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north america: columbia river

z-Autumn Sojourn in the Pacific Northwest

As one of the most prodigious wine growing regions outside of Napa Valley, home to a legendary American expedition and volcanic eruption, a region saturated with stunning beauty, the Pacific Northwest is tailor made for an autumn sojourn. Join us as we navigate the flowing waters of the Columbia River, all the while kayaking, hiking or bicycling for further exploration. The highlights of this voyage are accentuated by a focus on the wines, cheeses and fresh seafood of the region.

Day 1 — Portland, Oregon/Embark Ship

In the late afternoon embark National Geographic Sea Bird and navigate the lower reaches of the Willamette River through the center of downtown Portland before an overnight sailing down the Columbia River to Astoria.

Accommodations: M/V Sea Lion
Included Meals: dinner

DAY 2 — Astoria and Fort Clatsop

Originally established as an outpost of the fur trade in the early 1800’s, the small town of Astoria lies near the mouth of the Columbia River. In the morning, visit the nearby full scale replica of Fort Clatsop, where Lewis & Clark spent the winter of 1805-1806. Walk through the wooded trails to experience what the explorers would have seen over 200 years ago. Moving a few miles upstream to the Lewis & Clark Wildlife Refuge, in the afternoon there is an opportunity to kayak, or Zodiac among the many islands in this broad part of the river.

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

DAY 3 — Mount St. Helens

Twenty-eight years ago Mount St. Helens’ spectacular eruption blew the top 1,300 feet off the peak, created an ash cloud that caused darkness in the middle of the day and leveled the forest for many miles. The visitor centers superbly illustrate the drama of the eruption and its aftermath. A walk along the hiking trails gives an intimate look at an ecosystem that is making an amazing recovery from this devastating event.

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

DAY 4 — Columbia River Gorge

Venture through the Columbia River Gorge, perhaps the most awe-inspiring section of the entire river, passing the 620-foot-high Multnomah Falls along the way. Pass through the navigation locks at Bonneville Dam to continue on up the river. Today there are opportunities to hike or bicycle along this scenic stretch of the river. In the afternoon, drive to the eclectic Maryhill Museum on the very rim of the gorge for a tasting of Pacific Northwest wines accompanied by a small feast of local fruits and cheeses and an assortment of seafood from the nearby Pacific.

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

Day 5— Portland/Disembark

Disembark in Portland and transfer to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures in the Pacific Northwest.

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.

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