West Coast Discovery
West Coast Discovery
West Coast Discovery
15 Days Starting in Las Vegas and ending in Seattle
Visiting: Las Vegas, Sequoia National Park, Yosemite National Park , Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, Crescent City, Redwood National Park / Crescent City, Crater Lake National Park, Willamette Valley / Portland, OR, Columbia River Gorge / Portland, OR, Olympic Peninsula, Hoh Rainforest / Seattle, Seattle
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Sequoia National Park
Location: Sequoia National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
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
Location: Sequoia National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Yosemite National Park
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel
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
Location: Crescent City
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Redwood National Park / Crescent City
Location: Redwood National Park / Crescent City
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Crater Lake National Park
Location: Crater Lake National Park
Accommodation: Motel
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Willamette Valley / Portland, Or
Location: Willamette Valley / Portland, OR
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Columbia River Gorge / Portland, Or
Location: Columbia River Gorge / Portland, OR
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 13: Olympic Peninsula
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: dinner
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 14: Hoh Rainforest / Seattle
Location: Hoh Rainforest / Seattle
Accommodation: Hotel
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!
Included Activities:
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Day 15: Seattle
Location: 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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (12 nights), Motel (1 night), Lodge (1 night) -
Meals
2 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 4 dinners -
Sequoia National Park
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Sequoia National Park - Leader-led hike
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Yosemite National Park - Stargazing with Yosemite Conservancy Naturalist
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Yosemite National Park - Entrance Fee
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Yosemite National Park - Leader-led hike
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Yosemite - Pizza Picnic Dinner
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Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point
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San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge walk
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Redway - Avenue of the Giants
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Redwood National Park
Transport
- AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA & CANADA
- We recommend taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber when traveling to and from hotels in the USA and Canada. These services are widely available across North America, offering convenient and accessible transportation options. Private transfers in North America incur high costs and present an increased risk of missed connections due to their fixed schedules. In contrast, taxis and rideshares offer both cost-effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring a smoother journey. With transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and on-demand availability, we believe that taxis and rideshare apps not only offer a reliable alternative to private transfers but also provide a secure, trustworthy, and budget-friendly transportation option for our customers.
- NORTH AMERICA VEHICLES
- Our large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van.
- The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
- While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- 1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Las Vegas. Please make your own way to the Joining Point listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
- 2. Check out of the hotel is at 10am on Day 15 in Seattle. If you would like to spend more time in Seattle we can happily request additional nights - please speak to your booking agent.
- 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Some of the best scenery in National Parks are found on hikes. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities. You’ll also need to be prepared with hiking shoes, a water bottle and a day pack.
You’ll be travelling through deserts, mountains and rainforests where the temperature and precipitation can vary greatly. Crater Lake can be cold and have snow on the ground even into June. Make sure you pack the appropriate clothing for all weather.
This trip includes time spent travelling in a vehicle with your group. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions