San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA

A camping adventure from the City by the Bay to the behemoth mountains of British Columbia. Tour beneath ancient redwood trees, go whitewater rafting, and explore Lassen Volcanic, Crater Lake, and Mount Rainier National Parks.

The journey continues to popular destinations like Banff National Park, as well as off-the-beaten-path spots along the way. Hike to azure alpine lakes, spot wildlife along mountainous roads, soak in hot springs and gaze at stunning glaciers!  This trip will undoubtedly leave you in awe of Earth’s artistry.

Welcome to the Green Tortoise!

Day 1

We begin our journey with a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Say farewell to the city bustle and head north over the hills of Northern California. Enjoy getting to know your fellow travelers on the scenic ride.  Grab lunch in the quaint town of Ukiah. Onward to the serene redwood groves along the Avenue of the Giants and Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Take a walk beneath the massive trees and cool off in the Eel River.

Camp Night

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2

The adventure heads east towards the Cascade Range through the wildly scenic Trinity Alps.  Along the way, you have the opportunity to take a thrilling rafting adventure* on the Trinity River.

By the evening, watch the sunset over Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Camp Night

Shower Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 3

Lassen Volcanic National Park supports a “quiet” volcano and boasts a network of cracks in the earth’s crust that deliver hydrothermal delights and smokey plumage upward to the heavens.  One of the wonders of the world.  Few have had the opportunity to spend time in a region so densely populated with geothermal activity!  Explore the unique terrain of Bumpass Hell.  Meander through steaming pools, multi-colored soils, and aquamarine water under the deep blue sky. 

Camp Night

Shower Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4

The blue depths of Crater Lake are mesmerizing.  Take a short hike for a broader view.  The volcanic island provides a unique photographic opportunity, as does the abundant and diverse vegetation.  Keep your camera handy — you may spot one of the local elk, pronghorn, black-tailed deer or coyote that resides here.  In the evening, hike to the spectacular Toketee Falls, named after a word in the extinct Pacific Northwest language, Chinook Jargon, meaning “pretty” or “graceful,” on the North Umpqua River. 

Camp night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Optional Swim/Soak

Day 5

After a hearty Green Tortoise breakfast, hike to the natural pools of Umpqua Hot Springs overlooking the river.  Enjoy a soak in the mineral-rich waters.  In the afternoon, venture north through the Willamette Valley.  

Night Drive

Showers Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 6

Spend a day in Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. With miles of trails of varying lengths and difficulties to choose from, there’s something for everyone to explore! With any luck, the meadows will be in full blossom with daisies, fireweed, and avalanche lilies.  Watch the park film and wander the exhibits at the visitor center. There’s much to learn with over a century of history at the park!

This afternoon, the adventure bus cruises back to Seattle, the “Jewel of the Northwest”.

Hostel Night

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch 

Days 7 & 8

This weekend, get to know Seattle! From Pikes Place Market to the Space Needle to Gas Works Park and even Bainbridge Island, the opportunities to explore are endless!  A summer weekend in the city invites you to see live music, go to festivals, and visit beaches along the bay.  There’s something for every type of traveler here.

Hostel Nights

Day 9

Hop on the bus and we’ll head for the hills.  Get your first glimpse of the behemoth mountains of British Columbia after we cross the border into Canada.  Watch as the beautiful scenery begins to change. Roll into Harrison Hot Springs and spend some time exploring lakeshore trails, taking a dip in the natural springs, and wandering the quaint downtown. 

Shower Available

Night Drive

Day 10

Awaken to stunning views of Mount Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies!  Take a stroll through Robson Meadows and hike to Overlander Falls. Perhaps you’ll choose to challenge yourself on a hike to Kinney Lake. However you choose to spend the day, this stunning landscape is sure to impress!

Camp Night

Shower Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11

Our journey continues to the mountain wilderness of Jasper National Park.  Soak in the inviting Miette Hot Springs or stretch your legs on the Sulphur Skyline Trail for sweeping views of the endless wilderness.  Later, spectacular 165-foot sheer limestone walls of the impressive Maligne Canyon guide you on an unforgettable hike across six bridges suspended over the thundering Maligne River.  In the evening, enjoy a night out in downtown Jasper.

Hostel Night

Shower Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch 

Day 12

We’ll travel alongside gigantic mountains on the Icefields Parkway to the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks.  An adventure to the base of the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefields sends us on a journey through time. Beautifully striped erratics, or pebbles and boulders carried by the glacier, decorate the trail along the way.  

Camp Night

Shower Available

Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 13

Opportunity abounds during our unforgettable visit to Lake Louise in Banff National Park.  Sip tea at high altitude after a hike through the dense subalpine forests to Lake Agnes – a hidden gem complete with a teahouse, lovely turquoise waters, a steep wooden staircase and a waterfall.  Hike another one of Banff National Park’s most beloved trails to views of spectacular hanging glaciers at the scenic Plain of Six Glaciers.  Or just enjoy the view along the lakeshore. Later, a short drive brings us to the historic town of Banff, where we’ll dine out on the town. Polish off the evening relaxing those sore hiking muscles in Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Camp Night

Shower Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 14

The journey continues through the inland temperate rainforest. The old-growth forest of cedars and hemlock trees surrounding Revelstoke, British Columbia guides us to the famous mountain town. Take a walk along the Columbia River, meander the downtown’s Grizzly Plaza, or take a hike on one of the beautiful trails outside of town.

Night Drive

Shower Available

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 15

Wake up in Vancouver, British Columbia!  The friendly city has so much to offer. Explore the trails and attractions of Stanley Park, head over to Granville Island for food and fun, rent a bike, or hop on a boat tour. 

Your epic adventure culminates with a short journey back to Seattle, Washington. 

Meals Included: Breakfast 

Don’t have time for the entire adventure?  Ride along for one week on the Canadian Rockies Adventure or Pacific Pioneer!

• • Travel By Comfortable Custom Coach
  • 70% of Quality Crafted Meals
  • National Park Entrance Fees
  • All Camping Fees
  • Semi-Guided Exploration of Cities & Parks
  • Expert Guide & Professional Driver With Local Knowledge
  
  What’s Not Included
  • • Sleeping Bag*
    • Sleeping Pad*
    • Tent*
    • Hostel / Hotel Nights During The Adventure

• *Available for rent upon booking! 

• • Trinity River Rafting
  • Hot Springs Entrances
  • Lake Louise Canoe Rental
  • Banff Gondola
  • Stanley Park Attractions
  • Vancouver – Whale Watching

You’ll be traveling in a custom, comfortable sleeper coach! 

A sleeping bag and sleeping pad are required for this adventure.  If you don’t have one, rent one from us upon booking!  

A tent is required.  On most occasions you are welcome to sleep on the bus or sleep beneath the stars.  However, a tent is required for nights the bus is not available, as well as privacy and comfort. You may rent a tent from us (subject to availability).

Our coaches are equipped with a camp kitchen.  No need to bring your own cookware or utensils.  Bring a reusable lunch container to store your packed lunch and a reusable water bottle.

Once you’re booked, you will receive a detailed packing list in your e-ticket.

Departure:  7:00 AM – San Francisco, CA, Columbus and Montgomery St. Bus Loading Zone

Arrival:  9:00 PM – Seattle, Washington – Green Tortoise Hostel, 105 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101