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Oregon

The Faces of Oregon: Mt. Hood, Columbia River Gorge & Astoria

Program No. 1834RJ
From awe-inspiring waterfalls to towering Mount Hood, from ancient forests to food-trendy Portland, explore the many wonders of Oregon on this great Northwestern adventure.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Portland, OR
Program Concludes
Portland, OR
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
12 ( 5B, 3L, 4D )
Activity Level
On four daylong field trips, discover the natural beauty and human history that make Oregon a state of wonder. Take in city highlights like the International Rose Test Garden, then explore the natural wonders outside the city, from the rugged Pacific Coast to the dramatic Columbia River Gorge to the volcanic Cascade Mountains. Each journey is accented by interesting, interactive activities, enhanced with interpretation from the program Instructor.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Gaze up at towering Mount Hood from majestic Timberline Lodge, one of the iconic great lodges of the West.
  • Stand in awe of the Columbia River Gorge’s magnificent waterfalls and captivating vistas.
  • Visit the rugged Oregon Coast, including the mouth of the Columbia River, known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific,” and the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Vince Patton loved exploring the northwest as a reporter for a public television show called Oregon Field Guide. Experiencing nature and wildlife made for the best job of his 37-year career in television. During that time, he won 10 Emmy awards and three dozen other national and regional honors. After retiring, he got deep into genealogy, discovering roots back to the earliest settlers of the U.S. He has lived and worked in Colorado, Missouri, Kansas, and Texas, but has spent over two decades in Portland.
Eric Wheeler has over twenty years of experience as an architectural historian. He has written numerous National Register nominations, taught graduate level classes in architectural history and consulted with architects and realtors. Eric discovered the Pacific Northwest several years ago and continues to explore and interpret the captivating built environment of Portland and environs. Currently Eric designs and leads outings for his architectural walking Meetup group: Positively Portland Walking Tours. Eric has been leading walking excursions for Road Scholar since 2017.
Natalie DaSilva is an Oregon Master Naturalist and Certified Interpretive Guide who enjoys nothing more than sharing her love for the natural and cultural history of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. After a long and rewarding career in health care, she is now focused on developing programs to inspire others to discover, experience, and protect these natural and cultural wonders. An avid hiker, Natalie spends much of her free time exploring the unique landscapes of Oregon and surrounding areas.
Karen Shoebottom, a native of Michigan and a resident of Oregon since 2005, has been leading adventures across the U.S. since 2018. With a background in education and corporate management, she believes travel is a great way to not only experience new places but also learn about the culture and history of the United States.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
This is an On Your Feet program with a few days of early start times, long drives, and getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking on uneven terrain. Standing for an hour at a time. Several opportunities for guided walks, with some options over uneven dirt surfaces, steps, and moderate elevation gain and length. Please refer to daily activity notes and be mindful of the effect of cumulative days of travel. Walking up to 2 miles on varied terrain. Elevations up to 6,000 feet.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.