Flight and fancy: The Victoria Butterfly Gardens give visitors the opportunity to observe hundreds of butterflies and moths from around the world in a lush tropical atrium. Located near Butchart Gardens, attractions include self- or staffguided tours and the “emerging room” where your can watch the butterflies and moths emerging from their metamorphoses. Call (604) 652-3822 for more information.

Bargains and discounts: Alaska Wildland Adventures offers discounts on its early season trips. The company’s tent and cabin safaris include 10 days of tent camping, rafting, hiking and wildlife viewing in the Kenai Fjords and Denali national parks. The campout, also 10 days, includes the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, a ferry trip across Prince Williams Sound, and three days in WrangellSt. Elias National Park.

The June 26 tent and cabin safari is $1,447 per person, based on double occupancy; the June 16 campout is $947. For information, call (800) 334-8730.

Book report: New books of interest to Northwest travelers:

AlaskaPass Inc.’s 1995 edition of “Suggested Travel Itineraries and Lodging Directory” is now available for $5, refundable with the purchase of a travelpass. The guide gives tips on best using the pass, which allows unlimited travel on Alaska ferries, buses and trains, while the lodging directory lists B&Bs, hotels, motels and hostels recommended by previous passholders. Call (800) 248-7598 for more information.

“Unforgettable Pacific Northwest Camping Vacations” features seven suggested camping vacations around the region, from the Oregon coast to Eastern Washington.

The $10.95 book, published by Ki2 Enterprises, isn’t fancy, but it’s got a lot of interesting ideas for places to visit, plus useful information on campgrounds. The author, Kiki Canniff, has written 10 books on Northwest Recreation.

Hot stuff: Wanderlust Tours is offering guided trips to several locations in Oregon’s high desert region, ranging from lava fields to fossils to craters.

The emphasis is on low-impact traveling with respect for natural soundings. Each trip includes narration on subjects such as native cultures, pioneer history, geology and botany, wildlife ecology and forest biodiversity. For information, call (800) 661-5878 or (503) 389-8359.

MEMO: Send information about travel opportunities around the Pacific Northwest to: Travel Editor, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.