Tips on Methow trip, kayak voyage

From a Q&A about Northwest travel with Times travel staff.

Q: We're looking to take a family getaway to Methow Valley/Winthrop this summer. We have two little boys (4 and 7) and wonder about things we should not miss.

— Truman Sparks, Seattle

A: That's a great trip with kids, and while the drive can be long, there are excellent places to stop on the way. Make your drive a loop — go the North Cascades Highway one direction and return via Blewett Pass/Interstate 90. Along the North Cascades (Highway 20), stop for a quick and almost level hike at Rainy Pass — it's very kid friendly, it's paved, has interpretive signs, and ends at beautiful little Rainy Lake in about one mile.

In Winthrop, don't miss the little local-history Shafer Museum, with old-time pioneer buildings, including a school house and general store. If it's hot in Winthrop, go swimming at nearby Pearrygin Lake State Park.

For more information on this driving route, the "Cascade Loop": www.cascadeloop.com.

— Kristin Jackson

— Aren, Seattle

A: It certainly is possible, though you don't specify your level of experience on the water, so I have to lead off with the standard warning (learned firsthand in kayak and boats of varying sizes over 20 years): The San Juans are gorgeous, but the tides and currents can be tricky, if not treacherous, for the uninitiated. A great introduction is a guided overnight trip with one of the reputable guide services; one I've used and liked is Friday Harbor-based Sea Quest Expeditions (www.sea-quest-kayak.com).

If you go on your own, check out the Washington Water Trails Association, a great resource group for independent paddlers. Its Web site includes a page on trip planning, and details on the Cascadia Marine Trail, with kayaker-specific campsites in the San Juans. (Join WWTA, starting at $25, to get full details: www.wwta.org).

— Brian Cantwell