A River Voyage of Discovery

Follow the epic journey of the Lewis & Clark Expedition and retrace nearly 1,000 miles of their route along the Columbia & Snake Rivers.

See scenic riverways punctuated by orchards, evergreens, and elegant waterfalls. Throughout your cruise, the Pacific Northwest's pioneer history is brought to life with a special series of excursions, guest speakers, and narration and presentations by your onboard Exploration Leaders. You’ll be amazed at the variety of sights and experiences on this voyage. The sheer magnitude of the geologic forces that shaped this region, from the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge to the golden coulees of the east; the history of Lewis & Clark, the early pioneers and Native Americans; the tremendous engineering feat of the 8 locks and dams that tamed this mighty river.

Itinerary Highlights:

• Transit 8 sets of locks and visit the Bonneville Dam Visitor Center
• Experience Multnomah Falls, spectacular Columbia Gorge, and a jet boat into Hells Canyon — North America’s deepest canyon
• Uncover the Wild West at Pendleton’s underground tunnels
• Learn of the storied past of local tribes at the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Cruise From Portland
On arrival in Portland, you will transfer to the ship. This evening enjoy a sparkling wine toast as the ship slowly cruises the Willamette River to view the Portland skyline. This 240-mile tributary of the Columbia River is crossed by 19 bridges and 3 ferries. D

Day 2 - Cruising the World-Renowned Columbia Gorge National Scenic area
Your ship slips through the locks of Bonneville Dam at the entrance to the Columbia River Gorge. Since 1938, this historic landmark has supplied hydroelectric power, fish and wildlife protection, and recreation. Stop at the dam’s Visitor Center, then tour by motorcoach to breathtaking Multnomah Falls, the tallest falls in Oregon. Return to the ship to continue your journey upriver. This spectacular river canyon, 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, is a natural wind tunnel that cuts the only sea level route through the Cascade Mountains. BLD

Day 3 - Pendleton
Travel to Pendleton along a route used by the Oregon Trail Pioneers. Uncover the Wild West past of Pendleton’s underground tunnels, dug by Chinese emigrants between 1870 and 1930. Lunch is served at the impressive Hamley’s Saloon, offering a home-style barbeque lunch. Explore the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute honoring the 10,000-year history of the confederated Tribes of the Umatilla, Cayuse, and Walla Walla. Learn about their history through interactive exhibits and a Living Cultural Village. BLD

Day 4 - Hell’s Canyon
After your final upriver locking at Lower Granite Dam, the vessel will dock in historic Clarkston, Washington, “the Northwest’s most inland seaport” at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. Board motorcoaches for transfer upriver to a riverside lodge where you will have lunch, just prior to boarding covered jet boats for an exhilarating excursion into Hells Canyon. This free-flowing river cuts its way through North America’s deepest canyon and boasts incredible scenery beneath steep cliffs rising thousands of feet on both sides of the gorge. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, bighorn sheep and 7,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs. BLD

Day 5 - Walla Walla
Internationally recognized for its production of award winning wines, Walla Walla is a quaint town where you will enjoy an historic tour and time allowing, an opportunity to explore and shop on your own. A special casually elegant lunch has been arranged at a local favorite restaurant before a tour and tasting at two unique wineries. Return to the ship for dinner and evening cruising. BLD

Day 6 - River Cruising
The river lends its unique rhythms to life onboard. You will have a full day of leisurely cruising past ancient petroglyphs, granite and basalt cliffs, Beacon Rock, Multnomah Falls, Cape Horn and legendary Rooster Rock. By end of day you’ll have locked through McNary, John Day and The Dalles, where man and nature work hand in hand. BLD

Day 7 - Astoria and Fort Clatsop (April to May / September to October)
Stand in Lewis & Clark’s footsteps at the Fort Clatsop National Memorial, where Lewis & Clark spent the winter of 1805-1806. See the fascinating Columbia River Maritime Museum. You’ll have free time to discover the hidden treasures of this charming Victorian seaport, that is the western terminus of the TransAmerica Trail. BLD

(From June to August)

• Option 1 - Rainier & Mt. St. Helens - Disembark in Rainier for a coach drive to Mt. St. Helens. The Johnston Ridge Observatory brings the 1980 eruption to life. Here you will see evidence of and learn more about the cataclysmic 1980 eruption — an explosion that leveled 230 square miles of mature forest and removed 1,300 feet from the top of the mountain. Discover that the eruption was more than just a single event and see first hand how scientists continue to monitor this active volcano. BLD
  
  OR
• Option 2 - Astoria - Board a motorcoach for a transfer to the Lewis & Clark National Historic Park and the site of Fort Clatsop where the explorers spent the winter after making it to the Pacific Ocean. See the fascinating Columbia River Maritime Museum. You’ll have free time to discover the hidden treasures of this charming Victorian seaport, that is the western terminus of the TransAmerica Trail before returning tothe Ship. BLD

Day 8 - Back to Portland
Return to Portland’s attractive riverfront where your week-long voyage ends. A transfer to the Portland Airport is included.

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.