Rent Some History Lighthouse, Fort Among Eight Sites Available

Looking for an unusual place to hold a reunion or get married? Consider renting a lighthouse or military fort.

The Northhead Lighthouse in Fort Canby State Park and Battery 246 in Fort Columbia State Park are among eight historic places that have been opened to the public by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

The lighthouse and fort each require a minimum reservation fee of $100. Other locations cost from $24 to $250. For more information, call (360) 902-8612.

Short takes: Bits and pieces from around the Northwest:

The annual Laser Light Festival at Grand Coulee Dam is next weekend, kicking off the summer’s laser light shows. The free shows on the dam’s spillway face are held every night, at 10 p.m. through July 31; at 9:30 p.m. in August; and at 8:30 p.m. in September. For more information, call (509) 633-3074.

Shuttle van service on the Stehekin Valley Road in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area begins May 15, providing access to trailheads and other points of interest. For information, call the National Park Service at (360) 856-5703, extension 14.

The Portland Rose Festival runs from May 30 through July 14, with the grand parade on June 8. There are 75 other events: a carnival, air show, concerts and more. Phone (503) 227-2681.

Seaplane travel: Kenmore Air, based near Seattle, has announced new destinations that include the Canadian Gulf Islands and the Princess Louisa Inlet, in addition to usual flights from Seattle to the San Juan Islands, Victoria and various fishing locations.

To receive a free copy of the 1996 schedule, contact Kenmore Air at (800) 543-9595 or (206) 486-1257.

Follow Lewis and Clark: Voyageur Outward Bound School is offering summer courses that will allow students to follow in the footsteps of explorers Lewis and Clark in the Centennial Mountains of Montana. Participants must be over 16.

The backpacking courses are eight to 22 days long. Students will also have the opportunity to do rock climbing and learn wilderness skills.

For more information or a catalog, call (800) 328-2943.

On foot or by bike: Take a bicycle or walking tour with Progessive Travels, a Seattle company that offers trips from June through September.

The walking tour takes place in the Olympic Peninsula and lasts seven days. The cost is $1,495. For those who would rather pedal, a six-day tour of Oregon’s Willamette River valley is offered; the cost is $1,745.

For a catalog or more information, call (800) 245-2229.

There be whales: Search for whales this spring and summer on daily trips offered by Island Mariner Cruises, based in Bellingham.

The cruises will run every Saturday and Sunday from May 25 through Sept. 8, plus Tuesdays and Thursdays in July and August. The cost is $45 for adults, $35 for children, and $40 for seniors. For information or reservations, call (360) 734-8866.

Grizzly rafting: Join the Canadian Outback Adventure Co. and Adventure Travel Associates on a rafting trip down the Babine River in British Columbia. Between stretches of white water, rafters can watch grizzly bears feeding on the river banks.

Other trips feature heli-hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding and sea kayaking.

For a free brochure, contact the Canadian Outback Adventure Company at (800) 565-TREK or Adventure Travel Associates at (800) 667-4744.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: We’re always interested in hearing about travel opportunities and events around the Pacific Northwest. Send information to: Travel Editor, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.