A River Voyage of Discovery

Here, some new wonder awaits around every bend. Dramatic waterfalls dropping into the Columbia River Gorge. Historic forts where blue-coated U.S. Cavalry strived to tame the new frontier. And a fascinating look at how the rivers themselves were tamed, as you transit more than 800 miles and navigate eight major sets of locks and dams-twice.

You cruise down the winding Snake River through scenic Hells Canyon, ancient Nez Perce horse trails still visible from the river. As your small ship approaches the mouth of the mighty Columbia, you disembark to visit the Fort Clatsop. Passing the heavy wooden gates, you can feel the presence of buckskin-clad Lewis and Clark who sheltered here from the elements during the rainy winter of 1805.

The Pacific Northwest's pioneer history is made more enriching by the casual, congenial atmosphere of our small ship cruises. Our crew and Exploration Leaders have gathered a rich trove of lore and insider knowledge that they are eager to share, and a special series of excursions, guest speakers, and narration help you recapture the past in intimate ways. You'll meet those who can tell of the hardships of establishing the Whitman Mission in the midst of wilderness, and from a Nez Perce speaker, who will share their historical contributions in the shaping of this region and the vision for the future of their culture.

The historical tapestry flows right down to the present day, from the saga of dam construction in the 1930s, to the awesome new profile of Mt. St. Helens and the modern environmental issues of salmon survival and irrigation rights.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Sail from Portland 
On arrival in Portland, transfer to your vessel at the downtown waterfront. On departure this evening, you will slowly cruise the Willamette River to view beautiful riverside homes and the downtown skyline. D 

Day 2 Columbia River Gorge 
This morning, the ship passes through the locks of Bonneville Dam at the entrance to the Columbia River Gorge. You will visit the dam’s visitor center, then tour by motorcoach to Multnomah Falls. Return to the ship and continue cruising upriver, with a daylight passage through the Gorge. This evening, pass through The Dalles and John Day Lock and Dam. BLD 

Day 3 Cruising the Snake River 
Today enjoy a delightful, leisurely day exploring the rivers and the long lakes formed by the great dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Along the shore, the rugged cliffs and buttes evoke the atmosphere of the Old West. BLD 

Day 4 Hells Canyon 
After your final upriver lock crossing at Lower Granite Dam, you will dock near Clarkston, Washington. In the morning, a Nez Perce interpreter will regale you with tales of his people, including the saga of Chief Joseph. Board jetboats for an exhilarating all day excursion deep into Hells Canyon. This freeflowing stretch of the Snake River boasts lovely whitewater rapids that pour beneath steep cliffs rising thousands of feet on both sides of the gorge. BLD 

Day 5 Walla Walla 
Today you will tour the Fort Walla Walla Museum and the nearby historic site of the Whitman Mission, where a Conestoga wagon stands in the ruts of the replica Oregon Trail. Enjoy lunch at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla. This afternoon return to the ship to continue cruising. BLD 

Day 6 The Dalles and Hood River 
Today, visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center at The Dalles, with spectacular dioramas and displays of the region’s geography and history. An included tour takes you to Maryhill Museum, a historic mansion sitting in solitary splendor on a bluff over the Columbia River. The museum boasts an eclectic collection of Native American arts, European paintings, and the Queen of Romania’s personal effects. Return to the vessel at Hood River to continue cruising into the lovely Columbia River Gorge. BLD 

Day 7 Astoria and Fort Clatsop 
Overnight cruise downriver to the historic port of Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River. Today your stay in Astoria includes a guided walking tour of dowtown Astoria, the historic Flavel House, Fort Clatsop and the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Travel to Fort Clatsop National Memorial Park, a reconstructed log fort on the site where Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery wintered in 1805-06. On return to the vessel in Astoria, you will hear tales of the notoriously turbulent passage between the open Pacific and the peaceful Columbia River. On board this evening, sample local Tillamook cheeses and Washington wines. BLD 

Day 8 Return to Portland 
Early this morning return to Portland’s central riverfront, where your week-long voyage into history ends. A transfer is included to the Portland Airport. B

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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.