A local tour company provides shore excursion opportunities for cruise passengers. 
2010 offerings include the following.

North Oregon Coast & Southwest Washington Shore Excursions

Fort Stevens, "Behind the Scenes" 3.0 Hours   
 
Fort Stevens Bike Tour  3.0  Hours         
 
Kite and Cranberry Museum 4.5 Hours

Historic Astoria Plus Lewis & Clark Winter Home  4.0  Hours      

Mount St. Helens 7.5  Hours          

Shot in Astoria  2.5  Hours     

Ultimate Coast Tour 6.25  Hours    

Seafood & Wine Tasting 3.0  Hours              

Seaside & Cannon Beach Shopping Tour 4.0  Hours 

Tea & Scones at the Captain George Flavel House Museum 2.0  Hours   

Astoria Ale Tour 3.0 Hours

Seaside Sights and Sounds 7.0 Hours

Scrapbook Connection 3.0 Hours

Haunted Astoria Ghost Walk 1.75 Hours

Willamette Valley Wine Tours 8.0 Hours

FORT STEVENS, BEHIND THE SCENES
Minimum 15 participants, maximum 30 participants

Welcome to Fort Stevens "Behind the Scenes"

Once you arrive at Fort Stevens a guide will meet you and take you through the history of Fort Stevens.

Over 140 years ago young soldiers dressed in Union Blue stood watch on earthwork fortifications over the entrance to the Columbia River. Today you can marvel at a similar view from the re-constructed Civil War earthen works.

Fort Stevens enjoys the distinctions of being the only military installation in the continental United States to be fired upon since the War of 1812. Your guide will tell you then story of the night of June 21st 1942 when the Fort was the target of a Japanese Submarine, which fired 17 shells towards the Fort.

The Fort served for 84 years beginning with the Civil War and closing at the end of World War II. Today Fort Stevens has grown into a 3,700- acre park offering explorations of history, nature and recreational opportunities.

FORT STEVENS BIKING TOUR
Minimum 10 participants, maximum 20 participants

Fort Stevens was the primary military defense installation in the "three fort" Harbor Defense System at the mouth of the Columbia River – Forts Canby and Columbia on the Washington side were the other two. This Fort served for 84 years.

The Fort Stevens State Park of today contains an eight-mile network of paved, mostly level bike paths.

Your guided bike tour focuses on the historical and geographical attractions of the nations largest State Park along the Columbia River. This adventure includes Battery Russell – dating back to the early 20th century and the viewing station that provides great panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean & Cape Disappointment Light House along the Washington shoreline. Another attraction visited is the wreck of the English ship the Peter Iredale that ran aground in 1906 - Afterwards enjoy some refreshments and a light snack. Come along on this relaxing bike tour of this Civil War era Fort - and don’t forget your camera!

HISTORIC ASTORIA & FORT CLATSOP: LEWIS & CLARK WINTER HOME
Minimum 30 participants, maximum 42 participants

Consider yourself a modern day explorer as you board our bus on your exploration of the "oldest American settlement west of the Rockies" Join the ranks of important visitors starting with Captain Robert Gray in 1792, Lewis and Clarks corps of discovery in 1805, and now you. A tour of the Astoria Column with it’s breathtaking view over Astoria, the Columbia River, the Megler Bridge all the way to Washington. Tour Fort Clatsop a replica of the fort as depicted in Clark’s journal. On our return we then head back through Astoria past Famous Union Town, the Doughboy monument, and the beautiful Victorian homes of historic Astoria, destination: The acclaimed Columbia River Maritime Museum, designated Oregon’s official State Maritime Museum. This outstanding institution with 24,000 square feet of exhibit space was the first nationally accredited maritime museum in the western United States.

MOUNT ST HELENS TOUR
Minimum 30 participants, maximum 52 participants

At 8:32 Sunday morning, May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted.

Our destination - Mount ST. Helens National Monument - Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. In 1982 the President and Congress created the 110,000-acre National Volcanic Monument for research, recreation, and education. See for yourself how the environment is re-growing and reshaping the landscape naturally since the disturbance. On your journey up to the Monument we will relive Lewis & Clarks travel from the comfort of your motor coach. You will see many distinguishing features and landmarks along the bank of the Columbia River. Around the top of the mountain, you will see tremendous views of Mount St. Helens, including craters, lava dome, and blast zone. Box lunch served.

Back to Top

SHOT IN ASTORIA
Minimum 10 participants, maximum 25 participants

Tour of Movie locations filmed in Astoria. Presented by Clatsop County Historical Society.

In 1985, Goonies was the first major motion picture to be shot in Astoria. Soon after, Astoria has been host to Short Circuit ’85; Benji, The Hunted ’86; Come See the Paradise ’89; Kindergarten Cop ’90; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III ’92; Free Willy ’92; and Ring 2 in 2005. Experience the excitement of Astoria with this one-of-a kind tour! Your day will begin with a narrated one and ½ hour tour that will showcase more than 10 movie locations along with breathtaking views of the Columbia River! You'll find there's more to Astoria than meets the eye as our expert tour guides reveal the best photo opportunities along with Astoria’s rich history. Each participant will receive the "Shot in Astoria" Tour book. In 2010, the Goonies will be celebrating 25 years. Guest will have an opportunity to purchase "Goonie Gear" T-shirts, sweatshirts and glasses at the end of the tour.

.

ULTIMATE COAST TOUR
Minimum 15 participants, maximum 45 participants

The northern Oregon Coast pulses with a rich and varied habitat. The coastal communities also have an equally rich and diverse history that is steeped in maritime heritage, timber and pioneer settlements. From Astoria to Tillamook you’ll make new discoveries at iconic sites that include the Tillamook Air Museum, the Tillamook Cheese Factory and the Nehalem Bay Winery.

You can’t miss the Tillamook Air Museum, the world’s largest wooden structure. Hanger "B" was built in 1943 and has been home to one of the finest collections of privately owned WW II flying aircraft in the nation. View over 30 vintage aircraft in the gigantic wooden structure. Enjoy 20 minutes presentations of documentaries in the theater. Hop into the aircraft-training cockpit and "play pilot". There is an excellent gift shop and café.

The Tillamook Cheese Factory is a farmer-owned cooperative that was established in 1909. Tillamook ice cream is limited to the Pacific Northwest and offers more than 40 flavors of ice cream. The factory is more than just a way to enjoy ice cream. You can take a walking tour of the second floor where you have a bird’s eye view of how cheese is made. While cheese, ice cream and everything dairy is the focus of the Tillamook Cheese Factory, make sure you take time to shop their unique gift ship with a farm theme.

Nehalem Bay Winery is a place to enjoy the handcrafted wines of specific wine growing appellations in Oregon. You participate in a more intimate wine experience by visiting this small and more personal winery, which is located in an old "creamery". The folks who create Oregon wine are families, farmers and good stewards of the land. Nehalem Bay wines are truly handcrafted reflections of the wine maker and the land…produced in small lots rather than corporate quantities.

Don’t just plan a tour – plan your next adventure along the Pacific shores rugged coastline to enjoy the Tillamook Air Museum, the Tillamook Cheese Factory and the Nehalem Bay Winery.

SEAFOOD & WINE TASTING TOUR
Minimum 20 participants, maximum 40 participants

Enjoy Oregon wines at The Cellar on the 10th while you learn about senses and how to put them to use right away for enjoying and understanding Oregon wines. Oregon’s northern latitude brings long hours of summer sunshine to its vineyards, usually adequate to fully ripen grapes for Oregon wine. Occasional marines breezes breach the Coastal range, and help moderate the combination of these conditions encourages complex fruit flavors, aromatics and nuances in these – Oregon grown wines, complexities that allow Oregon wineries to compete well with other world-class wineries. Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and our delightful Pinot Noir are among our favorites.

After enjoy the taste of Oregon wines at "The Cellar", join Baked Alaska’s Chef Du Jour in Mise en Place Northwest Fresh Seafood Cooking Demonstration and Tasting. Participants will watch a fresh salmon being filleted and prepared in a simple manner. Learn to make a quick aioli sauce and a great way to enjoy fresh steamed clams using Northwest beer. More than just a cooking demonstration, Chef Du Jour will entertain, educate and demystify the preparation of fresh Northwest seafood.

SEASIDE & CANNON BEACH TOUR
Minimum 30 participants, maximum 42 participants

Seaside has been the Northwest's most popular ocean resort for over a century. It is a destination paradise for a wide variety of reasons: it's spectacular ocean views, miles of public beach, outdoor activities, excellent shopping and unforgettable dining. Our 1.8 mile long ocean front Promenade is perfect for strollers, joggers and bike riders. The wide and sandy beach is available for all kinds of activities, from low rider beach bikes, wave watching, to sand castle building and kite flying. Those young at heart will enjoy such amusements at the carousel and arcades, . We offer family fare, fine dining, ethnic cuisine, spirits, wine and brews, snacks and sweet treats. Seaside is more than just a day at the beach!

Cannon Beach was named for a cannon that was discovered on the beach. In 1846, the U.S. Navy schooner Shark was wrecked while trying to leave the Columbia River. A large piece of the schooner's deck with a cannon and capstan attached washed up on the beach, and the town's name is based on this event. Downtown Cannon Beach is charming, with wood or stone benches here and there for people to sit and relax. You can admire paintings and photographs of Haystack Rock as well as the wildlife and the beautiful views. The arts are emphasized in Cannon Beach, and some of the best crafts, shopping and galleries on the coast are located her. The city is planned for strolling, and visitors take advantage of this to visit the quaint bookstores, shops and bistros.

A real photo-op will be enjoyed as we stoop to see Haystack Rock, at 235 feet high, is the third largest coastal monolith in the world. Relaxed simplicity and a magnificent natural setting attract visitors all year to Cannon Beach. It's a delightful place for a day trip, or to stay a while.

Back to Top

TEA & SCONES AT THE FLAVEL HOUSE MUSEUM
Minimum 15 participants, maximum 25 participants

After a quick transfer to house to meet guide. Step back in time with a visit to the elegant Victorian Astoria Flavel Home built in 1885 by Captain George Flavel, Columbia River bar pilot and the area’s first millionaire. The Flavel House is a magnificent example of Queen Anne style architecture with period furnishing and artwork. The Flavel House sits on a park-like setting covering an entire city block.

This beautiful Victorian mansion has been returned to its original form by experts in historic restoration. Its decorative exterior, with hipped roof, balconies and verandas, is distinguished by a fourth-story cupola used by Captain Flavel and his wife to watch the river traffic. As you walk through this Historic home with its 14-foot ceilings and elegant woodwork you will discover furnishing, and décor typical of a century ago. Other fine examples of the wood worker’s crafting are the six hand-carved fireplaces mantles, all carved from different hardwoods. After the tour relax with us in the parlor for a treat of Tea & Scones.

ASTORIA ALE TRAIL
Minimum 15 participants, maximum 30 participants

Beer enthusiastsM know Oregon as Beervana. Astoria pubs share the beer culture of the State providing award winning beers. On a bus tour with stops at three locations, you will have a chance to experience the pub culture that is an ingrained part of the Oregon social fabric. At each location, you will sample several different beer styles and have a pub snack. Along the route a local guide will describe Astoria's brewing history and the history of each pubs, location. Your tour will include stops at:

Fort George Brewery + Public House is at the actual location of the first permanent American settlement on the Pacific Coast. In their eight and a half barrel brewery, they use organic base malts, and the freshest, most locally obtainable ingredients. They often brew outside of traditional categories, striving to create beer that stands out from the crowd.

The Wet Dog Cafe is the location of Astoria Brewing Company, Astoria's oldest craft brewery established in 1997. They are one of the few breweries in Oregon to use solar power to preheat their brewing water. They offer unique beer styles, snacks made using their beers, and pub merchandise.

Rogue Ales Public House is the Astoria outpost of Newport Oregon based Rogue Ales.  Rogue Ales are made with the finest hops and barley malt, free range coastal water and Pacman top fermenting proprietary yeast. Preservative, additives, chemicals: Never! The Public House is located in the Historic 1875 Hanthorn Cannery now called "Pier 39."

SEASIDE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
Minimum 30 participants, maximum 42 participants

Visit one of Oregon’s enchanting coastal communities – Seaside is a family resort area where people have been coming to spend the summer months for decades. Seaside has much to offer for a day of fun and food at the beach. First you will visit the Seaside Aquarium where you will see and learn about the local sea life and feed the sea lions for a dollar. Now you have some free time to spend as you like, have lunch, walk the boardwalk or the beach, visit the arcade, ride the bumper cars, shop for souvenirs or rent one of several styles of family pedal bikes or mopeds and cruise around the town. Next, you will visit McKeown’s - the perfect place to sit in a cozy European style café atmosphere and enjoy a "tasting" of NW wines. Along with an informative talk about the chosen wineries and wines you will enjoy the casual ambiance of McKeown’s and kids can enjoy an authentic Italian soda! We hope you enjoy your day in the little town of Seaside Oregon.

No pre reservations for bikes are available.

HAUNTED ASTORIA GHOST WALK
Minimum 10 participants, maximum 25 participants

Fort Astoria was built by American fur traders and captured by the British during the War of 1812. Astoria is known, as "the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies" so you know there must be ghosts around this town! On your Ghost walk you will pass through history and see many interesting and haunted sites around town such as the Liberty Theatre and the Hotel Elliott both on the National Registry of Historic places, circa 1925. These Historic places are both old enough to have accumulated spirits of past owners, guests, and staff. Learn about the lonely lady left behind by her fur-trading lover. Astoria’s most famous ghosts belong to the Captain Flavel House museum, Astoria’s first millionaire and his wife and daughters who are said to still roam the mansion.

We have Haunted Astoria books for sell by author Jeff Davis.

Back to Top

SCRAPBOOK CONNECTION
Minimum 7 participants, maximum 20 participants

You will receive a 12x12 album ready to be filled with all of your favorite cruise pictures. At the store, you will begin filling your album with tow 12x12 double page layout you will complete while learning techniques for using patterned paper and transparencies. Beginners, you will love how fun and easy it is for you to preserve your memories. Experienced Scrap bookers, you will enjoy our creative, designer – inspired layouts. After completing your class, you will have the opportunity for tax-free shopping. You will be thrilled with the selection of Custom paper featuring Alaska, Oregon and Washington. The custom designed paper and die-cut will bring your trip to Pacific Northwest alive with memories, making your scrapbook layout one of a kind and your trip unforgettable.

KITE AND CRANBERRY MUSEUM
Minimum 30 participants, 42 maximum participants

On our journey to our destination we will go across the Columbia River over the 4.1 miles Megler Bridge to reach the Washington State. We will then head to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center that overlooks the mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean. Interpretive Specialists (Park Rangers) at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center will take you on a tour of the facility. The center covers information related to the Lewis & Clark Corp of Discovery’s journey 1803-1806, as well as the graveyard of the Pacific Ocean and the United States Coast Guards duties for the Columbia River Bar

Next you will journey to the World Kite Museum & Hall of Fame. Come join us as we tour the only World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame in North America. Here our guests will have the opportunity to make your own kite and test it out on the world’s longest beach. At the museum guest will hear a brief museum overview from the Kite Museum Director Kay Buesing. From here we will travel through the museum and see over 1500 kites from all areas of the world. If our not interested in making a kite, enjoy some shopping in downtown Long Beach.

WILLAMETTE VALLEY WINE TOUR

Here is your opportunity to visit two of Oregon's most prominent Willamette Valley wineries - Willakenzie Estates and Elk Cove Vineyards. While visiting these vineyards you'll gain an understanding and appreciation for the numerous growing regions and many wines produced within the Willamette Valley.

Meet the wine-crafters and learn how they grow and produce these exceptional Oregon wines and how each are uniquely crafted based upon each vineyards location. A box lunch will be included at your first winery stop and wines will be available for purchase at the tasting rooms.

"The focus has always been to create hand-crafted, Estated grown wines that can rival the best in the world." Both wineries are estates located in the protected Willamette Valley with gentle south facing slopes. The hillsides were planted to early ripening varieties including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and more. Come and explore the subtle nuances from different vineyard sites and sample some of the best wines the Pacific Northwest has to offer. 

Back to Top