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From: £2125
Welcome to the Great Pacific Northwest, a region of the United States where the geography and landscapes are unique to America and vary dramatically within the region.
On this fly-drive through Oregon and Washington State you'll encounter majestic mountain ranges, dramatic coastal scenery, vibrant cities, and miles of pristine wilderness.
Price per person includes:
Holiday highlights:
Distance: 132 miles
North of Portland, a very scenic side trip will take you to Mount St. Helens. On Sunday, May 18, 1980, a massive avalanche of rocks and debris came crashing down on 230 square miles of forested land and changed the landscape forever. Photographs and exhibits at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Centre at Silver Lake, near the entrance to the Monument, introduce visitors to the Mount St. Helens story. State of the art interpretive displays at the Johnson Ridge Observatory magically portray the sequence of geologic events that transformed the area and the 25 years of change that have occurred since that time. You can learn more of the story at the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Centre. If you anticipate hiking about 4,000 feet, you will need a permit to climb Mount St. Helens. Take plenty of time to explore.Distance: 122 miles
Today it’s on to Olympia and Aberdeen, the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. Halfway in between Mt. Rainier and Aberdeen, you can visit Olympia, Washington’s State Capitol. Thirty acres of immaculately landscaped rose gardens surrounding the Capitol Building make this one of the most beautiful capital districts in the country. The State Capital Museum, located in the historic Lord Mansion, interprets the history and culture of Washington beginning with the region’s Native Americans. Beautiful gardens also surround this museum. After a scenic drive between Olympia and Aberdeen, you’ll reach the Pacific Ocean and the true gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. Tomorrow, you will begin exploring the dramatically varying landscapes of the Peninsula which are dressed in endless lush variations of the colour green.Distance: 44 miles
The diverse blend of climates and natural wonders of the Olympic National Park encompass nearly one million acres of the Olympic Peninsula. As you navigate the Peninsula loop drive, the landscapes changes seamlessly from primeval rain forests, subalpine meadows, and glacier capped mountains to clear running streams, sandy beaches and shoreline coast. Cultural diversity is present in the heritage of the original Native Americans who lived in the area, coexisting peacefully with fishing villages and a Victorian seaport or two. You’ll soon discover that this is one of, if not the, most heritage and naturally rich and varied region in the United States. You begin the drive in Aberdeen and end in Port Angeles, gateway to Olympic National Park. Take some time to explore both the Visitors Centre and the museum.The scenic drive around the Olympic Peninsula is a virtual panorama of unfolding ecosystems, each a part of the greatest true remaining wilderness forest in America. The spectacular Olympic Mountains, the centrepiece of the Peninsula, form a circular range in the central area of the park. The ice and snow covered slopes are a great contrast to the deep green forested areas of the lower elevations. The Quinault Rain Forest, and the ever present mountains, are an even greater contrast to the 57 miles of Pacific coastline that are part of the Park. Ruby Beach, covered with driftwood and rocks, features prominent views of the seastacks, remains of the headlands that used to be attached to the mainland and now protrude from the sea. Take a side trip to the Hoh Rain Forest visitors centre deeper in the interior of the Park, about 30 miles south of Forks, to learn more about the west valleys that are drenched in more than 12 feet of rain each year.
Distance: 155 miles
Portland was on its way to becoming the undisputed capital of the Pacific Northwest when settlers landed at Alki Park, in what is now Seattle, in 1851. Today, it is Seattle that claims the title of the undisputed capital of the Pacific Northwest.The city has seen gold rushes and labour strikes, business booms and busts, fires and earthquakes, only each time to bounce back even stronger. With the original descendants of the settlers now as entrenched in the Pacific Northwest as a red flannel shirt, Seattle has developed a rich and diverse multi-cultural mix that is overlaid with the sophistication brought by several of America’s largest corporations including Boeing Aircraft, Microsoft and Starbucks. It’s a short drive from Quinault to Seattle, leaving plenty of time to begin exploring this very special city.
Distance: 182 miles
The National Geographic calls the North Cascades Highway, in Washington, one of America’s grandest and most spectacular drives. We’re confident you’ll agree as you travel over Washington Overlook Pass in North Cascades National Park and on to Chelan. The glaciers in North Cascades National Park are up close and personal and so are jagged peaks, deep valleys and cascading waterfalls. There are so many dramatic waterfalls in this National Park that it was named for the endlessly rushing water that laces its mountainsides. The three million acre preserve was specifically established to protect the snowfields, glaciers, and alpine meadows of the high mountain country from any lumbering operations, leaving a pristine road less travelled for visitors to enjoy. For a break, stop in Winthrop which looks like it just stepped out of a Western movie set, or Twisp, great for Western art.Distance: 269 miles
Driving straight south from the Cascade Mountains, you’ll reach Yakima, Washington, the wine capital of Washington State. Winery hopping in the Yakima Valley can be an unforgettable journey of delight and discovery. The sun-soaked Washington wine region is at the same latitude as the great wine-producing regions of France, producing magnificent vineyards laden with rich grape varietals. Enjoy spending the afternoon savouring the tastes.Distance: 180 miles
Today, on your way from Yakima to The Dalles/Hood River area, you can take time to explore Toppenish, where 65 historic murals reveal the story of the city’s heritage. From there you have the option to travel straight south to The Dalles or go to the Tri-Cities, Walla Walla and other points, east before turning south. Either way there are wineries and other places to visit along the route.A bit farther south, it will be apparent when you have reached the Columbia River Gorge, an 80-mile long geologic wonder that forms the border between Oregon and Washington. The cliffs rise as high as 4,000 feet. The canyon-like walls of the Gorge create ideal conditions for windsurfing. The Columbia Gorge Discovery Centre is the official interpretive centre for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Nearby Hood River and The Dalles are also replete with wineries. A different climate here delivers a different taste.
A series of scenic roads unfolds as you make your way to the Columbia River Gorge and Hood River. No visit to the area would be complete without experiencing the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Centre with 50,000 square feet of exhibits, art, Native American and immigrant crafts, plus narrated presentations. Free guided tours of The Dalles historic area take you past the stunning 1897 St. Peter Landmark, the Baldwin Saloon, old Ft. Dalles and Pulpit Rock. The Hood River area is also particularly well known for its great wineries.
Distance: 62 miles
Want to meander through unforgettable scenery and lose yourself on a serene road less travelled? Explore historic towns where the pace is gentler. Drive the Columbia River Historic and Scenic Highway and you’ll be taking the old road; the one with the most spectacular scenery, the highest waterfalls and the best views of the Gorge. 620 foot Multnomah Falls is only one of dozens of waterfalls that dot the roadway. In between, you can have an elegant lunch at a National Historic Landmark resort at the edge of the Gorge and savour the wines of area wineries, also with wonderful views. Some consider the natural beauty of this road the best in the US. It’s a great way to wrap up your inspiring trip through Oregon.Call the travel specialists at Bon Voyage to discuss your ideal Great Pacific Northwest adventure.