10-Nights Artisan Adventures in the Wild Northwest: San Francisco, Redwood National Park, Mount Rainier, Seattle & More

Seattle

Seattle is situated on Puget Sound, surrounded by the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. The city skyline is impressive with shimmering glass high-rises and 100-year-old buildings standing side by side. This beautiful port city came into its own after gold was discovered in the Klondike and 100,000 people passed through the Northwest in 1897 and 1898 on their quest for wealth in Alaska Visit the Klondike Gold Rush Museum or the Space Needle by day and enjoy a vibrant jazz nightlife in turn-of-the-century Pioneer Square where the city first took root.

Portland

Portland is well known for its cutting edge rock'n'roll, though Shakespeare, Broadway shows, ballerinas, chamber music ensembles and full blown classical orchestrations exist here. Try one of many outdoor activities available year round with views of some of the country's best scenery. Portland has historical and cultural monuments, museums, and historic sites. According to a recent CNN survey, Portland is one of the five most "kid-friendly" cities in the United States. Portland has OMSI (the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), the nations fifth largest science museum, the Oregon Zoo, and the Children's Museum with a strict "please touch" policy. For adventure, head for the indoor North Clackamas Aquatic Park, with its four foot waves and water slides, or visit an old fashioned Oaks Amusement Park, featuring roller coasters, thrill rides, a train, go carts, and bumper cars.

Coos Bay

Historically known as Marshfield, Coos Bay is a protected bay surrounded with lush forests kissing the coasts of the Pacific Ocean. The area was first settled by the Native Americans who called the area "lake and place of pines" until 400 years ago when the British and Spanish sought for shelter in the south coast. Today, it is the largest city on the Oregon coast.

Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg, California, 170 mi/274 km north of San Francisco, was once a booming lumber town. It still offers several attractions, particularly in and around its lively downtown business district.

Take a drive down to the marinas to watch the fishing boats go in and out with their daily catch and to watch the sun go down while enjoying a cocktail.

Several giant redwood parks are within a one-hour drive north and south of Fort Bragg.

San Francisco

Blessed with a viable fog-cooled and sun-kissed climate and a dramatic landscape, the San Francisco Bay Area is a visual feast where neither water nor hills are ever too far away. Add to this the cultural medley: Within every neighborhood, from Santa Cruz to Oakland to Mill Valley, a diversity of tastes and interest is thriving. See it in the cuisine, the bookstores, the arts, and the recreational opportunities. To embrace all San Francisco has to offer get out and explore. Walk the streets, drive across the Bay Bridge, go south down the peninsula to Silicon Valley and cruise along the San Mateo coast. Find great sights, museums, art, culture, and family fun attractions. There is a plethora of attractions and activities to satisfy the desires of every one who visits.