The Pacific Northwest

We’re bound for the amazing Pacific Northwest! Our journey begins by traveling west across the Great Plains of South Dakota with an included noon meal in Mitchell, SD, at the historic and restored Depot Bar & Grill. Wall Drug, one of the world’s most well-known tourist attractions got its start from the promise of free ice water! We’ll stop for an afternoon break to shop and enjoy an included evening meal before continuing to Rapid City, SD, this evening and check into our hotel. (L) (D)

Our morning drive takes us through the Black Hills, bursting with picturesque scenery, adventure, and rich history. We’ll have views of majestic granite spires, pine-covered forests, and rugged rock outcroppings. By mid-morning, we arrive at Devils Tower National Monument. The Tower is an astounding geological feature that protrudes out of the prairie with the Black Hills in the background. This area is considered sacred by the North Plains Indigenous people. Hundreds of parallel cracks make it one of the finest climbing areas in North America. We’ll soon find ourselves in Wyoming cattle country. Bring your appetite to enjoy an included Sunday Brunch in Sheridan, WY, before crossing over the first major mountain range of the Rockies…the majestic Bighorn Mountains. The Bighorn Mountains extend from the Great Basin of Wyoming to south-central Montana. This outdoor paradise reveals views of lush evergreen forests, rugged alpine peaks, dramatic canyons, and cascading waterfalls. Later this afternoon we’ll arrive at our accommodations in Cody, WY. We’ll check into our hotel and have free time in downtown Cody for some shopping and an evening meal on your own. (B) (L)

One of the most popular routes into Yellowstone National Park is through the scenic Wapiti Valley located between Cody, WY, and the east entrance of the park. Our coach will follow this scenic route into Yellowstone, our nation’s oldest national park. We cross the Fishing Bridge and travel the South Loop Road along the shores of Yellowstone Lake, over the Continental Divide (twice) to Old Faithful Lodge to view the Old Faithful geyser erupt with a mighty gush of steam and water. Old Faithful is best known for its predictability and beautiful plume. After a full day of amazing sites, we turn west, continuing to our hotel in Pocatello, ID. (B)

Today, we’ll travel across the southern portion of Idaho through the Snake River Plains. Upon entering the state of Oregon, a noon lunch will be included in Ontario, OR. Our afternoon drive takes us through a very rugged and craggy terrain. Geologically, it is considered a semi arid plateau that is generally between the elevations of 4,000-6,000 feet, known to locals as the High Desert. The High Desert includes most of the southeastern quarter of Oregon, consisting of volcanic rocks formed by liquid lava flows that repeatedly spread across thousands of square miles of the interior northwest occurring between 30 and 10 million years ago. Our hotel this evening will be in Bend, OR. (B) (L)

Today, we leave the High Desert and travel into the forested foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range. High in the Cascade Range lays the “Crown Jewel of Oregon – Crater Lake.” With the eruption of Mt. Mazama more than 7,700 years ago, the mountain collapsed, creating this 2,000-foot-deep crater. The result is a pristine, emerald-blue lake created solely from snowmelt with no river flowing in, making it one of the clearest lakes in the world! There will be time to explore the area and enjoy a picnic lunch before traveling south to California through Grants Pass, Oregon. Our accommodations are in Crescent City at the Oceanfront Lodge! We’ll trade highway noise for the soothing music of the ocean waves, embracing its peace and tranquility. Most of the hotel rooms command views of the Historic Battery Point Lighthouse nearby. There will be plenty of time for you to walk along the beach with many photo opportunities to capture the spectacular ocean views. Evening dining options are at the hotel or within walking distance. (B) (L)

Get ready to walk among the Redwood Giants! We follow the Pacific Coast to Klamath, CA, and the “Trees of Mystery” located in the heart of the Redwood Empire. These trees seem to be something right out of a tall tale (like Paul Bunyan and the Blue Ox)! The Coastal Redwoods thrive on and require the heavy fog which is a normal, daily occurrence along the coast. Meander along the nature trails and marvel at Sitka Spruce trees growing from one trunk (32 feet around), nine living trees growing from one root structure which forms the famous Cathedral Tree, the Upside-down Tree, and much more. One of the most exciting features of Trees of Mystery is the journey through the forest treetops via the unique Sky Trail Gondola Ride. Enjoy spectacular views of the impressive redwoods and mountain-top ocean vistas at the observation deck. Leaving the Huge Coastal Redwoods, we’ll travel north along the coast of Oregon to Coos Bay. This evening, we stay in Coos Bay at a Casino Hotel. (B) (L)

The fabled and Scenic Highway 101 follows the picturesque Pacific Northwest Coast from the sandy beaches to the rugged coastlines. We’ll pass through quaint coastal towns, parks, wildlife refuges, and along some of the most spectacular vistas you’ll ever see. Around mid-day, it’s time to stop for lunch on your own and shopping in Newport. Our first sight of this delightful little town is its iconic landmark, Yaquina Bay Bridge, a magnificent example of Art Deco Architecture. Newport is so many things combined into one remarkable place. It features an active working waterfront, and is home to one of Oregon’s largest commercial fishing fleets. This friendly little fishing town is also an intriguing cultural center with charming shops, art galleries, chowder houses, and restaurants amid historical buildings. If you love California Sea Lions, this is the place for you. They provide loads of entertainment, making plenty of noise as they laze around the protected bay area. Our afternoon stop is at the magnificent and memorable Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfalls in Oregon. The falls drop in two major steps, splitting into an upper and lower falls. This awe-inspiring, 611-foot-tall cascade of roaring, icy water lets you experience its power and splendor up close. The falls were named after a legend told by the Multnomah Tribe. Our coach will follow the Columbia River to our hotel in Portland, OR. (B)

Mount St. Helen’s is quiet today, but definitely not sleeping. This morning, we’ll explore the Johnston Observatory, located in the heart of the volcano blast zone where Mount St. Helen’s erupted explosively in 1980, killing 57 people. Ash from the eruption fell as far away as in our home state of Minnesota. The observatory displays tell the sequence of geological events that transformed the landscape. Films explain the biological, geological, and human story of Mount St. Helen’s. The observatory also hosts hands-on, interactive exhibits, ranger talks, and more. A picnic lunch will be included before leaving the breathtaking mountain scenery. Returning to I-5, our coach will turn north toward Seattle, WA. This evening we’ll unpack for a two night stay in the North Seattle area. Tonight, we relax as we enjoy an included evening meal. (B) (L) (D)

Our day begins with a “Future of Flight” Factory Tour at Boeing. You’ll step inside the world’s largest factory for a behind the-scenes tour, complete with a “front-row view” of their airplane production. The tour guide shares the factory’s fascinating history and explains the central role Boeing will play in the future of commercial aviation. Later this morning, we’ll take an extended time to shop and eat an included meal at Seattle’s Iconic Pike Place Market, home to some of the most popular restaurants and shops. It’s also a great place to people-watch. The market’s towering sign itself is a local landmark, dating back to 1927. It is one of the oldest outdoor neon lights on the west coast. While you’re there, be ready to follow the sound of good-natured shouts from the Pike Place Fish Market as fresh fish is being tossed across the fish stand!

Early this afternoon, we’ll spend time at the Space Needle, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and a treasured Seattle icon. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair whose theme was “The Age of Space,” the tower’s futuristic design symbolizes humanity’s space age aspirations. Now, the renovated icon includes an awe-inspiring, multi-level floor-to-ceiling glass viewing experience. Returning to ground level, there’s time to view the glass works of Chihuly. Dale Chihuly is known for outstanding artistry in the field of blown glass. The Seattle exhibit includes eight galleries, a glass house, and a garden exhibit. Within each exhibit, Chihuly pushes the boundaries of glass art in concept, execution, and presentation. It’s a short ride to Pier 56 to board the “Good Time III.” This cruise includes going through the locks and experiencing the transition from fresh to salt water. Along our tour, some interesting sights include historic bridges, floating homes and houseboats, and the fabulous view of Seattle’s famous skyline. This evening, enjoy some free time to explore Seattle’s Waterfront District, complete with great photo opportunities, shopping, and a meal at one of their amazing restaurants. (B) (L)

Our main mode of transportation today is the Washington State Ferry, the largest ferry operator in the U.S. In the mid 1800s, the “Mosquito Fleet,” a collection of small steamer lines served the Puget Sound region transporting people and goods from port to port. There were so many that people said they resembled a “swarm of mosquitoes.” The heyday of the Mosquito Fleet ended in the 1930s when rail and road transportation put the fleet out of business and ferry transport began. Our first ferry ride takes us across Puget Sound to the Olympic Peninsula. We will take another ferry ride this afternoon across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to bring us to the capital city of Victoria, British Columbia. Victoria is a remarkable city adorned with many floral displays, appropriately nicknamed “The Garden City,” and is a thriving city of heritage, culture, and time-honored traditions. A step-on guide will join us for a city tour of Victoria, showcasing the magnificent gardens, inner harbor, parks, and Parliament Building of this British city. Our hotel accommodations are right across from the inner harbor and within walking distance of many attractions and restaurants. You’ll have a free evening to explore and enjoy the city. (B)

From one woman’s vision to a stunning reality, Butchart Gardens is a living work of art that was designed to be explored. With 35 acres and a limestone quarry as her canvas, Jennie Butchart envisioned a magnificent garden sanctuary overflowing with lush greenery and colorful blooms throughout the seasons. Like an artist’s landscape painting come to life, each garden features both native and non native plant species meticulously planned and planted to represent a variety of garden design styles and techniques. Following the winding pathways, you’ll discover the vibrant Sunken Garden which spills into the English Rose, Italian, and Japanese Gardens. A luncheon buffet will be included before we travel to Swartz Bay to ferry back to the mainland and to the city of Vancouver, BC, for a two-night stay. (B) (L)

Our local guide will join us for a city tour of the sophisticated city of Vancouver. We’ll enjoy visiting Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park, and the waterfront area. A noon lunch is included at the De Dutch Pannekoek House before we explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Vancouver’s oldest and most famous attraction. Capilano is a First Nation’s word meaning “beautiful river,” and is also the name of a great Squamish Chief. The Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 450 feet, crossing over towering evergreens and cedar-scented rainforest air. Get a “squirrel’s eye perspective” of this thriving rainforest by walking across the Treetop Adventures Suspended Footbridges, 98 feet above the forest floor. After a fun and adventurous day, we return to the hotel for a free evening. (B) (L)

Today, we begin our trek east from Vancouver into the interior of British Columbia. You’ll be fascinated by the varied scenery views of stunning tree-covered mountains, small farms, fruit orchards, and even desert-type terrain. By mid-afternoon, we arrive at Three Valley Gap Chateau, our home for tonight. This picturesque French-style Chateau is a unique resort destination that is nestled between the pristine waters of Three Valley Lake and the sheer cliffs of the Monashee Mountains. Gold seekers came here to seek their fortune, but the gold rush was short lived, leaving behind abandoned buildings and towns now known as ghost towns. Our tour of Heritage Ghost Town will bring you back in time to relive the colorful pioneer days typical of the late 1800s. Over 25 restored and historical buildings are included in the pioneer village, each having its own unique story. After our tour, we’ll enjoy a delicious steak or chicken dinner, grilled on an outdoor BBQ pit. The rest of the evening is for you to enjoy and explore the resort. (B) (D)

Get your cameras ready! You’ll want to capture some stunning vistas as we take a scenic drive across the Rocky Mountains. These mountains are accentuated by alpine scenery, including deep valleys and ancient forests. We will continue east into Canada’s Glacier National Park with a stop at Rogers Pass. At this high elevation, so much snow falls that avalanches are a dangerous problem. At the visitor’s center, we learn how the rangers prevent disasters before they start. After an included noon meal, we’ll enjoy picture stops throughout Yoho National Park and breathtaking Lake Louise, a world-famous turquoise mountain lake. This jaw-dropping sight is framed by Victoria Glacier and soaring mountains. Lake Louise is a rare place that must be experienced to be believed! Our evening accommodations are in downtown Banff. This charming city is snuggled into a small mountain valley in Banff National Park and is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations. Tonight, you’ll be free to explore downtown Banff and the many unique shops and restaurants. (B) (L)

As we leave the impressive mountains behind, our travels take us through the ranching and farming country of Alberta. After an included lunch, we visit the Fort MacLeod Museum to learn about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Our route leads us south into Montana. You need your passport today to clear customs and tonight our hotel is in Great Falls, MT. (B) (L)

Before we leave town, we’ll make a photo stop along the Missouri River to capture the waterfalls that Great Falls, MT, is named for. The Lewis & Clark Expedition had to portage around over a ten-mile stretch that took 31 days of arduous labor during the 1805-06 exploration. Our coach will roll east through Montana’s rugged prairie land and ranching country where we hope to see herds of cattle, sheep, and antelope feeding on the hilly grasslands. In Medora, you’ll learn about ranching, prehistoric animals, and rodeo riders at the Cowboy Hall of Fame Museum. This evening a light meal is included at the museum before bedding down in the Rough Rider’s Hotel where luxury meets western charm and presidential history. The rooms are decorated with a touch of the West and just the right amount of luxury! (B) (L) (D)

As our vacation comes to an end, we recall fond memories of our tour’s majestic mountains, forests, beautiful gardens, and the remote wilderness that we experienced on this 17-day tour. The day will pass quickly as the scenery changes from North Dakota prairies to the fertile farmlands of Minnesota. We will return to Kerkhoven by early evening. (B) (L)