Perhaps the most beautiful corner of the United States, the Pacific Northwest has long promised enchanting natural vistas, singular local culture, and everything from mountains to ocean waves, all within your reach. Start in Seattle, where you’ll have the chance to explore the iconic sights of this incredible city, and finish in Portland, another feather in the region’s cap. Head into the wilderness, with stops in lush rainforests, along snowy mountain peaks, river rapids, and volcanic splendor to explore the Olympic Peninsula, Mt. Rainier and Mount St. Helens. Through manicured gardens, cozy townships, and eclectic city centers, you’ll absorb all of the offerings of this diverse and exhilarating region and feast your eyes on its natural delights.
Degree of Difficulty –
Welcome to Seattle, the Emerald City! Transfer to your hotel, where you can freshen up and prepare for your welcome dinner with the rest of your group. Next morning, depart on a brief guided tour around the city and check out Seattle’s bountiful attractions. Drive by must-see sites like the historic Pioneer Square, Chinatown, Lake Union, and the iconic Space Needle, and experience Pike Market Place on a Savor Seattle guided food and culture tour. In the afternoon, visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition showcasing distinctive blown-glass creations. Your day ends with a view of the city from above at the top of the newly renovated Space Needle. HOTEL ANDRA.
(Dinner; Breakfast)
Your scenic drive takes you to the seaside city of Port Angeles, to stroll the waterfront, explore local boutique shops, and taste fresh local seafood and regional craft beer and wine. Next, head to Hurricane Ridge, an incredible spot for an easy hike with amazing views of the Strait of San Juan de Fuca and the surrounding mountains. Pop into the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center to learn about the Olympics’ mountain habitat. KALALOCH LODGE.
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Spend your day exploring Olympic National Park, a natural UNESCO World Heritage site bordered by the ocean and lush forests, full of thriving ecosystems. Stop by the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center to enjoy a boxed lunch and explore the center at your leisure or venture outside to wander the spectacular surroundings. The four main species of conifer found in the Hoh Rainforest (Sitka spruce, hemlock, red cedar, and Douglas fir) and the Oregon maple grow to gigantic heights of up to 330 feet! Keep an eye out for black bear, cougar, and coyote, whose tracks can sometimes be seen in the soft soil of the forest. The rivers are teeming with colorful fish, often visible to the naked eye. Continue on your journey out of the Hoh Rain Forest until you feel the salty windswept ocean breeze. The coastal waters surrounding Kalaloch and Ruby Beach are a safe haven for thousands of marine species. These beaches are great for bird watching and for discovering small sea creatures who make the tide pools their home, and you will have some time to relax or walk along the beach. KALALOCH LODGE.
(Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner)
Stop by Lake Quinault, located in the glacial-carved Quinault Valley of the Quinault River, at the southern edge of Olympic National Park, and enjoy the views of the lake and the world’s largest Sitka Spruce. Here you can find the largest Western Red Cedar, largest Douglas Fir, and other champion conifer trees in the Valley of the Giants. Continue on to lunch at the National Park Inn, nestled amongst the trees of the Historic Longmire District. Explore the outdoors or visit the Longmire museum offering a good overview of the park and its history. End today’s touring at the Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise, which offers various ranger-led interpretive talks about the mountain and its glaciers and wildlife. Spend the next morning exploring the wildflower-rich Ohanapecosh Area of Mount Rainier National Park. Take a guided walk through the Grove of the Patriarchs where you’ll find trees that have been growing in this forest for thousands of years. Visit Crystal Mountain Resort, to be treated to a gondola ride to the summit of the mountain, and enjoy lunch and some unforgettable views. Drive to the parkland meadows of Yakima Park’s Sunrise Visitor Center and explore the trails or simply enjoy the gorgeous views outside. PARADISE INN.
(Breakfast, Lunch; Breakfast, Lunch)
Start your morning at Mount St. Helens Forest Learning Center, located inside the blast zone of the 1980 eruption of the titular volcano. Experience the story of Mount St. Helens and the recovery of forests, fish and wildlife that followed this catastrophic eruption at the “Eruption Chamber” where you can re-live the sights and sounds of the eruption through news footage and eye-witness accounts. Continue to the Johnston Ridge Observatory for a close-up view of the volcano and its various impacts on touring at the Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise, which offers various ranger-led interpretive talks about the mountain and its glaciers and wildlife. Spend the next morning exploring the wildflower-rich Ohanapecosh Area of Mount Rainier National Park. Take a guided walk through the Grove of the Patriarchs where you’ll find trees that have been growing in this forest for thousands of years. Visit Crystal Mountain Resort, to be treated to a gondola ride to the summit of the mountain, and enjoy lunch and some unforgettable views. Drive to the parkland meadows of Yakima Park’s Sunrise Visitor Center and explore the trails or simply enjoy the gorgeous views outside. PARADISE INN. (B,L; B,L)
Days 7/8
MOUNT ST. HELENS/PORTLAND
Start your morning at Mount St. Helens Forest Learning Center, located inside the blast zone of the 1980 eruption of the titular volcano. Experience the story of Mount St. Helens and the recovery of forests, fish and wildlife that followed this catastrophic eruption at the “Eruption Chamber” where you can re-live the sights and sounds of the eruption through news footage and eye-witness accounts. Continue to the Johnston Ridge Observatory for a close-up view of the volcano and its various impacts on the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a variety of interpretive displays that include comprehensive information on local history, geology, and re-growth and recovery of the land in the years immediately after the eruption. Then head to Portland, a “weird” city full of breweries, bridges, and beans; coffee beans that is. Next morning, depart for Multnomah Falls, and embark on a cruise that takes you under the Bridge of the Gods and past sights such as the Bonneville Dam, Native American fishing platforms, and locations where kite surfers and windsurfers show off their skills. In the afternoon, visit the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden, a public rose test garden with more than 8,000 rose bushes that bloom from late May through October, representing over 610 different rose varieties. Your day ends with a farewell dinner at Higgins Restaurant & Bar (or similar). THE BENSON HOTEL.
Days 7/8
MOUNT ST. HELENS/PORTLAND
Start your morning at Mount St. Helens Forest Learning Center, located inside the blast zone of the 1980 eruption of the titular volcano. Experience the story of Mount St. Helens and the recovery of forests, fish and wildlife that followed this catastrophic eruption at the “Eruption Chamber” where you can re-live the sights and sounds of the eruption through news footage and eye-witness accounts. Continue to the Johnston Ridge Observatory for a close-up view of the volcano and its various impacts on the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a variety of interpretive displays that include comprehensive information on local history, geology, and re-growth and recovery of the land in the years immediately after the eruption. Then head to Portland, a “weird” city full of breweries, bridges, and beans; coffee beans that is. Next morning, depart for Multnomah Falls, and embark on a cruise that takes you under the Bridge of the Gods and past sights such as the Bonneville Dam, Native American fishing platforms, and locations where kite surfers and windsurfers show off their skills. In the afternoon, visit the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden, a public rose test garden with more than 8,000 rose bushes that bloom from late May through October, representing over 610 different rose varieties. Your day ends with a farewell dinner at Higgins Restaurant & Bar (or similar). THE BENSON HOTEL.
(Breakfast, Lunch; Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Morning transfer to the Airport for your flight home, having experienced some of the magical nature of the Northwest that you are sure to remember for many years to come.
Start your tour on the coast, sailing the waves off of the San Juan Islands in search of gentle giants. Spotting orca, humpback, and minke whale species will prepare you for the other giants of nature you will encounter on this journey. Keep an eye out for eagle, seal, porpoise, sea lion, and more as you cruise these crystal blue waters on an unforgettable maiden voyage.
Head down to the coast of Oregon to cap off your journey with waves and wildlife, starting with a deluxe cruise along the harbor in Newport. Discover mysterious and magical natural sites with names like Devil’s Churn, Thor’s Well, and Sea Lion Caves, all while having the opportunity to capture some truly spectacular photography. Explore old lighthouses, briny sea caverns, and eerie rock formations. Enjoy the enigmatic side of the Pacific Northwest.
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
Maximum group size: No restrictions, although we recommend a maximum of 24 travelers.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- Accommodation at hotels as indicated in the itinerary (or similar).
- Transfers between airport and Seattle hotel, as well as Portland hotel and airport. (Please note one group transfer will be supplied each way. Anyone not arriving on group schedule, will require a personal transfer at additional cost.)
- All meals as specified in itinerary.
- Services of driver/guide throughout the tour.
- Transportation in private sprinter vans throughout the tour.
- All park and admission fees.
- All applicable hotel and lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- Water in the vans.
- Complimentary luggage tags.
The climate in Oregon is cool and humid on the coast, semi-oceanic with hot and dry summers in the Willamette Valley, and arid continental in the plateau that covers the inland areas, similar to the Mediterranean climate in some areas. Oregon is sunniest in July and August with fog possible the rest of the year in the coastal areas and even inland. The Pacific Northwest is known for its high precipitation particularly the winter months, so the best time to visit the area taking into consideration temperature and rainfall would be May through October. Washington enjoys a similar climate to Oregon, so on our Pacific Northwest tour we recommend the same time to travel.
