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Scenic Landscape

Journey on the Columbia & Snake Rivers

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Sea Lion
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Explore the Columbia and Snake Rivers on this 8-day river cruise. Zodiac and kayak along the Palouse River, travel through beautiful Hells Canyon and visit Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge. This relaxing cruise is the perfect Pacific Northwest getaway and a great introduction to the beautiful region. 
Dugout Canoe at Fort ClatsopBonneville DamFort ClatsopScenic Landscape
Highlights
  • Bike or walk along the Columbia River Gorge
  • Zodiac or kayak the Palouse River and visit the cascading falls
  • Jet boat the Snake River through Hells Canyon
  • Explore the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Portland, Oregon | Embark

In the late afternoon, embark your ship and cruise the lower part of the Willamette River, passing under the many bridges and through the center of picturesque Portland, before reaching the Columbia River.

Day 2: Astoria

Begin your journey by navigating the Columbia to the mouth of the river at Astoria. At Fort Clatsop, where the explorers hunkered down for the wet winter of 1805-1806, walk through the full-scale reconstructed fort. Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which chronicles the history of river navigation and this port town. In the afternoon you can choose to visit Cape Disappointment or Zodiac and kayak in the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge, conditions permitting.

Day 3-4: Columbia River Gorge and Hood River

This morning begin your orientation to the Gorge. Get a fresh perspective on such highlights as Bonneville Lock and Dam, Beacon Rock, and Multnomah Falls. Continue through the Gorge to Hood River where you visit the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum (WAAAM), home to one of the largest collections of still-functioning antique cars and planes in the country, and taste award-winning wines at a local vineyard. 

Day 5: Cruising

Spend the day cruising through some of the most scenic and geologically interesting stretches of the Columbia River and the Columbia Plateau. Our onboard geologist and naturalists will talk with you about the Columbian Basalt Flows and the Missoula Floods that sculpted the landscape 13,000 years ago. Relive the historic tales of the Corps of Discovery through the eyes of the historian as you sail by landmarks from their epic journey. Or unwind with a massage from the wellness specialist

Day 6: Exploring the Palouse River

The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as you set off on the Zodiac cruises and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls where cascading waters plunge into pools below. Afterwards, sail up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties.

Day 7: Clarkston

At Clarkston, find yourself at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, more than 450 miles from the sea. Today, travel by comfortable jet boat up the Snake River into one of North America’s most scenic spots, spectacular Hells Canyon.

Day 8: Clarkston, Washington | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Transfer through Lewiston, Idaho or Spokane, Washington for connecting flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Sea Lion

A view of the ship National Geographic Sea Lion in Alaska, USA
Lounge on the ship National Geographic Sea Bird/SeaLion
Lindblad Crew on the ships bridge navigating Hull Canal, National Geographic Sea Lion, Magdalena Bay

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Pacific Northwest of the US Cruises & Tours.
Category 1
Cat 1
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Category 1 S Bathroom
Cat 1 Single
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Category 2
Cat 2
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Category 2 S
Cat 2 Single
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Category 3
Cat 3
Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 and Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219. These cabins feature a seating unit with table, outside access and two large windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person

Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
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
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions and airport transfers to and from flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Exploration tools such as snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, cross-country skis, and snowshoes (where applicable)
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
  • Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Onboard physician consultations (where available)
  • 24-hour access to exercise equipment (where applicable)
  • All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); charter airfare (where applicable, except when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions (except flights when indicated as included); additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
  • Private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Alcoholic Drinks
  • Rubber Boots: Please bring your own. 

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