portland

Day 1

PORTLAND

Arrive in Portland and take some time to explore the "City of Roses." Despite its humble beginnings as a lumbering center in 1845, the city has developed into a sophisticated metropolis. Visit the International Test Rose Gardens with its 400 varieties of roses on 4 acres of land and great views of the city. Sample haute couture and hot cuisine in Portland’s Pearl District. Walk around town and take in the atmosphere.

Day 2	PORTLAND – HOOD RIVER (63mi / 101 km)
Since today will be a short drive to your destination, you will have time to explore more of Portland if you wish. Later take the scenic byway and discover the many water falls along the Columbia River Gorge. Arrive in Hood River, northern terminus to Mount Hood Railway, western gateway to the Mount Hood Scenic Byway and home to numerous apple and pear orchards as well as many wineries.

Day 3

HOOD RIVER – PENDLETON (354 mi / 570 km)

Drive east along the Columbia River Gorge then south through the Columbia River Plateau wheat-growing region, over the John Day River and into the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument area where today’s adventure begins. Take short hikes at the monument’s different units. Check-out the museums of paleontology. A must see is the yellows, golds, blacks and reds of the Painted Hills. The last trek of your journey will take you through the Blue Mountains where you might catch a glimpse of Rock Creek Butte to the east, its highest peak, reaching 9106 ft / 2776 m

Day 4	PENDLETON – BAKER CITY (246 mi / 396 km)
Today you will head south-east along the Blue Mountains and part of the Oregon Trail. In La Grande you begin your journey on Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. This route takes you through many geological formations, historic sites, farm, agricultural and ranch land, mountainous vistas, deep canyons, small towns, as well as wild and scenic rivers before you arrive at your destination in Baker City.

Day 5	BAKER CITY – ONTARIO (73 mi / 117 km)
Your destination today is Ontario, situated on the famous Snake River which acts as the border of Oregon and Idaho. City attractions include the Four Rivers Cultural Center, which features historical and cultural exhibits of it's multicultural community. The Bully Creek Reservoir, about 25 miles northwest of Ontario, is a good place to bird watch.

Day 6

ONTARIO – BEND (260 mi / 418 km)

Two national forests will be on route today. As you depart Ontario, you might spot some Chukar partridges in the Malheur National Forest. Once in Burns, you’ll have an option of visiting Malheur Lake and the Malheur Wildlife Refuge where marsh lands bring thousands of migrating birds and is also home to an abundance of mammals. Before arriving into Bend, deviate toward Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Deschutes National Forest, a unique opportunity to view the Lava Lands of Central Oregon.

Day 7

BEND – MEDFORD (163 mi / 262 km)

Depart Bend and travel south along the eastern side of the Cascade mountains through Deschutes National Forest. Enjoy the Alpine forests and lush meadows, sparkling lakes and scenic rivers and dense evergreen forests along the way. Stop in Crescent to see Crescent Lake before continuing to Crater Lake, which is truly one of the world’s most striking geological features with its cobalt blue water surrounded by a ring of lush green spruce and fir. At 1,932 ft (589 m), it is the deepest lake in the United States. Continue to Medford, with its motto "The Center Of It all."

Day 8

MEDFORD – EUGENE (198 mi / 319 km)

Today's early option is a detour to the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monmuent via the scenic town of Ashland. This monument is characterized by its outstanding biological diversity. Later, make sure to stop in Downtown Grants Pass that has has earned the distinction of a National Historic District because of its historic buildings and homes. Once on the I-5, stop in Cottage Grove to tour the "Kissing Bridges." Continue to Eugene.

Day 9

EUGENE – PORTLAND (128 mi / 206 km)

The trip north will take you through the cities of Corvallis, a beautiful city of roses and parks, and Salem, the capital city with its historic downtown area, and then up to Portland. From Salem, you can use the short interstate route and choose to concentrate on the cities of Salem and Portland or you can take the longer, more rural route through Silver Falls State Park. The park has ten waterfalls and a hiking path between them. The rural route will also take you into Oregon City, the end of the old Oregon Trail. Take time there to visit the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center or the Museum of the Oregon Territory before continuing to Portland.

Day 10	PORTLAND
Last chance to savor the serene tranquility of this unique Northwestern city before departure

Day 11	DEPARTURE