Travel Adventure: Natural History Excursions

Rafting the wild and scenic
Rogue River, Oregon
© Outzel Outfitters

The Nature Conservancy in Oregon has been creating remarkable, nature-based experiences since the late 1980s, and we are excited to continue this tradition.

Our mission is to provide Nature Conservancy members and their friends with educational vacations that allow participants to re-connect with the natural world and re-ignite their love of nature. It is our hope that, through these trips, your knowledge of the diversity of life will grow and your dedication to preserving it will strengthen.

Below is field trip schedule for 2007. To make a reservation or ask questions, please call Jason Seivers, field trip program manager, at (503) 436-2022. Or, send an e-mail to excursions@tnc.org.

We hope you can join us for an unforgettable travel adventure!

Travel adventure categories:

Northwest Trips
Rafting & Sea Kayaking
Cruises
Trips beyond Oregon

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Travel Adventure: Northwest Trips

Hells Canyon Country: Wildlife and Landscapes
May 16 - 20, 2007 (FULL)
May 31 - June 4, 2007
Price $995
Limit 8
Explore two of North America's most unique and wild landscapes: Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon on the continent, and Zumwalt Prairie, one of North America's largest remaining native grasslands. Enjoy dazzling wildflower displays and observe an astounding concentration of nesting raptors. Hike through the Imnaha River gorge's ancient geology, and learn about the Nez Perce, the original inhabitants of this spectacular landscape. Watch elk, deer, bighorn sheep -- and ranchers at work -- in this rugged habitat. Expert naturalists will accompany you to unravel the remarkable stories of this landscape. The Nature Conservancy is proud to offer this unique trip in partnership with Wallowa Resources. To download a detailed itinerary, click here (283 KB, requires Acrobat). Price includes a $150 donation to The Nature Conservancy.

Crater Lake: Birds and Natural History
July 6 - 9, 2007
Price $1,095
Limit 10
Crater Lake National Park is a spectacular setting for this trip, which explores the ornithology, geology and botany of the park with naturalist Eric Horvath. We will look for regional bird specialties such as the Clark's nutcracker, gray-crowned rosy finch and white-headed woodpecker, enjoy beautiful alpine wildflowers, and investigate the cataclysmic geological history of the caldera which holds one of the nation's deepest and clearest lakes. We'll also visit the Conservancy's nearby 7,440-acre Williamson River Delta Preserve. Lodging is at the historic Crater Lake Lodge on the rim. To download a detailed itinerary, click here (70 KB, requires Acrobat). Price includes a $150 donation to The Nature Conservancy.

"Ocian in View": Lewis and Clark on the Pacific Coast
July 22 - 28, 2007
Price $1,600
Limit 8
Relive the journey of Lewis and Clark in the region they explored along the Pacific Coast, including one of the newest additions to the national park system -- the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Park. Begin the week at Cape Disappointment, where Lewis and Clark finally sighted the Pacific Ocean after their arduous journey across the continent. Visit their winter quarters at Fort Clatsop, and walk in William Clark's footsteps on the new "Fort-to-Sea" Trail and at Tillamook Head. Explore the region by water with easy sea kayaking on the gentle, flat waters of Willapa Bay and the Lewis and Clark River. Visit two Nature Conservancy protected areas and learn about the diverse ecology and colorful history of the region. Lodging is three nights each in Seaview, Washington and Cannon Beach, Oregon. To download a detailed itinerary, click here (580 KB, requires Acrobat). Price includes a $250 donation to The Nature Conservancy.

Llama Trekking through Oregon's Wallowa Mountains
August 15 - 21, 2007 (FULL)
August 26 - September 1, 2007
Price $1,405
Limit 9
Enjoy spectacular alpine landscapes and stunning, unspoiled vistas as you trek through Oregon's largest protected area, the Eagle Cap Wilderness, in the heart of the rugged Wallowa Mountains. In this remote, north-eastern corner of the state, sometimes called "Oregon's Alps," mountain goats wander below granite peaks rising to nearly 10,000 feet. Well-cared-for llamas carry gear while you hike at ease through glacier-carved valleys and high mountain meadows, past pristine lakes and sparkling streams. Dine on delicious backcountry cuisine, and camp beneath the stars as experienced leaders from Wallowa Llamas guide you across this amazing terrain. To download a detailed itinerary, click here (1.4 MB, requires Acrobat). Price includes a $250 donation to The Nature Conservancy.

Oregon Shorebird Weekend
August 24 - 27, 2007
Price $745
Limit 10
Immerse yourself in Oregon's fall shorebird migration at the tidal flats near Bandon with naturalist Eric Horvath. Search for wandering tattlers, Pacific golden-plovers, pectoral sandpipers and many others at key conservation sites protected with the Conservancy's help. A pelagic boat trip offers the opportunity to see black-footed albatrosses, fulmars, shearwaters and other birds rarely seen from land. To download a detailed itinerary, click here (64 KB, requires Acrobat).Price includes a $100 donation to The Nature Conservancy.

Walking the Redwood Coast
September 30 - October 6, 2007
Price $1,400
Limit 8
Walk among the legendary redwood forests of California's northern coast, some of the largest living things on earth. Enjoy warm fall weather and uncrowded trails as we trek through national and state parks featuring a mixture of old growth forest and scenic coastal trails. Visit two Nature Conservancy cooperative projects: Lanphere Dunes, the most pristine dune ecosystem on the West Coast, and Crook Point, a spectacular coastal headland not normally open to the public. Join experienced guide and walking tour leader George Baetjer on this magical trip. To download a detailed itinerary, click here (630 KB, requires Acrobat). Price includes a $250 donation to The Nature Conservancy.

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Travel Adventure: Rafting & Sea Kayaking

Island Sea Kayaking
March 9 - 18, 2007 (FULL)
April 18 - 27, 2007 (FULL)
May 8 - 17, 2007
Price $1,275
Limit 15
Paddle amongst extraordinary desert islands in the Gulf of California, including the magnificent Isla Espiritu Santo. Snorkel with playful sea lions, and search for seabirds or one of many whale species -- including blue whales -- which ply these rich waters. Paddle through green grottos, cavernous amphitheaters and mangrove-lined estuaries. Marvel at forests of giant cardon cactus, and hike rainbow-colored arroyos. A support boat -- complete with all camping equipment, personal gear and food for gourmet meals prepared by the crew after they set up camp -- provides safe transportation to each island and accompanies at a distance. Trip leaders are experienced guides from Baja Expeditions. To download a detailed itinerary, click here (170 KB, requires Acrobat).

Rafting the Magnificent Owyhee River
April 28 - May 2, 2007
Price $1,155
Limit 14
Discover steep, rugged canyons and painted rock minarets, desert vistas framed by blooming wildflowers, soaring raptors and singing canyon wrens on the magnificent Owyhee, one of America's wildest remaining rivers. With over a hundred river-miles under official protection, the Owyhee provides us with an unusually pristine wilderness experience. Join Ouzel Outfitters for this amazing journey composed of quiet floating as well as some exciting whitewater rapids. Few rivers can match it for scenery, wildlife, geology or remoteness. Price includes a $150 donation to The Nature Conservancy. To download a detailed itinerary, click here (450 KB, requires Acrobat).

Rafting the John Day: Oregon's Longest Free-Flowing River
June 4 - 8, 2007
Price $959
Limit 12
Journey into one of Oregon's most scenic river canyons, and enjoy the relaxed pace of a free-flowing river with few rapids, stunning scenery, interesting geology and rich natural history. Federally protected as a Wild and Scenic River, the John Day is the Oregon's longest undammed waterway. We travel 71 miles in five days, exploring Indian petroglyphs, historic homesteads and towering rock formations. Bird watching is exceptional and fishing for smallmouth bass can be extremely rewarding. Enjoy gourmet meals, comfortable riverside camping and in-depth interpretation on this five-day river journey with Ouzel Outfitters. Price includes a $150 donation to The Nature Conservancy. To download a detailed itinerary, click here (325 KB, requires Acrobat).

Rafting the Wild and Scenic Rogue River: A Camping Trip
August 12 - 15, 2007
Price $858
Limit 19
The Rogue River is the premier whitewater rafting river of the West Coast. Abundant wildlife, slippery rock slides, steep canyon walls and exciting rapids make this a spectacular adventure. Osprey, spotted sandpipers, ravens, black bear, deer and river otter are likely wildlife sightings in these diverse habitats. The Rogue was one of the original twelve rivers protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Enjoy camping on the banks of this magical river throughout this four-day adventure with Ouzel Outfitters. Price includes a $100 donation to The Nature Conservancy. To download a detailed itinerary, click here (330 KB, requires Acrobat).

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Travel Adventure: Cruises

Great Bear Rainforest
September 2 - 9, 2007 (FULL)
September 10 - 17, 2007
Price $3,070
Limit 15
Journey to Canada's 21 million-acre Great Bear Rainforest. Representing one-quarter of the remaining coastal temperate rainforest on Earth, this primal jewel along British Columbia's Central Coast is home to the rare and elusive, white Spirit Bear. During our excursion, we'll explore remote islands and inlets on watch for humpback whales, grizzly bears fishing for salmon in the estuaries, and a unique coastal sub-species of gray wolf. Local native Gitga'at guides will share their knowledge, and you will travel in safety and comfort aboard Bluewater Adventure's 68-foot Island Roamer. To download a detailed itinerary, click here (675 KB, requires Acrobat).

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands
November 15 - December 5, 2007
Price from $10,480
Explore the great continent of Antarctica, one of Earth's most amazing places, on this 21-day expedition through the thrilling land of penguins, icebergs and Sir Ernest Shackleton. Sail from the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands to the little-known wonderland of South Georgia with its spectacular scenery and unforgettable sight of thousands of stately king penguins. Cruise on to Elephant Island, the Antarctic Peninsula, and finish in Ushuaia, Argentina. Zegrahm Expeditions' world-class naturalists and experts are beside you every step of the way, enhancing your experience with their insights and informal presentations on the region's natural and cultural history.

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Travel Adventure: Trips beyond Oregon

Hawai'i: Birding Kaua'i
March 8 - 14, 2007 Price $2,350 Limit 9
Take a break from winter to enjoy the warmth and beauty of Kaua'i, the westernmost and oldest of the Hawaiian Islands. Search for a variety of birds including 'Apapane and Nene (Hawaiian goose), Moli (Laysan albatross), 'A (brown & red-footed boobies) and 'Iwa (great frigatebirds). Walk trails in the mountain highlands, visit the stunning gorge of Waimea Canyon, snorkel and watch for whales along the spectacular cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, and relax on the beach. Join expert birder Eric Horvath on this tropical expedition. To download a detailed itinerary for the March 8th trip, click here (170 KB, requires Acrobat). Prices include a $300 donation to The Nature Conservancy.

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Base Camp
June 20 - 25, 2007       Price $2,950    Limit 5
June 25 - 30, 2007       Price $2,950     Limit 5
June 30 - July 5, 2007 Price $2,950     Limit 5
Explore the wild, coastal plain of "America's Serengeti," Alaska's 19-million-acre Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, in search of grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, arctic and red foxes, and some of the 120,000 caribou migrating from Canada each summer to bear their calves. Enjoy day hikes across the tundra looking for more than 70 species of migrating birds, including yellow wagtails from Borneo and American golden plovers from Argentina. Join an experienced guide from Wilderness Birding Adventures on this journey to the "biological heart" of the refuge. To download a detailed itinerary, click here (350 KB, requires Acrobat). Price includes a $200 donation to The Nature Conservancy.

Veracruz River of Raptors
September 28 - October 6, 2007
Price $2,100
Limit 15
Witness one of the world's greatest migrations, the Veracruz River of Raptors, when over five million raptors soar along the coast near this historic Mexican port city. On a good day, over 100,000 raptors and vultures can be seen, and occasionally over 500,000 are counted! Look for some of the 540 bird species known to central Veracruz, including over 25 endemics, as well as the passerine and waterbird migration, estimated at over 10 million each fall. Visit a bat cave where approximately 250,000 bats emerge. Tour archaeological sites, including La Antigua and Cempoala, where Hernan Cortez had his first Spanish colony, and visit the world-renowned Archaeo-logical Museum in Xalapa. Explore a variety of habitats from sea level to over 6,000 feet including tropical thorn forest, coastal lagoons, cloud forest, shade coffee plantations and pine-oak forest. Join experienced guides from Pronatura Veracruz for this breathtaking natural event. To download a detailed itinerary, click here (140 KB, requires Acrobat). Price includes a $300 donation to The Nature Conservancy.