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Break free to the U.S. national parks

EXPLORE THEIR WONDERS ON A MOTORHOME ADVENTURE

- Trailfinde­rs.com.

LOVE holidays where you can escape into the great outdoors and nd soak up nature’s finest? st? Then time spent among g the mighty redwoods, caldera lakes akes and tumbling waterfalls of America’s rica’s northweste­rn national parks might make for your most memorable adventure yet. Head off the beaten track to discover their magnetic beauty on a twoweek motorhome itinerary — expertly designed by Trailfinde­rs and kicking off in the Emerald City of Seattle.

This spectacula­r route is one of America’s hidden gems, taking you from Washington State to California along the Pacific Coast and through four incredible national parks.

EAGLES AND GLACIERS

SEATTLE is known for its creative flavours, indie coffee shops and vibrant waterfront. Here you could drink cocktails atop the Space Needle, hop between artisanal eateries in historic Pike Place Market, cruise across Puget Sound on a ferry, and visit some of the 100-plus wineries and tasting rooms in nearby Woodinvill­e. Then pick up your motorhome — and break free as you explore the dazzling national parks in Seattle’s backyard. First of three within Washington State is lush Olympic National Park (NP), home to ancient temperate rainforest­s, lofty mountain peaks and a rugged coastline full of tidal marine life.

Look out for bald eagles, northern pygmy owls, Roosevelt elk and Olympic marmots. The 90ft Marymere Falls rewards a hike — and stargazing is a must as the park has no light pollution. Mount Rainier NP is home to a mighty glaciated volcanic peak that spawns five major rivers.

Follow hiking trails to see thundering waterfalls, ancient glaciers and river canyons.

SEE LIVING GIANTS

TAKING the open road onwards past historic lighthouse­s, sleepy fishing villages, alpine state parks and sweeping beaches,

you’ll come to Crater Lake NP. A rich blue, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. and ninth deepest in the world. Gaze down on this ancient volcanic caldera from hiking trails and the encircling Rim Drive. Look out for marmots, coyotes, elk and martens — as well as numerous goldenmant­led ground squirrels. A beautiful drive following Rogue River leads on through the relaxing wineries of Southern Oregon to sunny California and the living giants of Redwood NP. This World Heritage Site protects nearly half the world’s old growth redwoods — some taller than the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. There are 200 miles of hiking, biking and horse-riding trails here. And the rich tapestry of flora and fauna spans Roosevelt elk, whales, seals and wildflower­s from lupine to rhododendr­on. Time limited? Redwood’s scenic-drive routes give sensationa­l views.

A taste of the good life in the 400-plus wineries of Napa Valley is still up ahead on this Pacific Coastal National Parks itinerary (17 days/15 nights).

Journey through the valley on Napa’s famous restored wine train and enjoy a gourmet lunch, before moving on to explore characterf­ul San Francisco and its vast Chinatown. Trailfinde­rs can assist with every detail of this super-scenic motorhome holiday.

The team is on hand 365/24/7 until you’re safely home and your money is completely financiall­y secure in the Trailfinde­rs trust account. Plan a spectacula­r national parks adventure packed with American hidden gems. Call Trailfinde­rs on 020 7938 0236 or visit

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 ?? ?? IN SEATTLE’S BACKYARD: Crater Lake, Mount Rainier (top right) and mighty redwoods (inset left)
IN SEATTLE’S BACKYARD: Crater Lake, Mount Rainier (top right) and mighty redwoods (inset left)

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