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Peregrine Travel Centre

West Coast Discovery

West Coast Discovery

From $ 8,870 AUD

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Description

Experience the incredibly diverse landscapes of the USA’s west coast on this 15-day adventure. Start by traversing the deserts of Nevada toward the towering trees of California, stopping to walk among the giants of Sequoia National Park and Redwood National Park, and visit the striking granite cliffs of the world-famous Yosemite National Park. Swap height for depth as you head inland to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, then visit a local winery and soak up the character of Portland and the nearby Columbia River Gorge. Washington is your final port of call, with visits to Olympic National Park’s beaches and the mossy Hoh Rainforest before your adventure ends in Seattle.

Trip Name
West Coast Discovery
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • See two of the US’ most awe-inspiring destinations as you walk along the rim of Crater Lake National Park and experience the world-famous Yosemite National Park on leader-led walks both day and night.
  • Spend two nights exploring San Francisco, the eclectic and multicultural 'City by the Bay', swapping natural wonders for one that’s man-made as you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Walk among the towering timber of Sequoia National Park, home General Sherman (the world’s largest tree by volume) and Redwoods National Park, home to some of the world’s tallest and most ancient trees.
  • Head to the USA’s best wine region for Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley – and enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery in the valley, with gorgeous views of sprawling vineyards, hills and forest.
  • Wander around natural areas that will inspire awe – like the cascades of Multnomah Falls near Portland and the peaceful Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Las Vegas
Welcome to Nevada! Las Vegas will be your gateway to the grandeur of the Golden State. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm, giving you plenty of time to bathe in Vegas’ glow. It’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early to really experience the city, allowing time to do the classics (think casinos, drive-through weddings and live shows) as well as scratching below the surface to see Las Vegas’ diverse neighbourhoods and thriving arts scene.
Day 2 - Sequoia National Park
Leaving Sin City in your dust, you’ll road trip across state lines and through the Mojave Desert today, then around to Sequoia National Park. It’s a long drive, but it’ll give you the chance to see the changing geography of the American west – watch on as the desert gives way to the peaks of the southern Sierras. Settle into your accommodation near Sequoia National Park in the afternoon, and then head out for an included dinner at a local restaurant with your group.
Day 3 - Sequoia National Park
Today is simply about seeing the best of the USA’s Sequoia National Park. After breakfast, you’ll embark on leader-led walks around Sequoia, driving from stop to stop as you get to feel small next to the staggering size of General Sherman, the Giant Forest and other specimens of Sequoia’s towering timber. You may even drive through a tree at Tunnel Log, peer into Tharp’s Log and spot marmots, black bears and recently re-introduced bighorn sheep.
Day 4 - Yosemite National Park
After breakfast, you’ll hit the highway headed for the world-famous Yosemite National Park. To start, get acquainted with the awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley during a guided hike. Strewn with dramatic waterfalls, gigantic granite outcrops and lush meadows, this is one of the most spectacular spots in the country. Your leader will also teach you about the ecologically diverse landscape along the way. After sunset, you’ll join a Naturalist from the Yosemite Conservancy for a guided stargazing program. The park’s minimal light pollution makes it an excellent place to see the stars while learning about astronomy, constellations and local lore.
Day 5 - Yosemite National Park
Today, Yosemite is all yours to explore! In the morning there’ll be leader-led walks around some of the park’s best trails. If it’s a clear day you may also drive up to Glacier Point for a view you won’t soon forget, looking down over the valley and across to the iconic Half Dome. The afternoon is yours to fill how you’d like. You might choose to hike along the breathtaking Mist Trail with its many fabulous views, hire a bicycle and pedal along some of the 12 miles of designated (and flat) path or immerse yourself in the park’s history at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Once you’ve seen the sights, the day will be capped off with a pizza picnic in the park for dinner.
Day 6 - San Francisco
After saying fond farewells to Yosemite, you’ll head west to vibrant San Francisco. Stop to do a walk over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and then check in to your hotel for the night. At sunset, you can hit the water for an optional catamaran cruise around the bay, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. If you like, head out with your fellow travellers for dinner.
Day 7 - San Francisco
Today you are free to explore all that San Francisco has to offer. The City by the Bay boasts a beautiful setting and a vibrant, multicultural heart. Maybe check out the vintage stores along funky Haight Street, catch the tram down to the waterfront or take a boat trip out to Alcatraz Island. There will be a meeting at 6 pm tonight to welcome any new travellers to the trip. Afterward, why not head out for an optional group dinner to get to know your new companions.
Day 8 - Crescent City
Today will be a road trip day, so grab a window seat if you can and get your favourite playlist or a good book ready – it's a bit of a long drive up the coast, but you'll have plenty of stops along the way to appreciate the coastal views. You’ll also stop in at the Avenue of the Giants for your first taste of redwood trees. This famed road is known as the most scenic drive through the redwoods and is lined by huge titans, one of which you can even drive through! Continue to Crescent City, check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening. Your leader will be able to point you in the right direction for a dinner spot.
Day 9 - Redwood National Park / Crescent City
Today is all about exploring Redwood National Park – known for these towering giants, the park is also home to oak woodlands, a rugged coastline and a condor restoration program. Your trip leader will choose some hikes and walks for the day based on the group’s abilities and desires. Maybe discover the ancient trees among a forest of ferns, head to natural lakes and springs or explore Trillium Falls. Return to Crescent City in the evening, then head out for a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10 - Crater Lake National Park
Cross into Oregon this morning and head to Crater Lake National Park – formed when an eruption triggered the collapse of a tall mountain peak 7700 years ago. It’s now home to the deepest lake in the USA, a scenic wonder fed by rain and snow that has attracted artists, photographers and sightseers worldwide. Explore the Rim Drive viewpoints with your group and stop for a couple of walks for the best views and overlooks of one of the most pristine lakes on Earth. Spend the night at a nearby motel, where you’re free for dinner.
Day 11 - Willamette Valley / Portland, OR
This morning, you’ll explore Oregon’s wine country in the Willamette Valley – this is a popular wine region in the US that boasts numerous accolades for its beauty, Pinot Noir and quality wineries. Visit one of these local wineries for a tasting and enjoy a picnic lunch with your group with a view of rolling hills, towering trees and sprawling vineyards. Then, you’ll continue to Portland, Oregon’s largest city, where your leader will take you on an orientation walk to get your bearings. You’re free for dinner, so maybe keep the party going and head to a local bar in the shadow of Mount Hood. This city hosts a thriving arts scene, so there are plenty of trendy spots to eat and hit the nightlife – just ask your leader for recommendations.
Day 12 - Columbia River Gorge / Portland, OR
This morning, you’ll visit the nearby Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, known for the spectacular river canyon and gorgeous views of cliffs, spires and ridges set against the peaks of Cascade Mountain Range. Explore the park and the famous Multnomah Falls – the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest and approximately 189 m (620 ft) tall. Walk along the scenic bridge that sits almost in the middle of the falls and feel the water on your face as the cascades fall below. Spend your afternoon exploring, and then spend another night in Portland.
Day 13 - Olympic Peninsula
This morning, you’ll cross into Washington State and the Olympic Peninsula – home to the popular Olympic National Park. This is a bit of a long drive, so grab a window seat if you can and watch the gorgeous scenery pass you by. When you arrive, you’ll visit Kalaloch Beach – one of the beautiful Pacific Northwest beaches with giant trees washed up on the shore, scattered across the sand. Maybe head to the Tree of Life (or the Tree Root Cave). Tonight sit down for an included group dinner at your lodge.
Day 14 - Hoh Rainforest / Seattle
This morning, visit the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park – an enchanting canopy of moss and ferns that might remind you of an anime or fairy film. Take a walk with your leader, appreciating a moment of peace in this temperate rainforest, before continuing to Seattle. When you arrive in the seaport city, your leader will take you on an orientation walk, pointing out the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and maybe some popular spots for live grunge music, which the city is known for. Tonight, maybe head out with your group for a farewell dinner in one of the trendy local spots and cheers to an amazing trip!
Day 15 - Seattle
With no activities planned today, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to stay longer and explore Seattle’s cool city hubs and sprawling parklands, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-05-202518-05-2025AUD $ 9,580-
08-06-202522-06-2025AUD $ 9,045-
22-06-202506-07-2025AUD $ 8,870-
06-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 9,225-
20-07-202503-08-2025AUD $ 9,225-
10-08-202524-08-2025AUD $ 9,580-
24-08-202507-09-2025AUD $ 9,580-
07-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 9,580-
14-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 9,225-
03-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 9,315-
07-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 9,315-
21-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 9,315-
05-07-202619-07-2026AUD $ 9,685-
19-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 9,685-
09-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 10,060-
23-08-202606-09-2026AUD $ 10,060-
06-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 10,060-
13-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 9,685-

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights),Motel (1 night),Lodge (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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