The arduous Oregon Trail stretched 2000 miles across the American West and, for the rugged pioneers who traveled it to the end, it proved the road to Paradise. Lewis and Clark first set eyes on the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River Gorge in 1805, inspiring settlers to follow to this splendid land of mountains, endless forests, waterfalls and fertile plains. The snow covered peaks of Mt. Hood rise high over the 1.2 million acres of protected wilderness. It's a dormant volcano, unlike the infamous Mt. St. Helens that left a moonscape of lava and ash when it erupted 25 years ago. We walk the slopes of Mt. Hood and to the safe vantage point of Mt St. Helen's Crater Viewpoint.

Just a ferry ride across Puget Sound, almost in the shadow of Seattle's Space Needle, lies a wilderness of rainforests, mountain ranges, grand lakes, ocean beaches and towering trees. The Olympic Peninsula looks much the same as in the 18th century when Captain Cook sailed past. The Evergreen State is just that its Olympic National Park an emerald expanse of more than a million acres rich with wildlife, plants and majestic trees. We stay in charming lakeside towns on the most dazzling lakes Quinault and Crescent and at lodges with spectacular seaside views. A landmark summit is Hurricane Ridge, looking out over an incredible panorama of Mount Olympus, Vancouver Island and the Straits of San Juan de Fuca.

Austin-Lehman's 6-day Best of the Northwest Washington adventure follows the Cascades Scenic Loop, a 400-mile stretch of highway circling the heart of Washington from the waters of Puget Sound across the Cascade Mountains into the high desert climate of the Columbia River Valley. Hike and bike along wildflower-strewn trails and into sub-alpine zone, soaking up jaw-dropping views. Explore the Bavarian village of Leavenworth and the quaint streets of Winthrop. Savor tasty cuisine and award-winning wines and relax in your charming lodge, inn or hotel.

California Dreaming starts in Santa Barbara, a vision of blue skies, rising surf and dazzling light. Lauded as America's Riviera, Santa Barbara is both chic and casual, a mecca for artists, writers, musicians as well as adventure seekers who find their thrills surfing, kayaking and hang gliding along the breathtaking coastline and in the Santa Ynez Mountains. Much of its Spanish Colonial architecture recalls the days of the Conquistadors. With 24,000 acres of planted vineyards, and more than 100 wineries, Santa Barbara Wine Country is on the cutting edge of California's wine industry. While there is a global market for these wines, many are made in such limited quantities that they are rarely found outside of California, making our wine tastings a special treat.