Serene Journey to The Grotto

You will be emailed your pick up time and location when you book the tour. At the beginning of your pick up time please stand at the hotel lobby doors and look for a Sprinter van. Your Tour Guide will arrive within the 15 minute pick-up window. If we are picking you up at the Hilton Portland Downtown (921 S.W. Sixth Ave, Portland) please stand on the Broadway side of the hotel and look for a Sprinter van. If we are picking you up at the Hyatt Regency Portland At The Oregon Convention Center (375 NE Holladay St, Portland) please stand at the valet station.

Acknowledgement of Safety Briefing

When boarding the vehicle and exiting the vehicle to use a three-point stand.

Traffic and transportation safety: Pay special attention at intersections, use pedestrian crosswalks whenever possible and always wear a seat belt on tour vehicle.

Health and Hydration: Tours can be physically demanding. Stay hydrated and carry any necessary medications; plan for breaks when needed.

What to Do if Lost: If you get separated from the group, do not panic. Stop walking and wait right where you are.

Walking on Uneven Terrain:
• Technique
• Scan the path: Look ten feet ahead. Do not just look at your feet.
• Short steps: Take small, slow steps.
• Flat feet: Place your whole foot down. Do not just walk on your toes or heels.
• Go slow uphill & downhill
Safety & Hazards
• Watch for water: Wet rocks, moss, and mud are very slick. Walk around them if you can.
• Never run: Speed causes trips and twisted ankles.

Snow & Ice:
• Don’t cross in front of snow removal equipment (snow blowers, plows, etc.). It’s safer to cross behind.
• Observe extreme caution when entering and exiting vehicles. Warm soles on compact snow/ice increase the risk of slip/falls. Use the vehicle for support.
• Watch out for black ice, wet floors/stairways and overhead/ falling hazards (icicles or snow/ice on sloping roofs and in trees).
• Never attempt to drive or walk on carpet, tile, stone, or ceramic surfaces while wearing Yaktrax. Take them off before driving or entering a building!

Plants and Animals: Do not touch any plants or animals. Touching them is dangerous for you and for them. Animals carry germs and diseases. Plants can cause rashes or allergic reactions.
• Do not approach or follow wildlife for a “better look.”
• Observe wildlife from a distance so they are not scared or forced to flee.
• You are too close if your presence or actions cause wildlife to alter their normal habits.

Water: Never drink raw mountain water. Even clear streams hide dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites like Giardia. Animals use the water upstream, and you cannot see germs. Drinking raw water can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.

Always keep your valuables with you. We are not responsible for any loss of personal items