This is our annual Summer Travel issue....

This is our annual Summer Travel issue. Stories on float trips in Oregon, a Victorian village in Northern California, camping hideaways in Hawaii, an insiders’ look at the Great Smokies, a whirlwind tour that takes in New York’s leading sightseeing attractions. On another front, Times Staff Writer Bill Farr tells about hitting the road in a recreational vehicle while free-lance writer Peter Grant takes our readers traveling by ferry through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Today’s section also contains some basics, including a listing of state tourist offices compiled by Staff Writer Betty Martin.

This is our salute to summer.

Grand Canyon

It’s getting crowded even at the Grand Canyon. Last year a record 3 million vacationers went to peer into Arizona’s No. 1 attraction. Park officials figure this year will be even busier. Vacationers are advised to make lodging reservations three to six months in advance. Midsummer will be sold out, it appears. Better chances in late spring, early autumn. For actives, there are trails into the canyon. Hike in or ride a mule. Campsites are limited. To book space, write to Backcountry Reservations Office, National Park Service, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, Ariz. 86023, or call (602) 638-2411. For regular lodging telephone (602) 638-2401. Other details from the Arizona Office of Tourism, 112 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, Ariz. 85004.

Oregon Inns

Oregon’s innkeepers have published a directory listing accommodations in Ashland, Portland, Jacksonville, Eugene, etc. Names, addresses, telephone numbers. Copies available for $1 by writing to the Oregon Bed & Breakfast Directory, P.O. Box 753, Ashland, Ore. 97520.

For other B&B; information contact:

--Northwest Bed & Breakfast, 7077 S.W. Locust St., Portland, Ore. 97223.

--Gallucci Hosts, P.O. Box 1303, Lake Oswego, Ore. 97034.

--Bed & Breakfast Oregon, 5733 S.W. Dickinson St., Portland, Ore. 97219.

--Bed & Breakfast Bureau of Southern California, (714) 865-8333.

--Innkeepers of Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, P.O. Box 464, Santa Cruz, Calif. 95061.

--Bed & Breakfast Inns, (707) 433-INNS.

Yosemite

Here’s a cheapie. Dick Ramirez of Valencia is putting together a four-night backpacking/sightseeing bus trip to Yosemite (July 4-7). Price: $125. Ramirez says he is appealing to the traveler who “appreciates the environment.” Offers “Spartan-type lodging.” The price includes the bus trip from Los Angeles, tent cabins at Curry Village. Ramirez is scheduling other trips to the Grand Canyon. Rates: $79/$140 for three days, two nights. For reservations write to Ramirez, 26119 Bella Santa Drive, Valencia, Calif. 91355.

Meanwhile, Yosemite Park Superintendent Robert Binnewies tells us that Ticketron is accepting summer reservations for regular summer vacationers. Campgrounds open May 15. Other details from the National Park Service Information Office, 22900 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills 91364. Telephone (818) 888-3770.

Idaho

Salmon River Outfitters is programming 10 trips on Idaho’s Main Salmon this summer. The first night is spent at a guest ranch. After this it’s bedrolls by the river. These are oar-powered journeys. Or if you’re adventurous, you can opt for a kayak. Season: June through September. Cost: $700 for six days. Contact SRO, P.O. Box 307, Columbia, Calif. 95310.

Grand Tetons

Trails, rivers, wildflowers, wildlife are the attractions at Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. Season begins May 24. Accommodations available at three spots operated by the Grand Teton Lodge Co.: Colter Bay Village--log cabins, tent cabins with wood-burning stoves. . . . Jackson Lake Lodge--comfort along with panoramic views. . . . Jenny Lake Lodge--for guests searching for “rustic elegance.” Jenny Lake’s 30 cabins are scattered across a peaceful meadow . . . superb views of the Tetons. Details from Grand Teton Lodge Co., P.O. Box 240, Moran, Wyo. 83013.

San Francisco

If you’ve got an urge to visit San Francisco, Everybody’s Favorite City has produced a slick, 88-page guide that tells all about sightseeing, shopping, dining, entertainment, cable cars, Golden Gate Park. Other helpful information on the redwoods, wineries. Maps, pictures of Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, museums, art galleries, Alamo Square. Other sections tell about teahouses, Chinatown, Cow Hollow, Union Square, Ghirardelli Square, The Cannery, Japan Center, climate, visitor services, golf, bicycling, sailing, public transportation.

For a copy of “The San Francisco Book,” mail a buck to the San Francisco Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Box 6977, San Francisco 94101. Or there’s a 15-page freebie on lodgings from the same people.

Rail Trips

“How many things are free these days?” asks Bryan Reese of Classic Rail of Orange. For one thing, his newsletter for rail buffs is. “If your readers are interested, tell them to write to me and I’ll put them down for a free subscription,” says Reese. Address: Classic Rail Travel Co., P.O. Box 2541, Orange 92669.

French Language Course

Learning French in a 17th-Century country house in Provence is summer’s offer by Andree Penney. Three home-cooked meals daily. Visits to Paris, Avignon, Arles, Nimes, Marseille, Le Puy, Carcassonne, the Camargue, etc. Mme. Penney previously taught French at UCLA. She began her summer teaching career in France in 1973. This is a five-week program (July 15-Aug. 19). Cooking classes offered in conjunction with the language program. Details from Andree Penney, 18 Mandrake Way, Irvine 92715, or telephone (714) 786-7701.

Reader Recommendations

San Francisco--Janet Ogden, Studio City: “An unusual hotel in San Francisco, the York, 940 Sutter St., San Francisco 94109. The warmth of a bed and breakfast without the cloying ‘cutesy’ of those establishments. A friendly staff. This is an old hotel that has been renovated with style. We paid $85 for a very large room with a king-size bed.”

Far East--Richard Day, Los Angeles: “The best travel book for Far East journeying is the “All-Asia Guide” published by Far Eastern Economic Review Ltd., Tong Chong St., G.P.O. Box 47, Hong Kong. Also available in some local bookstores. I used this book throughout a nine-month tour of Asia. It is very worthwhile.”

Mexico--Marilyn E. Smith, Ashland, Ore.: “In Merida, recommend Hotel Caribe. About $15 a day for two. Centrally located. Another super place is Hotel Colon on Calle 62 at about $22 per day. Pool, steam room, excellent bar. Merida abounds in inexpensive places. Still the best buy per travel dollar I’ve found.”

Seal Beach--Ann Rodas, Monterey Park: “A company in Seal Beach has developed a set of travel hints on cassette tapes. Informative. Covers a variety of topics. They run about $10 each. Write to Phoenix Enterprises International, Box 2881, Seal Beach, Calif., 90740.”

Bishop--J. Dutton, San Juan Capistrano: “A wonderful wilderness experience without having to carry a full backpack. Hikes in the John Muir Wilderness are supplied and staffed by the Rock Creek Pack Station, Box 248, Bishop, Calif. 93514. Mules carry supplies. Camps set up and all meals are prepared by the staff. Time allowed for fishing, swimming, sunbathing or just plain meditation.”