Join the SS Legacy on this fantastic 8-day river cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. 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
Join a private tour and sample wine at Terra Blanca Winery & Estate Vineyard
Take a jet boat ride into Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Admire beautiful waterfalls & hike on both sides of the Cascade Mountains
Enjoy an incredible Deschutes River whitewater rafting trip
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Met at the airport in Spokane, Washington, there’s time to sit back and relax on your transfer to the S.S. Legacy in Clarkston. Once on board, your captain and crew help you settle in. Then it’s all champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and sweeping views—a perfect start to your adventure cruise.
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 tribe member comes aboard for a special story, song, and music presentation. Nez Perce, Lewis & Clark, 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.
A technicolor sunrise and chirping birds—follow one of the most scenic parts of the Snake toward the Palouse River and watch the world wake. Drop anchor and gear up. The essentials of the day—kayaks, swimsuits, and hiking shoes. Bring your binocs, too (there are great birding and views). At the only remaining waterfall formed by the ice age-era Missoula Floods, hike above 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.
River play is on the agenda today—whichever option you pick to start with a shallow wet landing on the 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 visit the Columbia Hills State Park on foot or, if weather permits, by skiff. 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.
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 a 2-mile round trip hike 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 round trip 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 explore downtown Hood River on your own. Art galleries, boutique shops, and wine tasting are all options.
Day 6: 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. Take a walk on the wild side at Multnomah Falls—the tallest in the state. Snap a few photos 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 full day with a good soak in the hot tub.* A shuttle is available for guests who prefer not to ride bikes.
Day 7: Astoria | Ft. Clatsop - Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Dock in charming, Victorian downtown Astoria then you’re off to Ft. Clatsop, the winter fort of the 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. Check out the exhibits and follow trails to the replica fort or take a low/no elevation walk from the visitor center to view replica dugout canoes. For a longer but easy hike, a one-mile trail along the Lewis and Clark River leads to an outdoor viewing area highlighting the landscape and stories described in the journals of Lewis & Clark. Hard chargers can take a 7-mile, one-way hike on the Fort to Sea Trail through forest, fields, and dunes. Whichever you opt for, everyone experiences Ft. Clatsop and beach walks. Back downtown, explore on your own, walk the waterfront trail, and/or visit the Astoria Column. Afterwards, set sail up river and see what delectable treats your chef and crew have in store for the evening—a nibble from a local harvest.
Day 8: Portland, Oregon | Disembark
1 Breakfast
One last fresh scone or omelet. Then wish your travel mates farewell. Your transfer waits to the Portland airport for 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 or Discover
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 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.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
