The heart of the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway is the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, often called one of the seven wonders of Oregon, comprised of three units: Clarno, Painted Hills, and Sheep Rock. The fossil beds show visitors how the region has drastically changed, both in climate and animal and plant evolution,Continue reading “Journey Through Time Scenic Byway, Oregon”
Category Archives: Weekend Trip
Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway, Oregon
The historic Columbia River Highway was constructed from 1913 to 1922 as the nation’s first scenic highway; the Columbia River Gorge is also the nation’s second National Scenic Area, which gives you a hint of how special the byway truly is! Construction of the highway presented many engineering challenges and the roadway was considered oneContinue reading “Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway, Oregon”
Missoula, Montana, Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, and Lewiston and Ahsahka, Idaho
Our weekend itinerary offers Lewis and Clark immersion! Of course, no Corps of Discovery itinerary is complete without also learning about the indigenous peoples encountered along the journey. Lewis and Clark and company encountered 55 native tribes, but the Idaho segment, the most arduously difficult segment of the journey, richly involves a tribe who theContinue reading “Missoula, Montana, Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, and Lewiston and Ahsahka, Idaho”
Elgin, Joseph, and Wallowa Lake, Washington
The Wallowa Lake area is a destination hot-spot for the northeastern Oregon region. If you read our posts you may remember that we have an itinerary for the Hells Canyon Scenic Drive that includes Joseph and Wallowa Lake, but this isn’t a place you come to only once. As is often the case, there isContinue reading “Elgin, Joseph, and Wallowa Lake, Washington”
Mount Hood and Hood River, Oregon
Many travelers, I think, would assume that Mount Hood, that majestic peak that rises so prominently to dominate the skyline along the heavily traveled I-84 corridor, would be the focal point of our itinerary. But for me, it is the Timberline Lodge with its sense of rustic, old world, almost magical charm that I amContinue reading “Mount Hood and Hood River, Oregon”
Mt St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington
On the morning of May 18, 1980 a magnitude 5.1 earthquake triggered one of the world’s largest recorded landslides as the north face of Mt St. Helens collapsed to bury the valleys below, followed within seconds by one of the most powerful volcanic blasts in the history of North America. Within ten minutes the eruptionContinue reading “Mt St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington”
Grand Coulee Dam, Dry Falls Heritage Area, and Lake Lenore Caves, Washington
Grand Coulee Dam and Dry Falls Heritage Area vie with each other as the highlight of our itinerary—both are amazing sites to visit! Grand Coulee Dam will be the favorite of many visitors and is where the itinerary begins. The dam is a concrete gravity dam (meaning that only the weight of the concrete structureContinue reading “Grand Coulee Dam, Dry Falls Heritage Area, and Lake Lenore Caves, Washington”
Central Oregon: Madras, Bend, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Are you ready for another great weekend trip? Our central Oregon itinerary presents our top picks and offers a great variety of sites to visit. Best time to visit: a visit scheduled Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend will allow you to visit all the sites on the itinerary. Plan to arrive at EricksonContinue reading “Central Oregon: Madras, Bend, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument”
Puget Sound: Bremerton, Keyport, and Port Townsend, Washington
The coastal region of the Pacific Northwest is rich in history and fantastic sites to visit. This short route along the Puget Sound offers an exciting assortment of sites that come together to form a great weekend trip. Even better, this itinerary can be traveled any time of year (but check for holiday closure dates!).Continue reading “Puget Sound: Bremerton, Keyport, and Port Townsend, Washington”
Boardman, Umatilla, and Pendleton, Oregon
Pendleton is one of those towns that travelers rush past on the freeway over and over again, possibly with no knowledge that Pendleton has an amazing and magical history to explore! Add a few more regional sites along the way and you have a great two-day visit to experience. When to Visit: though this itineraryContinue reading “Boardman, Umatilla, and Pendleton, Oregon”
Hit the Road in the Pacific Northwest 