Row Adventure Center, Spokane

When one's rafting with ROW Adventure Center, you can float leisurely down a stretch of river, stopping to get out and swim when the mood strikes—or, you can conquer the Devil's Toenail. The oddly named segment of rapids is on the Spokane River and constitutes part of a whitewater rafting trip through the river's lower gorge.

It's one of many scenic locales that the company's guides visit as part of planned day trips or multiple-day vacations. With families in tow, they navigate bike trails and bodies of water throughout Washington, Idaho, Montana, and other surrounding areas, planning excursions that have been lauded by National Geographic magazine.

Many of their voyages take place on the waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Here, kayaks set off on picturesque sunset journeys near the pines, and paddleboard tours split their focus between proper balancing technique and nature facts, such as which bird is most likely to mistake you for a gigantic salmon. Guides also lead fly-fishing trips on Coeur d'Alene and St. Joe, accommodating total beginners as well as advanced anglers.

For those who would rather stay dry, bike trails traverse several miles of historical and awe-inspiring landscapes. The Hiawatha Trail, for example, follows the path of the Old Milwaukee railroad across 7 trestle bridges and through 10 tunnels, including the 1.6-mile Taft tunnel.