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walk through spectacular volcanic landscapes during which our local guide
will share the fascinating natural and cultural history of the region.
The walks encompass National Parks, National Monuments, State Parks and
the Deschutes National Forest. The walks are at an altitude of between
3,000 and 9,000 feet (Sunriver is at 4,100ft) and are suitable for anyone
who is reasonably fit.
Weather
Late summer is an ideal time for a visit to Oregon's High Desert country.
The weather should be warm and sunny during the day, probably in the mid
70°F, cooler at night. But like all mountainous regions, be prepared
for sudden changes.
Day 1
- Tuesday 2nd September - Travel
Fly United Airlines from Manchester or London Heathrow to Redmond, Central
Oregon. Transfer by private coach (one hour) to Sunriver Resort. Light
supper in your lodge.
D
Day 2
- Wednesday 3rd September - Free time at Sunriver
Guided tour of Sunriver Resort, followed by free time. Dinner at the South
Bend Bistro. BD
Day 3
- Thursday 4th September - Tumalo Falls
This pretty hike begins at the base of the 100ft Tumalo Falls. The six-mile
round-trip will take us up along the North Fork of Tumalo Creek, where
one waterfall after the next drops into deep pools carved into the forest
floor. Basalt, wildflowers and chilly water abound, while the silence
of the forest reigns. This is a moderate hike with some non-challenging
elevation gain and loss. Packed lunch. Home-cooked barbecue in the comfort
of your own lodge. BLD
Day 4
- Friday 5th September - Fort Rock and Crack in the Ground
We'll leave the pine-covered forest of Sunriver for a day's journey into
an environment of sagebrush and raptors. Fort Rock's pinnacles rise above
an ancient ocean bed, where erosion has created homes for the many birds
of this desert region. Our next jaunt is to Crack in the Ground, which
provides a great opportunity to walk inside a fault line, where water-loving
plants thrive in this desert ecozone. The walking is easy today; the environment
spectacular. Packed lunch.
Tonight we
have dinner at Cowboy Dinner Tree - years ago there was an old shack under
what is now the Cowboy Dinner Tree, when the ranchers from Paisley, Summer
Lake and Silver Lake pushed their cattle through the Sycan trail en-route
to the lush meadows of the Sycan Marsh. By the time the cowboys had moved
the cattle from Silver Lake lakebed to the Dinner Tree, it was considered
the half-way point, and the chuck wagon was waiting there to serve-up
some buckaroo, beans and biscuits. Today, after all these many years,
the Cowboy Dinner Tree still serves-up the beans and bread, along with
a slab of beef that most cowboys would only dream of on the trail!
BLD
Day 5
- Saturday 6th September - Lava Lands, High Desert Museum and Sisters
Today we'll head to nearby Lava Lands to journey to the top of a volcano
which sits within a 10-square-mile lava field. Be prepared for spectacular
views from the top of the crater before heading off to the nationally-acclaimed
High Desert Museum, where we can enjoy a self-conducted tour of the Spirit
of the West - a "walk-through-time" exhibit of High Desert history.
This tour will set the stage for the rest of your visit to Oregon. Next,
we'll head for the old Western town of Sisters before returning to Sunriver.
Dinner at the South Bend Bistro.
BD
Day 6
- Sunday 7th September - Free Day
Tonight we can look forward to a home-cooked barbecue. BD
Day 7
- Monday 8th September - Crater Lake National Park
Pack whatever you need for a night at Crater Lake Lodge and we head south
on Highway 97 for Crater Lake National Park. Our morning drive will take
us up the east slope of the Cascade Range. We'll ascend the north flank
of old Mount Mazama and arrive on the rim for incredible views down to
Crater Lake. Our next stop on the rim will be the trailhead leading us
to Mount Scott, the highest point in the National Park at just under 9,000
feet. This is a moderate hike with about 2,000 feet of elevation. Packed
lunch. After the hike check-in to Crater Lake Lodge and relax before witnessing
the sunset over the lake, should be a memorable experience from the Lodge
terrace. Dinner at Crater Lake Lodge.
BLD
Day 8
- Tuesday 9th September - Crater Lake National Park
After breakfast at the Lodge we drive to the opposite side of the lake
and take the one mile trail down to the water's edge for an incredible
two hour boat journey around the lake, passing Wizard and Phantom Islands.
Drive back to Sunriver, stopping en-route for an optional lunch. Dinner
at the Italian restaurant in the village.
BD
Day 9
- Wednesday 10th September - McKenzie River
Today's relatively easy hike courses its way along the spectacular McKenzie
River. We pass enormous waterfalls, encounter the river's disappearance
underground only to witness it springing forth again at Tamolitch Pool
- amazingly it takes seven years for it to pass through this vast underground
reservoir. Bring extra socks - yours will be knocked off on this journey!
Packed lunch. Dinner at the Trouthouse.
BLD
Day 10
- Thursday 11th September - Hosmer Lake Canoe Journey
Hosmer Lake is a stunning marsh-lined lake which provides habitat for
waterfowl, otters and eagles. Our course will take us out through the
narrow channel and into North Lake, for the solitude of the forest and
hopes of watching the amazing osprey snag a fish for lunch. Mountain vistas
will be the backdrop while we take our lunch on the shores of the lake.
Packed lunch. Dinner at South Bend Bistro.
BD
Day 11
- Friday 12th September - Free Day
Free time today. Home-cooked barbecue in the comfort of your lodge. BD
Day 12
- Saturday 13th September - Broken Top
The most scenic mountain in Central Oregon awaits our visit. This tough
hike takes us up Soda Creek to its origin in the Crook Glaciers Cirque
Bowl. Enjoy the experience of walking on the glacier and see the volcanic
qualities of the mountain with incredible views. We grade the walk moderate,
but with steep parts and some scrambling. Packed lunch. Dinner tonight
under your own arrangements.
BLD
Day 13
- Sunday 14th September - Optional Canoe or Raft Trip down the Deschutes
River
We have included this leisurely canoe, kayak or raft trip down the scenic
Deschutes River as an option to be enjoyed on the last day. This flat-water
float is six miles long and lasts about two hours. It starts at the Sunriver
Marina and, at the end, a shuttle bus takes you back to the Marina. Free
time in the afternoon. Farewell dinner tonight at South Bend Bistro. BD
Day 14
- Monday 15th September - Travel
Free time in the morning and then it's time to go home! Transfer by private
coach to Redmond Airport for the return flight to the UK, arriving the
next day. B
Day 15
- Tuesday 16th September
Arrive back in UK am.
B
= Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
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