Rough It In Comfort Camper-Vans Carry All The Conveniences

So, you like the idea of camping, but not the idea of sleeping in tents? Then consider touring the West in a self-contained VW camper-van from Adventure Werks. The vans sleep four and include a sink, stove and a fridge.

Prices range from $55 to $115 per day, based on the time of year, type of van, and amount of mileage.

Adventure Werks will deliver the van from offices in Bellingham, Salt Lake City and Phoenix.

For more information call (800) RENT-VWS or (360) 738-1159.

All white: Ideas for whitewater enthusiasts:

Middle Fork River Expeditions has 3- and 6-day trips on the Salmon River, at prices ranging up to $1,250. For a brochure, call (800) 801-5146.

James Henry River Journeys offers 4- and 5-day trips down the Rogue River in southern Oregon. Several trips have special themes, including a classical music and wine tasting trip, which is priced at $625. Its rafting season runs from June through September, depending on the river. Call (800) 786-1830.

Short takes: Bits and pieces from around the Northwest:

The 1996 Official Idaho State Travel Guide is now available, featuring information about accommodations, attractions, events and scenic routes. For a free copy, call (800) 635-7820.

The Kitsap Peninsula Visitor and Convention Bureau has opened a new visitor information center in Port Gamble. The new center is located in the historic Drew House on the town’s main street.

The 1996 Tacoma-Pierce County Visitors Guide is now available, featuring information on accommodations, dining, events, attractions and public transportation. For a free copy, call (800) 272-2662 or (206) 627-2836.

Big White Ski Resort, near Kelowna, British Columbia, has announced a $45 million (Canadian) expansion. It includes a detachable quad lift more than 8,000 feet long, a new mall and golf course, and more recreational facilities for use outside the ski season. For information, call (604) 765-3101.

Hot air: The 22nd annual Walla Walla Balloon Stampede is next weekend, featuring more than 45 balloons from around the region.

The first official flight is at 6 a.m. Friday, with others scheduled throughout the weekend. There’s also a “glow off” - in which tethered balloons are illuminated by their burners as dusk falls - on Saturday night.

For more information, call (509) 525-0850.

Imperial relics: The Imperial Tombs of China exhibit runs through Sept. 15 at the Portland Art Museum, with many of the artifacts never before seen outside China. The landmark exhibition spans seven dynasties, 25 centuries, and features more than 250 objects excavated from the tombs of China’s ancient rulers.

Tickets range from $12 to $15 and are sold for specific dates and times. More than 85,000 tickets had been sold by mid-March, so early reservations are recommended.

Tickets can be purchased at the museum, Ticketmaster locations or by phone at (503) 790-ARTS. For more information, call the museum at (503) 226-2811.

The Hotel Vintage Plaza in downtown Portland has a package that includes a deluxe guest room and two one-day tickets to the exhibit. The cost is $130 to $175, depending on the day of the week.

Cozy tour: ElderTreks is offering a 10-day cruise of the Queen Charlotte Islands off the British Columbia coast; cruises are for travelers over 50 and are limited to eight people.

Frequent hikes will enable travelers to view wildlife. The price of $2,090 per person includes accommodations, meals, transportation and an experienced escort. Departure dates are June 7, July 5 and August 23. For more information call (800) 741-7956.

May flowers: Sun Mountain Lodge near Winthrop, Wash., is offering a Mayflower Package that will run until May 30. The package includes overnight accommodations and a full breakfast.

The package is available only in mid-week, excluding holidays. The price starts at $56 per person based on double occupancy.

For more information call (800) 572-0493.

Attention authors: The Flying L Ranch, located near Glenwood, Wash., will be holding three “Writing on the Range” programs this summer.

Each program is limited to six people and will feature accomplished writers in the fields of poetry, fiction, or essays. The programs run for three days.

The price of $475 includes accommodations, some meals and use of ranch facilities. The application deadline is May 31.

For more information, contact the Flying L Ranch at (509) 364-3488.

Volcano view: The Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center will be officially dedicated this month on the 16th anniversary of the Mount St. Helens eruption.

The center, which offers a view of the volcano and the devastated surrounding landscape, is located at milepost 27 on the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, 30 minutes east of Interstate 5. The center will have several exhibits, a restaurant and a gift shop featuring Native American sculptures made of baked ash. Helicopter tours of the crater are available for $69.

For more information call (800) 752-VIEW or (360) 274-7750.

On the bus: Grey Line of Seattle offers a variety of sightseeing tours this season. Participants can visit Mount Rainier, tour the Boeing plant, cruise on Puget Sound or take one of several city tours.

Participants can also visit Vancouver and Victoria or dine aboard a train. Tours last from about 2 hours to two days. Prices range from $21 to $96.

For more information or to receive a brochure, call (800) 426-7532 or (206) 626-5208.

, 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.