Travelpack

DAY 2: Seattle
Begin the day by taking in views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Nearby is the Seattle Center, where one can take an elevator ride to the 520-foot-high observation deck in the Space Needle, explore Museums, or visit Chihuly Garden and Glass, which showcases the most comprehensive collection of Chihuly’s artwork ever assembled. This evening, why not take a sunset dinner cruise along Puget Sound orr cruise to Tillicum Village for a Native American cultural experience to enjoy a traditional salmon dinner.

DAY 3: Seattle – Olympic Peninsula/Lake Crescent (104mi/168km)
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Hood Canal and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Peninsula is anchored by the Olympic Mountains. Olympic National Park is a designated UNESCO* World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, and is the dominant feature of the Peninsula, with nearly one million acres of rain forest valleys, alpine meadows and wilderness coastline. This morning, cross the Hood Canal Bridge to reach the Olympic Peninsula, Take a quick detour to Port Townsend, \"the most sophisticated place west of Seattle,\" known for its Victorian architecture, art galleries, and wine bars. Then its on to the Dungeness Spit, one of the world\'s longest natural sand spits, designated a national wildlife refuge because of the abundance of bird species. Or one may decide to head straight to Hurricane Ridge. Hurricane Ridge has a number of hiking trails, where one
has magnificent views of snow-capped mountains, the coastline and glaciers. Continue on to the shores of Lake Crescent. Many feel it \"the most beautiful lake in the United States,\" The views rival anything in the Alps. Spend the night at the rustic Lake Crescent Lodge.

DAY 4: Lake Crescent - Lake Quinault (101mi/162km)
This morning head up to Sol duc Hot Springs. It offers cool hikes in misty forests and hot soaks in heated pools. Then drive through the town of Forks, where the Twilight movie series was filmed before arriving in the Quinault Rain Forest. Drive the 30-mile (48-kilometer) loop around Lake Quinault for great views of forests and mountains. Stay at the romantic Lake Quinault Lodge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

DAY 5: Lake Quinault – Astoria - Dundee (224mi/361km)
Today the main attraction is the drive from Lake Quinault along Highway 101, crossing the Columbia River into the Oregon town of Astoria, the oldest settlement west of the Rockies. While visiting Astoria, climb the the Astoria Column (over 120 feet high) located in John Jacob Astor Park, 600 feet above the city. he 1.5 mile Cathedral Tree Trail. Then, continue into Oregon’s wine country and settle in to the Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard for the next 2 nights.

DAY 6: Dundee Wine Region
Venture off the beaten path today for a grape escape and taste the unique terroir of the regions Pinot Noirs. Besides unforgettable wines, discover the architectural artistry of wineries and tasting rooms, from charming Tuscan-style estates to sleek, modern, light-filled edifices. Some wineries offer vineyard hikes or guided tours, and many boast sweeping valley and vineyard vistas.

DAY 7: Dundee – Newport (87mi/140km)
It’s a short drive to the coast and city of Newport, filled with white sand beaches. Take your pick among the unique beauty and sound of Cobble Beach, the secluded dunes of South Beach, the art and history of Nye Beach, and the miles of unspoiled sand at Agate Beach to spot Orca Whales . Or if it’s not a beach day, enjoy Newport’s vibrant arts community. Literally hundreds of visual and fine crafts artists are represented in the many galleries of Newport and its museums focus on the coastal history of the region.

DAY 8: Newport – Eugene (99mi/160km)
Eugene is snuggled in the Willamette Valley hugging the scenic Willamette River. This afternoon explore some of the city’s highlights such as The Tiffany Building, a WPA-era building and the “Chicago-style” of architecture, and Park Blocks, the center of the city and its history. Eugene is affectionately dubbed \"Brewgene\" and crowned by the Whiteaker neighborhood, a new and edgy brewery destination. This evening, enjoy a leisurely pub crawl or partake in a brewery tour led by local brewmasters. Within a two-mile radius one will discover seven breweries!

DAY 9: Eugene – Grants Pass (138mi/222km)
Named “One of the top 12 places you’ve never heard of” by Mother Earth Magazine, Grants Pass is best known for the Rogue River and a white water river trip is a must-do while here. There are a number of companies from which to choose for this unforgettable experience. Be sure to leave time for a tour of Oregon Caves National Monument. It is one of the world\'s few marble caves.

DAY 10: Grants Pass – Crater Lake - Sunriver (204mi/328km)
This morning depart for Crater Lake. Its depth of 1,943 feet (592 meters) makes it the deepest lake in the U.S., and the ninth deepest in the world. The park is open year-round but winter access is limited. Hike the Cleetwood Trail (only trail to the lake surface), or drive around the lake to optimal spots for photographs. Continue on to Sunriver for the overnight.

DAY 11: Sunriver – Portland (178mi/287km)
Depart for Portland this morning. Portland is Oregon’s largest city and a model of “green” living, both in its ecological-minded culture and in its multitude of parks. A must-visit is Washington Park. Meander through the Japanese Garden, the International Rose Test Garden, and the Hoyt Arboretum, taking in sweeping views of the city and the Cascade Range.

Day 12: Portland
This morning, stroll alongside the Willamette River where one can check out \"The Portland,\" a still working steamboat often docked by the seawall. Then visit Asian and Native American artwork at the Portland Art Museum, stroll the North Park Blocks in the Pearl District, followed by a stroll around the neighborhood\'s many art galleries and independent boutiques. Or take a brewery tour by bicycle for a behind the scenes look at the city’s breweries, and see where some of the city’s best bars, restaurants and local hotspots in the downtown area are located.

Day 13: Portland – Mt Rainier (137mi/221km)
Transfer to Mt. Rainier this morning. Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning six major rivers. There’ll be time this afternoon to hike one of the maintained trails to explore some of the forests, lakes, fields of wildflowers and network of glaciers.

Day 14: Mt. Rainier – Snoqualmie (70mi/113km)
After a refreshing morning hike, travel north to tour Boeing and its Future of Flight Aviation Center. Here one will explore the dynamics of flight and experience new aviation innovations. Then take a behind the scenes tour at Boeing, in the world’s largest building, to watch passenger jets being assembled. Transfer to Snoqualmie Falls, a famous 270-foot waterfall Check into the Salish Lodge, located at the Falls. The Snoqualmie Falls Lodge was once an eight-room inn built in 1916 as a rest stop for travelers. In 1988 the building was completely remodeled and reopened as the Salish Lodge, well-known as the setting for “Twin Peaks,” the David Lynch TV mystery series.

Day 15: Snoqualmie – Seattle(28mi/45km)
Be sure to indulge in the lodge’s country breakfast and after, relax in its spa before departing for SeaTac International Airport, a short 40 minute drive away.