PACIFIC COAST(Trip #63808)

Tour Overview

This one's just how it sounds. Trace virtually the entire western seaboard, darting inland to swing by a couple of must see national parks. Throw in a few isolated beaches, giant redwoods and the big-city buzz of LA and San Fran and you've found the real McCoy.

The Pacific Coast Trail ... famed for its giant Redwoods and volcanic peaks. This incredibly scenic route offers a diverse range of attractions such as isolated, unspoilt beaches, hiking in coastal rain forests and the big city attractions of Los Angeles and San Francisco. See and experience the far western states of California, Oregon and Washington.

For over 35 years, TrekAmerica has been tempting travellers away from the "package" tour approach and into the world of young, fun and exciting small group adventures for 18-38 year olds. Over the years, we have brought together a hearty group of international explorers who have criss-crossed the continent over 10,000 times. This is the world of TrekAmerica - the specialists in "off the beaten path" adventures across the Americas. So why not challenge yourself...not your budget.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1-2: - Los Angeles, Santa Barbara & Big Sur
Experience Hollywood close-up with a brief tour of this legendary area, before heading west for the first of two nights on the coast, first at Santa Barbara, a "gem of a coastal city" with a decidedly Spanish flair. Then, take California's most famous road - Pacific Coast Highway 1 - up the coast to Big Sur, where Redwood forested mountains meet beautiful sandy beaches along a windswept craggy shore.
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 3-4: - Yosemite National Park
The Sierra Nevada mountains beckon with the towering peaks of Yosemite National Park. We have two days to hike, bike, or float through this extraordinary landscape of glacier-carved granite monoliths, spectacular waterfalls and groves of giant Sequoia trees - the largest living things on earth! If you want a real challenge, try the 17 mile round trip hike to the top of Half Dome!
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 5-6: - San Francisco
Next, "Everybody's Favourite City", San Francisco, with its endless options: walk or mountain bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, ride the cable cars up and down the fabled, steep streets, view the Bay and Alcatraz from the ferry boat ride or Fishermans Wharf, shop in Chinatown and Union Square, and experience the varied nightlife in North Beach or Haight-Ashbury!
Accommodation: 2 en-route hotel nights paid locally

Day 7-8: - Redwood National Park
Making our way up the California Coast, we pass though small quaint coastal towns en route to Redwoods National Park, home of the tallest trees in the world and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on the Pacific Coast.Take a hike amidst the groves of these magnificent trees or stroll along a shoreline seemingly untouched by civilisation.
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 9-10: - Oregon Coast & Mt St Helens
Making our way up the California Coast, we pass though small quaint coastal towns en route to Redwoods National Park, home of the tallest trees in the world and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on the Pacific Coast.Take a hike amidst the groves of these magnificent trees or stroll along a shoreline seemingly untouched by civilisation.
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 11: - Mount Rainier National Park
Journey into the heart of the Cascade Mountains to Mount Rainier National Park. Many hikes will be on offer considering there are over 300 miles available on the parks' network of trails, everything from easy walks through the forests to heart pounding climbs up to the mountain's glaciers. Of course just relaxing at the scenic campground or visiting the information centres is also an option.
Accommodation: Camping included

Day 12-14: - Olympic National Park & Seattle
Finally, Washington's jewel,Olympic National Parks, offer a wide range of vistas including glaciated snowy peaks, spectacular coastal beaches and an ancient rain forest to explore and enjoy. Leaving the mountains of the Olympic Peninsula behind we journey across Puget Sound aboard the delightful commuter ferry from Bainbridge Island to Seattle. Experience the laid back downtown attitude of Seattle, home of the original Starbucks.
Accommodation: Camping included.

Tour ends at 18:00 hrs in Seattle on day 14.