September 15, 2012 DAY 1: PORTLAND, OREGON/EMBARK
Board our ship and cruise the center of Portland on the Willamette River before reaching the Columbia River. (D)
September 16, 2012 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 tapered buttes 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. (B,L,D)
September 17, 2012 DAY 3: 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. (B,L,D)
September 18, 2012 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 Zodiac cruises and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls where cascading waters plunge into pools below. Afterwards, sail down the Snake River, enjoying a barbecue on deck. (B,L,D)
September 19, 2012 DAY 5: COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AND HOOD RIVER
Today venture through the Columbia River Gorge, perhaps the most awe-inspiring section of the entire river. Cruise past the 620-foot-high Multnomah Falls and visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. (B,L,D)
September 20, 2012 DAY 6: ASTORIA
We continue 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. The Columbia River Maritime Museum chronicles the history of river navigation and this port town. (B,L,D)
September 21, 2012 DAY 7: PORTLAND/DISEMBARK/HOME
Transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)
