In selecting a pre-owned boat, it is very helpful if you are familiar with the various boat brands and their respective reputations for quality, length of time in business, and market share. If you know, for example, that boat is manufactured by a tried and proven boat builder who has a reputation for quality, you will have fewer worries than if the manufacturer has only been in existence for a year or two! Naturally, better made boats are going to hold their price somewhat better than lesser known boats. You should also be aware of the various engines, whether inboard/outboard, straight inboard, or outboard as well as their respective drive units. If there is a certain drive or engine that is known for problems, it would probably be good to avoid. If you are the least bit unsure of this, it will pay to do your research or make contact with a knowledgeable friend in the industry.

Of course, there are certain advantages to buying a new boat versus a pre-owned boat. New boats and engines always come with a manufacturer?s warranty so that you can be certain of your maintenance and repair costs for some period of time, at least. Financing is generally easier on a new boat and the length of the financing period is usually longer on a new boat. Down payments are smaller or non-existent on many new boats. Of course, having that brand new feel and smell and knowing that you are the only family to use it ? also has considerable appeal. That appeal can be expensive, however! Boats depreciate more than 20% in their first year, on average. Many times, if you can find a year old boat in good condition, it may likely be just like a new one and at a much better price. Also, you may find a dealer with prior year models in inventory that can be bought at a discount and still have the new boat warranty, etc. It really pays to shop and to keep your options open.

Your search for a used boat should begin at the dealership of the brand of boat in which you are interested to check out their inventory or new and used boats. From there, it will pay to check out newspaper ads (Sunday editions seem to be more complete), and the local edition of ?Boat Trader? magazine as well as their online version called Boattrader Online - BoattrraderOnline.com One nice feature of the online search tool is the ability to specify a brand, year, and/or price category and then narrow the search to boats in you part of the country.

There are lots of considerations in shopping for a pre-owned boat. Mechanically, you need to ensure that the boat has been maintained and not abused. You can evaluate the number of hours on the engine if it has an hourmeter. The average boat is only run about 60 hours per year of service. An engine with more than 350-400 hours can be expected to require some repair expense in the next year or two. It would pay to have the engine looked at by a qualified technician to get a professional opinion on the engine and it may be worthwhile to pay for a compression check and hookup to a diagnostic computer. Most of today?s engines employ an Electronic Control Module (ECM) computer which keeps track of many metrics on an engine. For example, by hooking up a diagnostic tool to the ECM, a technician can learn the actual engine hours, RPM?s that it has been run at, any electrical, fuel, or mechanical problems that the engine is having. All of this is quite good to know and can usually be had for less and $100. That may be a fee well spent.

It is always a good idea to test drive any boat you are considering before you purchase it, whether it is new or used. All boats tend to look seaworthy when sitting on a trailer or boat rack, and you can only really tell about the adequacy for the engine?s power by driving under a load.

You also need to observe the upholstery and canvas for rips, tears, and worn areas. If the boat is more than a couple of years old and has a wooden floor under carpet, be sure to check for soft spots that may indicate rotting. They should resist the probe of an ice pick if they don?t, there likely is a problem. The fiberglass gelcoat surface should be free from ?dock rash?. A few minor scrapes may be acceptable, but if they are deep enough to go through the colored gelcoat, they may require some expensive fiberglass repair. Be sure to inspect the boat thoroughly.

With a little homework, the decision about whether to buy a new or a pre-owned boat will be easier and, in any event, you will be more confident in making your purchase! Have a great voyage!

Resources: Don Seibert is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and has operated a large marina and boat dealership for the past 10 years. Don has been boating for more than 50 years.

You can get more boating issue exposure and benefit from this experience at More Boating Articles or go to http://Metrics-Publishing.com/Boating

Of course, there?s a long tradition of trolling flies on the surface in the Pacific Northwest. But there?s a move away from trolling (which I do not believe is fly fishing) to casting and retrieving surface poppers in the Pacific Northwest.

First things first, fishing a popper for saltwater salmon is going to lower the number of fish you hook most of the time. If numbers of fish are your goal, I still recommend fishing a sinking line and a baitfish pattern, such as a clouser minnow. Surface fishing in the Pacific Ocean for feeding salmon is not about numbers of salmon hooked. You will have lots of follows, slashes, and boils at your fly. But out of all the interest, most of the salmon will not grab the fly. This is what makes this type of fishing so much fun. You watch the fish follow, and attempt to entice the salmon by slowing down or speeding up the retrieve (some days faster works, other days slower works). It is truly one of the greatest fishing thrills in the Pacific Northwest.

For this fishing, I prefer fishing 30? shooting head fly lines. Fishing surface flies for saltwater salmon offshore of Neah Bay demands long casts. Basically, the more line you can throw, the more fish you will bring to the surface. I believe that shooting head fly lines give you the most distance with the least effort, especially considering a rolling deck and persistent winds. I like a .30 diameter floating running line. It gives you distance but without the tangling drawbacks of amnesia or other running lines. Remember, fly lines in a boat seem to seek out tangles. I use buckets with weighted bases to hold the fly line when casting and stripping the fly back along the surface.

An important part of popper fishing for salmon is the retrieve. I like a steady retrieve that makes the fly slowly wake along the surface, slowly covering productive fish holding water. The slow retrieve also gives following fish more time to make a decision to strike. It seems that fish will stop following once the fly gets within 10-20 feet of the boat (another reason to practice casting). To get this retrieve, I will tuck the fly rod under my arm and do a two-handed retrieve. This retrieve gives the angler more control and allows you to have that steady retrieve the coho salmon seem to love. Of course, like all fishing there are exceptions to every rule, so don't be afraid to pop the surface fly instead of the steady retrieve. It may be just the ticket when the salmon won't go for the typical retrieve. Coho fishing success is all about fishing hard and a willingness to experiment.

Like many forms of fishing that are less effective, popper fishing does require some dedication. Stick with it, even if you know for certain you are going to catch more fish by grabbing your other rod rigged with a sinking line and a baitfish pattern. You will rise coho salmon when you least expect it, and you will gain the most important thing when it comes to popper fishing for coho salmon?. Confidence! Confidence is the key to true success in fishing poppers in the saltwater.

I hope you learned a few things about popper fishing for coho salmon at Neah Bay. It is the most challenging way of hooking feeding salmon in the saltwater.

Chris Bellows, owner of Topwater Charters, Inc, which runs fly fishing charters off the Washington Coast. His websites offer more information about Saltwater Fly Fishing and Neah Bay Halibut Fishing

Bank fishermen can employ nets quite effectively as well. Bank fishermen normally use larger nets than wade fishermen and these nets are equipped with long handles. This way as the fish gets close to the bank, the net can be used to net the fish rather than trying to kick the fish onto dry land or using your hands to grab the fish. Either of these techniques results in fish getting away about 25% of the time. Using a long handled net while bank fishing will result in more fish making it into the cooler, there's no question about that. I've seen handles on bank fisherman's' nets that were easily in excess of eight feet! The length of the handle will depend on your fishing situation.

Boat fishermen use nets to avoid having to “hoist” the fish into the boat. Many times, having to do this will result in lost fish. Netting a fish instead of hoisting the fish into the boat is a way to avoid losing said fish. Not to mention the fact that many of the fish caught while fishing in boats are too big to “hoist” and have to bet netted in order to be lifted into the boat. Boat nets usually have handles long enough to reach from the boat to the water comfortably.

The bottom line is that fishing nets can be quite important to catching fish. Even if you're a catch and release fisherman, netting a fish means that you handle said fish less, which is always a good thing. Remember these less stress we can put on the fish the better, and fishing nets help relieve the stress on the fish.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country?..Montana!

All The JRW Products For One LOW Price…: http://www.jrwfishing.com/starterkit.asp

Start Catching More Fish!! - http://www.jrwfishing.com

Fishing Nets and Creels…. - http://www.jrwfishing.com/netcreels.asp

Cruising in Alaska is mostly seasonal, with the primary months running from May through September. The prices in May and September are generally a bit cheaper since these months are at the edges of acceptable climate conditions.

There are many things to see and do on Alaska cruises. Glacier Bay is one of the most popular destinations for cruise ships in Alaska. Glacier Bay is abundant in wildlife, and you are likely to see seals, Dall sheep, bears, and perhaps even Humpback whales. Trolling around in a massive ship through iceberg infested waters to see some of the most majestic views of glaciers and arctic scenery in the world is a thrill that should not be missed.

Misty Fjords is another great destination for Alaska cruises. The majestic tree covered mountains, trickling waterfalls and unique climactic conditions make this a must see destination. In addition to seeing the beautiful fjords from the cruise ship, excursions include the ability to take a float plane to a remote wilderness lake to truly appreciate the remote Alaskan wilderness.

Besides spectacular scenery in remote places like Glacier Bay, and Misty Fjords, Alaska cruises allow tourists to see many of Alaska?s ports of call such as Juneau, Anchorage and Ketchikan. Further, areas like Sitka teach the vacationers more about native Alaska inhabitants and the wilderness in which they live.

In addition to the unique opportunities an Alaskan cruise provides, the world class fishing in Alaska must be experienced by all serious anglers. You can take sport fishing excursions in places like Anchorage (on the Kenai River), Seward, Ketchikan and Juneau. Fishing for Halibut, Salmon, Trout, Char, Pike, and many other species are available in the off shore excursions. Best of all, these fishing excursions occur out of ports where there is plenty to do for those who aren?t interested in the fishing.

Cruising in Alaska is a unique experience that offers joys not found in any other type of cruise vacation. Unlike typical tropical cruises where much time is spent in open water between occasional stops at tropical islands, cruising in Alaska takes tourists to some of the most spectacular and remote corners of the world where nature?s spectacular and awesome beauty is on full display. Cruises in Alaska allow vacationers to learn about native cultures that have inhabited the region for thousands of years. They show the beauty of the untamed wilderness that Alaska remains. And they allow for world class fishing on trips that aren?t focused solely on the angler. Because of all these benefits, cruising in Alaska offers a far more varied, unique and awe inspiring vacation than more typical cruise destinations.

Rex Ryan maintains the website:

http://www.cheap–cruises.info

It?s just a one-hour flight from Anchorage to reach Chelatna Lake Lodge and you will enjoy the breathtaking views of Delani National Park and Mt. McKinley on your trip to the Alaska Fishing Lodge. As with all of Alaska?s lodges, you will want to bring the camera for memorable pictures of your Alaska Fishing Vacation.

Chelatna Lake Lodge is a fisherman?s experience, providing great fly in fishing for the angler and the unbelievable surroundings found 100 miles northwest of Anchorage. It is here that you can enjoy the natural surroundings of Mt. Russell, Mt. McKinley, and Denali National Park.

Native Rainbow Trout, five species of Salmon, Artic Grayling, Lake Trout, and even Northern Pike inhabit the area waters, proving anglers an opportunity the try for several fish species per visit. If you wish to try your hand at fly-fishing, there are fly fishing classes available. Soon you will be wetting a line and enjoying the catch at the top of Lake Creek.

July through September are the months to book your stay at Chelatna Lake Lodge. The type of fishing will not limit your choice of times, as nearly all species of fish are available from mid-July through the beginning of September. The only exceptions would be Northern Pike in early June through July and Sockeye Salmon from mid-July through mid-August.

The lodging at Chelatna Lake Lodge is as beautiful as the scenery, with Justus Cedar Chalets that come complete with their own bathrooms. The comforts of home can be found not only in the chalets, but also the main lodge and dining area. Panoramic views cap of the day outdoors, as you enjoy delicious meals by the chef. This complete experience makes a stay at Chelatna Lake Lodge on that should be on your list.

Dean Carl has many family members that travel to Alaska to vacation in the beautiful scenery and enjoy a wonderful variety of fishing. His wish is that everyone would experience the thrill of an fishing trip at an Alaska Fishing Lodge.

His articles come courtesy of http://www.alaskafishinglodgelist.com

One another thing you should note is that the types of boat accessories you need to buy will depend to a large extent on the type of boat you choose for yourself. For example, if you choose to buy a fishing boat, you will need to buy accessories which are very much different from the ones used in sail boats or yachts. You should be sure about what you actually need before you go to shop for your favorite boat. I would suggest that you first create a list of the accessories you actually need before you head for the store. This article will inform you which accessories are absolutely necessary and which are not. Based on this data, I hope you will be able to make quick buying decisions!

Essential Boat Accessories You don?t want to be caught out on the water without the right equipment. This could cause some very serious problems that could ruin an otherwise good day. Some of the essential boat accessories that you need to make sure you have before heading out are listed below.

1. Life jackets
2. Anchors and lines
3. Ladders
4. Mirrors
5. Paddles
6. Registration and lettering kits
7. Safety equipment
8. Stabilizers
9. Buoys
10. Lights
11. Maintenance equipment

Each one of these serves a different purpose and is needed to ensure that you have everything you need to keep you safe and help you care for your boat. Always wear your life jackets or at least have them in an area that is easy to access when on the water. You never know when you may need them.

Non-essential Boat Accessories Non-essential boat accessories are the items that you don?t need onboard your boat to be safe. However, they can help you to have a lot more fun or dress the boat up and make it look more attractive. Some of these would include the following.

1. Boat fenders
2. Boat heaters
3. Water skies
4. Wakeboards
5. Wetsuits
6. Radios and speakers
7. Fish finders
8. Swim platforms

These are just a few of the boat accessories that fall into this category. There are many more available. In fact, if you haven?t been shopping for accessories for your boat in a while, you may be surprised at all of the selections that are available.

If you want to increase the value and life of your boat, you should start investing in boat accessories. If at a later date you want to sell your boat, those accessories will increase the value of your boat and you will be able to sell your boat for a substantial amount. Also don't ignore the non-essential items. Because, even adding one non-essential accessory will make a huge difference to your boating experience.

If you need more information about the different types of boating accessories available, we have a complete resource guide available for that purpose. Simply click the link below in my resource box in order to access the free guide.

Join our FREE Newsletter and learn the tips, tricks and resources for financing the boat of your dreams!
Our complete guide to types of boat accessories
You can get more boating tips at: http://boatingtips.info

Identifying your priorities is one of the first things you must do to plan a great fishing trip. Just saying you want great fishing is not good enough you need to be more specific. Great fishing may be perceived differently by each person in your fishing party. One person might be happy with catching 15 fish per day, while another might be expecting 25 fish per hour. So, you need to decide this up front.

2. What type of fish do you want to catch?

While this may seem obvious, it is something that needs to be discussed. One person may want to fish for Grouper and Snapper, while others may want to go bass fishing. Since Grouper and Snapper are salt water fishes, this will really disappoint the bass fisherman as bass are fresh water fishes.

3. What is the weight of the fishing line you be using?

Depending on the type and the size of fish you want to catch you will buy the fishing line of the right weight. If the line is too light, it will snap when the fish is &amplsquofighting&amprsquo with you when it gets hooked or when you haul onto dry land

4. What is the mode of your fishing trip?

Some anglers simply enjoy catching many fish (most any size) hoping to get a few big ones. Other fishermen prefer to catch the biggest fish they can find through minimizing the number of fish caught. You need to decide which is more important to your fishing group… many fish that are not the biggest or less fish which gives a greater chance of a huge one. It should be noted that there are many places where you can do both… catch lots of fish and get some big ones.

5. What is the technique used when you fish?

Do you like to troll? Or drift? Fish in ponds? Deep sea fish? We have witness people wading in 50 feet of water thinking the fish were only a few centimeters from the surface. Unlikely to catch anything this way. Be sure you know the type of fishing your group prefers and that the lake/pond/sea will offer it.

6. Do you need other accessories for fishing?

If you prefer to have your line deep under water, it will be advisable to get a sinker. If you prefer your line not deep under water, a normal size float will be sufficient. If you going to do spinning then you have to look at various fly tackles.

7. What will you do with the fish after it is caught?

Do you want to cook the fish and have a delicious meal with your family or continue to rear it in your fish tank? Some people let the fish go when they are not the recommended size for capture.

8. How long is this fishing trip?

If you fish in the fishing pond there will be a fixed number of hours where you can spend at the ponds. Typically the pond operates two sessions, the day (e.g. 8am-8pm) and the night session (e.g. 8pm-8am). If you rent a fishing boat and go out sea fishing, you will typically spend two-three days on the boat. Make sure you bring with you sufficient fishing equipment, food and drinks and bathing products.

9. How much are you willing to spend for this fishing trip?

Depending on how much you pay will definitely impact on the type of fishing trip you'll have. Be honest. How much do you really want to spend? Are you comfortable renting a fishing boat for great sea fishing? Or would you prefer just to fish in a neighbourhood fishing pond or reservoir?

10. What is the weather going to be like?

Check out the news for the weather forecasts for the next few days. You wouldn&amprsquot want bad weather to dampen your well planned fishing trip.

So, if you really want to have a fabulous fishing trip, get started by planning just exactly what you want out of the trip and how much you are willing to spend. Do this right and you can have the fishing trip of a lifetime.

References Dave Cushion, Choosing The Perfect Fishing Trip Destination

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Raymond Heng specializes in software development, software testing and software safety. He also writes articles on various topics of interest, especially the 10 steps series to solving certain problems and book reviews on favourite authors. To get instant access to all his articles, book reviews, strategies, tools, and resources that he uses in his daily life, visit: http://web.singnet.com.sg/~raindeer/. You can also visit his company “Express Learner” which brings you products to help you build your multiple streams of income.

Too many times stubborness sets in and a little laziness. If the fish aren't biting and you promised the little lady fish that night then you'd better be prepared to do a little work during the slow times! There's nothing worse than getting home and copping a dose of ridicule from your biggest fan!

Bass Fishing Tips

Ever had a day where you cast your line and nothing happens. Come on, you'd be lying if you didn't! Those type of days test even the most experienced bass fishermen but imagine how frustrating they must be for those anglers who have decided to take up this past time for varying reasons to take a break from the wife, for health reasons or to just simply get out and enjoy the environment.

The truth is, most of the time bass don't see it the way you do! One of the best bass fishing tips I received was if nothing is happening, change what you're doing! How much sense does that make? It makes a lot of sense. The old saying of “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result” rings true in most walks of life. It also applies to bass fishing.

Bass Fishing Fact

For beginners intending on fishing a new lake a good tip is to get as much information as you can about the lake. A map detailing the lake's peculiarities such as water depth including shallow areas will give you a good starting point before you cast your first line.

Some Bass Fishing Tips

When things aren't happening and the fish aren't biting consider making a few changes. Too many times anglers will just leave a line in the water and hope the tide will change. Maybe a bass is dumb enough to take pity on you and will just grab your line to help you out a little. Or, you head for the esky and rip a top off your favorite drink and simply wait it out.

No, if things are going to start happening you have to make them happen. There will be days when the bass are just biting on everything you cast at them and there will be days when they are just not interested in what you have to offer. This is when you need to get a little inventive.

Bass Fishing Street Smarts

You can make it happen or at least give yourself every chance to swing things your way. You'll get many bass fishing tips in your life time and probably give out a few as well but the best tip I can give you today is, don't settle for medriocrity when things look bad. That's why it's called fishing!

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. We give you the best bass fishing tip you'll hear all day! Plus, become a bass fishing success with news, tips and techniques at:http://www.bassfishingheaven.com

What if I told you that you could do something truly unique and adventurous, something that the whole family would love? What if I told you that there was a family cruise destination so breathtakingly beautiful and teeming with wildlife that you could spend days captivated at the rail of a cruise ship and still not get enough? Would you be interested? Sure you would.

Few people have visited Alaska without having been changed by the experience. Much of the terrain consists of gorgeous, formidable glaciers and ice fields which cover over 5% of Alaska's land surface.

This natural beauty can be seen from many top tourist destinations of Alaska including Juneau, Valdez, Seward and the Matanuska Valley, but is usually only fully appreciated with an up close and personal view that only a cruise through the inland waterways can afford. From this vantage point you will stand spellbound by tidewater glaciers that reach over 100 ft. in height and the antics of wildlife such as humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, dolphins, brown bears and bald eagles.

In Alaska, there is a multitude of attractions that will keep you coming back for more. Cruise the smooth inland waterways of Alaska and come surprising close to the sheer ice faces of these magnificent, natural phenomenons port at luxuriant destinations complete with fine dining and unique entertainment and make memories that will last a lifetime.

The truth is: The popularity of Alaska glacier cruises is growing in leaps and bounds due to the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska's glaciers and the affordability and wide range of cruise packages available. You can choose from one-day inland cruise packages which are as priced as low as $50 per person to a luxurious six night cruise on a deluxe designer yacht for as little as $4,000 per person. Of course there is a wide range of cruise options that fall between these two extremes. Take for instance the seven day voyage available through a well-known cruise provider. For under $2,000 per person, this trip affords passengers the opportunity to cruise several top Alaskan inside passages aboard a luxuriant cruise liner and port at several top destinations.

As you can see, there is no end to the possibilities associated with Alaska glacier cruises. Why don't you look into the possibilities that these cruises can open up for you and your family? The only thing you have to lose is another boring summer vacation.

A lifelong Alaskan, Ron Richards lives in the beautiful Matanuska Valley. Ron invites you to come and see Alaska. One excellent way to enjoy Alaska is by taking an affordable Alaska cruise. Visit Ron's site at http://www.findanalaskacruise.com.

Lake Wenatchee is centrally located in the state and is accessible from either side of the state via Highway 2. Travelers from the Seattle are will most likely be coming over Stevens Pass in the west, while travelers from Eastern Washington will come via the town of Wenatchee or Blewett Pass. The lake is 244 feet deep at its deepest and is approximately 6 miles in length with just over 13 miles of shoreline. Lake Wenatchee is fed by the White River and the Little Wenatchee River, along with snow run off from the surrounding mountains. Lake Wenatchee empties on the east end into the Wenatchee River which flows down through the towns of Leavenworth, Cashmere, and Wenatchee before emptying into the Columbia River.

Boating and fishing are available on the lake itself, along with camping at a number of different locations. On the shore, right at where the lake drains out into the Wenatchee River, is Lake Wenatchee State Park. The State Park is divided by the Wenatchee River into a north and south section, the south section having the boat dock, beach, and roped off swimming area. The beach area can be crowded on hot summer days with campers and locals alike cooling off in the beautiful mountain water. Before entering the south section of Lake Wenatchee State Park you drive through the Nason Creek Campground. Nason Creek flows through this small campground and then into the Wenatchee River. Just before the entrance to the state park, the road takes a left, if you were to follow this for three to four miles it would lead you to Glacier View Campground near the west end of Lake Wenatchee. Many of Glacier View?s campsites sit right on the shoreline of the lake. There is also a short hike to Lost Lake that starts at a trailhead near the Glacier View Campground. Lost Lake is fishable and provides a wonderful glacier-fed swimming experience. More hiking is available nearer to the State Park via the Nason Creek Trail.

Camping and hiking are also available to the west of Lake Wenatchee up the White River and Little Wenatchee River drainage areas. The campgrounds you find in this area are more primitive in what they offer, but they are also more secluded and private. In this direction you can access hikes that link up with the famous Pacific Coast Trail (PCT) that runs from Canada to California, or take smaller hikes to Twin Lakes and elsewhere. Forest service and logging roads are also plentiful in this area. West of Lake Wenatchee, back on Highway 2, will lead you to Stevens Pass which offers skiing in the wintertime.

To the north of Lake Wenatchee lies Fish Lake and true to its name that is what it is known for. There are many rental opportunities at Fish Lake for both boats and cabins to stay overnight in. Beyond Fish Lake you access the Chiwawa River area known for its trail system which is usable by foot, mountain bike, dirt bike, and horse depending on what area you are in. For the hiker with the longer endurance, trails in this area also network their way over the Entiat and Chelan Mountains extending to Lake Chelan, and the towns of Lucerne, Holden Village, and Stehekin, none of which are accessible by outside roads, and also into the beautiful Entiat River Valley.

Hiking, rock climbing, and camping are available to the south of Lake Wenatchee in the Icicle River Canyon. The Icicle River empties into the Wenatchee River at the town of Leavenworth. Many of the state?s, if not the country?s, most beautiful hiking trails can be found outside of Leavenworth in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. Hiking and camping permits are needed for most parts of this area as a way of limiting the impact of people on this treasured environment. The Icicle Canyon also offers rock climbing possibilities at a number of sites. Hiking and snowmobiling are available activities in the Blewett Pass region which is also south of Lake Wenatchee. The town of Leavenworth is a shopper?s paradise with its Bavarian themed shops and restaurants, fun to be had by all.

To the east of Lake Wenatchee, past Leavenworth, outdoor activities continue to be possibilities. Hiking and mountain biking trails can be found outside of the town of Cashmere in the Mission Creek area, rock climbers can have a go at all that Peshastin Pinnacles State Park has to offer, and of course there is fishing and boating on the mighty Columbia River that flows right by Wenatchee, the largest city in the region.

From alpine skiing to mountain biking, from horseback riding to rock climbing, it is difficult to find an equal to the diversity that this area has to offer. The Lake Wenatchee area has something to offer both the outdoor recreation enthusiast, and the casual sightseer or camper alike.

Mark owns and maintains www.NCWpics.com featuring photos and information about North Central Washington.