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Oregon

A Hiking Adventure Along Oregon's Central Coast

Program No. 4896RJ
Hike old-growth forests along the Oregon Coast as you learn about local ecosystems, explore coastal dunes. Choose from two hiking options of varying distances and elevations.

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Protecting the Environment

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

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jun 16 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Jun 23 - Jun 28, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Aug 11 - Aug 16, 2024
Starting at
2,199
Aug 25 - Aug 30, 2024
Starting at
2,199
Sep 1 - Sep 6, 2024
Starting at
2,199
Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
2,199
Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
2,199
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Jun 16 - Jun 21, 2024
Starting at
2,579
Jun 23 - Jun 28, 2024
Starting at
2,579
Aug 11 - Aug 16, 2024
Starting at
2,629
Aug 25 - Aug 30, 2024
Starting at
2,629
Sep 1 - Sep 6, 2024
Starting at
2,629
Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
2,629
Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2024
Starting at
2,629

At a Glance

The Oregon Coast abounds in spectacular scenery and diverse natural habitats, from coastal mountains and temperate rainforests to ocean beaches and historic lighthouses. Led by experienced local interpretive experts, immerse yourself in a variety of ecosystems with day hikes offering longer spirited or shorter relaxed choices. Marvel at old-growth forests of towering Sitka spruce and Douglas fir, walk along a mountain stream with numerous cascading waterfalls and explore the vast Oregon Dunes and the spectacular basalt shoreline of the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Each hiking day, choose from two hiking options based on your desired level of challenge, ranging from 3-7 miles on varied terrain. Trail surfaces range from forest paths to sandy beaches. Elevations from 200 feet to 1,100 feet. Daily hikes are held rain or shine but access to certain areas is dependent on current tides.
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.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Enjoy hikes through lush coastal rainforests, explore the grounds of the Heceta Head Lighthouse and experience the beauty of the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.
  • Ride in a dune transporter for stunning views of the vast Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the largest coastal dune complex in the Western hemisphere.
  • Hike one of the most scenic trails on the Oregon coast, the Sweet Creek Falls Trail, with its thirteen cascading waterfalls.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
John Ford
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, John L. Ford has held many titles. He was part of a touring rock band, spent time as a photojournalist, and worked as a federal ranger at Yaquina Head Lighthouse and as a marine mammal biologist. He is also a first responder with the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network and a member of the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators. John has been an instructor with Road Scholar for over 20 years.

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

Profile Image of John Ford
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, John L. Ford has held many titles. He was part of a touring rock band, spent time as a photojournalist, and worked as a federal ranger at Yaquina Head Lighthouse and as a marine mammal biologist. He is also a first responder with the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network and a member of the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators. John has been an instructor with Road Scholar for over 20 years.
Profile Image of T. McCracken
T. McCracken View biography
T. (Theresa) McCracken has been a naturalist, historian and humorist on the Oregon Coast for over 30 years. She's fought forest fires, was once named Forest Service Pacific Northwest Interpreter of the year, hitchhiked up much of Africa, recuperated from elephantiasis at Jane Goodall's Gombe National Park, took a barge 1,500 miles down the Congo, had cartoons published in hundreds of magazines and books, wrote a book titled "Holy Rollers: Murder and Madness in Oregon's Love Cult," and flossed every day of her adult life.
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.
Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast
by Jim Pojar & Andy MacKinnon
This is the resource for Northwest Coast flora. If you are interested in the trees, wildflowers, and other plants of the Oregon Coast, this is the only book that has them all.
The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest
by J. Duane Sept
This is possibly the most concise guide to the myriad of intertidal zone creatures you may encounter on the Oregon Coast. It's not exhaustive, but it is pocket-sized and complete enough to help you identify and appreciate the creatures of the shoreline.
Exploring the Oregon Coast Trail
by Connie Soper
This helpful little volume walks you through 40 consecutive day hikes from Fort Stevens State Park to California. Complete with maps, practical tips, and historical information, this book is sure to be an excellent supplement to your hiking experience.
Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America
by David Allen Sibley
When it comes to the many birds that frequent the Oregon Coast, no guidebook is more complete than Sibley's little handbook. With wonderful illustrations and plenty of information, this is a birdwatching essential on the coast.
100 Hikes/Travel Guide Oregon Coast and Coast Range
by William L. Sullivan
William Sullivan's wonderful guide to the coast's trails and natural places is the perfect general handbook to the coast. Each of the hikes is well described and the book features many great illustrations and photographs.





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.