It’s time to breathe the fresh, mile-high air on Hurricane Ridge, just south of Port Angeles, in the Olympic National Park. You’ll feel you’re on top of the world, and you actually are! The ruggedly carved mountain range contrasts with the soft fields of wild flowers in the subalpine meadows below. Next, it’s Anchors Away! Cruise the pristine waters and narrow passageways aboard the Chinook. View Orca whales, and other wildlife, on a 3-day cruise you’ll never forget! We’ll end this journey in the Emerald City, Seattle, where we have some fantastic things planned!  

Click here for a flyer – Hurricane Ridge & the San Juan Islands

Day 1 – Sunday July 30th – Home to Port Angeles
We’ll head north, up the Kitsap Peninsula, surrounded by 236 miles of saltwater shoreline it’s centrally located between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges. Welcome to Bremerton where a scrumptious lunch at Anthony’s awaits. The restaurant overlooks Bremerton Marina and hosts spectacular sweeping views of the Sinclair Inlet, the Bremerton ferry and Naval ships. After lunch we’ll visit the Puget Sound Navy Museum… Explore naval history of the region and experience life as a sailor through exhibits, see the USS John C. Stennis Special Operations Submarines and much more. Next, we’ll walk next door to the USS Turner Joy… The famed Navy destroyer from the Vietnam War is now maintained and administered by the Bremerton Historic Ships Association. The museum ship and memorial honors not only the men and women of our modern US Navy, but also recognizes the accomplishments of those who help build and maintain the Navy ships as well. An active and educational facility makes the USS Turner Joy a unique and lasting legacy to Puget Sound’s maritime heritage. We’ll continue north to our home for the night, the Red Lion Hotel in Port Angeles. It features spectacular views of the Straits of Juan da Fuca. Your Evening is free to explore Port Angeles, full of shops restaurants and more! Red Lion Hotel, Port Angeles WA. (B, L)

Day 2 – Monday July 31st – Port Angeles to Friday Harbor
We’ll start our day with a trip to the Olympic National Park Visitors Center… Diversity is the hallmark of Olympic National Park. From the lush canopy of the rain forests, to the sandy beaches of the coast, to the majestic overlooks of the rugged glacier-capped mountains, Olympic National Park has a great deal to offer. Next, it’s on to Hurricane Ridge the journey is spectacular, with stunning views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the islands beyond. Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessed mountain area within Olympic National Park. Lunch is on your own in the quaint town of Port Townsend. Welcome aboard the Chinook… a deluxe 72′ vessel with two levels of indoor and outdoor seating. After clearing the dock in Port Townsend, we will work our way towards the San Juan archipelago. We’ll cruise past such points of interest as Iceberg Point, Deadman’s Island and Cattle Pass. As we travel, our captain will give an interesting and entertaining narration about the history of the islands. Upon arrival in Friday Harbor you and your luggage will be transferred to the Friday Harbour Suites. You’ll have time to get cozy in your room before a wonderful dinner at Downriggers overlooking the harbor. Friday Harbor Suites, Friday Harbor (B, D)

Day 3 – Tuesday August 1st – Friday Harbor Local Touring
We have a full and exciting day ahead of us. Start the morning off with a hot cup of coffee or tea upon boarding. You’ll be served breakfast onboard the Chinook, as we make our way north in San Juan Channel to our first stop Roche Harbor… established in 1886 as the company town of the Roche Harbor Lime Works. We’ll see the classic Hotel de Haro is still open and is listed on the National Historic Register. You will have a plenty of time for a good walk around on your own, or join us on a guided tour conducted by one of the crew members. At noon, we’ll re-board the Chinook to explore more of the San Juan Islands, while searching for wildlife, including Orca and Minke whales, while enjoying an Old-Fashioned Cracked Crab Feast. We’ll head back to charming Friday Harbor where your evening is free to explore its many shops and restaurants. Friday Harbor Suites, Friday Harbor (B, L)

Day 4 – Wednesday August 2nd  – Friday Harbor to Seattle WA
You’ll start your day today with coffee or tea and a tasty breakfast on board, as we steer for the top of the San Juan Islands. Once again, we’ll search of Orca Whales, Bald Eagles, Harbor Seals, Dall’s Porpoise, Minke Whales, sea birds and other magnificent wildlife. Viewed in their natural environment these magnificent animals are always a treat to behold! Up north, at the very top of the archipelago, lies a unique, horseshoe shaped destination called Sucia Island State Park. The reefs and broken shorelines of the island are from geologic folding of the Earth’s crust, which has brought many interesting marine fossils to the surface. Upon arrival on Sucia, you’ll be treated to a freshly prepared picnic on the beach. After lunch, take a short hike through the forest or along the shoreline and enjoy this opportunity to stretch your legs among some of the most stunning shorelines the Northwest has to offer. After our unforgettable shore visit we’ll re-board the Chinook to continue on our final leg of our voyage, taking us through channels and past islands not yet explored. We’ll depart by motor coach from Bremerton for Seattle, where a welcome dinner awaits. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle WA. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Thursday August 3rd – Seattle WA Local Touring
After a scrumptious breakfast! We’ll take a tour of some of Seattle’s best highlights where we’ll learn all about the Emerald City, the Space Needle, Chihuly Gardens providing a look at the inspiration and influences that formed the career of artist Dale Chihuly. Located at Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden of Glass includes an Exhibition Hall, the centerpiece Glasshouse and a lush Garden.  and Pike Place Market the oldest operating Farmers Market in the country. After a beautiful trip on Seattle’s Great Wheel enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle WA. (B, D)

Day 6 – Friday August 4th – Seattle to Home
After breakfast we’ll board the Coast Starlight passenger train to Portland and Salem with wonderful memories of this beautiful tour!  (B)