Ultimate Northwest Explorer with the Oregon Coast

As you emerge from the dense, winding forests of the Cascade Mountains, the village of Leavenworth envelops you in a cozy cocoon of Bavarian charm. We’ll start by stretching our legs downtown on our favorite river-front walking trail, where the gentle gurgling of a fresh mountain stream creates the perfect ambiance to take in the 360′ mountain views, timber A-frame homes, and to catch a whiff of sizzling German sausage and cold lager served up in the many local stein houses.

During our stay, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the village on your own terms, or for the more adventurous, take the opportunity to raft the roaring Wenatchee river and feel the exhilaration of crashing through some of its world-famous standing waves, surrounded by stunning scenery and plentiful sunshine. Or if you prefer an aerial challenge, jump on a high-flying zipline to soar above the towering pines and take in the unrivaled views of the Eastern Cascades. This evening we’ll gather at one of towns great beer gardens for local craft beer and bratwurst. Overnight.

Meals included: Lunch, Reception

Optional Add-ons: Zipline, Rafting, Cider Tasting, Hiking

Hotel: Bavarian Lodge, or similar

Prepare to be awe-struck by the sheer immensity of the dramatic Columbia River Basin and its splendid vistas as we set off on our journey deep into the oasis that is the heart of Washington wine country. Surrounded by acres of lush orchard valleys and vineyards, you’ll admire the expansive views of this premier wine region with its diverse landscape and fertile soil as we head to one of the Red Mountain AVA wineries for a delicious lunch.

Onwards we drive, through the gentle, scenic charm of this beautiful region towards the foot of the Blue Mountains where the lovely town of Walla Walla awaits with its laid-back spirit and welcoming appeal. As soon as you set foot in Walla Walla, you’ll understand just what makes this community so special. A brief walking tour will give you a fun glimpse into this culturally magnetic town, with its restored 19th- century buildings, restaurants, art galleries, and wine-tasting rooms. Take the whole evening to get better acquainted with the place and choose from a plethora of top-notch dining possibilities catering to all tastes. Overnight.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Reception

Hotel: Best Western Plus, or similar

Walla Walla doesn’t stop with the wine. In the morning, join your guide for a walking art tour of downtown and Whitman College campus. Walla Walla has a hopping art scene with impressive public works to stroll by and admire. Additionally, the Walla Walla Valley is built on authentic American history. You can jump right back in time and immerse yourself in the lifestyles, traditions, and crafts of the region’s most influential past residents including the Native Americans who first settled here, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the Oregon Trail Pioneers with a historical reenactor bringing the stories to life.

The rest of the day is yours to design how you please. Savor a selection of full-bodied reds in the numerous tasting rooms, or dip in and out of the art galleries and neighborhood shops in town, soaking up the friendly vibe of Main Street and exploring downtown. We’ll punctuate a perfect Walla Walla day with a special multi-course dinner in the evening.

Optional Add-Ons: Cycle tour, Golfing, Wine tasting (prices vary)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Who says the heyday of the American Cowboy is over? Decide for yourself as we visit the town known for the legendary 110-year-old rodeo, the Round Up in the wild-west town of Pendleton, Oregon. After you’ve had your fill of bucking broncos, you’ll get a taste of Western heritage with a side of pioneering spirit as we visit the famous Pendleton Woolen Mills and see how the tradition of rich craftsmanship continues to thrive here today.

Next up – the town Hood River via the achingly beautiful Columbia River Gorge. We’ll wind our way through a series of scenic locations worthy of a National Geographic photo shoot, making countless stops to marvel at the deep blues and dark greens of this unique, magical 80-mile long river canyon, shaped by ancient volcanoes and floods. We’ll stop stop on cliffs above the great river for a lunch with a view like no other.

All that awe-inspiring nature works up an appetite and thirst , once in Hood River your only challenge will be deciding what brewery to start the evening, as this small town has long been one to the epicenters of windsurfing, and craft beer. Overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Best Western Plus, or similar

Mt Hood and its Timberline Lodge are the stuff of legends and horror movies. Yes, The Shining was filmed here. Today we ascend the mountain to take in the views of multiple volcanoes that make up the Cascade Mountains and the historic lodge. Built as a part of the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression and sitting over a mile above the sea level, the lodge is offers sweeping views and old world craftsmanship. If available, the Magic Mile Ski Ride will bring us to 7000’. This evening we return to the shores of the Great River of the West for the evening in Hood River. *Optional Sternwheeler dinner cruise available.

Meals Included: Breakfast, *Dinner

“Ocean in view! O! the joy” were words written by Willam Clark as the expedition reached the Pacific Ocean. You’ll have similar feelings of exuberance as we travel to the seashore and take in the ruggedly unique Oregon coast. We’ll pass through the Portland, the Rose City, and the lush Willamette Valley on our way to the Coast.

The iconic Haystack Rock is the backdrop of the charming town of Cannon Beach. The sandy beach will be a short walk as will the the towns galleries, boutiques and shops.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This is not your tropical beach day, but we are on beach time today! There is plenty to do, or nothing at all. Numerous state parks, more beaches are close and the historic town of Astoria is a quick jaunt up the coast. Whatever we do, the ocean air and stunning views will make this a perfect day! We will finish the day with a farewell meal in town.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast in the hotel we will return Portland for your flight home. If you’re flight time allows, your tour guide can help you make the most of any extra time on this day.

Meals Included: Breakfast