This beautiful journey explores Oregon’s wide open spaces, its stunning coastlines and an array of its natural wonders, including Crater Lake National Park, Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood, Smith Rock State Park, Hells Canyon and Painted Hills. This fly drive includes:
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Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Portland. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and proceed to your hotel, which is centrally located downtown. Perhaps enjoy a great meal and local craft-brew this evening.
The Duniway Portland, a Hilton HotelPortland is a vibrant yet laid-back city with a booming bike culture. We recommend a city tour or taking either a bike or Segway tour to introduce you to the city and spectacular waterfront. Shoppers will be delighted with the options from the Pearl District to quirky Mississippi Avenue and downtown Pioneer Place Mall. Renowned for its more than 500 food carts and plethora of international cuisine, dining is a real treat. With its new crop of urban wineries, over 50 craft breweries and Distillery Row, there’s no shortage of places to spend your evenings.
The Duniway Portland, a Hilton HotelIt is only a short drive today as you leave the city and head for the beautiful coast. We suggest taking the northern loop road which passes through Astoria. Make a stop in the carnival town of Seaside, where surf shops, oceanfront boardwalks and ice creams are commonplace. Once in Cannon Beach, visit Haystack Rock, perhaps once of the most iconic images of Oregon’s coastline.
The Ocean Lodge, Cannon BeachHeading south, your journey continues along the coastline which is dotted with scenic lookout points and quaint small towns and villages. There are numerous stops you shouldn’t miss. Visit Depoe Bay Sea Wall, where crashing waves pummel the coastline on one side of Highway 101 whilst over 20 shops and restaurants line the other side. Also visit Yaquina Head Lighthouse, standing 93 feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland. This lighthouse has been guiding ships along the west coast since 1873. Newport offers a scenic waterfront where many small galleries, gift shops and cafes can be found and from where many boat tours depart. The dock is also home to a noisy sea lion population.
Driftwood Shores Resort, FlorenceBefore departing from Florence, why not take a dune buggy ride at Sand Dunes Frontier? Accommodating all adrenaline levels, take a small jeep flying across the dunes or a seat in one of the more leisurely large vehicles, both driven by skilled drivers. You may also wish to visit Sand Master Park, to try your hand at Sand Boarding. Hugging the coast, continue south with stops in Coos Bay and Port Orford en route to Gold Beach.
Tu Tu Tun Lodge, Gold BeachCross the state line into northern California where you will find the Redwood National and State Parks. Once in Grants Pass you may choose to learn the Italian Art Glass technique at The Glass Forge, where you can create your own masterpiece.
Weasku Inn, Grants PassShortly after leaving Grants Pass, make a stop at Jacksonville, voted one of America’s coolest small towns. We have allowed you a two night stay in Bend, so you can take a full day in Crater Lake National Park en route. Prepare to witness one of the most spectacular lake landscapes you will ever see. Crater Lake was formed 7,700 years ago, when a volcanic peak erupted and then collapsed. The remaining calder filled with water, creating the deep azure-blue lake that you see today. Rim Drive offers dozens of lake viewpoints and the grand 1915 Crater Lake Lodge warrants a stop too. If time allows, you may wish to stop at Collier Logging Museum in Chiloquin before arrival into Bend. Bend is a very quaint town, filled with small cafes and independent shops. A visit to High Desert Museum is a must.
Oxford Hotel, BendTodays drive through Central Oregon into Eastern Oregon is packed full of scenic sights so keep your camera close by. Your first port of call is Smith Rock State Park located near the town of Redmond. Its sheer cliffs of tuff and basalt are ideal for rock climbing, but the less adventurous can hike or mountain bike the miles of trails. However you decide to discover this wonder, you will be mesmerised by the 800ft cliffs towering over the lazy Crooked River. Next make a stop at Painted Hills, where millions of years of history are revealed in the multi coloured layers of mountainous earth. The colours are thought to have been created by the varying minerals from one millennia to the next, resulting in hills which appear to have been painted in reds, oranges and yellows. The Thomas Condon Paleontology Centre is home to hundreds of fossils from the John Day Fossil Beds and surrounding areas and make s perfect afternoon stop. Should time allow, visit Kam Wah Chung Museum before making the last part of todays journey, along winding forested roads into Baker City. Baker City is a former gold rush boomtown, adorned with historic buildings and the award-winning Barley Brown’s Brew Pub.
Geiser Grand Hotel, Baker CityBaker City is at the start of an incredible 208 mile scenic byway, ending at La Grande. Start with a visit to the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Centre, following which the highlights of your journey are Hells Canyon Dam, Hells Canyon Overlook, Wallowa Lake, Nez Perce Interpretive Centre, Minam State Recreation Area and the Eagle Cap Excursion Train.
Oxford Suites, PendletonTodays journey hugs the state border with Washington State and includes many highlights. Start with a stop in Boardman, which is home to SAGE Centre – an interactive experience which highlights sustainable agriculture and energy. In The Dalles, we suggest visits to Sunshine Mill Winery for a tasting of the vineyards premier wines, and at Columbia Gorge Discovery Centre & Museum, which tells the story of the Gorges natural and cultural histories. Head to Rowena Plateau for sweeping views of the Gorge and adjacent historic highway. Hood River, a sweet little town, makes a perfect stop for lunch before exploring the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum. Taking the I35 south, your journey sweeps toward the incredibly majestic Mount Hood. Should time allow, visit Tamawanas Falls Trailhead near the base of Mount Hood. A 3.6 mile round-trip walk rewards hikers with a thundering 125ft waterfall that you can walk behind. Make a stop at Timberline Lodge for a hot chocolate or cool lemonade, before arrival into Welches where you are based for two nights. On your second day in this area, visit the Wildwood Recreation Site located close to your hotel. Combining the Cascade Streamwatch Trail and Wildwood Wetlands Trail, which are lined by boardwalks, you can explore the natural stream and wetland ecosystems on an easy walk. You may also decide to visit Jonsrud Viewpoint in Sandy which is part of the Oregon Trail and offers spectacular view of Mount Hood. Save ample time to explore Columbia Gorge Waterfalls, a collection of 77 waterfalls located along the Gorge. Our favourites are Bridal Veil Falls and Multnomah Falls so if time is short make these your chosen viewings.
Mount Hood Oregon ResortIt is a short drive back to Portland International Airport, so you may choose to spend some time in Willamette Valley, which is the centre of Oregon’s wine region. Return your car to the depot and check in for your flight back to the UK.
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