Hike the Best of Oregon

Next summer, explore the Coastline,
Cascade Mountains, and Crater Lake…
The best of Oregon

Morning’s reflection on Crater Lake

• Explore America’s deepest lake: sapphire-hued Crater Lake, shimmering within ancient volcano rims.

• Stay 2 nights at Crater Lake’s charming inn, rated the Northwest’s finest national-park lodge.

• Hike along Oregon’s wild, beautiful coastland.

• Stay 4 nights at a lovely, oceanfront resort, with 10 miles of uninterrupted beach for morning and evening walks, panoramic ocean views from your private balcony, and ocean sounds to lull you asleep.

• Look for resident gray whales close to shore, and watch sea lions and seals in their natural habitat.

• Hike through Oregon’s Cascade Mountains to magnificent waterfalls, and watch salmon on their journey along the Cascades’ scenic Umpqua River.

• Buckle up for an unforgettable dune buggy ride on the world’s highest oceanfront sand dunes.

• Explore tidal pools for sea stars and sea urchins, hermit crabs, and other ocean treasures.

• Horseback ride through the Pacific surf at sunset.

• Enjoy warm camaraderie with 11 other women who love the outdoors.

Sunset over Crater Lake
from the lodge balcony

Saturday

Arrive in Eugene, OR, and enjoy dinner and the evening along the river walk.

Sunday

Drive through the picturesque Cascade Mountains, with 2 stops for scenic views.
Arrive at Crater Lake Lodge, perched on a rim overlooking its sapphire-colored namesake. This exquisite national-park lodge offers breathtaking views and nostalgic warmth. Watch the sun set from rocking chairs that line a grand balcony overlooking the lake.

Monday

A ranger-led boat tour will circle America’s deepest lake, floating us past Wizard Island and the "ghost ship," as we learn about the caldera, crater, and lake. The 2-mile, round-trip hike to the dock will "wow" you with unbeatable lake views.

Grab lunch at the Crater Lake café and then enjoy free time for a rim hike, visitor-center shopping, or relaxing at the lodge. We’ll end our day with a mountaintop wine & cheese gathering, while watching the sun set over the Cascades.

The Pacific coastline

Tuesday

Explore the Cascade Mountains along the Umpqua River, considered one of the state’s most beautiful drives. We’ll hike 3 miles to five magnificent waterfalls, eat lunch at popular Steamboat Inn, watch salmon jump the falls, and look for elk.

Settle in at Driftwood Shores Resort, with 10 miles of uninterrupted beach, ocean views from your private balcony, and ocean sounds to lull you asleep.

Wednesday

Drive along the pristine, rugged coastline to Heceta Head Lighthouse, then to Cape Perpetua’s 800-foot-high lookouts. We’ll hike 2-3 miles to tidal pools, Devil’s Churn, Cook’s Chasm, and Spouting Horn. We might opt to also explore Strawberry Hills’ tide pools.

Dine Thursday evening at a top-rated restaurant in Florence’s Oldtown, housed in a former railroad depot.

Thursday

Here’s a free day to walk the beach, read on your oceanside balcony, and enjoy the coast by dune buggy and horseback…

You don’t want to miss this fast, fun dune buggy ride at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the highest oceanfront dunes in the world. And … maybe you’ve dreamed of riding a horse along the Pacific surf as the sun sets over the ocean. Make it happen on this memory-making horseback ride (that even nervous riders will love).

Sea lion snoozing along Strawberry Hill’s
tidal pools

Friday

Our 3.5-mile hike offers superb views of wildlife, sculpted sandstone rocks, and offshore reefs visible only from the trail.

Look for resident gray whales that frequent Cape Arago’s idyllic setting.

Photograph colonies of harbor seals and sea lions basking along the ocean.

Walk through Shore Acres’ Japanese gardens on our way to Sunset Bay, one of Oregon’s most scenic gems. Here, beautiful sand beaches in shallow coves are protected by towering sandstone bluffs, creating an ideal setting for an ocean dip.

We’ll enjoy gracious dining in Florence’s Oldtown on our last evening together.

Saturday

Return home with new memories, new friends, and a renewed love for the outdoors.

The trip cost includes:

• 2 days and nights at charming Crater Lake Lodge , in deluxe lakeside rooms (double occupancy)
• 4 days and nights at Driftwood Shores Resort, with miles of uninterrupted beach, oceanfront rooms, private balconies, indoor heated pool/spa, and kitchens, among other amenities (double occupancy)
• 1 night in a deluxe hotel in Eugene, close to the river walk (double occupancy)
• Guided hikes by experienced, knowledgeable leaders
• 2-hour morning boat tour of unforgettable Crater Lake, narrated by a park ranger
• Mountaintop wine and cheese gathering to watch the sun set over the Cascade Mountains
• Complimentary breakfasts while at Driftwood Shores Resort
• Guided discussions, based on what we see in nature each day, that foster warm camaraderie and help you view nature and yourself in new ways.
• Transportation throughout the week
• Shuttles to and from Eugene’s airport, within designated time frames.
• Park entrance fees
• Informational booklet packed with suggestions on what to bring; fun facts about the park and its history, weather, and wildlife; and hiking tips
• Trip "reunion" party
• Photo CD memento of the trip

Book Your Trip

This trip is open to 10 women, in addition to the two guides. We are not taking registrations at this time. For more information, send requests to:
Trailbound Trips, Attn: Debbie Hager, 111 Woodland Drive, Lake Barrington, IL 60010. Include your name, address, phone numbers, email, and trip info.

** (Photos courtesy of Lois DeBellis)

Testimonials:

Want to thank you for one of the most memorable trips of my life. Every day was full of new adventures, from the first-class accommodations, restaurants and unbelievable sights to the inspirational, caring group of women. You all truly made me feel so welcome - it was an awesome experience. I look forward to traveling with you again! ~"Sunny"

You did it again ~ another chapter of adventure ~ "under-commit, over-deliver." Thank you for giving us new friends, laughter and wonderful memories in spectacular surroundings. You enrich my life’s journey with your passion, enthusiasm, and faith. ~"Blaze"

Just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful hiking experience in Oregon. I never realized that Oregon was so beautiful; thank you for opening my eyes to the wonders it holds. You do such an excellent job planning and coordinating our travels; you make it look easy. ~"Rockin’ Mama"

It was a wonderful week. Had such a good time! ~"Wonder Woman"

I had a wonderful time! This trip really filled my soul with the beauty of nature and the joyous human spirit shared by each of the women! Until we meet again...Hugs, ~ "Indian Paintbrush "

What a wonderful trip: Every day was fantastic. I’ve done other trips with Carol but this was by far the best. Mostly because of the wonderful women I have as new friends and also the fantastic, holy places we saw. ~"Nell "

This past week in Oregon was better than I ever imagined it would be. I had a wonderful experience that I will remember and treasure for years to come. ~ "Summer Snow "

This was one fabulous experience that will be hard to repeat. ~ "Sunshine "

Oregon fed my heart and soul--was so very good for me to share the wondrous beauty with others who truly love it, too. It revives and renews me and I have really needed that so much. ~ "Indy"