EXCURSIONS | Van Trips

Guided Tour, Silverton and the Oregon Garden

On this fun and informative adventure, we will make our way to Downtown Silverton, where we take a guided walking tour to discover many of the city's beautiful murals. Later, we will tour the Oregon Garden via tram and on foot, to explore more than 20 specialty gardens, all dressed in Fall colors. We have scenic stops planned on the way to and from Silverton to break up the drive. You can bring a lunch, or plan to purchase lunch at the Oregon Garden cafe. Walking distance 2–3 miles. Program fee includes all-day guide services and admission fee to the garden.

Instructor: Peter Chausse

Meet at: Matt Dishman Community Center

Th 10/12 9:00am–5:00pm $48

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Hood River Valley Harvest Festival

Each fall, Hood River farmers host a harvest festival with local produce, food products, arts and crafts, wine and beer tastings, and all the best the County has to offer. Visitors seldom leave Harvest Fest without boxes of Anjou pears, heirloom apples, pumpkins, berries, flowers. There is sure to be a smorgasbord of prepared foods, including pies, jams, smoked salmon, and chocolate covered cherries. Fee includes admission. Bring money for purchases.

Meet at: Charles Jordan Community Center

F 10/13 1:00–7:00pm $25

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Cedar Creek Grist Mill

Take a tour of this National Historic Landmark, a still-functioning, waterpowered mill. Grain is ground into flour or livestock feed by way of huge pulleys and belts. The heavily wooded, beautiful Cedar Creek hosts salmon runs in the fall. Photographers will want to bring cameras to capture the scenic beauty of the mill and covered bridge. Fee includes admission. Freshly milled grain and local cookbooks available for purchase. Bring money for lunch in Ridgefield.

Meet at: East Portland Community Center

Sa 10/14 11:00am–4:30pm $25

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Ft Dalles Museum

Visit the oldest history museum in Oregon and the restored 1895 Anderson Homestead of authentic hand-hewn logs. Antique vehicles, pioneer memorabilia, historic photographs and Native American artifacts fill the Gothic Revival Army Officer's Home in The Dalles. Program fee includes admissions. Bring money for lunch in The Dalles.

Meet at: Matt Dishman Community Center Tu 10/17 9:00am–4:00pm $36

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Meet at: East Portland Community Center Th 11/16 9:00am–4:00pm $36

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Seaside

Refine a sense of wonder with a seaair retreat. Browse the galleries, souvenir shops and candy stores of Seaside. Enjoy a breath-taking ocean view and stroll along the surf. Bring money for purchases and lunch on your own. Seaside has a boardwalk and great beach access.

Meet at: Charles Jordan Community Center

W 10/18 9:00am–6:00pm $38

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Guided Tour, Gorge and Hood River

Waterfront

This tour will include a two mile walk along the newly paved section of the Columbia River Gorge State Highway Trail, where we will see three hidden waterfalls in the area of Starvation Creek. After lunch in Downtown Hood River, we will walk to the Mosier Tunnels along the historic highway, and conclude with a tour of the Hood River waterfront, where we will discover public art and impressive shops and restaurants. Walking distance: 3–4 miles. Program fee includes all-day guide services. Bring money for lunch in Hood River.

Instructor: Peter Chausse

Meet at: East Portland Community Center

Th 10/19 9:00am–5:00pm $45

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Pumpkin Lane at Pomeroy Farms

Take a hayride through scenes of "pumpkin people" on your way to pick out the perfect carving or pie pumpkin at Pomeroy Farms Living History Museum. Pomeroy's educational farmstead provides an experience of pre-electric farming. This classic pumpkin patch has farm animals, food and coffee vendors, and historic grounds, including a blacksmith shop, to stroll through. Bring money for lunch and purchases. Some food vendors may only accept cash. Admission fee is included. Pumpkins sold separately.

Meet at: Matt Dishman Community Center

F 10/20 10:00am–3:00pm $30

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Covered Bridges

Honor Oregon's special legacy of covered bridges in Linn County. Relax and capture photographs of the historic structures on a quiet country drive through fields and farmland. Bring your camera and money for lunch.

Meet at: Matt Dishman Community Center

Tu 10/24 9:00am–6:00pm $38

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Meet at: St Johns Community Center

W 11/29 9:00am–6:00pm $38

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