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north america: columbia river

Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey

Embark on a culinary journey that embraces the region’s vibrant food, wine and craft beer. Stroll vineyards and sample wine, and enjoy a menu our chef has planned for this voyage that represents the bounty of the region and so much more. Our recently acquired Food Alliance affiliation ensures the vast majority of our food is locally and sustainably produced.

Relive a chapter of history and an expedition that changed America and became a national treasure. We’ll retrace some of the route Lewis & Clark followed on their Corps of Discovery Expedition, learning many facets of their voyage by visiting sites where they camped and learning about Native American inter-tribal relationships and well-established trade routes they discovered.

Hike, kayak and enjoy Zodiac cruises through the Columbia River Gorge for an up-close perspective of a restless land, uplifted mountain ranges and catastrophic volcanoes. Cruise through the largest basalt flow the planet has ever undergone, and explore where the largest floods in history ravaged the Earth before a series of cataclysmic landslides displaced the river. An onboard geologist shares the history as we sail the river. The Pacific Northwest is host to a vibrant food scene.

Day 1 - Portland, Oregon/Embark Ship

In the late afternoon, embark the ship and cruise the lower part of the Willamette River, passing under the many bridges and through the center of picturesque Portland, before reaching the Columbia River.

Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird/Sea Lion
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Astoria

The journey begins by navigating the Columbia to the mouth of the river at Astoria. At Fort Clatsop, where the explorers hunkered down for the wet winter of 1805-1806, walk through the full-scale reconstructed fort. Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which chronicles the history of river navigation and this port town. In the afternoon you can choose to visit Cape Disappointment or Zodiac and kayak in the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge, conditions permitting.

Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird/Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Columbia River Gorge and Hood River

This morning, find yourself positioned off of Rooster Rock and begin your orientation to the Gorge. You’ll get a fresh perspective on such highlights as Beacon Rock, Multnomah Falls and Crown Point. Hike among towering waterfalls. Continue on to Hood River for a tour of the historic Gorge White House and farm, with its spectacular views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Enjoy lunch in the farm’s dahlia garden before visiting a nearby winery for a tasting and tour.

Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird/Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - The Dalles/Maryhill Museum

Visit the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center to learn about the region’s natural history. Hike or take bicycles along historic Highway 30. In the afternoon visit the Maryhill Museum and view its extensive and eclectic collection of native baskets, Rodin sculptures and other fascinating exhibits.

Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird/Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Exploring the Palouse River

The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as you set off on our Zodiac cruises and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls where cascading waters plunge into pools below. Afterwards, sail down the Snake River, enjoying local food prepared by the ship's head chef.

Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird/Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Clarkston

At Clarkston, find yourself at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, more than 450 miles from the sea. Today, travel by comfortable jet boat up the Snake River into one of North America’s most scenic spots, spectacular Hells Canyon. Or you may opt to follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Clearwater River, visiting several of their actual campsites. Led by a local historian, learn about the relationship between the Nez Perce people and Lewis and Clark.

Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird/Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Clarkston/Disembark

After breakfast transfer to Lewiston, Idaho, or Spokane, Washington, airports for connecting flights home.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: 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.

Included: All accommodations aboard ship, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of kayaks, taxes and service charges.

Exclusions: Airfare to Portland, excess baggage charges, extensions, taxes and port fees, gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, voyage DVD, ship crew gratuities and insurance of any kind.

Families & Children: Travelers aged 17 years old and under save $500. Specially skilled staff who are trained in organizing activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. These staff members have gone through a course designed by travel experts with years of experience in childhood and environmental education. This course has also been created in conjunction with the National Geographic Education department and NG Kids Magazine. And don't worry – even though these are educational travel gems, the primary emphasis is on "fun". After all, you are on a family cruise vacation!

Arrival & Departure: Your Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey cruise begins in Portland, Oregon, and ends in Clarkston, Washington. Reverse itineraries begin in Clarkston and end in Portland. There are two airports nearby Clarkston: Lewiston, Idaho, and Spokane, Washington, with provided transfers. If arriving on departure day, please arrive at airport no later than 2:30pm; embarkation is between 4:00 and 4:30pm. All outbound flights should be made after 12:00pm on the final day of the outlined itinerary.

Payment & Cancellation: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $450 is required at the time of booking. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days - 50% of deposit
90 to 31 days - 50% of total trip cost
30 to 0 days - 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

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. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



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

Guest Lecturers & Photographers: National Geographic experts will be aboard select 2013 Columbia and Snake Rivers departures: Join Lewis and Clark expert Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs on Sep. 13; acclaimed chef devoted to culinary innovation and sustainability Barton Seaver on Oct. 14; and photographer Rich Reid for a Fall Foliage Photo Expedition on Oct. 2 and 8.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com