Expedition Details

Retrace the Pacific Northwest portion of Lewis and Clark’s epic 19th-century expedition with this seven-day itinerary along the Snake and Columbia Rivers aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion. Cruise through the lush landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge, the mountains, volcanoes, and glaciers of the Cascade Range, and the historical lands of the Native American tribes the peripatetic duo encountered. Off the ship, view Native American handiwork in museums and galleries, dine on locally-sourced cuisine, and sample the region’s famed wines and microbrews.

Trip Highlights

• Follow the path of Lewis and Clark’s expedition through what are today the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
• Cruise through the towering canyons of the Columbia River Gorge, and explore its tributaries by kayak or Zodiac.
• Hike or bike along breathtaking vistas, and take an exhilarating jet boat ride up the Snake River to Hell’s Canyon.
• Learn about the history of the Nez Perce and other Native American tribes of the area.

Itinerary - 7 Days

Day 1 — Portland, Oregon

After boarding our ship, cruise the lower reaches of the Willamette River through downtown Portland, nicknamed the City of Roses for its many rose gardens. On a clear day, look for Mount Tabor, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood.
(D)

Day 2 — Astoria, Washington

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)

Day 3 — Columbia River Gorge and Hood River

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 near Rooster Rock, a basalt tower on the Oregon side of the river where Lewis and Clark camped in 1805. Hike within sight of one of the Gorge’s myriad waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, one of the highest in the U.S. The ship continues on to Hood River, where you’ll tour the century-old Gorge White House, a working fruit and flower farm with spectacular views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams. Dine at the farm’s dahlia garden before visiting a nearby winery for a tasting and tour.
(B,L,D)

Day 4 — Columbia River Gorge

Visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to learn about the region’s natural history. Hike or bike among the cliffs and cascades along Highway 30, one of the original east-west, coast-to-coast U.S. highways. In the afternoon, visit the Maryhill Museum of Art with its eclectic collection of native baskets, Rodin sculptures, and chess sets.
(B,L,D)

Day 5 — Palouse River

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 down the Snake River, enjoying a barbecue on deck.
(B,L,D)

Day 6 — Clarkston

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. Or stick to the path of the Corps of Discovery along the Clearwater River, stopping at sites where members of the expedition made camp in the early 1800s. A historian will tell stories about the Nez Perce people who lived in the area and their relationship with Lewis and Clark.
(B,L,D)

Day 7 — Lewiston, Idaho

Arrive in Lewiston, Idaho, and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
(B)

• Print this page
• Send to a friend
• Ask a question about this trip

 View Larger

Photo Gallery

More »

This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.

Expedition Dates

2012

• Sep 14 - 20, 2012
• Sep 15 - 21, 2012
• Sep 20 - 26, 2012
• Sep 21 - 27, 2012 (waitlist only)
• Sep 26 - Oct 02, 2012
• Sep 27 - Oct 03, 2012
• Oct 02 - 08, 2012 (waitlist only)
• Oct 03 - 09, 2012
• Oct 09 - 15, 2012
• Oct 15 - 21, 2012 (waitlist only)
• Oct 21 - 27, 2012
• Oct 27 - Nov 02, 2012

Indicates trip operates in reverse. Click here to see the reverse itinerary .

National Geographic Sea Bird
National Geographic Sea Lion