Visit Olympic National Park - and much more!

This Olympic National Park & Columbia Gorge adventure is made for people who love water, flowers and the sea!

Few trips venture into this region of the far Northwest for more than a day or two, and that leaves so much undiscovered.

With a green environment that is second to none, and the prospect of investigating a whole magnificent gorge of waterfalls, a train ride through the Mt. Hood region and then the adventure of going out to the Olympic Peninsula, this trip is truly inspirational.

Come along as we head into the near wilderness, take a day trip to Canada to visit the world famous Butchart gardens on Vancouver Island, British Columbia and expand your photographic skills!

This week long tour departs from Portland, Oregon. Rates include lodging, transportation to all venues from Portland, entrance fees to parks and for specified activities, and all meals not listed as a-la-carte in the itinerary.

Includes:

~ General entrance fees to all parks
~ 6 nights of motel lodging
~ All meals not listed as a-la-carte in the itinerary
~ Specified activities in the itinerary, including the scenic train ride and Butchart Gardens tour
~ Private or public coach/shuttle costs where required
~ Professional advice on photography and capturing the best images
~ Autographed copy of Greg Smith's latest co-authored "How To" photography book, Capture Your World
~ A personalized 24-page tour book featuring a picture of you
~ All tours are led by photographer and guide Greg Smith from beginning to end

Does NOT Include:

~ Transportation to and from Portland, OR ~ Passport and visa fees - PASSPORT REQUIRED ON THIS TOUR SINCE WE CROSS THE CANADIAN BORDER
~ Meal beverages other than tea, coffee or water
~ Items of a personal nature
~ Room service or other services beyond the basic night's stay at motels
~ Food outside of included meals and provided snacks
~ Laundry service
~ Telephone or other charged communication services
~ Luggage and travel insurance
~ Optional excursion fees
~ Any costs related to cameras or recording devices
~ Tips or gratuities to guides or tour leaders
~ Also expenses incurred due to inclement weather, or other acts of God, altered river, road or trail conditions, sickness, flight delays, or unforeseen security issues

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1
Rendezvous at the motel east of Portland and have dinner together as we get acquainted and get oriented to the week's adventures. We will be staying at this motel for 2 nights.

Day 2
Early in the morning, to catch the light, we head east along the Columbia River to a vantage point where we can view the entire west end of the Gorge, weather permitting. We move on to stop and view several of the world famous waterfalls along the river, including the highest - Multnomah Falls. After satisfying our photographic curiosity about waterfalls, it's on to the Dalles, and take a scenic train ride to witness the magnificent mountain region near Mt. Hood. Lunch will be a la carte, and when we have finished this trip through the hills, it's back to Portland and dinner.

Day 3
We head northwest into the Olympic Peninsula to visit this often overlooked corner of America. We will stop at First Beach after traveling through beautiful pine forests, and get our first view of the Pacific Ocean. As we travel along the coast, we will see glimpses of the sea until we reach Ruby Beach, where we will stop for an hour or so to walk down to the sandy and rocky beach, and get an opportunity to take some great pictures! Next, we head to the now famous Forks, WA - renowned for its fictional setting in the Twilight series of novels. We will stay here for 2 nights. Dinner tonight and then a good night's sleep.

Day 4
Today we head first to the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park, and a walk among the moss ladened trees and a beautiful drive through lush green forests. After the morning's adventure, we will return to Forks for a quick lunch and then head out to La Push and the coast for a chance to see some rocky coastline and the tumble of trees that are constantly washed up onshore where they bleach in the sun - great photo ops! Back to Forks and an a la carte dinner choice!

Day 5
We leave Forks and head northwest to Cape Flattery, the northwest corner of the contiguous 48 states! After about a half mile of walking, the mysterious cliffs and surf will come into view about the same time we hear it. The ocean is several hundred feet below, but the views range from mystical fog to bright sunny daylight depending on the whiles of the fog bank and the sea. But whatever the conditions, you will get some really interesting and memorable shots from here. We have lunch on the fly, and then begin our trek east for an hour or so to Crescent Lake and a stop to walk to Marymere Falls. We settle into our motel in Port Angeles, WA, and a well deserved night's rest!

Day 6
Bring you passport along today! We leave early to catch the ferry to Victoria, Canada, about 75 minutes by water to the north. It is a wonderful crossing no matter the weather, and when we arrive in Canada, we will take a motorcoach ride for the short trip to the world famous Butchart Gardens. Rain, sunshine or mist, this botanical garden will be one of the highlights of a very beautiful trip. Lunch is a la carte, and in mid-afternoon we return to Victoria for a few hours of shopping, souvenir hunting and a "high tea" break or dinner, as the spirit moves each of us. At 6:30 pm we are back at the ferry terminal and our sea crossing back to Port Angeles. Don't be late!

Day 7
We'll be up and out by 8:00 am for our trip back into Olympic National Park to Hurricane Ridge, where the weather is unpredictable but the views and sensation of being deep in the mountains are unrivaled in this part of Washington state. We make our way back to Portland with a quick stop at another as yet unnamed falls. We will get you back to the Portland airport in time for return flights leaving after 4:00 pm, and a camera full of all those incredible memories. Bon Voyage!

BORDER CROSSING INFORMATION:

US-Canada Border Crossing Information
~U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older must present a passport for travel across the US-Canada border. Children ages 18 and under are required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate - passports, of course, are also acceptable.
~If one parent is traveling with a minor child without the other parent, they must also have a notarized letter from the absent parent stating approval for the one parent to travel across the US-Canada border with the child.
~Passports and I-94 cards (multiple entrance Visas) are required for all other International travelers.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Reservations are made on a first-come-first-served basis and tour sizes are between 4 and 9 persons only.

A minimum total of 4 participants is required for the tour to operate. Usually, cancellation of a tour due to insufficient participation will occur 30 days before the tour start date. In the event this tour has to be cancelled due to insufficient participation or other reason outside our control, a full refund will be made. However, we are not responsible for any expenses incurred by the traveler in conjunction with the tour such as airfare or other non-refundable arrangements, and we strongly recommend that tour participants purchase travel insurance to cover themselves when booking a tour.

Minimum Age: Due to the hiking and other activities on this tour, we limit participation to a minimum age of 7. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Accommodations are typically in 2-3 star motels and include private baths. All prices quoted are per person for double occupancy, and single supplements must be ordered for any single traveler.

Meals: Included as indicated in itinerary. In some locations cash will be provided to each tour participant to purchase a meal, especially when the restaurant facilities are in remote locations or there is a choice available in a given location. At other planned locations, the meals will be paid for at the time they are taken, by the tour guide, or prepaid by the tour company strictly at its option. This is to maximize the comfort and convenience of tour participants.

Bottles of water and very limited snacks will be available in the tour vehicle.

Transportation: From the time we leave from our designated motel at the beginning of a tour, until we return, all transportation is provided or arranged for all participants. Exceptions would only be for non-tour excursions on helicopters, planes or other side trips not specified in the itinerary. We do use park shuttles where mandated in national parks. The primary tours are conducted in vehicles occupied by only our tour participants.

Hiking/Physical Ability: Included walks and hikes are deemed easy to moderate levels of activity. No special skill is required, but all tour participants should be in good physical condition and able to walk/hike 1-3 miles at a reasonable, non-competitive pace. We make casual photography and rest stops along trails and paths wherever we go. Also be aware that most of the tours are set in drier climates than you may be used to, and the drinking of water is key to remaining alert and feeling well. Please note that many of the park sites are located at or above 7,000 to 8,000 feet and often require some acclimation. Drink water regularly from the time you arrive at the start of your tour, and use whatever you require from the cooler in the tour van as well.

Traveler Responsibility: Trip members are responsible for choosing tours that are consistent with their ability, fitness, and overall health. All travelers are required to complete and return a trip enrollment form and consent to applicable Terms and Conditions prior to the commencement of their tour. Travelers are also responsible for reading and understanding all pre-departure materials provided by their tour guide, bringing appropriate clothing and gear as suggested by the tour guide, and acting in a manner that is considerate of other people with whom they come in contact.

Luggage: There is limited space in the vans, and since we will be on the move traveling from location to location, it is requested that you limit your luggage to one checked bag, a carry on, a small hiking day pack for your camera and personal items, and a small tripod if you choose. Digital photographers who opt to bring a laptop do so at their own risk. All personal luggage is the owner's responsibility and we assume no responsibility for any wear and tear, damage, breakage or loss.

Smoking/Illegal Drugs/Alcohol: Smoking is not permitted in non-smoking rooms, at meals, or in tour vehicles. Because of the dryness and high risk of forest fires in parks and along rural routes, it is necessary that you refrain from smoking on hikes and when the van stops at pullouts. Smoking is permitted at rest stops where local ordinances permit and if other tour participants are not bothered. Illegal drugs are not permitted at any time. Alcohol is not permitted during excursions, sightseeing or on hikes. You may order alcoholic beverages at meals and pay for them.

Portland Tours and its tour suppliers reserve the right to accept or reject any person as a trip member at any time.

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this tour, covering medical and cancellation expenses. This is for your peace of mind!

Documentation: Upon confirmation of your order, we will email you an E-Ticket that will include contact information for your tour guide so you may obtain the responsibility disclaimers to be signed and a questionnaire to be filled out and returned to the guide. A detailed itinerary, tour check list and clothing suggestions will be provided by the guide at an appropriate date prior to departure.

Limitations of Liability: Portland Tours, its owners, agents, employees, suppliers and affiliated companies hereby give notice that they only act as agents for motels, transportation companies, land operators, and suppliers of travel services, and assume no responsibility or liability whatsoever in connection with the operation, safety, condition or service of any motor vehicle, boat or other conveyance, inn, lodge, or hotel which may be used wholly or in part, for services to Portland Tours participants. Portland Tours, its operators and agents will not be responsible for any act, error or omission, nor for any injury, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, irregularity, or damage that may be occasioned by any cause whatsoever, including acts of nature, civil disturbance, government restrictions, or failure of any means of conveyance to adhere to public schedule.

Portland Tours and its tour suppliers reserve the right, either prior to or after departure, in its good faith and discretion and in circumstances that warrant it, to change or reprice any tour, trip or expedition. This includes, but is not limited to, the right in such circumstances to alter or omit any part of the itinerary, to substitute hotel or trip leaders, or to change any means of conveyance without notice and without allowance of refund, with the liability for increased costs – if any – to be borne by the traveler.

If any tour is canceled due to acts of insurrection, strikes, acts of God, or any other cause beyond our control, refunds will be based on the difference between the original trip price and the cost of services already provided.

Trip members grant tour operators express permission to take photographic records of its trips for promotional and commercial use.

MINIMUM 4 DAYS ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED (we strongly suggest ordering well in advance since these small group tours usually sell out). Rates are per person for the occupancy stated. Minimum age 7. All guests under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-305-9617.