The North West Coast

We drive from Seattle to Los Angeles, via Mount Rainier, Mount St Helens, and Klamath Wildlife Refuge. The scenery is stunning and we find birds in profusion in the refuges and along the coast.

Klamath Falls Reserves

These wetland areas are preserved for duck shooting in the winter, but in the summer there are large flocks of waders and ducks, while raptors are commonplace.

Monterey Bay

Here we have the opportunity for a whale-watching trip with the possibility of Albatross and thousands of Shearwaters.

Outline Programme

Day 1	Arrive late evening in Seattle from London Heathrow.
Day 2	Drive to Mount Rainier, a volcano in the Cascade range. Explore the Alpine landscape with snow, flowers and the chance of a black bear. Overnight nearby.
Day 3	Drive to Mount St Helens. Among the carpets of spring flowers is evidence of the destruction created in the great eruption of 1980. Visit wetland reserve near hotel for Osprey, Woodpeckers and passerines.
Day 4	We go south into Oregon and drive the coast road. This unspoilt area has long beaches with offshore stacks that are roosts for 3 species of Cormorants and various Auks.
Day 5	Visit Bandon Marsh, a brackish reserve, then drive inland to Shady Cove.
Day 6	Visit Crater Lake, our third volcano. Look for hummingbirds on the short walks on its slopes. Drive to Klamath Falls for three nights.
Day 7	Klamath Falls Reserves. Preserved for duck shooting in winter, the area is a birder's paradise with large flocks of waders, ducks, cranes and several species of raptor.
Day 8	A second day exploring the reserves.
Day 9	Drive into Northern California. Stay at Valley Ford for two nights.
Day 10	Bodega Bay area. The rocky coast has large flocks of waders, plus Great Northern Diver and White Pelicans. It is also on the edge of the famous Napa Valley vineyards.
Day 11	Drive the famous Route 1 to Monterey for two nights.
Day 12	Take at least one whale-watching and pelagic birds trip out into Monterey Bay. Dolphins, Seals, Sea lions and Sea-otters are likely to be spotted. Albatross are frequently seen in this area, and we may be lucky.
Day 13	Drive to San Simeon. En route we visit a garden attractive to Humming Birds. We also call briefly at a bay where Elephant Seals haul themselves out onto the sand.
Day 14	Drive to Los Angeles for flight home.
Day 15	Arrive London Heathrow

Crater Lake		Common Loon		White Crowned Sparrow

Prices and details

Cost	£3250 per person
Deposit	£325
Single Supplement	£350

Included Transport during the holiday, accommodation, breakfast, dinner
Excluded Lunches, personal insurance, drinks and personal items
Group size Maximum 8

Californian coastline

Whales of Monterey

Osprey hunting

Mount Rainier

Willet and Marbled Godwits