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Scenic Landscape

Journey on the Columbia & Snake Rivers

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Quest
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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 ClatsopExplore beautiful PortlandSunrise over Crown Point at Columbia RiverEnjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyardExplore the Snake River in the Pacific Northwest of the USScenic 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
Activities
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

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
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

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 Quest

National Geographic Quest
Lounge aboard National Geographic Quest

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$6,430
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Category 1
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and two portholes. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
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Category 2
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and two portholes. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
National Geographic Quest Cabin
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Category 3
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, and a large view window. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
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Category 4
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk, sliding glass door, and small, private balcony. Individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.
National Geographic Quest Cabin
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Category 5
Cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible sofa bed to accommodate a third person. Each cabin has individual climate controls. Shampoo, lotion, and hair dryer are all available, as well as an Expedition Essential Kit.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available, but is subject to availability. 



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
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available 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, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Crew gratuities
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi 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), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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