Oregon
The Faces of Oregon: Mt. Hood, Columbia River Gorge & Astoria
Program No. 183460MEADV-1116-60
From awe-inspiring waterfalls to towering Mount Hood, from ancient forests to food-trendy Portland, explore the many wonders of Oregon on this great Northwestern adventure.
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6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5B 3L 4D
2
Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge, Wildwood
Portland, OR
3
Oregon Coast, Fort Clatsop, Downtown Astoria
Portland, OR
4
Downtown Portland, Rose Garden, Portland Museum
Portland, OR
At a Glance
On four daylong field trips, discover the natural beauty and human history that make Oregon a state of wonder. Take in city highlights like the International Rose Test Garden, then explore the natural wonders outside the city, from the rugged Pacific Coast to the dramatic Columbia River Gorge to the volcanic Cascade Mountains. Each journey is accented by interesting, interactive activities, including a tasting of the Columbia Gorge's award-winning wines.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to 1.5 miles on varied terrain. Elevations up to 6,000 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Gaze up at towering Mount Hood from majestic Timberline Lodge, one of the iconic great lodges of the West.
- Stand in awe of the Columbia River Gorge’s magnificent waterfalls and captivating vistas.
- Visit the rugged Oregon Coast, including the mouth of the Columbia River, known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific,” and the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies.
Suggested Reading List
(12 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Faces of Oregon: Mt. Hood, Columbia River Gorge & Astoria
Program Number: 1834
Up the Capitol Steps: A Woman's March to the Governorship
A personal and political memoir by one of the few women governors in the history of the United States, Up the Capitol Steps details the successes and the frustrations of a woman's life in politics. Roberts embroils herself in controversial policies and challenging elections on the road to Oregon governorship.
Oregon's Promise: An Interpretive History
This detailed look into the history of Oregon offers jarring perspectives that clash with traditional stereotypes of the state and its residents. The author focuses on those that have been left out of the prosperous society that the pioneers originally looked to create and gives fresh insight into some historical assumptions that, upon further review, may not have been so true.
Astoria: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire: A Story of Wealth, Ambition, and Survival
This thrilling and harrowing volume tells the story of the 1810 Astor Expedition, which followed in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark to establish the first settlement in the Pacific Northwest. John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson dreamed of transforming the region into a world trading power. Instead, the cruelty of the wilderness and the clash of ambitions led to a grim failure that serves as a reminder of the frailty of the human body and will.
Building the Columbia River Highway: They Said It Couldn't Be Done
Peg Willis takes the reader on a journey along the Columbia River and explores the early beginnings of this highway that became known as a man-made miracle. Willis meets with two of the men responsible for the highway's creation and development, and explores the consequences (good and bad) of this architectural marvel.
A Chef's Bounty: Celebrating Oregon's Cuisine
A Chef's Bounty includes recipes from many of the most successful chefs in Oregon. It is a full-page, full-color book that features sustainable cooking and gives background insight into Oregon cuisine from all the unique regions of the state.
Portland: Yesterday & Today
Portland: Yesterday & Today features spectacular imagery and brings to life all the favorite destinations that make the city so unique. From the sprawling, verdant Forest Park to the towering U.S. Bancorp Tower (Big Pink), this book will give you a new appreciation for all that Portland has to offer.
Portland Then and Now
A spectacular book, captivating it's audience with historic, small town Portland images paired with the same scenes as they look today.
Sites include: New Market Theater, Blagen Block, Royal Palm Hotel, Grand Stable & Carriage Building, Pioneer Courthouse, First National Bank, City Hall, Berg Building, Portland Art Museum, Masonic Temple, Paramount Theatre, Union Station, Pittock Mansion, Bagdad Theater, Hollywood Theatre, St. John's Bridge, Swan Island.
Oregon Trail Stories: True Accounts of Life in a Covered Wagon
Read through the exhilarating narratives from real letters, diaries and more. These first-hand tales of death, love, adversity and exploration offer insight into the lives of the early Western Pioneers.
A River Lost: The Life and Death of the Columbia
An insightful look into the many changes the Columbia River has undergone as a result of human exploitation. Harden weighs the pros and cons of river development and provides his unique perspectives, in addition to those of Native Americans, environmentalists, and individualist locals.
Portland: People, Politics, and Power, 1851-2001
One of the most detailed and definitive books on the full history of the city of Portland. The seedy undercurrents of early society in Portland are revealed, along with details of crime, corruption, prohibition, racism and commercial development.
Notable Women of Portland
This book offers a radically different portrayal of the growth the city of Portland has experienced. Its focus is on the early female pioneers of the city and the many incredible and lasting impacts they had on the area.
The Good Rain: Across Time & Terrain in the Pacific Northwest
In this mesmerizing book, Egan retraces a journey made in 1853 by Theodore Winthrop, the author of the first national book about the Pacific Northwest. As he travels Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia by unconventional means, Egan reflects on Winthrop's predictions for the northwest, mourns the loss of so much natural beauty, and casts visions of the landscapes that have escaped the march of modern development. Winner of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Portland, OR
Program Concludes
Portland, OR
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
12
| 5B |
3L |
4D |
Activity Level
On four daylong field trips, discover the natural beauty and human history that make Oregon a state of wonder. Take in city highlights like the International Rose Test Garden, then explore the natural wonders outside the city, from the rugged Pacific Coast to the dramatic Columbia River Gorge to the volcanic Cascade Mountains. Each journey is accented by interesting, interactive activities, including a tasting of the Columbia Gorge's award-winning wines.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Gaze up at towering Mount Hood from majestic Timberline Lodge, one of the iconic great lodges of the West.
- Stand in awe of the Columbia River Gorge’s magnificent waterfalls and captivating vistas.
- Visit the rugged Oregon Coast, including the mouth of the Columbia River, known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific,” and the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to 1.5 miles on varied terrain. Elevations up to 6,000 feet.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(12 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
12 meals | 5B | 3L | 4D |
2 expert-led lectures
12 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Lecture
Location:
Portland, OR
Meals:
D
Stay:
The Benson Portland
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any up-updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed with a Group Leader and Instructor. Travel for program-related activities will be via private motorcoach (onboard lavatory) unless noted otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We’ll gather with our Instructor who will share some fun facts and unique stories about Oregon. We’ll gain some background information on the place we’ll call home for the next few days.
Day
2
Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge, Wildwood
Location:
Portland, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Benson Portland
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 120 miles throughout the day, approximately 3 hours with stops. Walking up to 1 mile; paved trail. Elevation changes from 50 feet in Portland to 6,000 feet at Timberline Lodge.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach for a full day to explore and learn about the history of Oregon and its geological features. On the way to Mt. Hood, we will stop at Philip Foster Farm in Eagle Creek to learn about early pioneer life and the Oregon Trail. Philip Foster was one of Oregon’s first pioneers and a leader in the establishment of Oregon. His farm and home played an important role in the history of Barlow Road that followed the south side of Mt. Hood as an alternative to the Columbia River route.
Lunch:
At Philip Foster Farm, we’ll have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
Moving on, we will reach Wildwood Recreation Site nestled in the forested foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Our Instructor will lead us along a paved trail in this temperate old growth rainforest. Next, we will visit historic Timberline Lodge, a WPA project dedicated in 1937, filled with art work and furnishings created for the lodge in the 1930s under the Federal Art Project. It is the only 20th century public building of its size constructed and furnished entirely by hand with original carved and inlaid craft work in wood, wrought iron, weaving, appliqué, painting, mosaic, carved linoleum, and stained glass. National Forest Service staff will lead our exploration.
Dinner:
At Timberline Lodge.
Evening:
We will ride back to the hotel.
Day
3
Oregon Coast, Fort Clatsop, Downtown Astoria
Location:
Portland, OR
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
The Benson Portland
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 220 miles over the course of the day, approximately 4 hours with stops. Walking up to 1 mile; varied surfaces including sand.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll depart early for a full-day field trip to the Oregon coast. We’ll head first to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, for a self-directed exploration to see what interests each of us most. The museum was founded in 1962 to preserve the rich maritime heritage of the entire Columbia River region. Today the museum’s well-deserved reputation for the quality of its exhibits and scope of its collections makes it one of the finest maritime museums in the nation.
Lunch:
On your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Our next field trip will be to Lewis and Clark National Historical Park where Park Service staff will lead our exploration of a replica of Fort Clatsop. This was where the Corps of Discovery had their winter encampment from December 1805 to March 1806. According to the National Park Service, the fortification measured 50 square feet and “housed 32 men, 1 woman, a baby, and a dog.”
Dinner:
At a restaurant in Astoria.
Evening:
We will ride back to the hotel.
Day
4
Downtown Portland, Rose Garden, Portland Museum
Location:
Portland, OR
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
The Benson Portland
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 30 miles throughout the day. Periods of standing and walking. Standing up to an hour at a time. Walking up to 1.5 miles; varied terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and ride downtown where a local expert will lead us on a walking field trip to learn about the history, art, and architecture of this exceptional northwest city. We’ll see and hear stories behind unusual details that even many locals miss. We’ll also take note of the fascinating outdoor public artworks our expert will identify along the walking route. These artworks were commissioned through Oregon’s Percent for Art legislation that was passed in 1975. We will transfer from downtown Portland to Washington Park for a docent-led exploration of the International Rose Test Garden. Known simply as the Rose Garden, it covers 4.5 acres in Washington Park and features more than 650 varieties of roses that produce more than 10,000 flowers each year. The Portland Rose Society was established in 1888. As World War I raged in Europe, newspaper editor Jesse Currey persuaded city officials in 1915 to establish a “test garden” to protect and preserve European hybrid roses in danger of being destroyed. Fortunately, the roses outlasted the war. Portland today is known as the City of Roses. The primary purpose of the garden today is to serve as a testing ground for new rose varieties. The City of Portland Gold Medal Awards are issued annually to the best introductions. We will then ride back downtown to our lunch spot.
Lunch:
At a downtown restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we will walk a short distance to visit the Portland Art Museum, the oldest art museum on the West Coast. It features Native American, Northwest, modern, contemporary and Asian art as well as an outdoor public sculpture garden. During our self-directed exploration, we will have an opportunity to explore the exhibits and see what interests each of us most. The remainder of the afternoon is free. You can return to the hotel via motorcoach after the field trip or remain downtown and return independently. You might like to spend additional time at the museum, visit Powell’s City of Books, or relax at one of Portland’s many cozy cafés.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. There are many appealing restaurants to choose from in this food-trendy city.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Columbia River Gorge, Wine Tasting, Multnomah Falls
Location:
Portland, OR
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Benson Portland
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 170 miles throughout the day, approximately 3 hours with stops. Walking up to 1/2 mile; paved trail; standing in museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our first field trip today will be to the Columbia River Gorge, a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. It is 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, with the north canyon walls in Washington State and the south canyon walls in Oregon State. Millennia of geologic events have produced breathtaking waterfalls. As we ride through the Gorge, we’ll learn from on board from our Instructor about the area’s fascinating geology.
Lunch:
At the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.
Afternoon:
We will learn more about volcanic activity, floods, and other natural phenomena that helped form the gorge during a self-directed exploration of the 26,100 square foot exhibit wing of the Discovery Center. Moving on through the gorge, we will stop at a winery in Hood River for an opportunity to taste some of Oregon’s award-winning wines. In the past 40 years, Oregon has grown to world-class wine-making status. We’ll hear the story of how that came to be and learn about a few of the more well-known varieties. We’ll then stop at the Columbia Gorge’s most famous landmark, Multnomah Falls. The falls drop 620 feet. They flow year round, fed by underground streams in addition to rainwater and seasonal snow melt. We will view the waterfall from below (possibly feeling some spray depending on current conditions). Those who feel adventurous and vigorous are welcome to take a self-directed elective hike 1/5 of a mile up a steep, paved path to a scenic footbridge for a closer look.
Dinner:
At a restaurant in the gorge. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We will return to the hotel and prepare for departure after our closing session in the morning.
Day
6
Beautiful Oregon, Wrap-Up Session, Program Concludes
Location:
Portland, OR
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined in the hotel meeting room by a local expert who will share stories of Oregon’s scenic wonders. After a short break, we’ll gather as a group one last time for a program review and wrap-up, and to say farewell to new Road Scholar friends. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
12 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
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Participant Reviews
Based on 52 Reviews
Sort By:
This is a great adventure for those who love the outdoors and exploring history.
— Review left October 22, 2024
This would be an excellent program for anyone interested in learning about and seeing Portland and northwest Oregon
— Review left October 7, 2024
My husband and I just took our first Road Scholar trip to Portland, exploring the history of the pioneer experience and visiting beautiful places outside the city such as Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge, and Mt. Hood. It fulfilled our goal of exploring the Pacific Northwest without a car. The trip was well organized and very educational. Our leaders--Ryan and John were terrific.
— Review left September 21, 2024
With excellent leaders, Ryan & John, our exploration of several different areas of Oregon was most enjoyable. It was great to learn more about Oregon's history, as well as to savor the beauty of Mt. Hood, Columbia River Gorge, Astoria, and other highlights. This program provides an excellent way to learn more about different aspects of Oregon. Try it!
— Review left September 17, 2024
A most enjoyable way to see and learn the history of Portland and the surrounding countryside.
— Review left September 15, 2024
The Faces of Oregon is a wonderful introduction to the Portland region.
— Review left August 22, 2024
Know ahead of time this trip has very little free time to explore and lots of walking and listening. If you are more active you may want to consider another tour.
— Review left August 15, 2024
The Faces of Oregon was my sixth - but not last - Road Scholar trip because I plan on being a lifelong learner.
The Faces of Oregon: cascading waterfalls, forests of Ponderosa pine, Portland (art, history, architecture, International Rose Test Garden), Pacific coast, Columbia River Gorge, Astoria (Astoria Column, Maritime Museum), Lewis & Clark National Historical Park. A great adventure.
— Review left August 14, 2024
The variety of activities and information provided on this trip exceeded my expectations and truly enriched my travel experience.
— Review left August 11, 2024
Very worthwhile! I learned so much. And the area is beautiful,
— Review left July 27, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed my road scholar trip! Our presenters and coordinator were very passionate and insightful, the sights were fabulous and everyone in our group was just amazing! I made some great new friends and intend to keep in contact :) Perhaps even another trip with some!!
— Review left July 17, 2024
Well conceived,well organised and well executed program.
— Review left July 13, 2024
This is a wonderful program that really gives you an overview of the beauty and diversity of northwestern Oregon. We went from downtown Portland to the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood, and the coastline, and all were beautiful and interesting in their own way. There was a lot of activity, but also downtime on the bus. The tour leader, Susan, was superb.
— Review left June 24, 2024
A beautiful and educational introduction to Portland and the Pacific Northwest! A variety of settings and activities are included in this travel experience, so you know exactly what you want to come back and further explore on your NEXT visit. And you WILL want to come back!
— Review left June 23, 2024
The Faces of Oregon (Portland, Astoria, and The Columbia River Gorge) is a fascinating trip when your interests lie in the historical, geological, and social aspects of our relationship with the planet Earth. Be prepared to stand in awe of the natural beauty of this part of our country. The meals and accommodations, as well as the instructors and motorcoach driver, exceed expectations. Because we stay in one hotel the whole week -- and drive to activities and views, it makes sense to go on this excursion.
— Review left May 25, 2024
Faces of Oregon included a beautiful and engaging experience in nature, history and geology of a diverse corner of Oregon. From the mountains to the ocean, the Oregon Trail, the Lewis and Clark fort, waterfalls, historic lodges and a winery tasting, we enjoyed it all. Carolyn, John, the guest presenters, and Mike the driver enhanced every day with their knowldege, local perspectives and fun.
— Review left October 21, 2023
This is a great trip to see parts of the Pacific Northwest from the Portland area. You should do it!
— Review left October 8, 2023
Good trip with Road Scholar
— Review left September 24, 2023
Beautiful overview of the region surrounding Portland, with all its variety and history. Every day was unique, with easy bus-rides from our hotel, with stops ranging from volcanos to waterfalls, pioneers to a fish hatchery, wine-tasting to picnic lunches. Highly recommended!
— Review left September 21, 2023
Highly recommend this Oregon trip
— Review left September 4, 2023
What a great trip! Linda was a wonderful group leader and John was an incredible study leader. John really made the history come alive. Oregon was beautiful. We visited a lot of locations and were kept pretty busy but I enjoyed the variety and the chance to experience different areas.
— Review left August 18, 2023
This was a very nice trip - had a chance to see Portland and surrounding areas. Highlights for me included the Portland Rose Garden, the Columbia River Gorge, Astoria, Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood, Fort Clatsop (winter camp for Lewis & Clark Expedition), and a wine tasting at Phelps Winery. Our tour director was enthusiastic and kept us organized. The bus was comfortable and the drivers friendly. I combined this trip with the Oregon Coast trip - perfect timing to do these back to back and really see a lot of Oregon.
— Review left June 25, 2023
The leader and lecturer made this program great (Linda and John). Even though we had cool rainy weather more than half the time the events and outings were held successfully. Great resource for Oregon Trail and Columbia River history
— Review left June 24, 2023
Even though we had been to the area several times, the program gave us a much more in-depth experience, learning the history, etc, as we explored by coach or on-foot. The two leaders were so intelligent and warm. One of the best of our 28 Road Scholar programs!
— Review left June 19, 2023
Wonderful trip! Susan Wolfe, as the group leader, was fantastic! You'll see Mt Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, in addition to seeing public art in Portland and the International Rose Garden. Many more items. Very interesting! Oregon is a beautiful state.
— Review left June 15, 2023
This was a wonderful first Oregon visit. Hotel was nice, rail right across street for airport or outings on our own. All of the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. I particularly enjoyed the downtown walking tour more than I expected. Always felt safe, welcome and included. Food was fine when they are trying to serve 24 people. Weather (luck!) was perfect. I could have done without the wine tasting but that's just me. Thanks to RS and our guides for a great intro to Oregon. History and scenery were great!
— Review left June 14, 2023
My FACES OF Oregon trip was even more then I had expected.....every aspect if the trip was perfect
— Review left June 11, 2023
If you want a trip that have extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable people leading it, then this is the trip for you!!! Except for early wake up days, I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this trip and learned a great deal about this beautiful part of the country. Debbi Lane
— Review left June 11, 2023
Oregon puts its best face forward for all to see & experience its beauty, history and excitement.
— Review left June 10, 2023
I was looking for an introduction to the North West. This program provided exactly what I was looking for ad exceeded my expectations. We experienced the varied beauty of the area, and learned about the history and geological background.
— Review left May 29, 2023
My new No.1 Road Scholar trip;The Faces of Oregon.
The knowledge I gained from our leaders,the beautiful scenery and the comaraderie of our small group all added to one more memorable Road Scholar trip.
— Review left October 15, 2022
this was my 11th RS trip and they are great fun.
— Review left September 17, 2022
Just finished the Road Scholar trip Oregon: Mt Hood, Columbia River Gorge and Astoria, and will say to anyone this trip is worth your time. First off our leaders Holly and John we both great, Holly warm and friendly and kept everything running on time, John with lots of information as we moved from stop to stop, John is very funny and kept long stretches of the trip seem much shorter. The two guest speakers were very informative and interesting. I read the Lewis and Clark journals several years ago and that was one of the main reasons I wanted to do this trip. Meals provided were all good with the two meals at the park lodges were amazing. You will be kept busy everyday of this experience, Astoria stops were nice, the Museum was very interesting, lunch on your own was fun, I ended up at The Silver Salmon and had a great Clam Chowder and Cheese bread meal. Different stops on the Columbia River Gorge informative and some truly beautiful scenery. The waterfall was beautiful also. This is a small group tour , which it needs to be. By the end of the trip you know everyone by name, and believe me that's important. Want to mention our bus driver Tom was such a skilled driver, keeping us on time on roads that truly snake through the River George area. If you are interested, in the least, go and enjoy yourself.
— Review left August 27, 2022
This is a great trip! Gorgeous scenery!
Be sure to read the "Astoria" book before you go -- it adds so much to the experience!
— Review left August 8, 2022
So much beautiful scenery. Highly recommend
— Review left June 26, 2022
I highly recommended this adventure, especially if you have never been to Oregon. It is amazing!!
— Review left June 25, 2022
Great leader and beautiful scenery.
— Review left June 25, 2022
The Road Scholar trip to Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas was quite varied and filled with beautiful nature opportunities to explore. The walking tour of downtown Portland was delightful -- our knowledgeable guide and his great sense of humor enabled our group to hear about the highlights of the city. Additional excursions throughout the trip provided extended visits to beautiful vistas -- Philip Foster Farm, Wildwood Recreation Site and a trip to Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood - an amazing structure built and furnished in 1937! What a fantastic learning opportunity! Our visit to the Columbia Gorge was breathtaking! The variety of locations we visited offered great learning experiences.
— Review left June 19, 2022
Even if you have been to the Pacific Northwest before, this program will give you new insights.
— Review left May 30, 2022
Natural beauty at every turn, so different than my "flatlander" home. The expertise, knowledge and good humor of the leaders were great! Thanks for a great trip.
— Review left October 28, 2021
It was delightful!
The high points:
* Our Leader, Linda, did a great job of keeping us organized, rolling along, and on time.
* Our guide, John Ford, was excellent: down to earth, highly knowledgable, and always approachable.
* Our Driver, Tim, wheeled our mammoth coach along Interstates and narrow, winding roads with expertise and good humor.
* The sights and experiences were wonderful. I salute whoever made the choice of destinations.
* The wrap-up lecture on Friday morning was outstanding. It was great to have it after we had seen its subjects; that timing made it much more understandable.
And a couple of complaints:
* It probably should have been a smaller group. There were 34 of us, and that was a lot of cats to herd.
* While my hotel room was comfortable and pleasant, the breakfast available in the lobby—or lack thereof— was downright horrifying. I shudder to think of how it might have affected a diabetic; sometimes there was no food left by 7:30 am. ( Linda passed out fruit every evening when we returned, probably at her own expense, so that we could all have something to eat in the morning.)
But all in all, it was a fine introduction to the Pacific Northwest, a place I'd never visited in all my many travels. I look forward to further exploration of this fascinating area of the country. And I'll be doing it with Road Scholar.
Thanks, and with best wishes,
Pamela Marks
— Review left October 26, 2021
We had a wonderful time learning about and seeing this beautiful part of our country - would recommend.
— Review left October 23, 2021
The program provides a great learning experience about the history and geology, with discussion about more recent history and topics too, for the area along the Columbia River from The Dalles to the Pacific Ocean. Suggest you watch documentaries or otherwise learn about Lewis & Clark Expedition in advance to enhance understanding before attending. Beautiful scenery, nice bus transportation, nice to stay in the same hotel throughout. We had cancellation of some events due to COVID and end of season schedules, but the leaders did a great job to adjust. We really enjoyed this program and felt is was a nice balance of activities.
— Review left October 22, 2021
My wife had 90% of the of the interface with the website.
— Review left October 22, 2021
A very in depth program highlighting the Oregon Coast, Mt. Hood, Portland and the Lewis and Clark expedition. I became more knowledgeable about all four adventures and shared the experience with 33 other individuals from across the United States.
— Review left October 9, 2021
I have done three Road scholar journeys in the past and have never been disappointed. This program really exceeded my expectation. The leaders were well-versed and the participants were kind, friendly and interested in learning about the area,
— Review left September 27, 2021
If you are interested in the natural features in Northwest Oregon this program represents an excellent opportunity to explore many natural and historical perspectives in one trip.
— Review left September 22, 2021
Linda and John were excellent leaders on this trip with their knowledge and experiences. Great variety of daily excursions. Beautiful part of the country.
— Review left September 9, 2021
To long and to much info requested.
— Review left August 13, 2021
Great program, just as described. Full of varied excursions and interesting information. I learned a lot about Lewis and Clark, plus the Oregon Trail. A bargain, too!
— Review left August 12, 2019
This is a great look at the history as well as the present day scene in Oregon. The variety of activities was super and along the way we had a lot of fun. Hard to choose my favorite day...they were all great!
— Review left June 16, 2019
A beautiful and informative experience.
— Review left June 1, 2019
