Skip to Main Content
Oregon

Portland & Beyond: An Outdoor Adventure With Your Grandchild

Program No. 24157RJ
Zip, raft, kayak and hike your way through the great outdoors with your grandchild, all while learning why eco-friendly Portland is one of the coolest cities around!

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Not only is Portland, Oregon full of magnificent parks and gardens, it’s the perfect gateway to the great outdoors! Just beyond the city sits a world of natural wonders, from thundering waterfalls to rushing rivers — and you and your grandchild will explore them together in unforgettable ways. Soar over towering trees at a zipline park, practice your rafting skills along the North Santiam River and spot birds, wildlife and waterfalls on a kayaking expedition. You’ll also learn how Portland has become of the most eco-friendly cities in the U.S. as you set out on an urban hike with experts, explore local neighborhoods by public transportation and more! Both inside the city and beyond, this fun-filled adventure is sure to put the “great” in the great outdoors!
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Kayaking for 1.5 hours on flatwater, walking up to two miles on city sidewalks and paved trails. Hiking about 4 miles on packed dirt trails. Ziplining for up to 2.5 hours. Rafting 13 miles down river apprximately 3.5 hours, whitewater rating II+.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • See booming waterfalls up close during an expert-led hike through the Columbia River Gorge.
  • Learn about local wildlife as you kayak along the Willamette River and spend a day rafting on the North Santiam River.
  • Soar among huge Douglas Firs and Western Red Cedars at a zipline park, a thrilling bonding experience!

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Carolyn Best
Of all the joys in Carolyn’s life, the two greatest are her grandchildren and her adventurous travels. After three distinct careers in nursing, fashion and nannying, it was time to pursue her dream of traveling. Carolyn has sky-dived in Hawaii, sailed across the Atlantic in a 65-foot boat, hiked in Zion with her grandsons and traveled internationally to Russia, China and Spain. With Road Scholar, Carolyn loves to share the Pacific Northwest with adventurous people who have a lust for life and can-do attitudes.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Carolyn Best
Carolyn Best View biography
Of all the joys in Carolyn’s life, the two greatest are her grandchildren and her adventurous travels. After three distinct careers in nursing, fashion and nannying, it was time to pursue her dream of traveling. Carolyn has sky-dived in Hawaii, sailed across the Atlantic in a 65-foot boat, hiked in Zion with her grandsons and traveled internationally to Russia, China and Spain. With Road Scholar, Carolyn loves to share the Pacific Northwest with adventurous people who have a lust for life and can-do attitudes.
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.





Recommended For You

loading spinner