Oregon’s Coast, Crater Lake & Redwoods

Day 1 – Welcome to Oregon! (Friday, August 28)

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at LAX this morning for a scheduled nonstop flight arriving in Medford, Oregon this afternoon. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a flight arrival time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, we’ll board a deluxe motorcoach and visit the Harry & David Country Village Store, the world-renowned destination featuring a wide selection of fine wine and signature treats like the legendary pears, truffles, and fan-favorite Moose Munch Premium Popcorn. After an included dinner at a locals’ favorite, we’ll begin a two-night stay in Medford. (Dinner)

Day 2 – Crater Lake National Park (Saturday, August 29)

This morning we’re joined by a local guide as we follow the Rogue River toward Crater Lake National Park, Oregon’s crown jewel. Known as the deepest lake in the United States, its waters possess a pure, intense sapphire hue that defies description. As we traverse the breathtaking Rim Drive, we’ll pause at several scenic overlooks to admire the sheer 2,000-foot cliffs and two picturesque islands while learning about the violent volcanic eruption that created this natural masterpiece. After exploring the Visitor Center and enjoying an included picnic lunch amidst the high-altitude scenery, we begin our return to Medford. En route, we’ll stop at the Rogue River Gorge to witness the river’s raw power as it thunders through a narrow basalt channel carved from ancient lava. The site is a dramatic display of hydraulic force and unique volcanic geology! Enjoy the balance of the evening at leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3 – Redwood National Park (Sunday, August 30)

This morning, we embark on a spectacular drive through Grants Pass, following the scenic Rogue River and the historic Redwood Highway toward the rugged California coast. By afternoon, we’ll arrive at the legendary Redwood National Park, a true "Land of Giants" home to the world’s tallest trees. You’ll be awestruck as we enter this ancient forest, where silent sentinels have stood for over 2,000 years, reaching heights of more than 300 feet! At Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, we’ll enjoy an included picnic lunch and a gentle stroll along a flat, shaded trail, offering a majestic perspective from directly beneath these prehistoric titans. Continuing to the quaint town of Crescent City, we’ll learn about the town’s resilient history following the devastating 1964 tsunami. We’ll also witness the historic Battery Point Lighthouse, a stunning landmark perched on a rocky offshore isthmus; it remains the oldest continuously staffed lighthouse on the West Coast, with keepers tending the light every night since 1856. Late this afternoon, we’ll cross back into Oregon and arrive in Brookings for a two-night stay at an oceanfront hotel with ocean views in every room. Enjoy an included dinner this evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 – Mail Route Jet Boat Tour (Monday, August 31)

This morning, anticipation mounts as we travel north to Gold Beach for a thrilling Mail Route Jet Boat Tour through one of Oregon’s greatest natural treasures: the scenic Rogue River. As a congressionally designated National Wild and Scenic River, the Rogue tumbles and roars from the high Cascades down to the Pacific shores, carving a wilderness home for an abundance of native wildlife. Your expert river guide will help spot black bears, river otters, and black-tailed deer along the banks, while bald eagles, great blue herons, and Canada geese soar overhead. Steeped in heritage, our journey follows the "Historic Mail Boat Route," tracing the same path Rogue River pioneers have utilized since 1895, when mail and freight were prized commodities in a wilderness without road access. We’ll disembark in the remote community of Agness to enjoy a hearty, included barbecue lunch before returning to Gold Beach by boat. To cap off this memorable day of adventure and history, we’ll gather for an included dinner in Brookings. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 – Oregon Coast (Tuesday, September 1)

This morning, we continue our journey north along the breathtaking Oregon Coast to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. We’ll board a specialized, four-wheel-drive giant dune buggy for an exhilarating expedition across these massive, shifting peaks – some towering nearly 300 feet high – guided by an expert driver who knows every curve of this sandy wilderness. Afterward, you’ll enjoy some leisure time for lunch and exploration in Historic Old Town Florence, a charming riverside district filled with authentic galleries, local boutiques, and inviting cafés along the Siuslaw River. This afternoon we’ll enjoy a scenic one-mile roundtrip stroll along a flat trail to the 19th century Heceta Head Lighthouse. Perched dramatically on the cliffs since 1894, this historic landmark remains the most powerful light on the Oregon Coast, casting a beam that signals ships up to 21 miles out at sea. Later, we’ll arrive in Newport for a two-night stay at a stunning bluff-top hotel overlooking the Pacific. Every guest room features an ocean view, a private balcony, and a cozy fireplace, providing the perfect sanctuary to enjoy the rest of your evening and dinner on your own at the hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 6 – Oregon Coast (Wednesday, September 2)

This morning, we’ll board the Discovery, a deluxe 65-foot vessel, for an immersive two-hour Yaquina Bay Sea Life Cruise. Accompanied by an expert naturalist, we’ll navigate past the largest fishing fleet on the Oregon Coast while scouting for marine mammals and coastal birds in their vibrant natural habitats. Following the cruise, enjoy time at leisure for browsing and lunch on own in Newport’s historic bayfront before we head to the world-class Oregon Coast Aquarium. Nestled on four and a half acres along the bay, this premier marine center offers a fascinating look into Pacific habitats. You’ll come face-to-face with frolicking sea otters, colorful puffins, and even a 60-pound octopus, all before walking through a 200-foot underwater tunnel for a 360-degree view of sharks, wolf eels, and halibut. This afternoon, we’ll visit the majestic Yaquina Head Lighthouse. Standing as a silent sentinel at 93 feet tall, it remains the tallest lighthouse in Oregon and has served as a constant beacon for mariners since its first lighting in 1873. After a day filled with maritime history and wonders of the deep, we’ll gather for an included dinner at a cherished local favorite. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 – Tillamook, Journey Home (Thursday, September 3)

This morning, we’ll continue our journey north along the legendary US-101, soaking in long stretches of Oregon’s spectacular coastal scenery. By late morning, we arrive in Tillamook, a town world-famous for its rich dairy heritage. At the Tillamook Creamery, you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view from elevated gallery windows, watching expert teams craft and package over 160,000 pounds of cheese daily. Best of all, you’ll have the chance to taste their award-winning flavors for yourself! This afternoon we’ll continue to Portland International Airport for our scheduled nonstop flight arriving in Los Angeles this evening. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule to coordinate a flight departure time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the airport. Back in Los Angeles, those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective drop-off points. (Breakfast)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.