Retrace the Pacific Northwest portion of Lewis and Clark’s epic 19th-century expedition aboard the National Geographic Quest. Cruise through the lush landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge, the mountains of the Cascade Range, and the historical lands of the Native American tribes the peripatetic duo encountered. Dine on locally-sourced cuisine, and sample the region’s famed wines and microbrews.
After boarding our ship, cruise the lower reaches of the Willamette River through downtown Portland, nicknamed Rose City for its many rose gardens.
(D)
Sail to the mouth of the Columbia River at Astoria, Oregon. At Fort Clatsop, walk through the full-scale reconstructed fort where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark hunkered down for the wet winter of 1805-1806 before their return journey to St. Louis. Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which chronicles the history of river navigation and this port town. In the afternoon, choose between a visit to Cape Disappointment (the headland where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean), or the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge by Zodiac or kayak (weather permitting).
(B,L,D)
Sail east on the Columbia River, which forms the border between Washington and Oregon. Deepening canyons signify the beginning of the 100-mile stretch called the Columbia River Gorge. Begin exploration of the Gorge with visits to Bonneville Lock and Dam and Beacon Rock. Hike within sight of one of the Gorge’s myriad waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, one of the highest in the U.S. Continue through the Gorge to Hood River where we'll visit the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum (WAAAM), home to one of the largest collections of still-functioning antique cars and planes in the country. End the day with a tour of a local vineyard and a tasting of their award-winning wines.
(B,L,D)
Learn about the region’s natural history at theColumbia Gorge Discovery Center. Hike or bikeamong the cliffs and cascades along Highway30, one of the original coast-to-coast U.S.highways. At the Maryhill Museum of Art,browse an eclectic collection of native baskets,Rodin sculptures, and chess sets. Cap off the day with a vineyard tour and wine tasting.
(B,L,D)
This tributary of the Snake River empties out from a remote, narrow canyon and its calm waters are ideal for exploring with the ship’s Zodiacs and kayaks. Visit Palouse Falls, where cascading waters plunge into pools below. Afterward, sail up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties.
(B,L,D)
Near the Idaho border, Clarkston, Washington, is at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Guests can opt for a jet boat ride up the Snake River over rapids and past abandoned homesteads and gold mines to Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America.
(B,L,D)
Transfer through Lewiston, Idaho, or Spokane, Washington for your flight home.
(B)
Book by March 31, 2018 and receive a $500 air credit on the April 12, April 18, October 11, and October 17, 2018 departures. Book the April 12 or 18, 2018 departures and enjoy a free overnight stay in Portland, plus a half-day city tour. For solo travelers on the April 12, 2018 departure, we will waive the single supplement charge in Categories 1 and 2.
Offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability. Please call for details.
Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts — from naturalists to regional specialists — who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes, and local culture. See one of the members of our extraordinary team below.
Rab Cummings
Born near Seattle, Washington, Rab enjoyed a highly unconventional childhood as the son of a veterinary science professor. He spent his youth paddling canoes through Canada’s hinterlands, deepening his love and understanding of the natural world. After earning a degree in natural resource management from the University of Montana, Rab focused his efforts on natural history education.
Joyful and curious by nature, Rab has taught field courses in wilderness areas throughout North America, including several years as a National Park Service Ranger at Katmai National Park, the world’s most accessible grizzly bear viewing site. He managed a nationwide network of water science educators. Later as the Youth and Education Coordinator for Ducks Unlimited, he connected elite science teachers with field biologists to conduct wetland and waterfowl monitoring and education.
You can expect to learn about birds when you travel with Rab. A lifetime of birding and years of conducting Breeding Bird Surveys for the United States Geological Survey has sharpened his eyes and ears. His experience teaching makes him an enthusiastic guide. Throughout 2018, Rab is acting as a National Geographic Year of the Bird Ambassador.
Rab will join the following departures:
Oct 11 - 17, 2018
Oct 17 - 23, 2018
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Give the Gift of a National Geographic Expedition Aboard the National Geographic Fleet
REV Indicates trip operates in reverse.
Add a Pre- or Post-Voyage One-Day Extension: Portland, Oregon City Tour and/or Willamette Valley Wine Tour. Please call for details.
Quest | |
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Category 1 | $4,890 |
Category 2 | $5,690 |
Category 3 | $6,650 |
Category 4 | $7,390 |
Category 5 | $8,190 |
Quest | |
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Category 1 | $4,940 |
Category 2 | $5,750 |
Category 3 | $6,720 |
Category 4 | $7,460 |
Category 5 | $8,270 |
Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single cabin in 2018, add $2,450 in Category 1 and $2,850 in Category 2. For a single cabin in 2018, add $2,470 in Category 1 and $2,880 in Category 2.
Airfare to Portland and return from Lewiston, Idaho or Spokane Washington, or vice versa, is not included in the expedition cost.
Travelers should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time. Daily activities may include city walking tours, visits to sites, game drives on bumpy roads, or easy hikes.
Click here for a description of all activity levels.