Portland & Beyond: An Outdoor Adventure With Your Grandchild

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:30 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any up-updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet dinner featuring a variety of foods plus beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Orientation: 6:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren at all times. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Unless otherwise specified, transportation will be provided primarily by van, which will require ascending/descending a few steps when getting on/off. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; traveling about 12 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Getting on/off public transportation. Hiking about 1/2 mile; mostly paved ground with some uneven terrain. Kayaking between 2.5 to 3 hours in calm waters.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board our motorcoach and head downtown for an urban hike through Portland. Along the way, we will walk the Tillikum Crossing Bridge, designed especially for light rail trains, cyclists and pedestrians. Next we will stop at three of Portland's urban fountains before visiting the world's smallest park.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will reboard our motorcoach and head out of the city for a kayaking adventure. On arrival, we’ll meet up with a local expert and begin our kayaking journey down the Willamette River. As we paddle, we’ll observe and learn about the surrounding wildlife and history of the area. During this fun adventure, we will pass by the historic Willamette Falls Locks on our way to view Willamette Falls. We’ll also keep an eye out for bird species that typically live in the area such as bald eagles and osprey.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: We will return to the hotel with the rest of the evening at leisure.

Activity note: Getting on/off van; traveling about 75 miles, approximately 1.5 hours roundtrip. Hiking about 4 miles throughout the day; uneven terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board the van and head to the spectacular Columbia River Gorge for a morning of hiking. The Gorge is known for its magnificent waterfalls and beautiful vistas. We will set out on the Historic Columbia River Highway where we will stop for a magnificent view before beginning our hike with a local expert. Along the way we will view booming waterfalls, such as Multnomah Falls — the tallest waterfall in the Gorge. Our local expert will provide expert commentary about the wildlife of the surrounding area and share the local history and legends surrounding the falls.

Lunch: At a lodge with views of Multnomah Falls.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will continue hiking through the Columbia River Gorge. Following our hiking adventure, we will reboard the van and return to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on/off van; traveling about 60 miles, approximately 1 hour total. Ziplining for approximately 2.5 hours. Stairs required to access zipline platform. No experience necessary. Participants must weigh between 60 to 280 pounds. Extent and duration of independent activities according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Boarding our motorcoach, we will head to Pumpkin Ridge for ziplining. Gain a bird's-eye-view as we soar high above the trees through this exhilarating 8-zip line course, passing Douglas Firs, Western Red Cedars, and majestic suspension bridges. Throughout our journey, our instructors will provide expert commentary about the surrounding wildlife and will point out various species of flora and fauna.

Lunch: At Pumpkin Ridge, we will have a boxed lunch.

Afternoon: After ziplining, we will board the motorcoach and head back to our hotel in Portland. The rest of the afternoon is free. Explore the many fun outdoor activities Portland has to offer or relax poolside at the hotel.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in Portland. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. If you like, join the Group Leader in our meeting room for a screening of a family-friendly movie.

Activity note: Getting on/off van; driving about 150 miles, approximately 2.75 hours roundtrip; rafting for approximately 13 miles over multiple rapids. Whitewater rating: II+; intermediate; moderate and irregular waves; some small drops.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We'll board our van and enjoy a beautiful drive to North Santiam State Park where we will embark on a river rafting field trip on the North Santiam River. With local experts, we’ll navigate along tree lined banks and creeks that spill into the river. Many birds and animals call this land their home, such as bald eagles, deer, and elk. Along the way, we’ll admire and learn about the fascinating local flora and fauna.

Lunch: Part way through the day, we will pull over to enjoy a freshly prepared picnic-style lunch.

Afternoon: We will continue our journey down the river. At around 2:00 p.m., we will depart and return to the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet dinner featuring seasonal, regional cuisine plus salad and dessert with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during this farewell dinner.

Evening: The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Activity note: Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: The Group Leader will lead a wrap-up session to review program highlights and say farewell to new Road Scholar friends. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!