> Anyone can participate in workshops taught by professors from Montana State University's College of Letters and Science in the world's first designated national park: Yellowstone (since 1872). "Archaeology and the Ancient Peoples of Montana," to be held June 13-15, will explore archaeological traces left by the ancient cultures of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. A two-day Super Volcanoes of Yellowstone excursion, Aug. 22-24, studies the region's volcanic history. A fly-fishing trip to a wade-friendly river is July 12-13. Per person fees range from $255 to $435. www.montana.edu/lettersandscience/summer.html

> Anyone up for a rigorous summer hike will enjoy an overnight stay at the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States. A night of star gazing is followed by a morning sunrise from Myrtle Point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. The Mount LeConte hike and overnight package, offered June 21-22, includes a stay at the rustic lodge at an elevation of nearly 6,600 feet. Hikers will reach the mountaintop after climbing steep and rocky trails for about five to eight miles with expert guides. The fee is $155 per person. The park offers hundreds of one-day adventures such as wildflower walks, mushroom hunts and photo classes from $30 per person. www.outreach.utk.edu/smoky

> One of the most scenic eastern national parks, Arcadia in Maine, offers 125 miles of hiking trails. The most dramatic is the Ocean Path, for its rugged coves, cliffs and crashing Atlantic Ocean waves. It's easy for hikers of all ages and ability. Climbing Arcadia's six mountains brings bragging rights for in-shape hikers. www.nps.gov/acad

> During the rest of May and June, travel by rail from Anchorage to Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, near Talkeetna, and then on to Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, near the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve. Packages include round-trip rail aboard the Midnight Sun Express between Anchorage and Talkeetna and the Princess motorcoach to the McKinley Princess. A two-night, three-day package, including a night at each property, is priced from $239. Refer to tour B1B. www.princesslodges.com/mckinley_rail_tours.cfm