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.

Drive through the picturesque Cascade Mountains, with 2 stops for scenic views.

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

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.

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.

Oregon’s wild, wonderful coastline

• 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. Register by printing, completing and mailing the registration form, along with your non-refundable $400 deposit. If you are joining the waiting list for Week 1, there is no need to send a deposit at this time.

Registration Form

** (Photos courtesy of Lois DeBellis)