Northwest High Overview

Fog shrouded redwood forests, the deepest lake in North America, waterfalls, wide driftwood-strewn beaches… these are only some of wonders in the two weeks we travel between San Francisco and Seattle. Emphasizing the wilder side inherent in this part of the Northwest, there is more hiking and raw nature in this tour than in Northwest High. Go off-roading or hiking on coastal sand dunes in Oregon! Gaze into the crater Mount Saint Helens created with its devastating 1980 eruption! Explore quaint coastal towns, and spend a night in the vibrant alternative city of Portland, Oregon. Culture here is off-beat, liberal, and outdoorsy, and you will see all of it on display as we zig zag between coast and mountains.

Summer 2013:  13 days / 14 nights

Summer in San Francisco. One full day exploring the city known for its counter-culture, cable cars, and sourdough bread. Stroll in America’s best Chinatown, or walk across the Golden Gate Bridge!

Depart San Francisco for the artsy coastal town of Mendocino, California and vicinity, located just below where many of the giant redwoods grow. Northern california is rural and wild with big trees and small towns.

Hike trails in the Humbolt Redwoods State Park, one of the best stands of towering coastal redwoods, staying for two nights in lovely rustic cabins in the tiny town of Redcrest.

On our last day in California, continue through the extreme north, traversing twisting roads and big scenery. Time for a hike before resting near the Oregon border, an unassuming western state larger in size than Austria!

Visit Crater Lake National Park, high in the Cascade Mountains and the deepest lake in North America. Snow persists much of the year and the air is thin. Sleep in cabins by the water tonight and tomorrow night.

Time to hike along the Umpqua River in an area of lush Oregon forests, or simply enjoy our cabins.

Return to the Pacific and Oregon’s wild and scenic coast, where large sand dunes at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area invite exploration and offroading (optional).

Small towns with active fishing harbors and logging industries string up the coast, punctuated by blown glass galleries and myrtlewood carving workshops.

In little known Silver Falls State Park, hike among some of the most spectacular waterfalls anywhere. This is a highlight! Then it’s off to Portland for the first of two nights.

Eclectic, green, and the largest city in Oregon... welcome to Portland! One full day to sightsee here with a brief city tour and plenty of time to explore.

Crossing into Washington, visit the blast zone at Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument for views of desolation, created after its deadly 1980 eruption. Tree trunks remain tossed like match sticks to this day. Mount Saint Helens remains active, with smaller, recent releases of steam.

A short drive brings us to Seattle, Washington, the biggest city in the Northwest. Seattle is a regional cultural hub, the origin of Nirvana and grunge music, and very close to the setting of Stephanie Meyer’s Twighlight series (on the nearby Olympic Peninsula). Spend a few extra days here, or continue on with Astray’s Seattle-to-Seattle Northwest Twilight tour for hiking in Mount Rainier National Park, visits to the towns from the books, and so much more!

What do I get for my money?

• All ground transportation by climate-controlled van (maximum 13 persons).
• Shared hotel accommodation (2+ stars) on 7 nights. Shared cabins or yurts on 7 nights.
• Admission to all included national parks and recreation areas.
• Services of an experienced tour leader.
• Sandwich lunches on most days (excluding free days)

$2,350 USD   per person