5 Day: Pacific Northwest Adventure

Mount Shuksan | Pacific Northwest
Highlighted Areas of Study:
General overview of the geology of the Pacific Northwest, volcanic and glacial; Marine invertebrate ecology in the intertidal zone; Marine mammal ecology; Old growth forest ecology; Alpine ecology; Human uses of natural resources; the impacts of introduced species, and Native American cultures of the Pacific Northwest.

Outdoor Activities: sea kayaking; hiking;

Day 1 – Arrival

  • Depart for Seattle.
  • Check in your centrally located hotel and begin our city tour of Seattle.

Day 2 – The Olympic peninsula, Port Townsend

  • Travel to Olympic National Park and the Olympic mountains.
  • Spend the day on the Olympic peninsula, visiting Hurricane Ridge and exploring the Olympic National Forest, the only rain forest in the lower forty-eight states.
  • Overnight in Port Townsend.

Day 3 – Whidbey Island, Forest and Prairie Ecology, Native American History

  • Take the ferry across to Whidbey Island where we will explore some tide pools, learning about the abundant organisms that blanket every available surface along the water’s edge.
  • Later we will be joined by some local experts who will help us gain an understanding of the forest and prairie ecology of Whidbey Island.
  • Our local experts will also weave in an understanding of the rich Native American history that is closely tied to the landscape and wildlife we will be studying.

Day 4 – Whale Watching, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Seattle Space Needle

  • After breakfast, we will embark on a whale watching adventure aboard the Glacier Spirit.
  • This all day tour will allow us to observe Orca whales on the frigid waters of the Sound.
  • We will stop for lunch and a tour of the Whale Museum on Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands.
  • The waters surrounding Friday Harbor, nestled in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, are home to abundant sea otters, salmon and beautiful marine birds.
  • After an exciting day we will return to Port Townsend around 4:30pm.
  • This evening we will eat dinner and then return to Seattle for one last night before returning home.
  • Late night ride up to the top of the Seattle Space Needle for a spectacular night view of the city of Seattle.

Day 5 – Pike’s Market, Seattle Aquarium, Departure

  • Today spend some time at the world famous Pike’s Place fish market and other areas along the waterfront.
  • We will visit the Seattle Aquarium before heading to the airport for our flight home in the afternoon.
Contact a Global Travel Alliance representative to discuss how this itinerary may be modified. Additional days available.