From the cosmopolitan and fascinating city of Portland to Lewiston, Idaho, this dazzling 9-day river cruise offers you the opportunity to explore the wonders of this rich region. Transit eight locks and enjoy a private tour at the Bonneville Dam Visitor Center. Take a walk on the wild side at Multnomah Falls—the tallest in the state. Observe lava flows, floods, and volcanic ash deposits that shaped the Rowena—sheer cliffs, basalt landforms, and wide-stretching plateaus. Discover the award-winning wines that come out of the Red Mountain AVA. Whitewater rafting, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking opportunities abound as you learn about this area's culture, natural history, Lewis and Clark, and native history via a presentation by a Nez Perce tribal member.
Highlights
Enjoy an incredible Deschutes River whitewater rafting trip
Admire beautiful waterfalls & hikes on both sides of the Cascade Mountains
Take a jet boat ride into Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Take a private tour and sample wine at Terra Blanca Winery & Estate Vineyard
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
You made it, welcome to the City of Roses! Check in to your hotel, then go. Farm-to-table dining, craft breweries, art, museums, shopping—more to explore than you have time, but it’s fun trying. Overnight at Hotel Rose (or similar).
Check out of your hotel and gather with your shipmates for a tour of the city by foot and bus. Eclectic neighborhoods, expansive gardens and parks, historic bridges and mansions. Portland is quirky, cosmopolitan, and fascinating. This afternoon, board your ship. The captain and crew help you settle in. Then it’s all champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and sunset views—a perfect start to your adventure cruise.
Day 3: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area | Hood River Valley
Gateway to the gorge. Slip through the Bonneville Dam locks, then head behind the scenes at the visitor center. You’re in luck with a private tour of its massive turbines and fish ladders. From there, take to the Columbia Gorge Highway for the Crown Point overlook where the iconic views of the Gorge come into sight. Snap a few photos and grab a bite before big adventure: a bike and wine outing. Pedal and taste your way through the Hood River Valley accompanied by local guides. Quaint shops, bountiful orchards, boutique wineries - it's all worth stopping for. Hop off your bike for visits with the locals and wine tastings on sunny patios. Back on the saddle again, feel the breeze in your face as you wind your way on backcountry roads through this perfectly pastoral countryside. On board, rest up from a gull day with a good soak in the hot tub.
Lava flows, floods, and volcanic ash deposits shaped the Rowena—sheer cliffs, basalt landforms, wide-stretching plateaus. At Rowena Overlook, it’s boots-on-the-ground exploration. Opt for 2-mile roundtrip to the crest of Tom McCall Nature Preserve. Your reward: expansive views in every direction—including the river far below. Or, choose the steeper, 3.6-mile roundtrip Tom McCall Point trail. On a cloudless day, your effort gaining 1,000 feet of elevation pays off with views of Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and the Columbia River GorgeOUS! Post-hike, fuel up. There’s time to cycle or stroll along the Twin Tunnels Trail—a pedestrian-only section of the historic Columbia River Highway, or tour a Hood River orchard and working farm (that makes a mighty fine cider).
River play is on the agenda today—whichever option you pick start with a shallow wet landing on beach. Choose whitewater with a Deschutes rafting adventure. Class II and III+ rapids come with names like Elevator and Surf City. Rafting guides provide the gear (including optional wetsuits) and expertise; your ship’s chef provides the picnic lunch. Stick to dry land and hike or bike in the canyon of Deschutes River State Recreation Area. Take a dip in a lazy section of the river, and let the sunshine dry you up after a swim. Along the river’s edge, listen to the rustle of cottonwoods. Swap stories with your shipmates over sunset cocktails and appetizers.
Award-winning wines come out of the Red Mountain AVA. Sweeping views surround Terra Blanca Winery & Estate Vineyard. And its owner and winemaker do a good job of keeping you on the task of tasting. A private tour takes you through the vineyards and into their wine caves. After lunch, soak up the beauty of your surroundings with guided yoga stretches in a Richland park. Or, opt to run, walk or bike along the Columbia River Trail. Cruise the river this evening. Pop into the bridge to chat up the captain. Relax on the sun deck with a book and a glass of wine—or with your complimentary massage.
The essentials of the day—kayaks, paddle boards, swimsuits, and hiking shoes. Bring your binocs, too (there’s great birding and views). At the only remaining waterfall formed by the ice age-era Missoula Floods, hike through the canyon to view the falls—which according to tribal legend, were born after a gallant fight with a mythic creature. Afterwards, skiff out to the kayaks and grab a paddle or go for a swim in the Palouse River Canyon. Wind up the afternoon cruising one of the most scenic stretches of the Snake River. After your final upriver locking at Lower Granite Dam, dock in Clarkston, Washington.
The history of this area is as rich as the canyon walls are dense. Delve into it! After breakfast, it’s a treat when a Nez Perce tribal member comes aboard for a special story, song, and music presentation. Lewis & Clark, Nez Perce, early Pioneers—signs of the past tell tales on your jet boat ride into the canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for sure-footed bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and 7,000-year-old petroglyphs. Hemmed in by vertical cliffs, this free-flowing stretch of the Snake cuts its way through North America’s deepest river gorge. Celebrate the week tonight with a Farewell Dinner and slide show recap presented by your expedition team.
Day 9: Lewiston, Idaho | Portland, Oregon | Disembark
1 Breakfast
One last fresh scone or omelet. After breakfast, disembark in Clarkston and transfer to the Lewiston, Idaho or Spokane, Washington airport (your choice) to catch your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Queen, double or twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. #105-112, 206-210, 303-308, 311-318
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Captain Stateroom
Queen or two twin beds, view window, private bath with shower. #211-214
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Admiral Stateroom
Queen or twin beds, view window, private bath with shower, trundle bed for triple. #101-102, 201-202, 309-310
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Jr Commodore Suite
Queen or twin beds, refrigerator, wrap-around windows, private bath with shower. #301-302
Notes
- All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Any stateroom (except designated single) may be sold as a single for 175% of the double occupancy rate. Triple and quad rooming arrangements are available, please contact us for rates.
Initial deposit is $750 for one week cruises, $1500 for two or three week cruises, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
8 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Airport Transfers
Park and Entrance Fees
Alcohol (except premium brands)
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
From-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment
Complimentary boot rental is available. However, due to the limited supply of boots available aboard the ship, it is recommended that you bring your own rubber boots for best fit and availability. Youth size boots are not available.
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Gratuities will be shared among your onboard crew and are paid at the end of your cruise. We recommend $250 per week per guest ($35/day per guest). Gratuities can be added to your tab along with any onboard purchases. For travel in the U.S., gratuities may be paid by cash (USD), check, traveler’s check, or credit card. In our international destinations, gratuities require payment by cash (USD) or credit card.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner