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Step into the American west on a Columbia River yacht cruise that encompasses human history, natural history and even time itself. Experience the Columbia and Snake Rivers completely by jet boat, kayak, inflatable skiff and by transiting through eight mammoth dams. Taste wine from the barrel in Washington's wine country and converse with local specialists as they relate tales of the epic Lewis and Clark Expedition. No other Columbia River small ship or yacht cruise will take you this far into the breadth and depth of the wilderness, history and culture of the American West.

Day 1 - Lewiston, Idaho - Embark

Welcome to the headwaters of the Columbia River! You will be met at the airport this afternoon, and transferred to the Safari Spirit. The crew aboard the Safari Spirit greets you with champagne and smiles; enjoy a short dinner cruise along the canyons of the Snake River and Clearwater River. This evening a local historian joins us in the salon for an informative presentation on the area.

Accommodations: Safari Spirit
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Hells Canyon by Jet Boat

After breakfast this morning, transfer to a jet boat for an invigorating ride into Hells Canyon. Vertical cliffs carved by the river now hem in the rushing waters that we travel upon, and watch some of the most dramatic scenery unfold as we jet upriver. Watch for big horn sheep and hawks throughout the day. After our excursion, cruise the Snake River, passing through our first lock and dam called Lower Granite. After dinner our Expedition Leader will provide a brief orientation to the journey.

Accommodations: Safari Spirit
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - The Palouse Canyon

Pass through the Little Goose lock and dam first thing this morning then anchor at the mouth of the Palouse River. The kayaks and skiff will be lowered for an up-close exploration of the pristine and lovely Palouse canyon. Watch for hundreds of cliff swallows that nest on the canyon walls, and for Northern harriers and osprey hovering above the still waters as they hunt.

Accommodations: Safari Spirit
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Birding, Rivers and Historical Confluence

Today transit through the McNary Dam locks. The McNary Dam encompasses an impressive wildlife region. Keep your eyes peeled and binoculars in hand to see some of the 212 species of migratory birds that rest here en route through the Pacidic fly-way: snow geese, tundra swans, canvasbacks, ring-nexked ducks, redheads and many others. Later we pass by Sacajawea State Park and learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition's travails and triumphs through this river confluence area.

Accommodations: Safari Spirit
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - The Washington Wine Country

The fastest wine-growing region in the U.S. is in eastern Washington, and today you will see why. With Pepper Bridge Winery and Basel Cellars on our itinerary, our "taste of Washington" will be most enjoyable. Return to the yacht after our tours and tastings, and have time to relax on board before dinner.

Accommodations: Safari Spirit
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Cruising the Columbia River

The vast eastern plains give way to the flanks of the Cascade Mountain Range as we cruise west today. Watch as the banks of the river go from gentle and low-lying to cliffs rising hundreds of feet high beside us. The wind and weather shifts from arid to temperate as we come closer to the Pacific Ocean. Stop in Hood River (the windsurfing capital of the world) this afternoon for some time to browse the boutique shops or tour the local brew pub. We'll stay dockside here tonight, so take your time and enjoy the town.

Accommodations: Safari Spirit
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Columbia River Gorge and Bonneville Dam

This morning, cruise through the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. The outside decks provide the best views of this beautiful passage. At Bradford Island, step ashore for a guided tour of Bonneville Lock and Dam, the final lock on our journey. Visit the power station and fish ladders, learning more about how this engineering marvel fits into the local environment and community. This evening we'll anchor in a quiet channel for the night.

Accommodations: Safari Spirit
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Portland, Oregon

A Fond Farewell to your Columbia River cruise! Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you “adieu.” At 9:00 am you’ll be transferred to the Portland airport for connections home.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Wine & Culinary Cruises: Become modern-day explorers, discovering America's extraordinary and "secret" wine regions in the spectacular setting of the Columbia River Gorge. Rivers of the West introduces exclusive wine and culinary yacht cruise adventures. Sample award-winning wine and cruise through history, witnessing the natural beauty and taste of the Pacific Northwest.

Special wine and culinary cruises include the itinerary listed above plus guest speakers, guided transportation at a minimum of five wineries (Dunham Cellars, Northstar Winery, Hedges Family Estate Winery, Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard, Maryhill Winery plus the Maryhill Museum) a brewery and brandy distillery and cave lunch ashore. Learn more about the wineries on the AdventureSmith Blog. AdventureSmith Blog Celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary, birthday or just enjoy your passion for highly-rated fine wines amidst one of the USA's most scenic backgrounds. Relax in the comfort of a luxury yacht without the worries of driving.

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Please call for single rates. Travelers willing to share accommodations are guaranteed the double rate, even if a share is not found. Single rates available upon request and vary by cabin and trip date.

Land Cost Includes: Your accommodations aboard the specific vessel, meals, naturalist guided activities, national park entrance fees and transfer from vessel to airport on day of disembarkation.

Not Included: Airfare to Lewiston and Portland, excess baggage charges, taxes and port fees, gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Arrival/Departure: The Rivers of the West Cruise begins in Lewiston. If arriving on departure day, please arrive no later than 2:30pm; embarkation is at 5:30pm. The Cruise will end in Portland, Oregon at approximately 9:00am. All outbound flights should be made after 12:00pm.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Qualifications: This trip is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.


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