Oregon
The Faces of Oregon: Mt. Hood, Columbia River Gorge & Astoria
Program No. 1834RJ
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The Faces of Oregon: Mt. Hood, Columbia River Gorge & Astoria
The Faces of Oregon: Mt. Hood, Columbia River Gorge & Astoria
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Participant Reviews
Based on 64 Reviews
SHOWING
It was my first trip with RS and it was an amazing experience. I am looking forward to my next trip with RS.
— Review left October 30, 2025
An excellent way to experience Oregons diversity. City tours, beautiful beach walks, forested learning adventures, snow covered mountains, and majestic views with awesome water falls. A great experience with welcoming group leaders and free time to explore.
— Review left October 27, 2025
This was a stellar experience which introduced me to many aspects of the Oregon Coast I would never have found on my own. The variety of locations visited was amazing and my field of knowledge has been greatly increased.
— Review left October 21, 2025
A great team gave us days of interesting sites and history, spectacular views, and delicious food. It was a great way to explore a different part of the country and meet people with like interests.
— Review left September 13, 2025
A world of natural beauty awaits you.
— Review left July 22, 2025
This trip The Faces of Oregon: Mt. Hood, Columbia River Gorge & Astoria was our second trip and Road Scholar did not disappoint. Will definitely consider more trips as they are well organized and very complete.
— Review left July 19, 2025
The program was excellant, butI would liked to spent alittle more time at some of the places.
— Review left July 12, 2025
Great exposure to Columbia River Valley and Portland. Go a couple days early or stay late and save time for food scene. Lots of energy and knowledge shown by Road Scholar staff.
— Review left July 1, 2025
Beautiful sites. Excellent director and local expert. Interesting information about the Lewis & Clark expedition and how Timberland was built by artisans from the WPA and CCA.
— Review left June 30, 2025
this is a well worthy program to experience some of the best Oregon has to offer
— Review left June 17, 2025
This was a wonderful trip in all respects! Well-chosen itinerary, excellent presentations, and paced just right. For me it was a fine and much-needed adventure as well.
I'm especially glad that Natalie DaSilva was our instructor. She is gifted in all sorts of ways, and the entire experience was a great deal richer for her presence!
With thanks to you all,
STB
— Review left May 29, 2025
more than any other place I have visited the Columbia river gorge and areas surrounding Portland are the most beautiful I have ever seen.
— Review left May 17, 2025
This is a great adventure for those who love the outdoors and exploring history.
— Review left October 22, 2024
This would be an excellent program for anyone interested in learning about and seeing Portland and northwest Oregon
— Review left October 7, 2024
My husband and I just took our first Road Scholar trip to Portland, exploring the history of the pioneer experience and visiting beautiful places outside the city such as Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge, and Mt. Hood. It fulfilled our goal of exploring the Pacific Northwest without a car. The trip was well organized and very educational. Our leaders--Ryan and John were terrific.
— Review left September 21, 2024
With excellent leaders, Ryan & John, our exploration of several different areas of Oregon was most enjoyable. It was great to learn more about Oregon's history, as well as to savor the beauty of Mt. Hood, Columbia River Gorge, Astoria, and other highlights. This program provides an excellent way to learn more about different aspects of Oregon. Try it!
— Review left September 17, 2024
A most enjoyable way to see and learn the history of Portland and the surrounding countryside.
— Review left September 15, 2024
The Faces of Oregon is a wonderful introduction to the Portland region.
— Review left August 22, 2024
Know ahead of time this trip has very little free time to explore and lots of walking and listening. If you are more active you may want to consider another tour.
— Review left August 15, 2024
The Faces of Oregon was my sixth - but not last - Road Scholar trip because I plan on being a lifelong learner.
The Faces of Oregon: cascading waterfalls, forests of Ponderosa pine, Portland (art, history, architecture, International Rose Test Garden), Pacific coast, Columbia River Gorge, Astoria (Astoria Column, Maritime Museum), Lewis & Clark National Historical Park. A great adventure.
— Review left August 14, 2024
The variety of activities and information provided on this trip exceeded my expectations and truly enriched my travel experience.
— Review left August 11, 2024
Very worthwhile! I learned so much. And the area is beautiful,
— Review left July 27, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed my road scholar trip! Our presenters and coordinator were very passionate and insightful, the sights were fabulous and everyone in our group was just amazing! I made some great new friends and intend to keep in contact :) Perhaps even another trip with some!!
— Review left July 17, 2024
Well conceived,well organised and well executed program.
— Review left July 13, 2024
This is a wonderful program that really gives you an overview of the beauty and diversity of northwestern Oregon. We went from downtown Portland to the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood, and the coastline, and all were beautiful and interesting in their own way. There was a lot of activity, but also downtime on the bus. The tour leader, Susan, was superb.
— Review left June 24, 2024
A beautiful and educational introduction to Portland and the Pacific Northwest! A variety of settings and activities are included in this travel experience, so you know exactly what you want to come back and further explore on your NEXT visit. And you WILL want to come back!
— Review left June 23, 2024
The Faces of Oregon (Portland, Astoria, and The Columbia River Gorge) is a fascinating trip when your interests lie in the historical, geological, and social aspects of our relationship with the planet Earth. Be prepared to stand in awe of the natural beauty of this part of our country. The meals and accommodations, as well as the instructors and motorcoach driver, exceed expectations. Because we stay in one hotel the whole week -- and drive to activities and views, it makes sense to go on this excursion.
— Review left May 25, 2024
Faces of Oregon included a beautiful and engaging experience in nature, history and geology of a diverse corner of Oregon. From the mountains to the ocean, the Oregon Trail, the Lewis and Clark fort, waterfalls, historic lodges and a winery tasting, we enjoyed it all. Carolyn, John, the guest presenters, and Mike the driver enhanced every day with their knowldege, local perspectives and fun.
— Review left October 21, 2023
This is a great trip to see parts of the Pacific Northwest from the Portland area. You should do it!
— Review left October 8, 2023
Good trip with Road Scholar
— Review left September 24, 2023
Beautiful overview of the region surrounding Portland, with all its variety and history. Every day was unique, with easy bus-rides from our hotel, with stops ranging from volcanos to waterfalls, pioneers to a fish hatchery, wine-tasting to picnic lunches. Highly recommended!
— Review left September 21, 2023
Highly recommend this Oregon trip
— Review left September 4, 2023
What a great trip! Linda was a wonderful group leader and John was an incredible study leader. John really made the history come alive. Oregon was beautiful. We visited a lot of locations and were kept pretty busy but I enjoyed the variety and the chance to experience different areas.
— Review left August 18, 2023
This was a very nice trip - had a chance to see Portland and surrounding areas. Highlights for me included the Portland Rose Garden, the Columbia River Gorge, Astoria, Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood, Fort Clatsop (winter camp for Lewis & Clark Expedition), and a wine tasting at Phelps Winery. Our tour director was enthusiastic and kept us organized. The bus was comfortable and the drivers friendly. I combined this trip with the Oregon Coast trip - perfect timing to do these back to back and really see a lot of Oregon.
— Review left June 25, 2023
The leader and lecturer made this program great (Linda and John). Even though we had cool rainy weather more than half the time the events and outings were held successfully. Great resource for Oregon Trail and Columbia River history
— Review left June 24, 2023
Even though we had been to the area several times, the program gave us a much more in-depth experience, learning the history, etc, as we explored by coach or on-foot. The two leaders were so intelligent and warm. One of the best of our 28 Road Scholar programs!
— Review left June 19, 2023
Wonderful trip! Susan Wolfe, as the group leader, was fantastic! You'll see Mt Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, in addition to seeing public art in Portland and the International Rose Garden. Many more items. Very interesting! Oregon is a beautiful state.
— Review left June 15, 2023
This was a wonderful first Oregon visit. Hotel was nice, rail right across street for airport or outings on our own. All of the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. I particularly enjoyed the downtown walking tour more than I expected. Always felt safe, welcome and included. Food was fine when they are trying to serve 24 people. Weather (luck!) was perfect. I could have done without the wine tasting but that's just me. Thanks to RS and our guides for a great intro to Oregon. History and scenery were great!
— Review left June 14, 2023
If you want a trip that have extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable people leading it, then this is the trip for you!!! Except for early wake up days, I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this trip and learned a great deal about this beautiful part of the country. Debbi Lane
— Review left June 11, 2023
My FACES OF Oregon trip was even more then I had expected.....every aspect if the trip was perfect
— Review left June 11, 2023
Oregon puts its best face forward for all to see & experience its beauty, history and excitement.
— Review left June 10, 2023
I was looking for an introduction to the North West. This program provided exactly what I was looking for ad exceeded my expectations. We experienced the varied beauty of the area, and learned about the history and geological background.
— Review left May 29, 2023
My new No.1 Road Scholar trip;The Faces of Oregon.
The knowledge I gained from our leaders,the beautiful scenery and the comaraderie of our small group all added to one more memorable Road Scholar trip.
— Review left October 15, 2022
this was my 11th RS trip and they are great fun.
— Review left September 17, 2022
Just finished the Road Scholar trip Oregon: Mt Hood, Columbia River Gorge and Astoria, and will say to anyone this trip is worth your time. First off our leaders Holly and John we both great, Holly warm and friendly and kept everything running on time, John with lots of information as we moved from stop to stop, John is very funny and kept long stretches of the trip seem much shorter. The two guest speakers were very informative and interesting. I read the Lewis and Clark journals several years ago and that was one of the main reasons I wanted to do this trip. Meals provided were all good with the two meals at the park lodges were amazing. You will be kept busy everyday of this experience, Astoria stops were nice, the Museum was very interesting, lunch on your own was fun, I ended up at The Silver Salmon and had a great Clam Chowder and Cheese bread meal. Different stops on the Columbia River Gorge informative and some truly beautiful scenery. The waterfall was beautiful also. This is a small group tour , which it needs to be. By the end of the trip you know everyone by name, and believe me that's important. Want to mention our bus driver Tom was such a skilled driver, keeping us on time on roads that truly snake through the River George area. If you are interested, in the least, go and enjoy yourself.
— Review left August 27, 2022
This is a great trip! Gorgeous scenery!
Be sure to read the "Astoria" book before you go -- it adds so much to the experience!
— Review left August 8, 2022
So much beautiful scenery. Highly recommend
— Review left June 26, 2022
I highly recommended this adventure, especially if you have never been to Oregon. It is amazing!!
— Review left June 25, 2022
Great leader and beautiful scenery.
— Review left June 25, 2022
The Road Scholar trip to Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas was quite varied and filled with beautiful nature opportunities to explore. The walking tour of downtown Portland was delightful -- our knowledgeable guide and his great sense of humor enabled our group to hear about the highlights of the city. Additional excursions throughout the trip provided extended visits to beautiful vistas -- Philip Foster Farm, Wildwood Recreation Site and a trip to Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood - an amazing structure built and furnished in 1937! What a fantastic learning opportunity! Our visit to the Columbia Gorge was breathtaking! The variety of locations we visited offered great learning experiences.
— Review left June 19, 2022
Even if you have been to the Pacific Northwest before, this program will give you new insights.
— Review left May 30, 2022
Natural beauty at every turn, so different than my "flatlander" home. The expertise, knowledge and good humor of the leaders were great! Thanks for a great trip.
— Review left October 28, 2021
It was delightful!
The high points:
* Our Leader, Linda, did a great job of keeping us organized, rolling along, and on time.
* Our guide, John Ford, was excellent: down to earth, highly knowledgable, and always approachable.
* Our Driver, Tim, wheeled our mammoth coach along Interstates and narrow, winding roads with expertise and good humor.
* The sights and experiences were wonderful. I salute whoever made the choice of destinations.
* The wrap-up lecture on Friday morning was outstanding. It was great to have it after we had seen its subjects; that timing made it much more understandable.
And a couple of complaints:
* It probably should have been a smaller group. There were 34 of us, and that was a lot of cats to herd.
* While my hotel room was comfortable and pleasant, the breakfast available in the lobby—or lack thereof— was downright horrifying. I shudder to think of how it might have affected a diabetic; sometimes there was no food left by 7:30 am. ( Linda passed out fruit every evening when we returned, probably at her own expense, so that we could all have something to eat in the morning.)
But all in all, it was a fine introduction to the Pacific Northwest, a place I'd never visited in all my many travels. I look forward to further exploration of this fascinating area of the country. And I'll be doing it with Road Scholar.
Thanks, and with best wishes,
Pamela Marks
— Review left October 26, 2021
We had a wonderful time learning about and seeing this beautiful part of our country - would recommend.
— Review left October 23, 2021
The program provides a great learning experience about the history and geology, with discussion about more recent history and topics too, for the area along the Columbia River from The Dalles to the Pacific Ocean. Suggest you watch documentaries or otherwise learn about Lewis & Clark Expedition in advance to enhance understanding before attending. Beautiful scenery, nice bus transportation, nice to stay in the same hotel throughout. We had cancellation of some events due to COVID and end of season schedules, but the leaders did a great job to adjust. We really enjoyed this program and felt is was a nice balance of activities.
— Review left October 22, 2021
My wife had 90% of the of the interface with the website.
— Review left October 22, 2021
A very in depth program highlighting the Oregon Coast, Mt. Hood, Portland and the Lewis and Clark expedition. I became more knowledgeable about all four adventures and shared the experience with 33 other individuals from across the United States.
— Review left October 9, 2021
I have done three Road scholar journeys in the past and have never been disappointed. This program really exceeded my expectation. The leaders were well-versed and the participants were kind, friendly and interested in learning about the area,
— Review left September 27, 2021
If you are interested in the natural features in Northwest Oregon this program represents an excellent opportunity to explore many natural and historical perspectives in one trip.
— Review left September 22, 2021
Linda and John were excellent leaders on this trip with their knowledge and experiences. Great variety of daily excursions. Beautiful part of the country.
— Review left September 9, 2021
To long and to much info requested.
— Review left August 13, 2021
Great program, just as described. Full of varied excursions and interesting information. I learned a lot about Lewis and Clark, plus the Oregon Trail. A bargain, too!
— Review left August 12, 2019
This is a great look at the history as well as the present day scene in Oregon. The variety of activities was super and along the way we had a lot of fun. Hard to choose my favorite day...they were all great!
— Review left June 16, 2019
A beautiful and informative experience.
— Review left June 1, 2019