Glitz to Glaciers

Astoria is located on the northwestern coast of Oregon. It has always attracted explorers: Captain Robert Gray in 1792, Lewis and Clark in 1805, and John Jacob Astor’s fur traders in 1811. And today visitors from all around the country are rediscovering Astoria’s rich historical sites, beaches, forests, rivers, attractions and events. For your own unique and enjoyable experience come visit the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies.

Would you believe, Joe Juneau? It’s true–Juneau, Alaska is named for Joe Juneau, one of a trio of explorers who discovered rich reserves of gold in the stream that now runs through town. The stampede thatolwed led to Juneau becoming first a camp, then a town, then finally Alaska’s capital. Today, the town boasts some of Alaska’s most fetching scenery. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Juneau in the Alaskan Panhandle, it faces the water from the mainland side of Gastineau Channel. Several magnificent fjords are located along the channel coast and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier,
a favorite of visitors, is nearby.

“Spread wings of a prostrate eagle.” As any Ketchikanian will tell you, his is the meaning of their town’s name. It comes from the eagle-wing sppearance of water flowing over an unusual rock formation which can be seen in the Ketchikan Creek.

To own originated as an Indian fish saltery and grew to become the largest salmon-canning center in the world. The real growth came with the gold rush of 1898, when the town served as a supply center for wourld-be millionaires. of the town’s colorful past is still in evidence, especially at the Indian villages, which are renowned for their colorfully carved
totem poles and fascinating legends.

Los Angeles is the second largest city in the U.S., ranking second only to that of New York in size. The city, which attracts thousands of tourists yearly, is noted for its parks; for many and varied museums; for its enormous Music Center and Convention Center; for the fossil-rich La Brea Tar Pits; for its ethnic communities; for its climate and beaches; and for its educational institutions, including the Univ. of Southern California and the Univ. of California at Los Angeles. The 1932 and 1984 summer Olympics were held in the city.

San Francisco one of the nation’s cultural centers. Founded by the Spanish in 1776 as Yerba Buena, it was taken and renamed by the Americans in 1846. The California gold rush of 1848 led to great growth; with the arrival of newcomers from all over the world in the late 19th century the city took on a cosmopolitan air.

A gracious, picturesque city with a mild climate, it is famous for its individuality. Notable features include its cable cars, which carry passengers on its steep hills; the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (opened 1936) and Golden Gate Bridge (opened 1937); Chinatown; Fisherman’s Wharf; Telegraph Hill; the mansions of Nob Hill; the opera house; symphony hall (1980); the Yerba Buena arts and gardens complex; and numerous institutions of learning.

It’s a little bit Russian, it’s a little bit Tlingit. Once the home of the powerful Tlingit Indian nation, Sitka today is a combination of the best of Tlingit and Russian cultures, the Russians having arrived at the end of the 18th century.

There are plenty of historic and modern sights to see, including Indian arts and crafts and Russian music and dance. Best of all, the water is still crystal-clear, and massive timberland forests remain pristine.

Besides the interesting local tours and the Sitka dancers, if you have time, be sure to take a boat ride to the outer islands to see whales, otters, eagles and other wildlife. The fishing in the area is also excellent.

Located in southwestern Washington state, Vancouver is a port at the head of deepwater navigation on the Columbia River, opposite Portland, OR. Vancouver is a commercial, manufacturing and shipping center.