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north america: columbia river

In the Wake of Lewis and Clark

The Columbia river joined by the Snake River, rolls with increasing force through fertile farmlands, past snow-covered volcanoes, and finally knifes through a mountain range to complete a 1,200-mile journey to the wide sea. This grand gateway to the West, was pioneered by Lewis and Clark, roamed by fur traders, and traversed by courageous settlers as they forged their way over the Oregon Trail. Our comfortable, small ships, are designed for exploring these historic waterways. Their size and maneuverability enable you to travel from the mouth of the Columbia all the way inland to Idaho, more than 450 miles upstream a voyage impossible for a big ship.

New for 2012 one way cruises begin in Portland and end in Lewiston (or reverse) eliminating backtracking and repeated landing sites. See details below.

Day 1 - Portland, Oregon/Embark Ship

Board our ship and cruise the lower part of the Willamette River before reaching the Columbia River.

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

Day 2 - Eastern Washington's Wine Country

Awake this morning to the colorful plateaus east of the sweeping Cascade Mountains, an area famous for its expanding wine industry. As we travel on, the Columbia completely changes character; a well-watered landscape gives way to gracefully taperedbuttes and semi-arid steppes. Locks lift the ship higher and higher into desert-hued canyons. At the entrance to the Snake River, we pass between banks formed by the largest basalt flow in the world.

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

Day 3 - Clarkston

At Clarkston, we find ourselves at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. Today, there are two choices of activities. One option is to travel by comfortable jetboat up the Snake River, into Hell's Canyon. Stop to take in the old homesteads and the ever-changing geology of the river, and look for Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep. At Buffalo Eddy see petroglyphs etched by the Native Americans. Or you can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Clearwater River, visiting several of their actual campsites. Led by our local historian, learn about their relationship with the Nez Perce. Observe the rocks exposed in the shallow waters, recognizing them as the dangerous obstacles that nearly sunk one of the Corps of Discovery's newly hewn canoes. The ponderosa pines along the river were the material used for the making canoes.

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

Day 4 - Exploring the Palouse River

The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as we set off on our morning Zodiac cruises and kayak adventures, looking for birds, deer and beaver. The wide river bottom and towering cliffs seem out of place for such a small river; learn that 12,000 years ago the Bretz Flood, a catastrophic natural event, formed the landscape. We travel by motor coach to Palouse Falls where cascading waters plunge into pools below. As we travel, search for the mule deer, American coots, western grebes, great blue herons and graceful cormorants that are often seen here. This evening, sail down the Snake River, enjoying a barbecue on deck.

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

Day 5 - Columbia River Gorge and Hood River

Venture through the Columbia River Gorge. Here encounter the 620-foot high Multnomah Falls. These are the most popular scenic attraction in Oregon and it's easy to see why. The Corps of Discovery wrote in the journals about the many falls along this Gorge. At the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, learn about the cataclysmic geological origins of the gorge, the region's diverse ecology and its 10,000-year-old rich human history. This area was once home to Celilo Falls where Lewis and Clark described a gathering of some 10,000 natives who came to fish and trade from the far corners of the Pacific Northwest. When the river was harnessed for hydropower, navigation, irrigation and flood control, the Celilo Falls were drowned. Hood River, one of the towns we pass through as we pass through the Gorge, is the windsurfing capital of the world because of its almost constant gusts. At the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, learn about the cataclysmic geological origins of the gorge.

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

Day 6 - Astoria

End our journey in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark by navigating the Columbia to the mouth of the river at Astoria. At Fort Clatsop, where explorers hunkered down for the wet winter of 1805-1806, walk through the full-scale reconstructed fort. The Columbia River Maritime Museum chronicles the history of river navigation and this port town, the epicenter of the fur trading empire in the early 1800s. A series of fascinating displays about the many shipwrecks in the area is especially intriguing. The beautiful scene here is so at odds with the descriptions Lewis and Clark gave of their terrible winter. For an even better view, climb the 160 steps to the top of Astor Column.

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

Day 7 - Portland/Disembark

Our modern day expedition ends in Portland. After breakfast onboard, travel to the airport for homeward-bound flights.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

2012 Itinerary

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

We begin our journey 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, we 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 we find ourselves positioned off of Rooster Rock and begin our 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, where we’ll have 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 we’ll 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 we set off on our Zodiac cruises and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls where cascading waters plunge into pools below. Afterwards, sail up the Snake River, enjoying a barbecue on deck.

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

Day 6 - Clarkston

At Clarkston, we find ourselves 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 our local Historian, we 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 - Lewiston, Idaho/Disembark

After breakfast transfer to Lewiston airport for connecting flights home.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

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 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.

Family Cruises: 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 In the Wake of Lewis & Clark cruise begins and ends in Portland, Oregon. If arriving on departure day, please arrive no later than 2:30pm; embarkation is at 5:30pm. All outbound flights should be made after 12:00pm on the final day of the outlined itinerary.

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.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

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