Expedition Details

Trace the path of Lewis and Clark's historic expedition along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Sail past the forested mountains, snowcapped volcanoes, and desert canyons first surveyed by these pioneers. From Astoria, Oregon to Clarkston, Washington, navigate spectacular waterways on board the comfortable National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion.

Itinerary - 7 Days

Day 1 — Portland, Oregon

Embark the ship and cruise the lower reaches of the Willamette River through downtown Portland. Then follow the Columbia River as it cuts between the forested western slopes of the Cascade Mountains.
National Geographic Sea Bird or National Geographic Sea Lion (D)

Day 2 — Eastern Washington's Wine Country

Awaken in the stunning plateaus of eastern Washington's acclaimed wine country. Spend the day enjoying the river's changing landscapes as you sail through several locks into the desert canyons of the Snake River.
(B,L,D)

Day 3 — Clarkston and Hells Canyon

At Clarkston, take a jet boat ride up the Snake River over rapids, through dramatic gorges, and past abandoned homesteads and gold mines to Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America. Or trace the steps of Lewis and Clark along the Clearwater River, stopping at several of the sites where they set up camp more than 200 years ago.
(B,L,D)

Day 4 — Palouse River

This tributary of the Snake River empties out from a remote, narrow canyon, ideal for exploring with the ship's Zodiacs or kayaks. You may also choose to hike around scenic Palouse Falls. If conditions permit, the crew will set up a barbecue on deck while we cruise down the Snake River in the afternoon.
(B,L,D)

Day 5 — Columbia River Gorge

Visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, where exhibits depict the cataclysmic geologic origins of the gorge; the region's diverse ecology and natural history; and its rich, 10,000-year-old human history. Continue sailing through the striking Columbia River Gorge, and pass through the locks of the Bonneville Dam.
(B,L,D)

Day 6 — Astoria

Today, we reach the mouth of the Columbia River at Astoria. At Fort Clatsop, visit a reconstruction of Lewis and Clark's winter headquarters. See the fascinating Columbia River Maritime Museum, which chronicles the history of river navigation; and explore this port town, the epicenter of the fur-trading empire in the early 1800s.
(B,L,D)

Day 7 — Portland

Arrive in Portland and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
(B)

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This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.

Expedition Dates

2010

• Sep 17 - 23, 2010
• Sep 18 - 24, 2010
• Sep 23 - 29, 2010
• Sep 24 - 30, 2010
• Sep 29 - Oct 05, 2010
• Oct 05 - 11, 2010
• Oct 11 - 17, 2010
• Oct 17 - 23, 2010
• Oct 23 - 29, 2010
• Oct 29 - Nov 04, 2010

National Geographic Sea Bird
National Geographic Sea Lion