Oregon Coast & Crater Lake

Overview

This trip by season

The same trip. Very different weeks.

• Summer

  June to August

  Everything open

  The full itinerary runs and every road and trail is open. These dates are popular, so they fill first.

  4 summer departures ›

• Autumn

  September to November

  Fall color and wildlife

  Aspen and cottonwood turning, wildlife on the move, and quieter trails once school is back.

  3 autumn departures ›

Day by day

1. 

   

   

   

   

   

   Day 1

   Arrival in Portland, Willamette Valley Wine Country & The Dramatic Oregon Coast

   Your Pacific Northwest adventure begins the moment you touch down in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon. Your professional tour guide will greet you at the Portland International Airport (PDX) arrivals area, where you will join a select group of fellow adventurers in our premium, comfortable Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. Leaving the city behind, we journey west through the lush, vineyard-draped hills of the famed Willamette Valley as the landscape shifts toward the raw beauty of the Pacific Ocean. As we hit the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, we will wind through charming seaside towns like Lincoln City and Depoe Bay, stopping to explore the rugged cliffs of the Boiler Bay Overlook. This unique marine ecological area is a hotspot for coastal wildlife; stand on the windswept headlands to watch for wild gray whales breaching in the surf and seabirds soaring over the crashing waves.

   By late afternoon, we arrive in the historic coastal hub of Newport, Oregon, checking into the oceanfront Hallmark Resort where every room offers stunning beach views. To celebrate the start of our journey, we gather for a fantastic, curated farm-to-table welcome dinner at a premier local restaurant. You will indulge in an authentic Pacific Northwest culinary experience, featuring fresh fish caught right off the local boats that morning. After dinner, the evening is yours to embrace the coastal elements—take an inspiring twilight walk along the sandy shoreline, breathe in the crisp salt air, and watch a spectacular Oregon sunset sink beneath the Pacific horizon as the tide rolls in.

   OvernightNewport OregonMealsCovered: Dinner

2. 

   

   

   Day 2

   Historic Lighthouses, Marine Gardens & Depoe Bay Whale Watching Cruise

   Wake up to the sound of crashing waves and prepare for an action-packed day dedicated to discovering the rugged beauty and rich marine life of the Central Oregon Coast. Our morning adventure kicks off just north of Newport at the spectacular Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Here, you will stand in awe beneath the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse—Oregon’s tallest beacon—before hiking down to explore the vibrant Yaquina Head Marine Gardens. This protected intertidal zone offers an up-close look at a thriving coastal ecosystem, where you can explore volcanic tide pools teeming with colorful sea stars, anemones, and fascinating marine life.

   The thrill intensifies midday as we head to the "Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast" for an unforgettable ocean excursion. You will board a specialized sea vessel for a premium, 2-hour Depoe Bay whale watching tour with the expert skippers at Dockside Depoe Bay. This stretch of the Pacific is a world-renowned sanctuary for majestic Gray Whales, many of whom are regular residents recognized by the crew by their distinct tail and body markings. Keep your camera ready as these gentle giants breach and blow spout water just feet from the boat, and keep an eye out for migrating Humpback and Blue whales that frequently pass through these nutrient-rich waters. Following this exhilarating wildlife encounter and a delicious lunch at a local coastal eatery, the afternoon is entirely yours to shape. Spend it wandering the historic bayfront of Newport, Oregon, exploring local artisan shops, or relaxing on the sandy beaches directly outside the Hallmark Resort to recharge for the epic miles ahead.

   OvernightNewport OregonMealsCovered: Breakfast & Lunch

3. 

   

   Day 3

   The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip—Newport to Gold Beach

   Prepare for one of the most visually spectacular driving days in North America as we journey south along the world-famous Pacific Coast Highway. This day is custom-built for photography enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, showcasing the wild, untamed geology of the Southern Oregon Coast. Our guided tour features a series of active coastal stops where you will step out of our premium vehicle to witness the raw power of the ocean. We will marvel at the churning surf of Devil’s Churn, a deep chasm carved into volcanic rock, and stand beside Thor’s Well, the famous, seemingly bottomless sinkhole that swallows the ocean tide. We'll capture panoramic views from Captain Cook Point and look out over the dramatic sea stacks from the windswept bluffs of Cape Blanco—the westernmost point in Oregon. Along the way, we'll visit the stunning, cliff-perched Heceta Head Lighthouse, one of the most photographed and iconic working lighthouses in the United States.

   After a scenic midday lunch stop in the historic coastal town of Florence, our expedition continues south into the coastal adventure hub of Gold Beach, Oregon. We will check into our oceanfront rooms at the SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western, where every single room features its own private balcony designed for soaking in the panoramic ocean views. In the evening, the group will gather for a hearty, authentic coastal dinner. Afterward, the sunset is yours to enjoy: embark on an invigorating beach walk right to the mouth of the legendary Rogue River or explore the scenic shoreline around Turtle Rock Creek, letting the soothing sounds of the crashing Pacific surf wrap up an unforgettable day of exploration.

   OvernightGold Beach OregonMealsCovered: Breakfast & Dinner

4. 

   Day 4

   Wild & Scenic Rogue River Jet Boat Adventure & The Northern California Border

   Gear up for an adrenaline-pumping morning on the water as we shift our focus from the ocean to one of America’s most legendary waterways. Today, you will embark on a thrilling, 64-mile mail-run excursion aboard a high-speed Rogue River hydro-jet boat. This high-octane river adventure blasts through shallow riffles and navigates deep into the federally designated Wild & Scenic Rogue River canyon. You will zoom directly beneath the jaw-dropping, 400-foot sheer rock walls of Copper Canyon, surrounded by untouched wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready; this pristine corridor is teeming with Pacific Northwest wildlife, and it is common to spot osprey diving for fish, river otters playing in the eddies, black bears foraging on the shoreline, and black-tailed deer moving through the trees. Along the way, your expert river pilot shares the captivating local folklore, native history, and unique botany of the canyon.

   The excitement on the river is paired with a fantastic, wilderness lunch served on an open-air deck overlooking the rushing waters (or inside with panoramic glass views of the canyon). Back on land, our overland journey continues as our premium Sprinter van winds its way down the final, breathtaking stretch of the Southern Oregon shoreline. Crossing the state line into Northern California, we arrive in the historic coastal city of Crescent City, California, for the evening. After checking into the comfortable Best Western Plus Northwood Inn, you have a relaxing evening to yourself to explore the local harbor, sample California coastal cuisine, and rest up for tomorrow's journey into the land of the giants.

   OvernightCrescent City CAMealsCovered: Breakfast & Lunch

5. 

   

   Day 5

   Ancient Redwood Rainforests, Klamath River Sea Lions & Journey Inland to Shady Cove

   Prepare to stand in the presence of living giants this morning as we plunge into the emerald canopies of the world’s tallest trees. Today’s eco-adventure takes us deep into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Redwood National and State Parks. We will hike through the ancient, primordial groves of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park—home to some of the most massive, untouched old-growth redwoods on the planet—as well as the lush, fern-draped trails of Prairie Creek Redwoods and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. Walking beneath these 300-foot-tall titans is a humbling, bucket-list experience that perfectly captures the untamed spirit of the Pacific Northwest. After leaving the deep forest, we head to the jaw-dropping dramatic coastline where the powerful Klamath River empties into the Pacific Ocean. We’ll explore the scenic river overlook for an incredible wildlife viewing opportunity, watching wild sea lions fish, bark, and play in the roaring ocean surf.

   Midday, we bid farewell to the coast and guide our premium vehicle inland, crossing back over the state line into Oregon. The maritime fog gives way to sun-drenched forests and river canyons as we wind our way toward the Cascade Mountains. We end our day of exploration in the quaint, welcoming riverfront town of Shady Cove, Oregon. After checking into our peaceful accommodations at the Edgewater Inn, nestled right along the banks of the rushing Rogue River, you have a relaxing evening to enjoy dinner in town, unwind by the water, and prepare for tomorrow’s ascent up the volcano.

   OvernightShady Cove OregonMealsCovered: Breakfast & Lunch

6. 

   

   Day 6

   Crater Lake National Park & Mountain Culture in Bend

   Prepare for the undeniable crown jewel of your inland journey as we ascend into the Cascade Range to witness one of the world's most spectacular geological wonders. Today, we travel north to Crater Lake National Park, home to America’s deepest and most pristine body of water. Formed over 7,000 years ago by the cataclysmic collapse of Mount Mazama, Crater Lake is globally renowned for its immense depth, pure volcanic water, and an intensely brilliant blue color that defies description. We begin our alpine exploration with a stop at the park's Visitor Center to uncover the fascinating history and volcanic formation of the caldera, followed by a hearty breakfast at the historic Crater Lake Lodge. Next, we hit the trails for an exhilarating, high-altitude hike up to Garfield Peak, where you will be rewarded with panoramic, bird's-eye vistas of the entire lake and the sheer volcanic cliffs that frame it.

   Following a delicious lunch at the Crater Lake Dining Room, the adventure continues with a spectacular two-hour guided drive around the legendary Rim Drive. This scenic highway traces the caldera’s edge, offering countless postcard-perfect photo opportunities, sweeping vistas of Wizard Island, and a chance to take an optional, rewarding hike up to The Watchman Peak for even more jaw-dropping views of the surrounding wilderness. After bidding farewell to this natural wonder, we cruise north into Central Oregon, arriving in the high-desert mountain city of Bend, Oregon. You will have the evening to get acquainted with the vibrant energy of Bend—the region’s premier hub for craft breweries, artisan dining, and outdoor culture—before settling into your premium accommodations at The Newberry Hotel for a well-deserved night's rest.

   OvernightBend OregonMealsCovered: Breakfast & Lunch

7. 

   Day 7

   Newberry Volcanic Landscapes, Mount Hood Vistas & The Columbia River Gorge Grand Finale

   Your final day of exploration kicks off with an unforgettable volcanic adventure just south of Bend. We will head into the rugged, dramatic landscapes of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, an active volcanic area where you can hike through ancient lava flows and explore unique geological features. After conquering the volcanic trails, our premium Sprinter van guides you north toward the final crown jewel of our Pacific Northwest loop. As we journey back toward the city, we will trace the majestic base of Mount Hood, offering spectacular, panoramic views of its glacier-carved peaks before descending directly into the world-renowned Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

   Once inside this federally protected river canyon, the landscape transforms into a dramatic canvas of emerald moss and plunging waterfalls. Our signature stop brings you face-to-face with the legendary Multnomah Falls, the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the United States. You will stand in awe on the viewing platforms as you watch the roaring waters plunge a dramatic 620 feet from its origin on Larch Mountain. To celebrate the incredible miles and lifelong memories shared over the last week, we gather for a special group farewell lunch at the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, enjoying a delicious meal with sweeping views overlooking the mighty Columbia River. Following lunch, we make the short, seamless drive back to the Portland International Airport (PDX) for a late afternoon drop-off, concluding the ultimate, bucket-list loop of Oregon’s natural wonders.

   MealsCovered: Breakfast & Lunch

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SWAT Trip Protection Plan

The SWAT Trip Protection Plan (TPP) gives you the freedom to cancel your tour for any reason up to the day before departure and receive a full refund of your SWAT-collected tour payments. It’s a simple, transparent cancellation waiver designed to provide flexibility for our guests and clarity in our booking process.

Read the full Trip Protection terms — eligibility, how to buy, cancelling, rescheduling and refund timing.