Day 4

Your scenic journey continues through the Oregon Trail.  The Willamette Valley contains some of the most fertile agricultural soils of Oregon and nurtures vegetables, flowers, herbs, nuts and even vineyards.

Next, you will head to the coastal town of Newport for a brief stop before traveling along some of the country’s most beautiful coastlines and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

Day 5

Today, you will drive to Bandon State Natural Area.  Next, enjoy a cruise up the spectacular Rogue River taking you into Oregon’s rugged wilderness for a chance to see bald eagles, cormorants, seals and blue heron. 

Continuing south, you enter the redwood country of California.  Visit the famous Redwood National Park, home to some of the world’s tallest and oldest trees.

Day 6

Enjoy a delightful tour through the historic timber and fishing village of Eureka, and enjoy the Victorian architecture of Old Town. 

Journey through more redwood forests, including the Avenue of the Giants, a scenic highway loaded with towering redwoods. 

Next, drive over the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, and arrive in San Francisco.

Day 7

Today, you can take a sightseeing tour of the city’s most popular landmarks.  You will see the Twin Peaks, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf. 

 Day 8

Today you will do more city sights, or head home, or you can take a tour of the Sonoma or Napa Valleys to see how wine is made, if you are there in late August/September, or to get a chance to taste them if you are there in October. Domain Chandon, home of the famous champagne, is not to be missed, and the Viansa winery is like something straight out of Tuscany.

One thing is for sure, a day is not enough to see all of the things San Francisco and its surrounds have to offer.

With memories and photos galore, you will not easily forget this vacation to one of the most beautiful destinations in America.

If you are planning a vacation in the early to mid-autumn, you may wish to consider the Pacific Northwest as your vacation spot.

Starting from Portland, Oregon, this tour takes in the Columbia River Gorge, the Redwood National Park and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. This is one trip you and your family will treasure for a lifetime.

Here is a typical itinerary to get a taste of this wonderful area.  

Day 1

You begin your scenic tour through the Pacific Northwest and California with a relaxing stay in Portland, Oregon. The city has a great number of delights to offer, including Powell’s, one of the world’s largest bookstores. Great food and wine, quaint neighborhoods with a variety of ethnicities, this is a sophisticated if not fast paved city for the whole family to enjoy.

Day 2

Your morning tour of Portland includes two of its famous gardens, the spectacular International Rose Test Garden, and the serene Japanese Gardens. 

You can enjoy the wonderful zoo, and then head to Mount Hood, a glacier with winter sports all year round and a wonderful lodge.

Next, travel to the Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center where you can learn about the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens, as well as the history of the state park.

Day 3

Drive along the Mt. Hood route once more to the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.  It’s a day of sightseeing you will never forget. 

Your day will be highlighted by a tour of the magnificent Columbia River Gorge and the Bonneville Dam, where a US Army Corps of Engineers park ranger will guide you through the dam and provide an interpretive talk on its might, hydropower and history.

Waterfalls and unspoiled wilderness abound.