Follow in the wagon ruts of the historic Oregon Trail! Visit interesting attractions and dine in style from Boise, Idaho to Portland, Oregon. Criss-cross along the Oregon/Washington border and explore the small towns of the region including Baker City, Walla Walla, Pendleton, and Hood River.
DAY 1 - Arrival in Boise
Arrive in Boise no later than 12pm. A local barbecue “joint” provides comfort food, then get acquainted with Idaho’s capital city on a guided trolley tour of town. Hotel check-in follows, along with an afternoon break. Tonight, enjoy a little culture in the great outdoors at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival amphitheater. A picnic dinner is provided. Red Lion Inn Boise, ID (L,D)
DAY 2 - Birds and the Basque
The World Center for the Birds of Prey is well worth a visit. Here, exhibits tell you about the birds; then you can see live birds, including falcons and eagles, up close and personal. At the Old Idaho Penitentiary, an interpretive walk tells you the fascinating history of the facility, used as Idaho’s main prison from 1870–1973. After lunch downtown, stop in at the “main attraction” in town, the Idaho State Capitol. The building will have just finished a major restoration. There’s also a short stop at the Basque Museum and Cultural Center. Dinner allows you to discover more about this Idaho culture with a traditional Basque family-style meal. Red Lion Inn Boise, ID(B,D)
DAY 3 - The Oregon Trail
Leave Idaho this morning, stopping at the Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario, to learn more about the native people of the region. Just up the road an hour, in Baker City, The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a wealth of information. Authentic? You betcha. In fact, wagon ruts from the 1850’s run across the site. While you’re exploring The Oregon Trail, we’ll deliver your bags to Baker City’s finest hotel, the historic Geiser Grand. First opened to the public in 1889, she was considered “the finest hotel between Seattle and Salt Lake City.” Today, she has regained her original grandeur and offers fine accommodations for weary travelers. We’ve included dinner in the hotel dining room this evening, so you can experience all the Grand has to offer. Geiser Grand Hotel, Baker City, OR (B,D)
DAY 4 - Pendleton & Walla Walla
Believe it or not, I-94, today’s “Oregon Trail” in this part of the state, pretty much follows the original route of the first settlers. Pendleton has a fascinating attraction few towns can claim. There is a complete city underground with shops, card rooms, jails, living quarters and more. You’ll hear the entire story on your tour. After lunch, head to the Pendleton Mill Factory Store, your chance to grab that special gift or just treat yourself. The day’s travels end just across the border in Washington. Tonight, we’ll meet some living history characters at a special dinner event. Remember, this was Lewis and Clark territory some 50 years before the first wagon train came through. Holiday Inn Express – Walla Walla, WA (B,L,D)
DAY 5 - Maryhill & the Mighty Columbia
Before leaving town this morning, you’ll want to learn more about the area’s most famous agricultural product, the Walla Walla Onion. It’s harvest season and we’ll make sure you know how to create culinary masterpieces with these sweet root vegetables. The Maryhill Museum of Art is a delightful cultural break, perched high on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River. Dedicated by the Queen of Romania in 1926, it didn’t open until 1940. American and European paintings are complimented by Rodin sculptures and other works of art. Nearby is a 1920-vintage replica of Stonehenge, which serves as a World War I Memorial. We’ll make a photo stop before crossing the river to the Oregon side. Our accommodations tonight are right at the grand river’s edge. Best Western Hood River , Hood River, OR (B,D)
DAY 6 - Training & Timberline Lodge
Ride the rails this morning as you hop aboard the Mount Hood Railroad for the ride to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. Sunday Brunch is served en route. After a short break at the lodge, it’s back down the mountain, while enjoying your dessert. The four hour round trip is followed by a drive through “berry country.” It’s the heart of the season and you might want to fill your tummy with some of nature’s sweetest treats, or perhaps take a box of boysenberries or loganberries or blueberries home with you! Best Western Hood River , Hood River, OR(BR)
DAY 7 - Multnomah Falls
A stop at Multnomah Falls, the tallest in Oregon, is a highlight of the morning. Enjoy lunch at Heathman Lodge, a Pacific Northwest-looking building if there ever was one. Plan your departure from Portland after 6:30pm. (B,L)