The Oregon Experience is still under development. We are currently working with our partners to plan a wonderful and inspirational trip. We hope that the descriptions below capture our mission and give you a sense of what is most likely to be included. But remember, nothing is set-in-stone yet.
The Oregon Experience
September 2021
“Oregon is an inspiration. Whether you come to it, or are born to it, you become entranced by our state’s beauty, the opportunity she affords, and the independent spirit of her citizens.” – Tom McCall
Join us as we explore the rugged coastline where Oregon collides with the Pacific Ocean to the seemingly endless arid sagebrush high desert of Central Oregon.
Cost: TBD
Length: 9 days
Group size: 6-12
Intensity: Moderate
Why you’ll love The Oregon Experience
Our Oregon Experience takes you through stunning landscapes of rocky shorelines and sandy beaches to the sweet smell of Juniper trees and dusty back roads, as we explore the amazing things to see in Oregon.
Starting along Oregon’s coastline, we will search the waves for scoters, Harlequin Ducks, and cormorants, and scoping for shearwaters soaring offshore. We will partner with a local environmental education organization to scope out wildlife big and small on iconic Haystack Rock and educate visitors about their life history. All while visiting the charming north coast with plenty of time for art galleries, Tillamook Cheese, and locally brewed beer. Also, a visit to Fort Stevens State Park and Historic Site will give us the opportunity to view Brown Pelicans soaring low over the “Graveyard of the Pacific” and to find lingering migrant shorebirds on the shores of the confluence of the mighty Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. Look for Red Crossbills in the treetops at this park, the first military installation on the continental US to come under fire in WWII.
Next we’ll head to Central Oregon and spent our time exploring Bend with good beer, but a drier climate. This is a woodpecker and flycatcher haven and although spring is the best time to see them, we can still find a good variety, including Dusky Flycatcher and Lewis’s Woodpecker. The fragrant, sagebrush covered backroads are great for Mountain Bluebird; Green-tailed Towhees are found along burned logging roads; and Townsend’s Solitaire favors the Juniper stands. Make sure to bring a good jacket and flashlight as we’ll also check the spectacular lava caves that run under much of this area.
What makes this Experience unique
We’ll be partnering with the Haystack Rock Awareness Program to provide on-the-ground interpretation and give you the opportunity to explore this incredible habitat and share your love of nature with others. Additionally, our trip is planned to coincide with the Earth and Ocean Arts Festival, giving you a chance to explore charming Cannon Beach and mingle with art and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
As this trip is still being planned, we are looking at other possibilities, including: a pelagic birding trip, volunteering with a lava cave project or with the East Cascades Audubon Society. Razor clamming and dining is another option we hope to provide, however this is condition dependent.
Each of our Experiences aims to support local conservation efforts and leave us with a feeling of deep understanding and appreciation for the landscape, the people, and the wildlife of every place we visit.
And yes, there will be birds!
Oregon’s coast and high desert are some of the most beautiful locations that tourists from around the world flock to explore. We’ll be exploring towards the end of the shorebird migration and right in the nick of time for ducks.
Want to join us?
Registration will open in 2021. Sign up to receive updates on this Experience.