Day 1

Depart Sacramento at 8am this morning, arriving in Portland at 9:30am. Heading south, our first stop is in Salem. Our favorite restaurant for lunch is McGrath’s Fish House downtown, boasting a wide variety of seafood and non-seafood entrees and some great chowder.

Then we are off into the mountains. Our route takes us through Willamette National Forest, past Detroit Reservoir to the small village of Sisters. Nestled in the saddle between a host of mountain peaks, it’s big enough to have everything we need without fighting crowds.

Arrival night is special. Slick’s Q, an award-winning barbecue joint in town, caters our dinner at the Best Western. The property is on spacious grounds, with llamas in the big pen out front (feed them if you like), and wild deer at the back fence every morning and evening. But back to dinner. It features Slick’s great barbecue meats and fixin’s. Trust us, you haven’t had barbecue this good since you left Oklahoma!

As an added attraction this evening, in honor of the Triple Crown, we offer “horse racing” with actual wagering. Here’s your chance to pay for your trip! It’s fun, it’s goofy and you might make a buck or two.

• Best Western Ponderosa Lodge – 3 nights
• Lunch and dinner are included this day.

Day 2

A day of sightseeing in the mountains with an expert naturalist guide takes you to the headwaters of the Metolius River, one of central Oregon’s most spectacular waterways. As we travel along mountain highways, our guide makes the geology and history of the area come to life. After lunch at a mountain lodge, we travel over the crest of the Cascades to Sahalie Falls. Short walks bring you to outstanding outlooks and viewing points for both natural attractions. There are some neat little shops in town and we’ll give you the opportunity to explore them this afternoon.

Back at the lodge, weather permitting, croquet is set up on the lawn for your enjoyment. This evening, choose from dinner in town (shuttle provided) or select something from the large deli across from the lodge. It’s your choice.

• Breakfast and lunch are included this day.

Day 3

Just down the mountain from your home in Sisters is central Oregon’s largest community, Bend. It’s literally the commerce center of the state and it boasts one of the best small town museums in the country. Our visit to the High Desert Museum includes a private tour of the exhibits and a special wildlife program. Lunch is at your leisure in the café on the campus.

Returning to Sisters in the afternoon, we stop off at a huge quilting shop. While there, you get to create your very own unique postcard, then off to the post office to send your souvenir to someone special, or even to yourself. Dinner tonight is at Three Creeks, a popular local eatery, with a choice of entrees. Dessert is at the local ice cream shop.

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included this day.

Day 4

Time to make our way home. A different route gives you the opportunity to see more of Oregon’s high country. Through Redmond and Madras we go, climbing back into the mountains to the Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood. This famed establishment is at the base of the mountain. Just driving through this region is a sightseers delight. Arrive at the airport in Portland in time for your early evening flight home.

• Breakfast and lunch are included this day.