Road Scholar : Home
On the Road: The Oregon Coast, California Redwoods and Crater Lake

Program Number: 16188RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/21/2013 - 6/30/2013; 7/19/2013 - 7/28/2013; 8/2/2013 - 8/11/2013; 8/23/2013 - 9/1/2013; 9/6/2013 - 9/15/2013; 9/20/2013 - 9/29/2013;
Duration: 9 nights
Location: Portland, Oregon
Price starting at: $1,979.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: On the Road; National Parks
Meals: 24; 9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

From the jagged alpine terrain of the Cascade Mountains to mossy rainforests and wave-battered headlands, discover why the Northwest landscape is as awe-inspiring as it is unique. Learn alongside experts as you explore some of the world’s grandest natural wonders.




Highlights

• At Crater Lake, marvel at a massive volcanic caldera holding the deepest lake in the U.S., then descend into Oregon Caves National Monument.
• Race the wind over a sea of sand in a dune buggy and meet the colorful marine life at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
• Touch trees rooted when Caesar ruled Rome in the world’s largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles, uneven terrain, sandy beaches, unpaved trails, steep steps.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Portland, Ore., 1 night; coach to Yachats, 2 nights; coach to Gold Beach, 1 night; coach to Eureka, Calif., 2 nights; coach to Oregon Caves National Monument, Ore., 1 night; coach to La Pine, 1 night; coach to Portland, 1 night; departure.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Florence

Sand dunes tower 500 feet above the beach in this area of Oregon’s central Coast, and neighboring Florence offers a perfect point from which to begin an exploration of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, with its lakes and dunes that extend for miles.



Gold Beach

Gold Beach is a small town near the mouth of the Rogue River on the southern Oregon coast. The town offers quiet beaches, pristine open spaces and hiking trails through vast forests. Since 1895, mailboats based in Gold River have been delivering the mail up the Rogue River — this is one of only two rural mailboat routes remaining in the U.S.



Eureka

Eureka is the largest city on California’s North Coast. It is located on Humboldt Bay, about 270 miles north of San Francisco. The city takes its name from the state motto, supposedly exclaimed upon the discovery of gold in California. Eureka is surrounded by the most extensive preserves of the world’s tallest tree: the California redwood.



Portland (Oregon)

Portlanders live a life rich in the arts, surrounded by natural beauty and conveniently situated near the Pacific Coast and Columbia River Gorge. The City of Roses is a walker's paradise filled with parks, fountains and unique neighborhoods.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotels, some without elevators, ground floor rooms limited.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Carol Unser
Carol Johnson Unser has incorporated her love for nature throughout her career as an instructor at the University of Georgia’s Marine Science Center, interpretive coordinator for the National Marine Sanctuaries division of the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, and estuarine education coordinator for the state of Oregon. In addition to her academic career, Carol is an accomplished artist who has illustrated more than a dozen books, including nature field guides and children’s books.
 
Jenny Hanson
An Road Scholar instructor for five years and counting, Jenny Hanson loves to introduce people to special places. Since 1999 she's been a naturalist in Northern California, where she operates a local guide service for nature lovers. She has worked in Humboldt Redwoods and Prairie Creek Redwoods state parks and is involved in the annual volunteer training program for Friends of the Dunes. Additionally she has worked at Corkscrew Swamp bird sanctuary in Florida and Mount St. Helens in Washington.
 
Roger Unser
A Road Scholar coordinator and instructor since 1998, Lynn Unser and his wife, Carol, have provided more than 30 Road Scholar programs annually. Lynn is adjunct faculty at Lane Community College in Florence, Ore. As a fifth-generation native Oregonian, he has worked in industries with coastal resource bases, including timber, farming and commercial fisheries, experiences which have provided insight for many students into the challenges and rewards of a coastal livelihood.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport
  Portland, OR 1 night
   Adobe Resort
  Yachats, Oregon 2 nights
   Gold Beach Resort
  Gold Beach, OR 1 night
   Best Western Bayshore Inn
  Eureka, CA 2 nights
   Oregon Caves Chateau
  Cave Junction, OR 1 night
   Best Western Newberry Station
  La Pine, OR 1 night
   Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport
  Portland, OR 1 night
 Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Conveniently located near the Portland International Airport with free shuttle service. The beautiful Colwood National Golf Course is nearby as well as the new Cascade Station shopping area.
  Contact info: 7025 NE Alderwood Rd
Portland, OR 97218 USA
phone: 503-255-2700
web: www.countryinns.com/portlandor_arpt
  Room amenities: All rooms offer free high-speed Internet access, cable TV, coffee maker, iron/ironing board, microwave and refrigerator.
  Facility amenities: Free shuttle to and from the Portland International airport, heated indoor pool, whirlpool and Fitness Center. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, weekday newspaper and local telephone calls.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Request Road Scholar Rate Please mention that you are with Road Scholar to receive special rate.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Request Road Scholar Rate Please mention that you are with Road Scholar to receive special rate.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM

 Adobe Resort
Type: Resort
  Description: The Adobe sits just feet above the waves. Each room has an ocean view, and the sound of the crashing surf and cavorting seagulls will lull you to sleep.
  Contact info: 1555 Highway 101
Yachats, OR 97498 USA
phone: 541-547-3141
web: www.adoberesort.com
  Room amenities: Rooms come equipped with televisions, full bathrooms, telephone, microwave, and refrigerator. Accessible rooms available.
  Facility amenities: The resort features an indoor pool, sauna, exercise room, lounge and restaurant.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Gold Beach Resort
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Gold Beach Resort is located in Gold Beach, Oregon where the Rogue River meets the Pacific Ocean. The resort is located within 150 yards of the beach.
  Contact info: 29232 Ellensburg Ave.
Highway 101
Gold Beach, OR 97444 USA
phone: 541-247-7066
web: www.gbresort.com
  Room amenities: Rooms have ocean views and private balconies, flat screen Satellite TV, refrigerators, microwaves, iron/ironing boards, and Coffee/Tea makers.
  Facility amenities: Resort has an indoor pool and Jacuzzi, fitness center, business center, free wireless Internet, guest laundry, and private beach access.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Best Western Bayshore Inn
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Bayshore Inn is a comfortable, modern hotel centrally-located in Eureka. The hotel features free Wi-Fi, on-site laundry, easy access to local shops and restaurants.
  Contact info: 3500 Broadway
Eureka, CA 95503 USA
phone: 707-268-8005
web: www.bwbayshoreinn.com/
  Room amenities: Refrigerators, microwaves, ironing board and iron, and work desks.
  Facility amenities: Heated indoor and outdoor pools, spa, Wi-Fi, on-site Marie Calendars restaurant, business center, and a garden wing with an outdoor hot tub and koi pond. A few of the rooms permit smoking.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Oregon Caves Chateau
Type: Lodge
  Description: Oregon is privileged to be the home of three outstanding Northwest Lodges (Oregon Caves, Crater Lake and Timberline), serving guests from all around the world. Built in 1934, the Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument is a rustic hotel in the Siskiyou Mountains adjacent to the entrance to the cave in the only active limestone formation in Oregon. The Chateau is part of a larger development that included a chalet (dormitory/gift shop/multiple use structure), several employee and rental cottages, and a visitor contact station, all under consideration for National Register status as part of a district. The buildings were all constructed between 1923 and 1941. The Chateau is without question the most outstanding of the structures. The prime significance of Oregon Caves' Chateau lies in its designer's extraordinarily creative use of the limited building site and how he allowed the site to dictate major architectural choices. Inseparable from that is the extremely high integrity of the building, the furnishings and the site. Of local significance is the importance of the development of Oregon Caves, fostered by local businessmen who formed the Oregon Caves Company- the monument's concessionaire-to stimulate the depressed economy in the area. Today's visitor to the Chateau is still enchanted by the rustic sense of place that the builder and the landscape architects created. Entering the area is very much like traveling back into the 1930s. Trout still swim in the pools. The Chateau is more weathered, but the furnishings are entirely original.
  Contact info: 20000 Caves Highway
Cave Junction, OR 97523 USA
phone: 877-245-9022
web: www.ivcdo.projecta.com
  Room amenities: Each of the rooms in the Chateau has its own unique charm, with rustic lodge flavor.
  Facility amenities: The Chateau offers premier fine dining in one of the most beautiful settings in Oregon. They feature Northwest cuisine made with choice Oregon-grown ingredients. Sample the best of what southern Oregon has to offer, from the freshest, locally-grown foods to Illinois Valley and Rogue Valley cheeses and wines. The Caves Cafe offers good, old fashioned food in a 1930's style setting, and the Deli in the Gift Gallery features many "to-go" items. The unique Gift Gallery features the work of the Illinois Valley's many talented artists and crafters, as well as a great assortment of Oregon Caves memorabilia, including books, jewelry, and clothing. Find that one of a kind gift to take back home with you. The Gift Gallery also features locally produced items such as wines, jams, and soaps.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Best Western Newberry Station
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Newberry Station is La Pine's finest hotel, featuring modern comforts and easy access to the Newberry Volcanic Monument and the Deschutes River Valley.
  Contact info: 16515 Reed Road
La Pine, OR 97739 USA
phone: 541-536-5130
web: www.bestwesternoregon.com/hotels/best-western-newberry-station
  Room amenities: Cable TV with HBO, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.
  Facility amenities: Wi-Fi, indoor pool, spa, and fitness center.
  Smoking allowed: No


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Hotel check in begins at 3:00 PM. Program registration begins at 4:00 PM. You will be staying at Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport that night.
  End of Program:
Individual departures after breakfast. Hotel check out by 12:00 PM. You will be staying at Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Participants can leave their car, for free, in the hotel lot for the duration of the program. Please indicate on the Participant Information Form if you are planning on parking in the hotel lot so we can let the hotel know in advance.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Portland, OR
  Nearest highway: I-84 and I-5
  Nearest airport:  Portland International Airport (PDX)
  From End of Program
  Location: Portland, OR
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Portland- Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Country Inn & Suites Free Shuttle
phone: 503-255-2700
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

No charge
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

.25 
 

Distance:

 

1.5 Miles
 

Portland- Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Tri-Met MAX Light Rail
phone: 503-238-7433

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$2.50 adults, $1.00 honored citizens (65+)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

43 minutes (including 5 minutes walking and 4 minutes waiting) 
   

The closest light rail stop to the train station is Union Station/NW 6th & Hoyt St. Instructions from the Union Station / NW 6th & Hoyt St MAX Station to Portland International Airport: 1) Purchase one ticket for each person in your party 2) Board MAX Green Line to Clackamas Town Center 3) Exit MAX at Rose Quarter MAX Station 4) Board MAX Red Line to Airport 3) Exit MAX at Portland International Airport 4) Contact Country Inn & Suites for complimentary hotel shuttle
 

Portland- Country Inn & Suites from Train Station

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$35-$40
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approximately 20 minutes, but may vary due to traffic. 
   

A taxi would cost approximately $35 - $40 from either the bus or train station to the hotel. Radio Cab: 503-227-1212, Broadway Cab: 503-227-1234 or Green Cab: 503-234-1414.
 

Portland- Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Tri-Met MAX Light Rail
phone: 503-238-7433

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$2.50 adults, $1.00 honored citizens (65+)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

43 minutes (including 5 minutes walking and 4 minutes waiting) 
   

The closest light rail stop to the bus station is Union Station/NW 6th & Hoyt St. Instructions from the Union Station / NW 6th & Hoyt St MAX Station to Portland International Airport: 1) Purchase one ticket for each person in your party 2) Board MAX Green Line to Clackamas Town Center 3) Exit MAX at Rose Quarter MAX Station 4) Board MAX Red Line to Airport 3) Exit MAX at Portland International Airport 4) Contact Country Inn & Suites for complimentary hotel shuttle

 
Driving Directions
  Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport from Airport Depart via airport access road heading towards Portland/I205. Road name changes to NE Airport Way. After a little more than a mile and before you reach the freeway access ramps, turn RIGHT (south) onto NE 82nd Ave. Turn RIGHT (west) onto NE Alderwood Rd. (NE Alderwood Rd is 0.3 miles past NE Air Cargo Rd.) Hotel is on the right.
  Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport from South of Portland From Interstate 5 heading north take the Interstate 205 North exit 288. Continue on I205 for 24 miles to the Airport Way W. exit, EXIT 24A, toward Portland Airport. Merge onto NE Airport Way towards the Portland Airport. Turn LEFT onto NE 82nd Ave at the light. Turn RIGHT onto NE Alderwood Rd. (NE Alderwood Rd is 0.3 miles past NE Air Cargo Rd.) Hotel is on the right.
  Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport from the North From Interstate 5 heading south towards Portland take the Interstate 205 South exit 7 and continue across the Columbia River bridge entering Oregon. Take exit 24, Portland Airport. Turn RIGHT off the exit ramp onto NE Airport Way. Turn LEFT (South) at the light for NE 82nd Ave. Turn RIGHT onto NE Alderwood Rd. (NE Alderwood Rd is 0.3 miles past NE Air Cargo Rd.) The hotel is on the right.
Elevation Note: 6,178 feet is the highest elevation participants will experience.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Welcome to Oregon!
(Friday, June 21)
   
 Arrive To: Welcome to the beginning of an exciting educational journey through some of the most outstanding scenery in the U.S.- sparkling rivers, surging ocean waves, a 6-mile wide caldera and the underground world of a marble cave. Meet your Road Scholar group leaders in the hotel meeting space at 4:00 PM. Orientation begins at 4:45 PM.
 Dinner: A buffet dinner will be served in our meeting space at the hotel, followed by a chance to make new acquaintances.
 Evening: Take a close look at our plans for the next 9 days. Our group leaders have a wealth of information to share.
   
Accommodations: Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Lighthouses, sea lions and surf! The Oregon Coast comes alive.
(Saturday, June 22)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Our trek down the Oregon Coast, with it's ever-changing spectacular viewpoints, begins as we travel to Newport, stopping at Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
 Lunch: Lunch at Izzy's with a variety of choices.
 Afternoon: Prepare for our upcoming beach explorations with a trip to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Walk through acrylic tunnels surrounded by several feet of sea water and come face to face with large sharks, rockfish and bat rays. Explore the many exhibits and enjoy the charming sea life of the northwest coast.
 Dinner: Arrive in Yachats and enjoy dinner overlooking the waves.
   
Accommodations: Adobe Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Travel down the Oregon Coast with its lighthouses, majestic capes and tranquil bays.
(Sunday, June 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Start your morning with a lecture on Oregon's Coastal Geology, then depart the hotel to begin your day's adventure.
 Lunch: On your own in Florence.
 Afternoon: Take in the view from atop Cape Perpetua, which rises 800 feet above the sea. Learn about the wildlfowers, trees and animals along a 1/2-mile trail on the summit during an interpretive walk led by our group leader, a marine biologist.
 Dinner: Enjoy a plated dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Following dinner a lecture on Coastal Natural History will be proved at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Adobe Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Cruise the dunes and explore the lesser-known southern Oregon Coast.
(Monday, June 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: The Oregon Dunes, the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America, extend 60 miles along the coast from Florence to Coos Bay. You can't see these dunes from the highway, so climb aboard a giant dune buggy for a thrilling ride over the mountains of sand. The ride will culminate in a stop atop one of the highest dunes in North America, a whopping 600 feet high!
 Lunch: Lunch at Lord Bennett's restaurant overlooking the scenic Oregon Coast
 Afternoon: After lunch travel on to Gold Beach, where the Rogue River meets the Pacific Ocean. Spend the night here in this remote little sea town.
 Dinner: Dinner at Spinners in Gold Beach.
   
Accommodations: Gold Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Oregon's rugged south coast gives way to California's towering Redwoods.
(Tuesday, June 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Hang on for a thrilling ride up the Wild and Scenic Rogue River aboard a jet boat. See Osprey and other wildlife as your jet boat captain negotiates the rapids of one of the world's most beautiful river valleys. The jet boat ride will be a dynamic introduction to the southern Oregon Coast's backcountry.
 Lunch: Lunch in Agness, a charming town of 75 people.
 Afternoon: Travel South continuing with our onboard lecture by our group leader and biologist as you meet the giants of the coast as you encounter the first of the area's majestic Redwoods on your way south. Enter California and see some of the world's tallest trees.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore local fare.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Bayshore Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Walk amongst the ancient Redwoods. Learn about the ecology of this unique land of giants.
(Wednesday, June 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Our Redwoods expert meets us this morning and continues with us throughout the day. Travel on the world-famous scenic drive, The Avenue of the Giants, 31 miles of redwood groves. It is by far the most outstanding display of these giant trees in the entire 500 mile redwood belt. Take a 1/2 mile loop walk overshadowed by these giant redwoods...a perfect picture taking opportunity!
 Lunch: Picnic lunch in the Redwoods.
 Afternoon: Continue your exploration of the Redwood forest with our local expert as she points out interesting aspects of this forest of giants. Make a stop at a scenic Victorian village.
 Dinner: Dinner at the historic (and rustic) Samoa Cookhouse, where Eureka's loggers and lumbermen have enjoyed hearty family-style meals for generations.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Bayshore Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: From the Coast to the Caves, voyage to the Oregon Caves.
(Thursday, June 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Wind north through the spectacular Redwoods, stopping at the Jedediah Smith State Park, renowned for its beauty.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at the Park.
 Afternoon: Venture deep inside the earth to explore a marble cave at the Oregon Caves National Monument. Learn of the geology, history and science of this cave recognized as one of the most geologically unique and botanically diverse in the U.S. The cave walk and return trail require good mobility and a sense of adventure!
 Dinner: The Oregon Caves Chateau is one of Southern Oregon's most charming lodges. With rustic rooms, this unique 5 story historic landmark, covered with beautiful bark siding, is one of the West's most intriguing lodges. The Oregon Caves Chateau was featured in the PBS TV special and book "Great Lodges of the American West" for it's old fashioned charm and architectural elegance. Take a tour and then sit down to a great dinner in their restaurant.
 Evening: Rest or explore on your own.
   
Accommodations: Oregon Caves Chateau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Encounter one of the natural wonders of the World at Crater Lake National Park.
(Friday, June 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the Chateau to get us started.
 Morning: Travel to Crater Lake via our motorcoach with lecture en route.
 Lunch: Lunch at Annie Creek.
 Afternoon: Crater Lake: overwhelmingly yet sublimely beautiful! Take a breathtaking look from the brink of this 6-mile wide caldera, surrounded by a 36 mile circle of cliffs. Drive part of the Rim of the lake which was created by the eruption and collapse of Mt. Mazama almost 7,700 years ago.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Newberry Station
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Discover Oregon's dry side. Voyage back to Portland.
(Saturday, June 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Travel to Newberry National Volcanic Monument's Lava Lands Visitor Center for a walk through a lava flow with your group leader and private intrepetive guide. This visit ties together much of what you have learned throughout your travels.
 Lunch: Lunch along the way.
 Afternoon: Explore the wonderful museum at the Warm Springs Indian Reservation before skirting the flanks of Mt. Hood on your way to the Columbia River Gorge and thundering Multnomah Falls, the state's highest.
 Dinner: Enjoy dinner as we share favorite experiences with each other from our journey, and stay to chat just a little longer!
   
Accommodations: Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Safe Travels!
(Sunday, June 30)
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast at the hotel, followed by independent departures! We wish you a safe journey home and thanks for enjoying our wonderful Pacific Northwest with us! Come back for one of our many other programs!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Portland, OR Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden was originally developed as a test garden. The oldest rhododendron in the current garden was planted prior to 1917. There are more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, and companion plants in the garden. For additional information, visit www.portlandonline.com/parks
  International Rose Test Garden
With 8,555 rose bushes representing 722 varieties of roses, this garden is definitely worth a visit. Call 503-823-3635 or visit the website for additional information. For additional information, visit rosegardenstore.com/thegardens.cfm
  Lan Su Chinese Garden
Discover an ever-changing landscape of pavilions, stone, water, plants and literature. Call 503-228-8131 or visit the website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.portlandchinesegarden.org
  Oregon Historical Society
Experience the Oregon story, from its earliest inhabitants to the present day, with fascinating displays of rare Oregon treasures. Call 503-222-1741 or visit the website for more information. For additional information, visit www.ohs.org
  Pittock Mansion
The Pittock Mansion was home to Portland pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock from 1914 to 1919. During the late 1800s and the early 1900s, their lives and work paralleled the growth of Portland from a small Northwest town site to a thriving city with a quarter million population. With its eclectic architectural design and richly decorated interior, including family artifacts, the Pittock Mansion stands today as a living memorial of this family’s contributions to the blossoming of Portland and its people. Information from www.pittockmansion.org. Call 503-823-3623 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.pittockmansion.org
  Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest. The Museum’s collection includes works of European painting and sculpture, American painting and sculpture, English silver, Asian art, Native American art, Pre-Columbian art, Cameroon and other African art, contemporary art, sculpture, prints and drawings, and photography. Call 503-226-2811 or visit the website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.portlandartmuseum.org
  Portland International Airport
For information about airlines, parking, restaurants or shopping at the airport call 877-739-4636 or visit their website. For additional information, visit www.flypdx.com
  Portland Japanese Garden
This beautiful and tranquil garden features five gardens in 5.5 acres. Call 503-223-1231 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.japanesegarden.com
  Portland Spirit River Cruise
Portland Spirit River Cruises offer Willamette River cruises and Columbia River cruises from downtown Portland Oregon aboard the Portland Spirit, the Willamette Star, the Crystal Dolphin and the Outrageous Jetboat. Call 1-800-224-3901 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.portlandspirit.com
  Portland Walking Tours
Portland Walking Tours offers a wide range of walking tours- from the Best of Portland, to Underground Portland to an Epicurean Excursion. Call 503-774-4522 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.portlandwalkingtours.com
  Powell's City of Books
Powell's City of Books has over a million new and used books on the shelves. Get lost in the nine color coded rooms while searching through the 3,500 sections. This is more than just a bookstore, it's an entire block! Call 1-800-878-7323 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.powells.com
  Travel Portland
Portland's one-stop visitor center, includes local events calendar and trip planning information. Visitor's information center conveniently located in Pioneer Courthouse Square (also known as Portland's living room). Call 1-800-962-3700 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.travelportland.com
  Tri Met
Tri Met is Portland's public transportation system (includes lightrail, streetcar and buses). Call 503-238-7433 or visit their website for more information. For additional information, visit www.tri-met.org
  Waterfront Bicycle
Whether you're looking to rent a bike for a few hours or for a week, Waterfront Bicycle will have what you need. All rentals include a helmet, lock and handlebar bag. Choose from five styles of bikes. Website includes suggested rides. Call 503-227-1719 or visit their website for additional information. For additional information, visit www.waterfrontbikes.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Coast Redwood: A Natural and Cultural History


Author: John Evarts and Marjorie Popper


Description: Coast Redwood is the first contemporary illustrated book to focus exclusively on the natural and cultural history of the world's tallest tree.



Crater Lake National Park: A History


Author: Rick Harmon


In Search of Ancient Oregon: A Geological and Natural History


Author: Ellen Morris Bishop


It Happened in Oregon


Author: James A. Crutchfield


Oregon Caves: The Pioneer Exploration and the New Discoveries


Author: Steve Knutson


Roadside History of Oregon


Author: Bill Gulick


The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion & Daring


Author: Richard Preston


Description: Hidden away in foggy, uncharted rain forest valleys in Northern California are the largest and tallest organisms the world has ever sustained–the coast redwood trees, Sequoia sempervirens. Ninety-six percent of the ancient redwood forests have been destroyed by logging, but the untouched fragments that remain are among the great wonders of nature. The biggest redwoods have trunks up to thirty feet wide and can rise more than thirty-five stories above the ground, forming cathedral-like structures in the air. Until recently, redwoods were thought to be virtually impossible to ascend, and the canopy at the tops of these majestic trees was undiscovered. In The Wild Trees, Richard Preston unfolds the spellbinding story of Steve Sillett, Marie Antoine, and the tiny group of daring botanists and amateur naturalists that found a lost world above California, a world that is dangerous, hauntingly beautiful, and unexplored.





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