GO ESCAPE CALIFORNIA & PACIFIC COAST 2020

CALIFORNIA & PACIFIC 2020

CULTURE MAGIC & AMIDST COVID MASKS New museum Safety measures protocols at theme parks

A WALK IN THE PARK Uncrowded hidden gems

WATERFALLS & WINE Enjoy tasty sips on scenic trips

Explore Merced River in California’s Yosemite National Park

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CONTENTS

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CALIFORNIA AND PACIFIC

A WALK IN THE PARK These locales feature off-the-beatenpath adventures

Alaska’s Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve JOSH SPICE

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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

CONTENTS This is a product of

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jeanette Barrett-Stokes jbstokes@usatoday.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jerald Council jcouncil@usatoday.com

MANAGING EDITOR Michelle Washington mjwashington@usatoday.com

ISSUE EDITOR Debbie Williams

Downtown Disney District, Anaheim, Calif.

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DEREK LEE/DISNEYLAND RESORT VIA GETTY IMAGES

UP FRONT

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12 JOLIE HUBBARD

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

TRAVELING DURING COVID-19 Expert advice for weighing the risks

THE REGION

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ALASKA

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Pack your bags for northern beauty and adventure

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HAWAII

All aboard for a ride across the Last Frontier

NEED FOR MEAD To sample some of the best, head west

Discover the Aloha State by air, land and sea

VACATION ESSENTIALS Everything you need for a day at the beach

FEATURE

ISSUE DESIGNER Gina Toole Saunders EDITORS Amy Sinatra Ayres Tracy Scott Forson Harry Lister Deirdre van Dyk DESIGNERS Hayleigh Corkey David Hyde Debra Moore Lisa M. Zilka CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan B. Barnes, Lisa A. Beach, Scott McMurren, Kae Lani Palmisano, Sherel Purcell, Cheryl Rodewig, Robin Roenker, Sarah Sekula, Kristen Seymour, Curtis Tate

ADVERTISING VP, ADVERTISING Patrick Burke | (703) 854-5914 pburke@usatoday.com

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CALIFORNIA Theme parks adjust to coronavirus protocols Tee off at this beautiful Temecula golf course

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Vanessa Salvo | (703) 854-6499 vsalvo@usatoday.com

FINANCE Billing Coordinator Julie Marco

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USS MIDWAY MUSEUM; GETTY IMAGES

22 ON THE COVER

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OREGON Sample the region’s wines and waterfalls

WASHINGTON Satisfy your need for speed on a professional track

LIVE AND LEARN Regional museums offer something for every interest

All product prices and availability are subject to change.

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UP FRONT | LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

TOM DOOLITTLE

THE OUTBREAK OF AND response to COVID-19 has affected our lives, our livelihoods and the economy at the local, national and global levels. And it has had a profound effect on the travel industry.

As we grapple with the unprecedented scope of this pandemic, many events, festivals and celebrations have been suspended or canceled. However, across the country, businesses that provide lodging, food and transportation are starting to reopen with varied stipulations and baseline measures that aim to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

The USA TODAY Network is committed to providing timely, engaging and accurate information in our coverage, but given the evolving nature of this health crisis, we realize that there will undoubtedly be changes to the accessibility of many of the locations, venues and services mentioned throughout this publication. Please check directly with businesses for the latest updates.

We also know that the travel and tourism industry is resilient. It has rebounded from natural disasters, economic recessions and other crises before, and while this pandemic is uncharted territory, it is our hope that national and international exploration will resume soon. In the meantime, we will continue to look beyond today and provide you with the amazing sights, sounds, tastes and experiences that await.

Debbie Williams Issue Editor

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UP FRONT | TRAVEL

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Risk Factors How COVID-19 will reshape your next trip

By Curtis Tate

T

RAVEL IN THE MIDDLE of a global pandemic presents challenges, with each activity carrying its own level of risk for contracting the virus.

Joseph Khabbaza, a pulmonary and critical care physician who treats coronavirus patients at the Cleveland Clinic, says the primary path of transmission is contact with respiratory droplets spread by infected people. Face masks, physical distancing, frequent hand-washing and cleaning of surfaces have become standard across the travel sector.

“Every industry has interventions in

place to make things safer,” Khabbaza says. “Companies are bringing in outside health experts. That can be a little bit reassuring.”

Khabbaza offers his thoughts on the relative risks of different travel activities and best practices:

AIR TRAVEL In spite of all the precautions now in place, he says flying offers the most potential for exposure to the coronavirus because of the nature of how planes are configured.

“Once you’re in the cabin, you don’t know who’s on the plane,” he adds.

“You’re in relative closer proximity to

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

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UP FRONT | TRAVEL people you don’t know.”

Still, he says, flying is safer than it was earlier in the pandemic because of the changes airlines have made.

“It is as safe as they can make it,” Khabbaza says.

In addition to spacing and sanitizing, he says face masks add an extra layer of protection from the virus. Most U.S. carriers now require passengers to wear them.

TRAINS AND BUSES Surface transportation presents similar challenges to those in aviation, Khabbaza says.

“Distancing isn’t always possible to the extent you’d like,” he says. “That’s not going to go away as long as the virus is around.”

Like the airlines, Amtrak and intercity bus operators like Greyhound and Peter Pan are requiring passengers to wear face masks. They’re promoting physical distancing when possible and cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces more often.

CRUISE SHIPS Cruise ships remain a concern for travelers, as passengers continue to contract the disease on board, but Khabbaza says companies are putting new precautions in place, which should limit contamination as long as passengers and crew members adhere to them.

“It involves buy-in from everyone,” he says.

Cruise ship passengers can stay separate from other groups on the ship by staying in their rooms. Common areas of the ship offer space for distancing, and outdoor activities are inherently less risky for disease transmission, Khabbaza says.

The elimination of buffet food service, a move under consideration by multiple cruise lines, would remove a point of potential transmission not only for the coronavirus, but also for the foodborne illnesses that have long plagued cruise ship operations, Khabbaza notes.

THEME PARKS As some of the nation’s larger theme parks reopen, such as those run by Universal and Disney, they are taking precautions.

Overall, Khabbaza says theme parks are at the safer end of the spectrum.

Why? Theme parks are universally implementing changes that include social distancing, mandatory face masks, the increased availability of hand sanitizer and the increased disinfection of high-

contact surfaces.

Disney World in Florida canceled events such as parades, fireworks displays and its big Halloween celebration that draw large crowds and closed attractions that involve person-to-person contact.

Theme parks are also mostly outdoors, posing a lower risk than enclosed spaces.

They’re also limiting the number of visitors who can enter.

“Less people is definitely better than more people,” he says.

ROAD TRIPS Khabbaza advises taking precautions every time you step out of the car, whether for gas, food or a rest break.

He also recommends using hand sanitizer every time you pump gas and discourages using your phone while you’re doing it.

“Even locally, that’s a very important practice,” he says.

With adults or older children, Khabbaza says it should be safe to visit convenience stores and restaurants.

“If you’re traveling with young kids, that changes it a bit,” he says. “Kids run around and touch stuff.”

With younger kids, he says take them to the restroom and then back to the car to eat. That minimizes their exposure to surfaces and items where infected droplets may have fallen.

HOTELS Hotels have increased their cleaning and disinfecting procedures for hightouch surfaces and common areas, as well as encouraged physical distancing.

They’ve recommended online check-in and automatic checkout to eliminate face-to-face interactions. They’ve sealed items in rooms, such as coffee cups and glassware, and have eliminated minibars.

Khabbaza says it’s not a bad idea to bring your own disinfectant wipes to use on surfaces in the room.

The risk of coronavirus from housekeeping should be relatively low, he says, though housekeeping staff are going from room to room.

“If they carry the virus, potentially the risk is they could bring it to your room,” he says.

CAMPING Camping is probably the safest activity, Khabbaza says. It’s outdoors, and you’re likely to stay with your own family or social group. Some campgrounds remain closed, though, including those in national parks. Check before you go.

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THREE THINGS THAT CORONAVIRUS MIGHT ELIMINATE ▶ The breakfast buffet. Hotels are going to have to seriously rethink the way they serve food, says Stephen Fofanoff, an innkeeper at Domaine Madeleine, a bed-and-breakfast in Port Angeles, Wash. “We’ve eliminated our common breakfast dining experience in favor of delivered in-room dining,” he says. ▶ International trips. At least initially,

most vacations will happen domestically. “After the lockdown is lifted, tourism will be more national and regional,” predicts Simone Semprini,

CEO of TourScanner. “Countries will exit the crisis at different moments, and the only thing they can do to avoid the virus entering the country again will be closing the national borders.” ▶ Concerts and cramped seating.

“Social distancing will be forever with us,” says Michael Sheridan, an assistant professor of tourism and hospitality management at Temple University. “Larger gatherings like festivals and concerts will not be at the forefront of many people’s travel plans until a vaccine or known antibodies are present to secure a safe travel experience for their entire family.”

— Christopher Elliott

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UP FRONT | MEAD

Need for Mead For some of the country’s best, go west

By Kae Lani Palmisano

M

ALLI CHINN TUPPER

EAD — AN ANCIENT ALCOHOLIC drink

made by fermenting honey — is making a comeback. Take a trip from Washington to California and explore the best meaderies the Pacific Coast has to offer:

WYRD LEATHER AND MEAD Milwaukie, Ore. Wyrd Leather and Mead also specializes in handcrafted leatherwares, and its artisan meads are a unique taste of the Pacific Northwest. Try the semi-sweet Traditional, which features West Coast wildflower honey fermented with a yeast strain from Norway.

JOLIE HUBBARD

GOLDEN COAST MEAD Oceanside, Calif.

San Diego’s first commercial meadery, Golden Coast offers traditional orange blossom and clover blossom meads, but the sour wines are its specialty. Start off your sour mead journey with the Something Something Sour, which draws its flavor from organic wildflower honey.

CASSEY HILL

HIEROPHANT MEADERY Mead, Wash.

The award-winning Chrysopoeia from Hierophant is a traditional-style mead that’s smooth, subtle and somewhat creamy. For a more bright and floral-tasting mead, try the Lavender Citrus, which pairs the sweet aroma of lavender with the zest of citrus.

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UP FRONT | MEAD

HALEY HILL PHOTOGRAPHY

LOST CAUSE MEADERY San Diego Lost Cause was one of the most-awarded meaderies in the world at last year’s Mazer Cup International Mead Competition.

Its Harmonic Sequence won a gold medal, Mounds Rushmore and Condor Attack scored silver and Barrel Aged Easy Bender took bronze.

ORAN MOR ARTISAN MEAD

ORAN MOR ARTISAN MEAD Roseburg, Ore. Head mead maker Lilly Weichberger has dedicated her life to viticulture and enology, and it shows through Oran Mor Artisan Mead’s award-winning honey wines. One of the most notable is Aphrodite’s Obsession, made with wildflower honey fermented with hibiscus, elderberry and lime.

OPPEGAARD MEADERY Tukwila, Wash.

Oppegaard’s most popular mead is the Dragon’s Blood, an off-dry blend made with local sweet clover honey mixed with raspberry, blackberry and blueberry mead. Another popular pick is Taco Meat, a honey wine imbued with taco spices.

CHAUCER’S Santa Cruz and Monterey, Calif.

Bargetto Winery has been producing Chaucer’s mead since 1970, using honey harvested from hives throughout the Sierras. It’s the fruity and sparkling meads that draw a lot of attention from visitors.

CHATEAU LORANE Lorane, Ore. Located on a 200-acre estate, guests at Chateau Lorane can enjoy sipping wine from a tasting room that overlooks gorgeous fir trees and a private lake. Though it specializes in traditional varieties as well as rare and exotic vintages, honey wine is a sweet addition to the robust offerings.

HONEY POT MEADERY

HONEY POT MEADERY Anaheim, Calif.

Serving up honey wine ranging from dry to dessert sweet, this meadery is a delicious detour off of the La Palma Beer Trail. To get a taste of what Honey Pot is all about, try Prelude, an awardwinning traditional mead made with orange blossom honey.

GLENDA DOWNS

10Best.com is your source for what’s tops in travel, food and culture, providing inspiration to explore the world around you.

SKY RIVER MEAD Redmond, Wash.

One of the oldest wineries in the state of Washington, womenowned Sky River produces mead and honey wine. For a layered flavor journey, try the lavender or cherry vanilla mead.

Or for a more traditional flavor, sample the dry mead, infused with honey and fruit tones.

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UP FRONT | TRAVEL

Beach Basics Stock up on essential supplies

By Kristen Seymour

M

AKE SURE YOUR BEACH

day is memorable for all the right reasons by bringing everything you’ll need for fun in the sun.

Take care of your skin — and the ocean — with a reef-safe sunscreen like COOLA’s Classic organic sunscreen spray. $25, coola.com

Useful for sun protection or as a headband, insect shield, face mask and more, Buff’s CoolNet UV+ multifunctional headwear is next-level handy. $15 to $24, buffusa.com

With a top zip, multiple interior pockets and the ability to spring back no matter how you pack it, you won’t want to hit the beach without this Eric Javits Squishee tote. $375, nordstrom.com

Cover up in comfort without compromising style in this lace-trim tunic featuring dramatic wide sleeves. $98, tommybahama.com

PROVIDED BY THE COMPANIES

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UP FRONT | TRAVEL

You can’t have a proper beach day without drinks and snacks, and this 7-quart Igloo Playmate Pal cooler holds just the right amount. $29.99, publix. com

Elevate anything you wear to the beach (while shielding your face from the sun’s harmful rays) with this wide-brim packable straw hat. $59.50, jcrew.com

Hours of outdoor fun are practically guaranteed as you strive to set new records for your longest volley with the Majik paddle ball set. $9.99, target.com

Make getting everything you need out to the beach a breeze with the MacSports collapsible outdoor utility wagon, which includes a side table and drink holders.

Starting at $99.97, amazon.com

Whether you want your coffee to stay hot as you hit the beach for sunrise or keep your iced tea cool later in the day, this 24-ounce Tervis tumbler is up to the task. $19.99, publix.com

Stay safe and enjoy the refreshing scent of citrus and sea salt with Puracy’s gel hand sanitizer, available in various sizes. $35.97 for a three-pack of 12-ounce bottles, puracy.com PROVIDED BY THE COMPANIES

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Under-the-radar spots offer less-crowded adventures

alaska

By Cheryl Rodewig

I

T’S DIFFICULT TO OVERSTATE the beauty of Yosemite or the glory of Denali, but you don’t have to visit the most popular national and state parks to experience extraordinary scenery.

These lesser-known natural attractions offer everything good outdoor destinations should — recreation, wildlife and landscapes to make an Instagrammer weep — and they’re not on most travel bucket lists (yet). That means you won’t be elbowing other tourists on your way to that scenic overlook. And there’s plenty of room for social distancing, so everyone stays safe.

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve SEAN TEVEBAUGH/NATIONAL PARK SERVICE; GETTY IMAGES

The country’s least-visited national park, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve draws a mere 10,000 visitors annually to its 8.4 million acres.

“It’s remote and it’s large,” says Pete Christian, National Park Service public affairs officer for Alaska. “In my decade of experience up there, I can hardly remember a time I ran into other visitors because you’re so spread out. From any mountaintop, you can see vistas that stretch for miles. It’s got that gaunt emptiness.

You can tell life is on the margins here.”

The park is accessible by foot or plane; there are no trails, signs or cellphone service. If you don’t have serious backcountry survival skills, you’ll need a guide.

Though several air taxis and tour companies have canceled trips through the end of the year, a few are still operating with new COVID-19 safety procedures. If you visit in the fall, you can witness the caribou migration, which Christian likens to a “Serengeti of the North.”

The dramatic aurora borealis is best viewed November through March.

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california

Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park Surrounded by national forests in rural northern California, this state park is a rugged landscape of lava rock, clear springs, distant mountains and the occasional bobcat at dusk. It’s also one of the state’s least-visited parks, says Steve Moore, Ahjumawi’s first permanent ranger, who built the nine campsites and named the 20 miles of trails.

That’s partially because you need a boat to get there. You’ll also have to bring sanitizer and pack out your own trash, a requirement at all California state parks during the pandemic but standard procedure at Ahjumawi.

The park also has no potable water. “But then you have the magic of the place almost to yourself,” Moore says.

That magic covers some 6,000 acres, with herds of deer, ospreys and herons.

The fishing is excellent, too — rainbow trout and more abound in Ja-She Creek and Crystal Springs.

“A special treat is a sunset view of the towering Mt. Shasta from Horr Pond,” Moore says.

“In the fall, the Oregon white oaks give a splash of gold to the shoreline.

The natural splendor will amaze you.”

GETTY IMAGES; CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

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hawaii

Waimea Valley Park lovers visiting Oahu flock to Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. But on the island’s northern coast, a halfhidden valley of gardens, sacred cultural sites and a waterfall await. “People who show up at our visitor center often ask, ‘what is this place?’” says Richard Pezzulo, executive director of Hi’ipaka LLC, the nonprofit organization that owns and manages the valley.

Waimea Valley’s history as a living pu’uhonua, or “place of refuge,” dates back nearly a thousand years. Archaeological sites, including ancient burial grounds and a temple, preserve the past while more than 50 gardens showcase tropical flora — more than 5,000 species, many rare and only grown here.

During COVID-19, staff are requiring masks in some areas, regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces and limiting some activities, like artisan demonstrations.

If you’re seeking solitude, Pezzulo recommends Palm Meadow, shaded with indigenous palms, or a stroll along Kamananui Stream. At the far end of this paradise, you can swim beneath a 45-foot waterfall.

HI’IPAKA LLC, WAIMEA VALLEY; GETTY IMAGES

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oregon and washington

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

San Juan Islands National Monument

Covering 40 miles of undeveloped shoreline, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is one of the world’s largest stretches of temperate coastal dunes. With rolling peaks and clustered tree islands, the windswept dunes mirror the vastness of the ocean.

Impressive as it may be, people don’t generally come just for the scenery.

The 31,500-acre site is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering kayaking, horseback riding, fat-tire biking and more. It’s the “more” that’s the real draw. Your visit isn’t complete without a ride on the dunes, either by sand rail (a faster, stabler dune buggy) or sandboard.

Most local rental shops — for bikes, boats, boards and buggies — are open and requiring face masks be worn indoors. But out on the dunes, it’s easy to social distance. Lesstrafficked hikes include the Taylor Dunes Trail, which leads to a quiet beach, and an off-trail route to Tahkenitch Creek. If the dune face isn’t too steep, you can wade right into your own secret swimming hole.

Just north of sprawling Olympic National Park is a landscape just as diverse if less known: San Juan Islands National Monument.

Here, you can camp in blissful seclusion. Patos Island, the northernmost in the archipelago, includes a marine state park with primitive campsites, a 19th-century lighthouse and coves once used by smugglers.

Orcas Island, the largest of the islands, features a 2,409-foot mountain and two state parks. (Obstruction Pass to the south is the less frequented one.)

The monument even contains a national park.

San Juan Island National Historical Park marks the site of the “Pig War,” a boundary dispute between Britain and the U.S. that nearly escalated to violence over the death of a boar in 1859.

Today, the park blends history and nature with period buildings, a garden, trails and opportunities to spot whales and bald eagles.

On a clear day, you can even glimpse the mountains of North Cascades, Olympic and Mount Rainier national parks.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area GETTY IMAGES (2); TRAVEL OREGON

UPDATE For the latest status of national park closings, hours and special regulations due to COVID-19, visit nps.gov/coronavirus.

San Juan Islands National Monument JIM MAYA

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CULTURE DURING COVID-19 Surround yourself with marvels of science, art and history

OREGON MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY (OMSI) Portland, Ore.

By Robin Roenker

M

USEUMS, AT THEIR CORE,

are storytellers, teachers and sources of inspiration and awe. Around every corner, there’s a chance to learn and explore something new.

Shipwrecks. The solar system. Modern art. Military heroism. You can discover it all — and more — at these visitor-favorite museums in the region:

Engaging for visitors of all ages — but especially kids — OMSI makes learning science fun. Beginning in October, explore the life and legacy of Genghis Khan in a new featured exhibit. “We’ll look at Mongolian Culture and take a ‘science-y’ spin on things by looking at genetics” — tying into the fact that millions of modernday people are said to be genetically linked to Khan — “to explore why your eyes are this color and so on, from a genetics viewpoint,” says John Farmer, OMSI’s marketing and communications manager.

You can also tour the USS Blueback — decommissioned in 1990 and now one of the most modern submarines publicly displayed anywhere in the U.S. — and imagine what it would have been like to work onboard, submerged for months at a time.

COVID-19 DETAILS: The USS Blueback, Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life and the Genghis Khan gallery exhibit are open, as is the museum store.

Mask wearing and social distancing are required.

OMSI’s other, more hands-on exhibits, including the Natural Science Hall and Turbine Hall, as well as the Empirical Theater and Kendall Planetarium, will be opened in phases in accordance with public health guidelines.

OREGON MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

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ANCHORAGE MUSEUM Anchorage, Alaska Showcasing artwork both contemporary and traditional — with a special emphasis on Indigenous cultures of the region and artists of the North — the Anchorage Museum celebrates Alaskans’ connections to their land, waters and native communities.

Permanent exhibits include the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, home to more than 600 objects on loan from the Smithsonian Institution’s collection of Indigenous Alaskan artifacts, and Alaska Exhibition, which sheds light on modern life in the region.

“Our three permanent galleries help visitors learn the story of Alaska — its history, its art and its people,” says Monica Shah, the museum’s chief conservator and chief collections officer.

Current exhibitions include Aperture (through Winter 2021), a sweeping photographic exploration of the state’s changing physical and social landscape.

Families with kids will also want to make time for the museum’s Discovery Center, featuring marine-life tanks, interactive experiment stations, a planetarium and more.

COVID-19 DETAILS: The museum expects to reopen in September.

Masks and social distancing will be required.

The Discovery Center will be open in limited capacity by advance reservation only.

KEVIN SMITH/ANCHORAGE MUSEUM; CHRIS AREND/ANCHORAGE MUSEUM

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NORTHWEST MUSEUM OF ARTS AND CULTURE (THE MAC) Spokane, Wash.

Experience personal stories behind the devastation in exhibits highlighting two of the world’s most famous volcanic eruptions through Pompeii: The Immortal City and Mount St. Helens: Critical Memory 40 Years Later.

Then, discover the enduring appeal of pop art in POP Power from Warhol to Koons: Masterworks from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, scheduled to run from Oct. 3 to Jan. 14, 2021. Get up close to seminal works in the American pop art movement, including pieces by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and James Rosenquist, as well contributions by contemporary artists.

Two additional fall installations commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II: Bomber Boys: Portraits from the Front and American Inheritance: Unpacking World War II. Taken together, they will offer an in-depth look at the toll of war via artifacts from front-line fighters and civilians alike.

While there, take time to enjoy The MAC’s collection of Plateau Indian art and artifacts — the largest of its kind in the world.

COVID-19 DETAILS: Currently closed, but masks and social distancing will be required when the museum reopens, and timedentry tickets can be purchased in advance.

CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER Oakland, Calif.

Marvel at the beauty of the nighttime cosmos through Chabot’s three refracting telescopes — Leah (in operation since 1883), Rachel (installed in 1915) and Nellie (the center’s most powerful scope, in use since 2003). Public viewings are offered free every Friday and Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“Our astronomers are there to answer visitors’ questions and give them a peek at the stars,” says Mary Catherine Frantz, Chabot’s marketing and communications manager.

Daytime visitors to Chabot’s Observatory Deck are in luck, too: at 1,500 feet high, it offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay Area, the chance to get a zoomed-in look at the sun (through solar filters) and more. The Center also includes a planetarium and interactive exhibits on space.

COVID-19 DETAILS: The center is currently closed, but when open, masks and social distancing will be required. Indoor experiences are set to open in phases.

POMPEII - THE IMMORTAL CITY TEMPORA; CHABOT THE SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER

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USS MIDWAY MUSEUM San Diego The USS Midway Museum offers an immersive journey through decades of American military history. Housed on the venerated ship itself — the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century, in use from 1945 to 1992 — the museum’s Hanger Deck and Flight Deck exhibits feature aircraft from World War II through today’s modern fighter jets.

The Battle of Midway Theater and accompanying exhibits detail the history of the critical WWII Allied victory in the Pacific, for which the ship was named. Self-guided audio tours are available, but do pause to listen to the brief docent talks, if you come across one — they’re often given by former military jet pilots. “You’ll hear firsthand what it’s like to catapult off an aircraft carrier,”says David Koontz, the museum’s marketing director.

COVID-19 DETAILS: Masks and social distancing are required. Guests receive a contactless temperature check upon arrival. Hand sanitization stations have been added.

Outdoor, open-air exhibits are open; lower-deck exhibits, The Battle of Midway Theater and flight simulators to open as COVID-19 status allows.

USS MIDWAY MUSEUM (2)

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PEARL HARBOR AVIATION MUSEUM Honolulu As one of four official Pearl Harbor historic sites — along with the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the USS Bowfin Submarine & Park (combination tickets are available) — the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum lets visitors step back in time to understand the power of the infamous attack and how it shaped World War II. Housed in two historic WWII hangars, where bullet holes can still be seen in one of the windows, guests learn about the defense launched on Dec. 7 from the site. “Our museum grounds actually mark one of the only places on Ford Island where fire was returned to try to protect some of the battleships,” says Kalli Abernathy, the museum’s director of marketing.

“It’s a very emotional place to visit.”

Recently, the museum added a relic from the USS Arizona alongside its other permanent collections, including Japanese WWII aircraft and a Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber — known as the star of the Battle of Midway. Later this year, the museum hopes to open the historic Ford Island Control Tower to visitors, offering panoramic views of the USS Arizona Memorial and more.

COVID-19 DETAILS: Masks and social distancing are required. Online ticket purchases are encouraged. On-site café and flight simulators may be closed.

COLUMBIA RIVER MARITIME MUSEUM Astoria, Ore. The Columbia River Bar — where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean — is one of the most dangerous water passages on the planet, and it has the shipwrecks to prove it. At the Columbia River Maritime Museum, get up close to the rich maritime history of the region through artifacts like the salvaged cannon from the USS Shark, a Navy vessel that met its demise in the Columbia River Bar in 1846. “Our museum is really about the river and how it affects the lives of people throughout the Columbia Region — going back from the age of Indigenous people through present day,” says Caroline Wuebben, the museum’s manager of membership, communication and marketing.

A new exhibit, Shipwrecks! Causes and Consequences on Oregon Shores, opening next spring, will dive deep (pun intended) into the science behind shipwrecks — and their emotional and physical costs. Don’t leave without stepping aboard the Lightship Columbia, anchored outside, which operated as a “floating lighthouse” to mark the treacherous Bar between 1951 and 1979 and is now preserved in its original condition.

COVID-19 DETAILS: Masks and social distancing are required and hand sanitization stations have been added.

Direction through the museum has been changed to one-way to avoid cross-traffic, and capacity has been capped at 254 visitors at a time.

COLUMBIA RIVER MARITIME MUSEUM; PEARL HARBOR AVIATION MUSEUM

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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

ALASKA | RAILWAYS

All Aboard Take in the grandeur of the Last Frontier MICHAEL SULLIVAN

By Susan B. Barnes

F

ROM MY SEAT IN the glass-domed

Coastal Classic rail car, I watch as we roll out of Anchorage, Alaska, and travel south into the wide open spaces of the Last Frontier. To the right, the Seward Highway winds along the coastline of Turnagain Arm, following the same path as the Alaska Railroad. The conductor and on board tour guides share the area’s history and point out natural highlights along the route. Lucky travelers may see wildlife such as beluga whales breaking the water’s surface, bald eagles soaring overhead, Dall sheep

perched precariously upon the cliffs and even the odd moose walking along the tracks.

The entirety of the Alaska Railroad spans 470 miles, from Fairbanks in the north to Seward in the south. Stops along the route — including Denali National Park and Preserve, Talkeetna and Seward — provide ample opportunity for exploration.

Riding in a rail car harkens back to the way travel used to be — slow and enjoyable. Without Wi-Fi on board, guests instead focus on the awe-inspiring beauty that extends as far as the eye can see.

The open-air platform on each train is a terrific place to not only take in the fresh, crisp air, but a vantage point for photographers, too. And tourists

are enjoying this leisurely way to take in the state.

In 2019, more than 522,000 passengers rode the Alaska Railroad.

There are a few options when it comes to traveling by rail in Alaska. To help simplify planning, a number of summer (and even winter) round-trip packages are available from Anchorage that range from two to 10 days and include accommodations.

For example, the five-day Taste of Alaska tour from Anchorage travels aboard the Denali Star north to Talkeetna; if the weather is clear, just south of Talkeetna passengers may be able to spot Denali from their rail cars. The packages also include a flightseeing tour of Denali and the Alaska Range

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

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ALASKA | RAILWAYS

TRAVEL TIPS Two classes of services are available on the Coastal Classic and Denali Star trains: GoldStar Service and Adventure Class.

GoldStar Service includes meals in a private dining car, soft drinks and two complimentary adult beverages per trip, as well as seats in a glass-domed train car for panoramic views.

Adventure Class, which is offered on all Alaska Railroad routes, includes confirmed seats in train cars with large picture windows, and dining and drinks in the on board café.

All Alaska Railroad trains are cashless, so be sure to bring along a credit card.

— Susan B. Barnes

GLENN ARONWITS

in a small plane and a jetboat ride into Devil’s Gorge for an overnight stay. Travel back to Anchorage and then hop aboard the Coastal Classic south to Seward for a cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park, a dog-sled ride and a tour of Exit Glacier.

For those short on time, Alaska Railroad also offers daytrips, and the railroad is one of the last in all of North America to offer whistle-stop services.

This is where adventure truly comes into play: You can hop off the train in a remote area such as Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop (accessible only by train) for hiking, fishing or guided river rafting.

When it comes time to return to Anchorage, simply stand beside the tracks, wave down the approaching train, climb aboard and be on your way.

Those who prefer to travel on their own schedule can map out their routes and accommodations, and book tickets to embark and disembark as they choose.

All in all, an Alaska Railroad adventure is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Last Frontier.

COVID-19 UPDATES Alaska Railways has implemented new practices and protocols designed to keep passengers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Face coverings are required to enter depots and board trains, and trains will be capped at 50 percent occupancy to allow for extra space between passengers. Boarding processes will also be staggered to allow for small-group boarding and passenger trains will undergo a full sanitization each night. Visit alaskarailroad.com/ passenger-information for updated details.

MICHAEL DEYOUNG

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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

ALASKA | ATTRACTIONS

DENALI NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE Created by Congress in 1917, Denali is Alaska’s most famous park, and also the most accessible, making it a great introduction to the vastness of the state.

With 6 million acres of wilderness, it’s no surprise that wildlife abounds here; the “big five” include moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves and grizzly bears.

Awesome Alaska Pack your bags for northern beauty and adventure

By Scott McMurren

T

HE NORTHERNMOST STATE HAS a

wealth of must-see attractions and experiences. Here are a few to add to your itinerary, as recommended

by USA TODAY’s 10Best.com:

MATT HAG/STATE OF ALASKA

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

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ALASKA | ATTRACTIONS

RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY

WHITE PASS & YUKON ROUTE RAILWAY Skagway Built during the Yukon Gold Rush in 1898, today the real treasures aboard this narrow gauge railroad — an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark — are the glaciers, gorges, mountains, waterfalls, tunnels and bridges on display as the vintage train climbs almost 3,000 feet in just 20 miles.

RIVERBOAT DISCOVERY Fairbanks The Binkley family, owners of Riverboat Discovery, have been in the steamboating business for five generations. A three-hour journey takes passengers from Fairbanks to sites like the kennels of the late four-time Iditarod dogsled champion Susan Butcher and an Athabascan Indian village.

GETTY IMAGES

HOMER Anchoring the southern end of Sterling Highway, the artsy town of Homer sits on a split jutting out into beautiful Kachemak Bay. From the waterfront, visitors are greeted with a breathtaking panorama of snowcapped peaks, glaciers and fjords promising outdoor adventure, while the creative types who inhabit the town lend it a decidedly bohemian vibe.

JOCELYN PRIDE/STATE OF ALASKA

SITKA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK Sitka Sitka National Historical Park protects the site of a battle between an indigenous Tlingit tribe and Russian traders.

Park highlights include the restored Russian Bishop’s House, where visitors can learn about colonial Russia in North America, and a collection of striking Tlingit and Haida totem poles.

ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system leads the way to communities and areas not otherwise accessible by car. Passengers can walk, bike or drive right onboard — a convenient and budget-friendly way to experience areas like the Inside Passage or Aleutian Islands.

CHILKOOT/ISTOCK

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA’S MUSEUM OF THE NORTH Fairbanks Thousands of years of Alaskan natural and cultural history are on display at the Museum of the North in Fairbanks. The collection of more than 1 million artifacts is organized into 10 categories: archaeology, birds, earth sciences, documentary films, fine arts, ethnology/history, insects, mammals, plants and fish/marine invertebrates. And if you can’t make an in-person visit, the museum offers virtual activities, exhibits and video tours at uaf.edu/museum/virtualmuseum.

BRIAN ADAMS/STATE OF ALASKA

10Best.com is your source for what’s tops in travel, food and culture, providing inspiration to explore the world around you.

GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE Covering a vast expanse of 3.3 million acres, Glacier Bay National Park is the highlight of Alaska’s Inside Passage, with its dramatic glaciercarved fjords, rugged coastline and swaths of protected temperate rainforest. With only three hiking trails, but more than 700 miles of coastline, this park is best explored by boat, especially during summer when humpback whales and orcas pay a visit to the bay.

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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

HAWAII | ADVENTURES

Say ‘Aloha’ to Adventure Tours offer thrills by air, land and sea

W

HETHER YOU ARE LOOKING for an up-close-

and-personal hike or a sky-high view of the Hawaiian islands, there’s an adventure for you.

According to USA TODAY’s 10Best.com, you can’t go wrong with one of these excursions:

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BLUE HAWAIIAN HELICOPTERS Blue Hawaiian Helicopters has been showing off the islands from the air since 1985. Tour locales include Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island, with narration from the pilots (who are all state-certified guides). Tours range from 15-minute trips for $99 per person to private charters starting at $2,320 per hour.

PROVIDED BY THE COMPANIES

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HAWAII | ADVENTURES perspective. On Kauai, tourists take in the sights of the Napali Coast, Waimea Canyon and Mount Wailaleale, while Big Island flights soar above volcanoes, rainforests and the Hamakua Coast.

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VALLEY ISLE EXCURSIONS With trips along the Road to Hana or to the summit of Haleakala in Haleakala National Park for sunrise, Valley Isle Excursions’ tours showcase views of rainforest as well as coastline. Those interested in Hawaii’s volcanoes can learn more about the formation of them on a specialized Maui tour. Small-group tours include free pickup and return to registered hotels and condominiums, meals, nonalcoholic drinks and guides who explain Hawaiian legends, culture and history.

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OCEAN SPORTS With boat cruises from Hawaii’s Kona-Kohala Coast, Ocean Sports offers snorkeling, whale watching, scuba diving or glass-bottom boat cruising.

The company also outfits beachgoers at Anaeho’omalu Bay with kayaks, hydrobikes, boogie boards, paddleboards and snorkeling gear.

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BLUE DOLPHIN CHARTERS Blue Dolphin offers snorkeling and scuba diving tours along the Napali Coast. Those who prefer to stay dry can opt for a sunset dinner cruise instead.

And, true to its name, if you don’t see dolphins on your morning adventure, the company will issue a voucher for an additional tour.

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ALII NUI Visitors to Maui who want to spend some time on the water can do so with Alii Nui, a company known for its snorkeling excursions, whale-watching tours and romantic sunset sails. Guests can even book a private charter on the 65-foot catamaran for weddings, birthday parties or family reunions. The boat features shaded cabin areas, table seating for 32 and a large teak bar.

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HAWAII FOREST & TRAIL Offering small guided excursions of tropical Oahu and the Big Island, Hawaii Forest & Trail tours focus on themes such as volcanoes, farm-to-forest or bird-watching. Tourists might summit Diamond Head State Monument for a picnic breakfast, seek the endangered

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Hawaiian monk seal or swim at the base of waterfalls in the town of Hilo.

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TRILOGY With Trilogy, travelers to Maui can enjoy excursions to Molokini to go snorkeling, the Kaanapali coast for sailing at sunset or Snuba diving (a cross between snorkeling and scuba diving where participants breathe through an air line attached to a tank floating on the ocean’s surface) and Lanai for Snuba diving or whale watching. This familyowned company has been sailing for 46 years.

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KIPU RANCH ADVENTURES Kipu Ranch Adventures takes visitors off-road on tours of a private 3,000-acre cattle ranch in Kauai’s interior. Options

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include a waterfall picnic tour, four-wheel drive jungle adventure or the Ultimate Ranch Tour, which includes a stop at a lookout point on Mount Haupu.

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KAILANI TOURS HAWAII This company shows off the Big Island with circuit tours that allow visitors to sample coffee in the Kona region, walk along Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, snap photos of scenic Waipio Valley and see some of the island’s most impressive waterfalls. Guides are trained to administer CPR and first aid and have completed certification through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

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SAFARI HELICOPTERS HAWAII Safari Helicopters helps visitors see Kauai and the Big Island from a different

10Best.com is your source for what’s tops in travel, food and culture, providing inspiration to explore the world around you.

HAWAII’S COVID-19 PROTOCOLS Many tours and attractions are currently closed due to COVID-19. Check websites for details. According to a statewide order, out-of-state visitors must self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving.

Beginning Sept. 1, to avoid the quarantine, individuals must show proof of a valid COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flights and show proof of a negative test result upon arrival at the airport.

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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

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CALIFORNIA | THEME PARKS

Disney’s California theme parks will follow similar protocols to those in Orlando, Fla. WALT DISNEY WORLD ORLANDO; GETTY IMAGES

Theme Park Protocol Masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing will be part of the magic

By Lisa A. Beach

A

FTER ORLANDO’S UNIVERSAL AND Disney theme parks reopened in Florida this summer, California’s parks were expected to follow suit. Closed since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were slated to reopen in July, with new health and safety protocols in place. But with California experiencing a surge in COVID cases, reopening plans were put on hold.

While the shopping and entertainment complexes of Downtown Disney District and Universal CityWalk launched phased reopenings, the theme parks are still in limbo as they await state and local government approval.

Regardless of the precise dates, state officials will likely provide a road map for California’s theme park reopenings similar to what’s been implemented in Orlando and other sites across the country. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:

DISNEYLAND PARK AND DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK Reopening: Not yet announced. Downtown Disney District, in Anaheim, Calif., reopened July 9 with new health and safety protocols in place.

What’s New: A Marvel-themed Avengers Campus was slated to debut this summer in Anaheim’s Disney California Adventure Park, featuring an interactive ride called WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure.

It’s been delayed, with no opening date announced.

Last May, the 14-acre Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge debuted, featuring the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run experience, which was further enhanced this January with Stars Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Park Update: “We’re taking a multipronged approach to our reopening, after considering the guidance of various governmental authorities and health agencies, including the CDC and recommendations from our team of health and safety experts. We’re also actively working with industry groups and research universities to discuss best practices,” Dr. Pamela Hymel, Disney Parks chief medical officer, stated in a Disney blog post.

HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES New protocols include: ▶ Reduced theme park capacity, with advanced reservations required ▶ Temperature screenings prior to entry ▶ Physically distanced queues, seating and physical barriers at select locations ▶ Reduced hours at select locations and the closure of some entertainment offerings ▶ Mobile order and cashless/contactless payment options at dining and retail offerings ▶ No indoor seating at restaurants, with increased outdoor seating available

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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

CALIFORNIA | THEME PARKS

KNOTT’S BERRY FARM Reopening: Not yet announced, but some outdoor dining and retail locations at California Marketplace at Knott’s Berry Farm are open. Knott’s is also offering an all-new outdoor dining and retail experience called Taste of Knott’s featuring food, drink and merchandise throughout Ghost Town, Fiesta Village and the Boardwalk area.

What’s New: Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair, a 4D interactive, slow-moving, dark ride through the County Fair with a reimagined gaming twist, is on track to debut when the 160-acre park reopens. The park postponed its 100th anniversary celebration and Ghost Town Alive! interactive show until next year.

Park Update: “The team at Knott’s Berry Farm continues to work with health and safety experts as we plan for increased safety measures and operational changes ... We are in constant communication with our state and federal governments,”Jon Storbeck, vice president and general manager, stated on the park’s website.

HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES New protocols include: ▶ Numerous handwashing facilities and hand sanitizer locations ▶ Frequent sanitation procedures for restrooms, kitchens, dining surfaces, benches and trash cans ▶ Daily cleaning of outdoor locations, including walkways and queues

GETTY IMAGES; KNOTT’S BERRY FARM

LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA RESORT Reopening: The Carlsbad, Calif., Legoland theme park reopening has not been announced. Sea Life Aquarium reopened then closed July 7 in accordance with new state and county mandates. Legoland Hotel reopened on July 17 and the Big Shop retail and Miniland U.S.A. have also reopened with limited hours.

What’s New: The 2-acre Lego Movie World, the largest park addition, features an interactive experience that fully immerses guests into the Lego Movie universe and in one ride, places them in the Battle of Bricksburg. It was slated to open April 1 but has been delayed.

Park Update: According to the website, “Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, we have been forced to temporarily close our resort and ... we are currently rescheduling all existing LEGOLAND vacation package reservations for dates in the fall.”

HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES New protocols include: ▶ Reduced capacity for indoor experiences such as shops, restaurants and theaters ▶ Hygiene stations and hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the park ▶ Markers and signage to encourage social distancing ▶ Enhanced cleaning measures throughout the park, especially at high-frequency touch points

GETTY IMAGES; LEGOLAND

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CALIFORNIA | THEME PARKS

SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO Reopening: Not yet announced. SeaWorld has reopened several other parks around the country.

What’s New: California’s first floorless dive coaster, Emperor, was slated to open this spring, but will now be delayed to 2021.

Park Update: According to the website, “We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation closely and are coordinating with the public health officials.

We look forward to welcoming our valued guests back to SeaWorld San Diego. We will share updates as we learn more.”

SEAWORLD (2); GETTY IMAGES

HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES New protocols include: ▶ Limited park capacity ▶ Guests must make advance online reservations ▶ Employees and guests must wear face coverings ▶ Employee and guest temperature screenings ▶ Modified queues, viewing areas, exhibit capacity and guest flow through exhibits to maintain physical distancing ▶ Increased cleaning and sanitation of facilities

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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

CALIFORNIA | THEME PARKS

SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN AND HURRICANE HARBOR Reopening: Magic Mountain is not yet announced, but Hurricane Harbor will not reopen this year.

What’s New: West Coast Racers — a one-ofa-kind racing coaster featuring two side-byside tracks with four record-breaking, magnetic launches — opened in January.

Park Update: “At Six Flags, the safety of our guests and employees has always, and continues to be, our top priority. As businesses and entertainment venues reopen around the country, we are doing so with the approval of state and local governments and with an extensive plan in place, in accordance with CDC guidelines, to protect both our guests and employees. This plan includes social distancing, temperature screenings, increased sanitization throughout our parks, informational signage and new training and PPE (personal protective equipment) supplies for employees. The way we operate our parks has been completely redesigned to protect guests and team members,” says Neal Thurman, Six Flags Magic Mountain park president.

HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES New protocols include: ▶ Advance reservations required ▶ Employee and guest temperature screenings ▶ Distance markers in all park entry, ride, restroom, retail locations and dining queues ▶ Reduced capacity at some indoor venues and attractions ▶ Modified menus and mobile food ordering with touchless transactions

GETTY IMAGES; SIX FLAGS

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Reopening: Not yet announced. CityWalk reopened July 10 with new health and safety protocols in place.

What’s New: The kidfriendly ride, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, was slated to open this spring.

Park Update: According to the website, “While working closely with local health officials and the company’s own health and safety experts, Universal CityWalk will continue to monitor conditions and make adjustments as conditions evolve.”

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD; GETTY IMAGES

HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES New protocols include: ▶ Limiting capacity throughout all entertainment venues, restaurants and shops ▶ Increased cleaning and disinfection procedures, including frequent cleaning of all high-touch surfaces ▶ Guests and employees must wear face coverings and will receive temperature screenings ▶ Prior to boarding rides, guests will be required to use hand sanitizer ▶ Floor markings to promote social distancing and guide guest traffic flow

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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

CALIFORNIA | GOLF

Native American kiicha SHEREL PURCELL

Tee Off in Temecula Breathtaking course preserves Native American artifacts

By Sherel Purcell

S

ET IN CALIFORNIA’S SOUTH

Temecula foothills, about 75 miles southeast of Los Angeles, Journey at Pechanga (meaning “at the place where the water drips”) is one of the most ecologically sensitive golf courses in the country. This beautiful course winds through natural canyons, over hilltops, past streams and around massive boulders. It’s also ranked by Golfweek as

one of the 30 best courses in California.

“The construction of the Journey at Pechanga golf course was controversial,” says Paul Macarro, cultural coordinator of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians.

“Initially, the golf course builder wanted to clearcut our sacred trees, but we held firm.”

The Pechanga, who have a great respect for trees, managed to save their giant coastal oaks along with their “grandmother” sycamore tree.

Thankfully, all the conditions to

honor sacred natural items were finally met, including ancient granite and the ancestral “kitchens,” large boulders with built-in mortars where Native American women ground the insides of acorns and other grains and seeds into meal.

The replica kiicha, the small dome houses made of twigs and vegetation, serve primarily as a barrier between the course cart paths and the remainder of the Pechanga Band’s sacred land.

The result, ironically, is the best and arguably the most natural-looking

feature of the Pechanga resort complex.

The course offers clear views of the surrounding, boulder-topped hills, as well as an open-air dining option bordering the course fairways appropriately called Journey’s End. The nearby hills do more than offer a great backdrop; they also provide six holes of challenging and scenic elevation.

Meanwhile, closer to sea level, the other holes — no two are alike — offer water hazards, deep sand bunkers and historical, natural artifacts that determine the

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

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CALIFORNIA | GOLF

COVID-19 UPDATE

JOHN CAMERON

“The construction of the Journey at Pechanga golf course was controversial. Initially, the golf course builder wanted to clearcut our sacred trees, but we held firm.”

— PAUL MACARRO, cultural coordinator, Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians

layout of the track.

From a sustainability standpoint, the golfable areas at Journey at Pechanga cover 40 percent less ground than typical Southern California courses, and therefore require about 40 percent less water to maintain. Precipitation naturally runs from the hills above the course and collects in the lakes on holes 5 and 15.

Before anticipated rainfall, groundskeepers use the lake water to irrigate the course and deplete the lakes to the halfway point. This allows rainwater to

naturally collect and refill the lakes. In addition, a high-tech irrigation system can identify — to the decimal — if an area of the course has received enough water, and if so, automatically shuts off.

Renowned course designer Arthur Hills carved this championship 18-hole funhouse ride into the foothills of Temecula, routing fairways around the giant oaks, building doglegs that snake along fast-running creeks and featuring steep climbs to cliffside tee boxes.

This is not your average resort course

by a long shot; coincidentally, that’s the shot you’ll need to clear hundreds of yards of scrub, rock-guarded waterways, steep fairway and greenside bunkers.

To compensate for its toughness, Journey at Pechanga offers a welldesigned practice area. It’s divided into a separate driving range, putting green and a most-impressive short-game area. It’s complete with sizable sand bunkers and replica rough areas from which careful shots land on slanted greens to help golfers prepare for the challenges ahead.

Journey at Pechanga is currently open, and players must adhere to all Riverside County, Calif., health mandates, including wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing and riding one person per golf cart.

All golf carts are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each use, and staff are also required to wear protective gloves and face coverings.

Golfers can reserve tee times online or via phone before arriving, and only credit or debit cards will be accepted for payment. ▶ Visit pechanga.com/indulge/ journey for more information.

2020 GOLF RATES Monday through Thursday: $129 per player Friday through Sunday: $159 per player

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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

OREGON | ADVENTURES

Wine and Waterfalls Oregon offers scenic trips and tasty sips

By Kristen Seymour

O

REGON IS AS FAMOUS for its highly

rated wines as it is for its ample waterfalls, and to help you map out the perfect adventure combining them, we’ve asked Adam Sawyer, culinary expert and author of Hiking Waterfalls Oregon: A Guide to the State’s Best Waterfall Hikes, to share his advice.

Every destination listed is an easy day trip from Portland, but you can always opt to stay closer to your chosen destination for more indepth exploration. There’s plenty to see — and sip — wherever you go.

The Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Falls State Park TRAVELOREGON.COM

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OREGON | ADVENTURES

COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS Federal, state and local restrictions are changing frequently, so before you book a ticket or hop in your car, make sure the parks, trails and wineries you want to visit are open. The wineries are updating their websites and social media channels to reflect their hours, offerings and restrictions, which include limiting the number of customers, requiring face masks and creating space between tables. Most wineries also offer options like curbside pickup and delivery, so don’t hesitate to ask

South Falls on the Trail of Ten Falls ADAM SAWYER

TAKE A WALK IN WILLAMETTE VALLEY Willamette Valley is renowned for its pinot noir, although its other cool-climate varieties like pinot gris, chardonnay and pinot blanc are also exceptional — and the area’s waterfalls rank just as highly.

HIKE: “If you love waterfalls, you have to go to the Trail of Ten Falls,” says Sawyer. Located in Silver Falls State Park, about 50 miles south of Portland, it’s a 7.8-mile moderate hike that takes you past at least 10 waterfalls, four of which you can walk behind. You’ll also have access to several alluring grottos and benches if you need a rest.

Highlights include South Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Oregon, boasting a height of 177 feet, as well as North Falls, an impressive cataract with an enormous grotto.

Looking for a more laid-back trek?

“You can modify this hike to hit five waterfalls,” says Sawyer, “some of which you can drive to.”

COST: $5 day-use fee DRINK: A short drive away is Vitis Ridge in Silverton. Don’t miss the award-winning Marechal Foch and Fab Four (a cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot blend).

Reservations are not required, but hours are limited between March and December.

About 45 miles from Silver Falls (but well worth the drive) is Stoller Family Estate. Sample the Dundee Hills Series, which includes a chardonnay, rosé and pinot noir, each of which is created by blending a variety of plantings, clones and vine ages to represent the full estate. The winery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and reservations (mandatory due to COVID-19) can be made online for their tasting room,

STOLLER FAMILY ESTATE

outdoor seating and for their exciting new Experience Center, where visitors can learn about winemaking and the vineyard using augmented reality, interactive tasting tables and a 136-square-foot display. And you can CONTINUED

STOLLER FAMILY ESTATE

about tasting room and winery tour alternatives, such as Stoller Family Estate’s Experience Center and Cathedral Ridge’s virtual tastings. You can find more information on the reopening of Oregon Wine Country at oregonwine.org.

When planning your outdoor adventures, Travel Oregon’s Travel Alerts page (traveloregon. com/travel-alerts) is a helpful resource for understanding what restrictions and requirements are in effect for Oregon’s outdoor recreation sites and activities.

Looking up individual hikes and waterfalls on AllTrails.com or OregonHikers.org before you hit the trailhead is also recommended.

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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

OREGON | ADVENTURES

PRO TIPS “Hiking in the Northwest any time of year, you should be prepared for shifting conditions,” says travel writer Adam Sawyer.

Many hikes can get muddy and slick, even when it’s not rainy, and a sunny morning doesn’t guarantee warm weather later, so proper footwear, layers and a rain shell are key, even for easy outings.

If you opt for an adventure beyond a short, easy hike, make sure you’ve planned and packed appropriately for potential emergencies and accidents by making space in your backpack for these 10 essentials: 1. Navigation 2. Sun protection 3. Insulation 4. Illumination 5. First-aid supplies 6. Fire essentials 7. Repair kit and tools 8. Nutrition 9. Hydration 10. Emergency shelter

Multnomah Falls TRAVELOREGON.COM; GETTY IMAGES

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OREGON | ADVENTURES even book a stay at several guest houses on the property.

CONQUERING COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AND MOUNT HOOD The Historic Columbia River Highway offers scenic views along the Columbia River Gorge to the east of Portland, with the section between Bridal Veil and Ainsworth earning the nickname “Waterfall Corridor.” Normally, you can see and hike showstoppers like Latourell Falls and Multnomah Falls — one of the Pacific Northwest’s most spectacular cataracts with a 620-foot, two-step drop — along this route, but currently, this section is closed in an effort to reduce crowds and curb the spread of COVID-19, as is access to some of the other waterfalls you’d find along the route.

The good news? On the drive out to Tamanawas Falls and Hood River’s wineries, you can still pull off Interstate 84 to get a gorgeous glimpse of some of these falls, including Multnomah. And some popular hikes in the area, like Bridal Veil Falls, remain open. Check with the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department when you’re preparing for your trip to get updates on park and road closures.

HIKE: Journey south of the interstate on Highway 35 into Mount Hood National Forest for the Tamanawas Falls Trail, a 3.3-mile moderately challenging hike 1 1/2 hours from Portland. To get there, you’ll go through what’s known as the Fruit Loop. “As you’re on your way to the waterfall, there are fruit stands and cideries everywhere,” Sawyer says.

He considers the 109-foot Tamanawas Falls a “lesser-known five-star waterfall” due to its setting on the eastern slopes of Mount Hood and the enchanting mist you’ll see rising within the natural amphitheater walls at the falls’ base.

COST: $5 day pass DRINK: Cathedral Ridge Winery in Hood River features an award-winning wine tasting menu that includes the 2018 Necessity White and 2017 Bordheauxd Red, a local favorite named in honor of the area’s windsurfers and kiteboarders (affectionately known as “boardheads”).

The winery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and COVID-19 precautions include mandatory reservations, the use of hand sanitizer and a sign-in process. Tastings are limited to 45 minutes with a limit of four people per group. Food is not served and the winery requests that guests do not bring in their own. Cathedral Ridge also offers a private virtual tasting option, allowing groups of four or less to enjoy a tasting led by a knowledgeable host.

Tamanawas Falls Trail TYLER ROEMER

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WASHINGTON | ADVENTURE

Fast and Furious There’s no speed limit on this experience pit and pose for your hero photo. You now have permission to brag to all of your friends back home.

And if you’d like to bring some friends to cheer you on at the track, spectators are free, or your guests can purchase a $10 pass for entry to the pit area with tented seating.

XTREME XPERIENCE

By Sarah Sekula

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HEN YOU THINK OF the Pacific Northwest, rugged mountains, log cabins and cascading waterfalls likely come to mind.

What you may not think of is the opportunity to drive a high-performance sports car — like a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche — around a world-class racetrack.

Xtreme Xperience gives adrenaline junkies (must be 18 or older with a valid license) the chance to drive laps at the Pacific Raceways track in Seattle. First you choose your favorite exotic car from the lineup: Ferrari 488 GTB, Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4, McLaren 570S, Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray Z51, Ford

Mustang Shelby GT500 or Porsche 911 GT3.

You can’t go wrong: Every single car is utterly epic.

NEED FOR SPEED After you’ve chosen your chariot of choice, you’ll attend an orientation session where you’ll get coaching from the pros. Then you head to the pit area, put on your helmet and ride as the passenger while a professional driver speeds along the track in a pack of up to eight cars, spaced out and loosely following a lead car, which is driven by another pro and typically outruns the supercars on the track.

Now, it’s your turn to take the wheel. You can drive three times around the track as fast as your adrenaline-pumping heart desires.

Your instructor will be alongside you to coach

SAFETY FIRST Due to COVID-19, guests are required to wear masks during this experience and social distancing is enforced. The check-in and check-out processes are touchless, and cars and helmets are sanitized after every driver. ▶ For more information, visit thextremexperience.com.

you through the entire process, including braking, cornering and accelerating like a professional. Afterward, you head back to the

HOLD ON TIGHT If you aren’t quite ready to take the wheel yourself, consider a supercar ride-along.

You’ll experience hard acceleration, lateral G-forces, heavy braking and learn exactly what it’s like to be near the roar of a 500-plus horsepower engine.

You’ll be riding shotgun with a professional driver in a machine built for speed. There’s a good chance this will go down as a bucket-list experience. Better yet, anyone over 12 years old and 54 inches tall can participate.

Another option is to do a high-speed ridealong. You’ll hop into a Chevy SS, the workhorse of the fleet, and see what it’s like to be in the passenger seat when the driver accelerates to top speed around the track three times. Passengers must be at least 12 years old, and three can ride at once.

Whatever adrenalinerush you choose, you will definitely go home with some exciting stories to tell and the photos to prove it.

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

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USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION