Duration: 9 Days
This 9-day escorted tour of America’s magnificent Pacific Northwest from Seattle, Washington to Portland, Oregon will renew the spirit with breathtaking sights and experiences. Begin in the vibrant city of Seattle and travel through the beauty of the Cascade Mountains to Mount Rainier National Park to see the grandeur of Mount Rainier at 14,411 feet. Stop at Draper Girls’ Country Farm for local cider tasting. Take in the mountain air along the Hood River with a visit to Mount Hood, more than 11,000 feet above sea level on your way to Bend for an opportunity to sample local Oregon craft beers. Visit Crater Lake National Park and marvel at the deepest and clearest lake in the United States. Explore windswept Oregon Dunes via dune buggy! Travel along spectacular views of the Oregon Coast on the 101 Highway en route to Newport’s historic Bayfront. Follow Three Capes Scenic Route for breathtaking views and explore Cape Meares Lighthouse, then try the famous cheeses and ice cream in Tillamook. See Lewis and Clark’s “End of the Trail” in Seaside and enjoy the shops and sandy reaches of this lovely resort town. Continue to the coastal city of Astoria—nestled in the hills above the Columbia River. Marvel at Multnomah Falls 611-foot cataract en route to Portland, the “City of Roses.” This guided holiday in North America’s Pacific Northwest is a stunning adventure like no other.
Traveller Notes
- Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
Welcome to the Emerald City! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
This morning begins with a city tour where you'll see the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and other landmarks. Then drive through the Cascade Mountain Range to Mount Rainier National Park to view the grandeur of Mount Rainier, its glaciated peak ascending 14,410 feet above sea level. Continue to Yakima for an overnight.
This morning, take in vistas of famous Mount Hood, towering over the valley below at 11,239 feet. Stop at Draper Girls' Country Farm to sample fresh, local cider. Continue to the picturesque city of Bend for a 2-night stay. This evening is at leisure. Perhaps explore some of Bend's 27 breweries and restaurants. (CB)
The day begins with a visit to the High Desert Museum for a self-guided tour that highlights the true Spirit of the West. Return to Bend where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may want to browse the downtown area's many shops and art galleries, stroll along the Deschutes River, or sample some of the local craft beer. (CB)
Today is devoted to Crater Lake National Park. Founded in 1902, Crater Lake is the fifth-oldest national park in the United States. Behold the stunning blue waters of the deepest lake in the United States. Overnight in Medford. (CB)
This morning, visit the Oregon Dunes, a unique area of windswept sand and the product of millions of years of erosion by wind and rain on the Oregon Coast. Enjoy an exciting, guided dune buggy ride then head to Old Town Florence and take a stroll along the banks of the Siuslaw River. End your day with a walk around Newport's Historic Bayfront, where you may see (and hear) sea lions barking, or perhaps dine on superb Dungeness crab cakes at Local Ocean Seafoods.
For a taste of the dramatic Oregon coastline, we follow the Three Capes Scenic Route, which provides an excellent view of the most populous colonies of nesting sea birds on the continent. Explore Cape Meares Lighthouse, the shortest lighthouse in Oregon, standing at just 38 feet high. Enjoy a break in Tillamook, best known for its famous cheese and ice cream, before continuing to the resort city of Seaside, bursting with shops and great places to eat, miles of sandy beach and a grand promenade to stroll. See the "End of the Trail" monument dedicated to the Lewis & Clark expedition. Overnight in the coastal city of Astoria with Victorian-era homes etched into hills overlooking the Columbia River. This picturesque settlement is a port city with Scandinavian flavour and great local brews.
Depart for the City of Roses, Portland. En route, visit Multnomah Falls, a 611-foot-tall roaring and awe-inspiring cascade of water. After time for lunch, visit Washington Park, home of the International Rose Test Garden, followed by a Portland city sightseeing tour that shows you an enlightened city rich with artwork, parks, bridges and of course, coffee shops, and craft breweries. (CB)
Your holiday ends this morning. Consider extending your holiday with extra nights and explore the City of Roses further.
