Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey

Choose to fly into nearby Lewiston, Idaho, or fly into Spokane, Washington, located two hours away and travel though the picturesque landscapes of the Palouse to Clarkston to board the National Geographic Quest.

At Clarkston, find yourself at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, more than 450 miles from the sea. The name Clarkston is in reference to William Clark and is located directly across the river from Lewiston, Idaho, which is named for Meriwether Lewis, though neither of them ever traveled to the Clarkston side of the river. Travel by comfortable jet boat into one of North America’s most scenic spots, spectacular Hells Canyon.  The 125-mile long canyon was carved by the waters of the Snake River and at 7,993 feet is North America’s deepest river gorge—most of it inaccessible by road. The earliest known settlers in the canyon were the Nez Percé tribe and, as you travel up the river, look to the hillsides and see remnants of their ancestral horse trails along with pictographs and petroglyphs on the rock formations. This afternoon, join your fellow travelers in the lounge for songs and stories by a local Nez Percé storyteller.

Set sail this evening on the Snake River, and overnight, transit two in the series of eight locks which will lower the ship some 700 feet as you make your way west, nearly 10 times that of the Panama Canal.

The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as we set off cruising on our Zodiac and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls, where cascading waters plunge 198 feet into the pool below. These falls and the canyon are an important feature of the channeled scablands created by the great Missoula Floods that swept periodically across the region. Afterward, sail up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties.

Today we will spend the day cruising through some of the most scenic and geologically interesting stretches of the Columbia River and the Columbia Plateau. Our onboard geologist and naturalists will talk with you about the Columbian Basalt Flows and the Missoula Floods that sculpted the landscape 13,000 years ago. Relive the historic tales of the Corps of Discovery through the eyes of the historian as you sail by landmarks from their epic journey. Or unwind with a massage from the wellness specialist.

Spend your morning visiting the stunning Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center in Stevenson, Washington, featuring 15,000 years of cultural and natural history of the Columbia Gorge with displays both inside and outside.  Or trek up the iconic Beacon Rock, the 848-foot basalt column that once formed the core of an ancient volcano.  Lewis and Clark camped here on their way west, and it was at Beacon Rock that they first noticed the tides affecting the water levels in the Columbia River, more than 120 miles from its mouth.

Continue through the Gorge to Hood River, located in the shadows of majestic Mount Hood where you will enjoy a farm to table orchard lunch overlooking the golden Hood River Valley.  The valley is known for its fruit growing orchards-including one of the world’s largest pear growing areas. After lunch you’ll have the option to visit the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum and explore one of the largest collections of still functioning antique cars and planes in the country or trek the trails of Tom McCall Nature Preserve which is home to over 200 plant species.

This evening, enjoy the company of a local brewer onboard and partake in some of their craft brews while you hear about how the microbrew industry got started in Hood River.

We begin our journey by navigating the Columbia to the mouth of the river at Astoria. At Cape Disappointment, where Meriwether Lewis saw the Pacific in November of 1805, explore the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, see Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, and the north jetty of the Columbia River Bar. Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which chronicles the history of river navigation and all aspects of maritime commerce in the region.  Hear harrowing stories of crossing “The Bar” at the mouth of the Columbia, one of the most dangerous passages in the world. In the afternoon explore the Astoria area with several options to choose from.

Arrive in Portland, located on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, in the shadow of snow-capped Mt. Hood. The city is known for its eco-friendliness, microbreweries, and coffeehouses. After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Included

Accommodations aboard ship; meals as indicated; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; scheduled group airport transfers to/from the ship.

Exclusions

Air transportation; voyage DVD; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, etc.; discretionary tips for ship’s crew; insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $750 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – $350 of deposit retained (may be applied to future trip by trip operator)
119 to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 25% of total trip cost
59 to 45 days – 50% of total trip cost
44 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 Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Reverse Fall Harvest Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey cruise begins in Clarkston, Washington, and ends in Portland, Oregon. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. There are two airports nearby: Lewiston, Idaho (LWS), and Spokane, Washington (GEG); arrivals here have provided transfers. Please arrive at Lewiston no later than 3:30pm for a 4:00pm transfer to the ship, or arrive Spokane no later than 1:30pm for a 2:00pm transfer to the ship. All outbound flights should be made after 12:00pm on the final day of the outlined itinerary; transfers are provided to the airport.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. A fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks enables up-close exploration. One naturalist for every 10 guests ensures dedicated access and attention to any questions you may have. A wellness specialist offers wellness treatments, massages and complimentary morning stretching. Off-vessel activities including hiking, biking and kayaking excursions range from 2-4 hours each day.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Arrive in Portland, located on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, in the shadow of snow-capped Mt. Hood. The city is known for its eco-friendliness, microbreweries, and coffeehouses. This afternoon board the ship and discover why Portland is nicknamed “Bridgetown” as she sails under eight of the city’s 12 eclectic bridges along the Willamette River, the first of five rivers you will encounter on this voyage.

Gain a fresh perspective on such highlights as Bonneville Lock and Dam, Multnomah Falls and Beacon Rock (perhaps even hike it if so inclined). Bonneville is first in the series of eight locks which will lift or lower the ship some 700 feet above sea level, nearly 10 times that of the Panama Canal.

Continue through the Gorge to Hood River, located in the shadows of majestic Mount Hood where and have the option to see the spring bloom in the Hood River Valley. The valley is known for its fruit growing orchards—including one of the world’s largest pear growing areas. Visit the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum and explore one of the largest collections of still functioning antique cars and planes or choose to do something more active in the area.

Spend the day cruising through some of the most scenic and geologically interesting stretches of the Columbia River and the Columbia Plateau. The onboard geologist and naturalists talk about the Columbian Basalt Flows and the Missoula Floods that sculpted the landscape 13,000 years ago. Relive the historic tales of the Corps of Discovery through the eyes of the historian while sailing by landmarks from their epic journey. Perhaps unwind with a massage from the wellness specialist.

Drive through some of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, with bright, rolling green fields of sprouting wheat, asparagus, the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onions and now the vineyards that bring Walla Walla world-wide recognition. Enjoy historic Walla Walla with a visit to the Whitman Mission, a National Historic Site, and the location of the 1847 attack on missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and 12 members of their household by a group of Cayuse seeking retribution for the spread of measles among their people and the inability of Whitman to heal the sick. Enjoy lunch and a tasting at a local winery.

The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs while exploring via Zodiac and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls, where cascading waters plunge 198 feet into the pool below. These falls and the canyon are an important feature of the channeled scablands created by the great Missoula Floods that swept periodically across the region. Afterwards, sail up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties.

At Clarkston, stand at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, more than 450 miles from the sea. The name Clarkston is in reference to William Clark and is located directly across the river from Lewiston, Idaho, which is named for Meriwether Lewis, though neither of them ever traveled to the Clarkston side of the river. Travel by comfortable jet boat into one of North America’s most scenic spots, spectacular Hells Canyon. The 125-mile long canyon was carved by the waters of the Snake River and at 7,993 feet is North America’s deepest river gorge—most of it inaccessible by road. The earliest known settlers in the canyon were the Nez Percé tribe. While traveling up the river, look to the hillsides and see remnants of their ancestral horse trails along with pictographs and petroglyphs on the rock formations.

This evening, enjoy the company of a local winemaker onboard and sip of their wines while learning about how the geology of the area surrounding the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA, the newest Viticultural Area in the United States, affects the flavors of their wines. A special addition to this eastbound itinerary is the addition of a winemaker onboard.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for connecting flights home. Choose to fly from nearby Lewiston, Idaho, or travel though the picturesque landscapes of the Palouse to Spokane, Washington, located two hours away.

Included

Accommodations aboard ship; meals as indicated; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; scheduled group airport transfers to/from the ship, except for embarkation airport transfer in Portland.

Exclusions

Air transportation; embarkation airport transfer in Portland; voyage DVD; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, etc.; discretionary tips for ship’s crew; insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $750 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – $350 of deposit retained (may be applied to future trip by trip operator)
119 to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 25% of total trip cost
59 to 45 days – 50% of total trip cost
44 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 Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The main Spring Bloom Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey cruise begins in Portland, Oregon (PDX), and ends in Clarkston, Washington. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Guests are advised to arrive to PDX no later than 2:00pm on day 1 of the itinerary, to be at a downtown hotel meeting area before 3:00pm, for a 4:30pm embarkation. Plan to depart from either of the two airports nearby Clarkson: Lewiston, Idaho (LWS), or Spokane, Washington (GEG). Plan outbound flights to depart after 12:00pm on the final day of the outlined itinerary; transfers are provided to the airport.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. A fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks enables up-close exploration. One naturalist for every 10 guests ensures dedicated access and attention to any questions you may have. A wellness specialist offers wellness treatments, massages and complimentary morning stretching. Off-vessel activities including hiking, biking and kayaking excursions range from 2-4 hours each day.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Choose to fly into nearby Lewiston, Idaho, or fly into Spokane, Washington, located two hours away and travel though the picturesque landscapes of the Palouse to Clarkston to board the ship.

At Clarkston, revel at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, more than 450 miles from the sea. The name Clarkston is in reference to William Clark and is located directly across the river from Lewiston, Idaho, which is named for Meriwether Lewis, though neither of them ever traveled to the Clarkston side of the river. Travel by comfortable jet boat into one of North America’s most scenic spots, spectacular Hells Canyon. The 125-mile long canyon was carved by the waters of the Snake River and at 7,993 feet is North America’s deepest river gorge—most of it inaccessible by road. The earliest known settlers in the canyon were the Nez Percé tribe and, while traveling up the river, look to the hillsides and see remnants of their ancestral horse trails along with pictographs and petroglyphs on the rock formations.

The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs while exploring via Zodiac and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls, where cascading waters plunge 198 feet into the pool below. These falls and the canyon are an important feature of the channeled scablands created by the great Missoula Floods that swept periodically across the region. Afterwards, sail up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties.

Drive through some of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, with bright, rolling green fields of sprouting wheat, asparagus, the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onions and now the vineyards that bring Walla Walla world-wide recognition. Enjoy historic Walla Walla with a visit to the Whitman Mission, a National Historic Site, and the location of the 1847 attack on missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and 12 members of their household by a group of Cayuse seeking retribution for the spread of measles among their people and the inability of Whitman to heal the sick. Visit Fort Walla Walla Museum featuring an eclectic collection of historical artifacts, farming implements, a 17-building historic pioneer settlement and an impressive display of a 1919 Harris hillside wheat combine complete with life-size replica of a team of 33 mules. Enjoy lunch and tasting at a local winery.

Spend the day cruising through some of the most scenic and geologically interesting stretches of the Columbia River and the Columbia Plateau. The onboard geologist and naturalists talks about the Columbian Basalt Flows and the Missoula Floods that sculpted the landscape 13,000 years ago. Relive the historic tales of the Corps of Discovery through the eyes of the historian while sailing by landmarks from their epic journey. Or choose to unwind with a massage from the wellness specialist.

Gain a fresh perspective on such highlights as Bonneville Lock and Dam, Multnomah Falls, and Beacon Rock (perhaps even hike it if so inclined). Bonneville is first in the series of eight locks which will lift or lower the ship some 700 feet above sea level, nearly 10 times that of the Panama Canal. Continue through the Gorge to Hood River, located in the shadows of majestic Mount Hood to have the option to see the spring bloom in the Hood River Valley. The valley is known for its fruit growing orchards-including one of the world’s largest pear growing areas. Visit the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum and explore one of the largest collections of still functioning antique cars and planes in the country or choose to do something more active in the area. This evening, enjoy the company of a local brewer onboard and partake in some of their craft brews while learning about how the microbrew industry got started in Hood River.

Arrive in Portland, located on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, in the shadow of snow-capped Mt. Hood. The city is known for its eco-friendliness, microbreweries, and coffee houses. After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Included

Accommodations aboard ship; meals as indicated; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; scheduled group airport transfers to/from the ship.

Exclusions

Air transportation; voyage DVD; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, etc.; discretionary tips for ship’s crew; insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $750 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – $350 of deposit retained (may be applied to future trip by trip operator)
119 to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 25% of total trip cost
59 to 45 days – 50% of total trip cost
44 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 Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Reverse Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey Spring Bloom cruise begins in Clarkston, Washington, and ends in Portland, Oregon (PDX). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. There are two airports nearby Clarkson: Lewiston, Idaho (LWS), and Spokane, Washington (GEG). Plan arrival at Lewiston no later than 3:30pm for a 4:00pm transfer to the ship, or arrive to Spokane no later than 1:30pm for a 2:00pm transfer to the ship. Arrival transfers are provided. Plan outbound flights to depart after 12:00pm on the final day of the outlined itinerary; transfers are provided to the airport.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. A fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks enables up-close exploration. One naturalist for every 10 guests ensures dedicated access and attention to any questions you may have. A wellness specialist offers wellness treatments, massages and complimentary morning stretching. Off-vessel activities including hiking, biking and kayaking excursions range from 2-4 hours each day.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.