From the cosmopolitan and fascinating city of Portland to Lewiston, Idaho, this dazzling 8-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.
Itinerary operates in reverse on select dates.
Highlights
Enjoy an incredible Deschutes River whitewater rafting trip
Hike across the spectacular Palouse Falls State Park
Kayak and swim at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Explore the quaint and happening town of Hood River
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arriving in Portland, a representative will escort you to the hospitality suite where you can relax or explore the city. Breweries, bookstores, coffee shops, and quirkiness abound, the City of Roses doesn’t disappoint with colorful options within walking distance. When it’s time to board the Wilderness Discoverer, you’ll be welcomed with champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and views of the city—a perfect start to your adventure cruise.
Day 2: Astoria | Ft. Clatsop | Lewis & 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 walk. 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, a special pairing perhaps?
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. 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.
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.
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.
Kickstart the day with a hike back in time in the land of the Ice Age Floods. Once under 900 feet of water, this area is now a dramatic landscape of basalt and lava lesson in geology best learned in your favorite hiking boots. Treat yourself after a big morning to a sampling of eats and sips of the region including microbrews and spirits. Bellies full, the afternoon is perfect for easy river cruising, joining your guides for interpretive presentations of land rich in history.
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).
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.
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Navigator
Main Deck, cabins 201, 204-208 and 210. Queen or twin beds, private bath with shower and view window.
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Trailblazer
Observation Deck, cabins 310-325. Queen or twin beds, private bath with shower and view window.
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Pathfinder
Observation Deck, cabins 300-309. Outside entry, queen bed, sitting area, private bath with shower and view window.
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Admiral
Sun Deck, cabins 400-403. Separate sitting area, queen or twin beds, private bath with shower, large picture window with sofa bed/triple.
Notes
- All rates are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy.
- Rates do not include port taxes and fees, which vary by itinerary.
- Children 8-13 are welcome on all sailings and will received a $500 per child savings
Due to the nature of your explorations, itineraries are guidelines and may change in order to maximize wildlife and natural encounters. Variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days 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
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
