DAY 1: PORTLAND
Arrive in Portland the "City of Roses". Despite Portland's humble beginnings as a lumbering center in 1845 the city has developed into a sophisticated metropolis of well over 1.5 million today.
DAY 2: PORTLAND – LINCOLN CITY – NEWPORT OREGON COAST (112m / 179km)
Departing for the Pacific Coast, cross the costal range and discover the Pacific Ocean with its coastline of immaculate beaches quaint fishing villages. Stop in Lincoln City, located on seven miles of sandy beaches nestled between Devils Lake and the Pacific. Arrive in Newport, situated on the Yaquina River and better known as home to Keiko from the "Free Willy" film.
DAY 3: NEWPORT – OREGON DUNES – FLORENCE – COOS BAY (99m / 160km)
Highway US 101 follows the Pacific shoreline south through some of the most scenic areas on the West Coast of Oregon. Oregon Dunes and Florence are noteworthy for their massive sand dunes and unspoiled beaches. Be sure to visit the Sea Lion Caves for a first hand look at the boisterous Stellar's sea lions as you descend into a 208 foot cave.
DAY 4: COOS BAY – KLAMATH FALLS (330m / 528km)
Turn in from the coast and traverse the Coastal Mountains towards Medford, center for logging in the Rogue River National Forest. During the afternoon continue to Klamath Falls on the shores of Klamath Lake. The area offers numerous nature trails and the Favel Museum of Indian Artifacts chronicling the native life of the region.
DAY 5: KLAMATH FALLS – CRATER LAKE – BEND (330m / 528km)
Depart idyllic Klamath Lake for the remarkable Crater Lake National Park . This is truly one of the world's most striking geological features with its cobalt blue water surrounded by a ring of lush green spruce and fir. At 1932 feet it is the deepest lake in the United States. This evening arrive in Bend, center for mountaineering and recreation in the surrounding Cascades.
DAY 6: BEND - MOUNT HOOD – HOOD RIVER (130m / 208km)
Central Oregon plateau is a much drier region with a surprising landscape of plains and forests. Pass through Crooked River Grasslands, A portion of the river, from the Ochoco National Forest to Opal Springs, flows through scenic vertical basalt canyons. Today's highlight is one of the most majestic peaks of the Cascade Mountains, Mt Hood. Oregon's highest mountain not only offers summer skiing but also hiking and mountain climbing, an outdoors lover's paradise.
DAY 7: HOOD RIVER – MOUNT ST. HELENS (100m / 161km)
Driving through the lush Gifford Pinchot National Forest leave the state of Oregon behind and arrive to Mount St. Helens, site of the May 18, 1980 volcano eruption. Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. Take time to explore and discover the power and the drama of this volcano.
DAY 8: MOUNT ST. HELENS – MOUNT RAINIER NP (70m / 113km)
Today’s short drive is to Mount Rainier, another active volcano encased in over 25 miles of snow and ice. Whether hiking on its flanks, climbing its summit, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on its slopes, camping along its glacier-fed rivers, photographing wildflower displays in sub alpine meadows, you will enjoy the grandeur and beauty of Mount Rainier.
DAY 9: MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK – SEATTLE (81m / 130km)
Leaving behind the majesty of Mount Rainier, head north for the gleaming Emerald City. Seattle is Washington’s quaint capital, known for its frequent rains and mist. Seattle's "Space Needle," the most visible landmark, was built as the centerpiece for the 1962 World's Fair.
DAY 10: SEATTLE
Spend this day visiting Seattle's many sights. Take a scenic cruise along the downtown waterfront past shipyards with the glittering city skyline as backdrop. The Pioneer Square restored Historic District offers entertainment, restaurants and many sights to see. A visit to Pike Street market on the waterfront provides a rare look at local lifestyles. The city offers an abundance of art galleries, culture and popular nightlife.
DAY 11: SEATTLE – OLYMPIA NATIONAL PARK – PORT ANGELES (182m / 291km)
Today the luscious Olympic Peninsula is your destination. The abundance of rain provides for an unbelievably green environment of old growth hemlocks, firs and spruce. Take time to explore the rainforests of Olympic National Park Olympic National Park provides a striking background to the Port Angeles skyline.
DAY 12: PORT ANGELES – OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK – PACIFIC COAST – PORTLAND (306m / 489km)
Traveling south on US Highway 101, you will drive by some of Oregon’s most treasured coastlines. Sandy beach towns, incredible vistas, and serene wildlife are all part of this Pacific coastal drive.
DAY 13: PORTLAND
Last chance to savor the serene tranquility of this unique Northwestern city. Depart for your journey home.
