Oregon/California
On the Road: The Oregon Coast, California Redwoods & Crater Lake
Program No. 16188RJ
Explore ancient redwood forests, see the clear waters of America’s deepest lake and learn about unique Northwest landscapes alongside experts.
Enroll with Confidence
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
11 days
10 nights
27 meals
10B 8L 9D
3
Sea Life Cruise, Oregon Coast Aquarium
Newport, OR
7
California Redwoods, Jedediah Smith State Park
Grants Pass, OR
8
Crater Lake National Park
Bend, OR
10
Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls
Portland, OR
11
Program Concludes
Portland, OR
At a Glance
Home to some of the most diverse landscapes in the country, from the jagged alpine terrain of the Cascade Mountains to mossy rainforests and wave-battered headlands, 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. Discover Crater Lake, a body of water partly filling a 7,000+ year-old volcanic caldera, enjoy an interpretive walk at Cape Perpetua and take in the view from 800 feet above sea level, explore California’s giant redwoods and so much more.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Must be able to walk up to two miles a day. Be prepared for walking on uneven ground, unpaved trails or sandy beaches. There are steep stairs at some locations that will require you to be sure-footed. Elevations of 4,000-7,100 feet.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Marvel at awe-inspiring Crater Lake, a massive volcanic caldera and the deepest lake in the U.S.
- Experience the thrills, excitement and breathtaking scenery of the Rogue River on an expert-led jet boat ride.
- Touch trees rooted when Caesar ruled Rome in the world’s largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Joy Marzolf
Joy Marzolf worked for the Oregon Zoo and traveled the western U.S. running live animal education exhibits and leading animal education programs. For almost 14 years, Joy was a naturalist and educator at Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, where she taught programs for a wide range of ages on topics including butterflies and dragonflies, reptiles and amphibians, mammals, animal tracking, and photography. In 2020, Joy started her own company, The Joys of Nature, specializing in nature, nature travel, and live animal programs for all ages.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Suzanne Burd
View biography
Suzanne Burd recently retired from Columbia Gorge Community College after serving as a community education coordinator and the renewable energy technology program coordinator for 25 years. She has worked on Road Scholar programs in the Mid-Columbia region since 1996, covering topics such as wildflowers and the geology of the Columbia Gorge, skiing and the history of Timberline Lodge, the production and harvest of the Columbia Gorge’s diverse crops, the botany and geology of the John Day River Basin, and the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Bob Vinatieri
View biography
Bob Vinatieri was introduced to travel at age two, riding in a TWA Super Constellation cockpit from Kansas City to Amarillo. Travel has been his vocation for over 40 years, and he has visited all 50 states, six continents, and over 50 countries. Bob enjoys leisurely walks along both mountain trails and urban cityscapes. Highlights on his programs include discussions of geology, climate transitions, and human histories. You can always find him with a camera, photographing wildflowers and the epic landscapes of the Pacific Wonderland.
Joy Marzolf
View biography
Joy Marzolf worked for the Oregon Zoo and traveled the western U.S. running live animal education exhibits and leading animal education programs. For almost 14 years, Joy was a naturalist and educator at Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, where she taught programs for a wide range of ages on topics including butterflies and dragonflies, reptiles and amphibians, mammals, animal tracking, and photography. In 2020, Joy started her own company, The Joys of Nature, specializing in nature, nature travel, and live animal programs for all ages.
Suggested Reading List
(6 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
On the Road: The Oregon Coast, California Redwoods & Crater Lake
Program Number: 16188
It Happened in Oregon
Coast Redwood: A Natural and Cultural History
Coast Redwood is the first contemporary illustrated book to focus exclusively on the natural and cultural history of the world's tallest tree.
The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion & Daring
Crater Lake National Park: A History
In Search of Ancient Oregon: A Geological and Natural History
Roadside History of Oregon