COLUMBIA RIVER CRUISE

DAY 1 Burlington, VT to Portland, OR

Meet your Tour Manager at the Burlington Airport. Arrive in Portland, Oregon on the day before our scheduled cruise. The package includes a premium hotel stay, where you can enjoy the city at your leisure.

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DAY 2 Hayden Island, OR

On the morning of the cruise, meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast and we will transport to the ship to begin our cruise at Hayden Island, Oregon. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship. Begin your river journey in this vibrant region with majestic Mount Hood serving as a stunning background. Situated between the waters of Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the area’s history is forever entwined with the fortunes of these great rivers. In the golden age of riverboats, sternwheelers crossed the waterfront while steam whistles and calliopes rang out across the water.

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DAY 3 Astoria, OR  

A nationally significant historic region at the western end of the Lewis & Clark Trail, Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. In the winter of 1805-06, the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery Expedition was headquartered at Fort Clatsop. In 1955, a replica of the fort was built near the original site and was eventually named a National Monument. With its steep hills and beautiful Victorian homes, Astoria has been called the "Little San Francisco of the Pacific Northwest" and has a revitalized downtown ideal for shopping and dining.

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DAY 4 Mount St. Helens, WA  

Perhaps the most impactful of all landmarks in the region is Mount St. Helens. From high on an overlook, bear witness to the awesome power of the volcano whose eruption in 1980 scorched 230 square miles of forest land and forever changed the landscape. Expert guides will show you the pumice plain and lava dome as they explain the effect the volcano had on the lives of those in the surrounding towns.

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May 18, 1980 is a day etched into the history of the United States, as the powerful eruption of Mont St. Helens drastically changed the landscape of what is now referred to as the National Volcanic Monument. On your scenic journey to the Mount St. Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory, your tour guide will provide engaging commentary regarding the eruption, how it affected the landscape and surrounding communities, and how the environment has responded naturally to the disturbance. The Observatory itself is on a bluff near the crater, offering spectacular view of the pumice plain and blast site.

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DAY 5 Cruising the Columbia River Gorge / Stevenson, WA

The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. A popular recreational destination, the gorge holds federally protected status as a National Scenic Area. The cliffs of the gorge look down on quaint riverfront towns and exhilarating waterfalls.

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A highlight of any trip to the Pacific Northwest is Multnomah Falls, the second tallest year-round waterfall in the U.S. After breakfast, our private guide will meet you at the ship’s dock along the Columbia River Gorge to begin your journey. As you wind through the thick forest, cross the impressive “Bridge of the Gods,” before finally reaching Multnomah Falls. Upon arrival, you will have time to explore the Falls on your own and walk the famous Benson Bridge to get the best vantage point for your photo opportunities.

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DAY 6 The Dalles, OR 

Located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, between Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, on the south bank, The Dalles is a perfect photographic spot. Discover the area where Lewis & Clark camped at Rock Fort Camp during their historic journey to explore the Louisiana Purchase territory in 1805-1806.

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DAY 7 Pendleton, OR / Richland, WA

Pendleton is known for its beautiful countryside, indigenous Native American tribes, and the network of underground tunnels created a century ago for illicit activities. The area is also famous for its lucrative wool trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit The REACH Museum in Richland which illustrates the culture and history of the region through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and tours.

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DAY 8 Cruising the Snake River 

On your journey to Clarkston, WA, cruise the renowned Snake River along mountain ranges, canyons, and plains. Relax on the sundeck and view the spectacular wildlife that lives along its shores, including Otter, Coyote, Pronghorn, Deer, Coyote, Mountain Goat, and Marmots. You may also spot Osprey and Eagles and variety of different species of birds.

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What you won’t see are snakes, as the river doesn’t actually have snakes in it, but rather an abundance of salmon. While some believe the river was called the Snake because of its shape that has many twists and winds, it is actually believed to have received its name from a Native American hand symbol.

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DAY 9 Clarkston, WA 

The twin cities of Lewiston, ID and Clarkston, WA, are known as the Northwest’s most inland seaports. Along the Snake River you’ll find Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America. This canyon is known for its pristine scenery and thriving wildlife.

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Conclude your incredible voyage in Clarkston, WA, named for William Clark of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition. After breakfast, disembark the ship and begin your amazing Hells Canyon Jet Boat Adventure. Explore the deepest canyon in North America and admire breathtaking scenery, including bighorn sheep, ancient rock formations, and Native American pictographs. Along the way, be treated to lunch at a private ranch within the canyon.

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In the afternoon, we will escort you to the Holiday Inn Clarkston-Lewiston, where your luggage will be waiting for you. Explore the charming towns of Clarkston and Lewiston at your leisure.

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DAY 10 Clarkston, WA 

Depart the hotel this morning for flights home.