National Parks & Legendary Rivers

Arrive in Portland and check into the pre-cruise hotel. Explore the city set between the Columbia and Willamette Rivers and learn about the pioneers who traveled through the American West.

On the morning of the river cruise, meet in the hotel lobby after breakfast for an excursion to Multnomah Falls, then transfer to the ship. Luggage from the hotel will be ready in the stateroom upon arrival.

After breakfast at the hotel, luggage is delivered directly to the stateroom. Board the vessel, get settled, and join fellow travelers for a welcome reception as the journey along the Columbia River begins.

Explore the varied landscapes and wildlife along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Pass towering cliffs, lush forests, and rolling hills. Watch eagles soaring overhead and ospreys diving for fish. Look for deer grazing along the shore and otters swimming in the shallows. Travel through locks and dams that regulate the river’s flow. Keep an eye out for notable landmarks, including Mount Hood and Bonneville Dam.

Astoria, a quaint port city with Victorian homes cascading down the hills, is often called “The Little San Francisco.”

Explore independently or join curated excursions to experience the city’s history. Take a guided tour of the National Park Service replica of Fort Clatsop, where Lewis and Clark spent the winter during their expedition.

Visit Cape Disappointment State Park and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, or explore the engaging exhibits at the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Astoria Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Explore downtown Astoria on your own aboard this convenient shuttle which makes several stops on a continuous loop throughout the day including:
Downtown Astoria - for shopping and exploring
Heritage Museum - featuring Clatsop County’s rich and exciting history in permanent and changing exhibit galleries
Astoria Column - a tower overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River, from which you can enjoy the majestic views of the countryside from the land
Flavel House Museum - once the home of Captain George Flavel, this 1885 Queen Anne home features original Eastlake-influenced woodwork, period furnishings, and exotic hardwood
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Columbia River Maritime Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Experience the Columbia River Maritime Museum on a self-guided excursion. The Columbia River Maritime Museum is the official maritime museum of the state of Oregon and also prides itself on being one of the finest maritime museums on the West Coast.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Dock at Kalama, Washington, a private port that allows access beyond typical cruise stops. Enjoy views of the Cascade Mountains en route to Mount St. Helens. A local expert shares the dramatic story of the 1980 eruption and its lasting effects on the region.

Just steps from the ship, explore the Port of Kalama Interpretive Center, shop for fresh local produce and artisan goods at the Mountain Timber Market, or test skills at Castle Rock Axe House for a unique experience.

Mount St. Helens Experience - Complimentary
May 18, 1980, is a day etched into the history of the United States, as the powerful eruption of Mount St. Helens drastically changed the landscape of what is now referred to as the National Volcanic Monument. On your scenic journey to Mount St. Helens, learn about the eruption, how it affected the landscape and surrounding communities, and how the environment has responded naturally to the disturbance. Admire spectacular views of the pumice plain and blast site.
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Port of Kalama Interpretive Center- Complimentary Excursion
Just a short walk from the ship, explore this new facility that celebrates Kalama’s unique place in Pacific Northwest history as a transportation and commercial hub and is designed to replicate a traditional waterfront warehouse of the 1800s. Exhibits track Kalama’s first inhabitants, the Cowlitz Tribe, and the settlers that followed over the next hundred years, including renowned Oregon Trail writer Ezra Meeker. Displays illustrate how Kalama’s particular landscape gave birth to a booming transportation system, impacting the area both culturally and economically.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Mountain Timber Market - Complimentary
The name “Mountain Timber Market” is a tribute to the town’s history and the original Mountain Timber Company that was a staple in the early 1900s. Nestled between two breathtaking parks along the shores of the Columbia River, this location is ideal for a day of meandering and experiencing the true essence of Kalama. Steps away from the ship, this vibrant marketplace serves as a hub where neighbors come together and create lasting connections. Immerse yourself in a world of locally sourced food and finely crafted goods, all thoughtfully curated to reflect the rich tapestry of the community. The two-story atrium of the Mountain Timber Market also showcases a suspended 140-foot totem pole previously displayed in the nearby park. For nearly five decades the totem pole, created in the early 1960s by Chief Don Lelooska, towered over the port waterfront until weather damage forced officials to take it down in 2019 for restoration.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Arrive in The Dalles, the historic endpoint of the Oregon Trail, framed by Mount Hood and Mount Adams, both over 11,000 feet. This destination showcases the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge and the Pacific Northwest.

Explore Oregon’s tallest waterfall, Multnomah Falls, at 620 feet, or enjoy a guided kayak tour along the calm river. Experience the region’s renowned wines with expert-led tastings at Maryhill Winery in the Columbia Valley.

The Dalles Local Loop - Complimentary 
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center - Discover the 10,000 years of indigenous native history that makes the Columbia Gorge one of the oldest areas of human habitation in the Western Hemisphere. Learn about early explorers like Lewis and Clark and the Oregon Trail pioneers, as well as energy and natural resources and early transportation along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Explore outdoor exhibits, activities, and native plantings surrounding this architectural gem.
 
Grand Theater - This historic venue, built in 1929 in a Spanish Revival architectural style, hosts a variety of performances in an intimate setting, including concerts, films, and live shows. In its early years, the theater was a popular stop for major stars, including  Judy Garland, known for her iconic role in The Wizard of Oz and her incredible vocal talent.
 
Neon Sign Museum - Imagine a simpler time. From streets that were fan faired with smaltz and glass beaded signs to windows dazzled from the glow of full storefront neon, America was booming. Suburbs were born and families were buying automobiles. Comics were a nickel and the good guys always won. Hamburgers were a dime and no one had sold a million. The National Neon Sign Museum captures the vibrant history, craftsmanship, and culture that shaped America as seen through the evolution of pre-electric vintage signage and advertising. From the turn of the century through the 1960s, The National Neon Sign Museum displays early ephemera, scientific equipment, industry machinery and spectacular examples of pre-electric and full store front neon signs. View, explore, and engage with signage and advertising from the turn of the century through the 1960s.  
 
Fort Dalles Museum - Housed in the former Surgeon's Quarters, the Fort Dalles Museum is the only remaining officer's quarters of the 1856 Fort Dalles military complex. Explore the unique collection of pioneer and military artifacts, as well as antique wagons at one of the Old West's most pivotal places in history. 
 
Anderson Homestead - There are three buildings that make up the Anderson Homestead: the log house, the granary, and the barn. Built in 1895 by Swedish immigrant Lewis Anderson, the house with its hand-hewn logs was the social center of Pleasant Ridge in the late 1800s. The construction of the barn, with its careful fittings and the use of wood pegs in corners and at other intervals, reflects a high order of craftsmanship. 
 
Downtown - Take time to explore downtown The Dalles at your leisure.  Admire the murals throughout town and take time to browse the local shops.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Spend a leisurely day cruising the Columbia River Gorge and enjoy ever-changing scenery from a private balcony or the sun deck. Participate in enrichment programs with guest speakers and onboard activities, including art classes, cooking demonstrations, mixology sessions, and trivia challenges.

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (the practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Dock at Richland, located where the Yakima and Columbia Rivers meet, shaped by Ice Age floods and the Atomic Age. Explore the region’s history and landscapes along the waterfront.

Visit the REACH Museum to learn about local geology, Native history, and Cold War science. Walk Sacajawea State Park, where Lewis and Clark camped in 1805, or explore nearby Pendleton’s historic streets and underground tunnels. This stop offers a unique perspective on the Pacific Northwest’s past.

Sacajawea Interpretive Center - Complimentary Excursion
Explore this fascinating destination, located at the very place where the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped for two nights, amidst a thriving community of Native Americans. Learn about the activities that took place at the site through interactive exhibits about the Corps of Discovery and Sacagawea, a woman known for helping the Lewis and Clark Expedition Team. Stroll the green, tree-shaded grounds, and read the seven-story circle installations by internationally known artist Maya Lin.
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Richland City Exploration– Complimentary Excursion
Explore this captivating town by motorcoach as you discover its diverse history.  Along the way, learn about the Kennewick man. Make a stop at Triton Park where you will see the sail of a submarine, and its control room, and learn about its connection to the Hanford Project. Next, visit the REACH Museum to discover Eastern Washington’s rich landscape and history from the Ice Age to the Atomic Age. Explore the featured galleries and rotating exhibits inside, as well as the amazing outdoor area with breathtaking views of the majestic Columbia River and surrounding scenery. Discover the geological impact of the Ice Age floods and basalt lava flows to the area. Learn about the Manhattan Project at Hanford and its continuous influence on the region.  
Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes 

Follow the Snake River into eastern Washington, where rolling hills narrow into dramatic canyons. Spot wildlife along the cliffs and riverbanks, including osprey, blue herons, and bald eagles. Arrive in Clarkston to explore Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest canyon, by jet boat or small plane, taking in towering rock walls and rushing waters. The evening provides a final reflection on the Columbia and Snake Rivers before the land portion of the journey begins.

Lewiston Local Loop - Complimentary
Lewis and Clark Discovery Center – Hells Gate State Park - Walk in the footsteps of America’s greatest explorers at this unforgettable stop that takes you back to the early 1800s, when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed through this dramatic landscape on their epic journey to chart a water route to the Pacific. At the Discovery Center, explore exhibits that bring the Corps of Discovery’s adventure to life. Learn about the incredible challenges they faced and the enduring relationships they built with Native American tribes. Stop by the Lewis and Clark Gift Shop to pick up unique keepsakes, books, and locally inspired souvenirs.

Nez Perce Historical Society - Discover the rich cultural heritage of the region at this fascinating museum which features engaging exhibits that showcase the stories of the Nez Perce people, early settlers, and the development of the Lewis-Clark Valley. Explore artifacts, photographs, and personal histories that bring the past to life.  

Main Street of Lewiston - Explore historic Main Street in Lewiston, where charming shops, local eateries, vibrant art, and rich history create a welcoming and walkable downtown experience. 
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

After breakfast, disembark and head north to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Take a relaxing cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene, where forested hills meet tranquil waters, and enjoy lunch on board with views of pine-covered mountains. In the afternoon, continue to Kalispell for an overnight stay in preparation for the national parks adventure.

Glacier National Park, known as the "Crown of the Continent," covers over a million acres in Montana and features diverse wildlife and striking geological formations. Established in 1910, it contains more than 130 named lakes, over 1,000 plant species, and hundreds of animals. Drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, where each turn offers new views of the Continental Divide, and learn about the Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai tribes whose history on this land predates the park.

Leave Montana’s mountains and head to the high plains on the route to Yellowstone. Adventure Guides share stories about the land and its early settlers. Stop in Butte for lunch and pass through Ennis, a small fishing town surrounded by green valleys and open skies.

The drive offers ever-changing scenery, from dense green forests and gray mountain peaks to golden plains and rich farmland. Guides provide insights and hands-on activities, creating a scenic introduction to Yellowstone’s geothermal features and wildlife habitats.

Spend the day in the northern section of Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, where vibrant landscapes constantly change from geothermal activity. Guided by experienced nature experts, explore the Grand Loop, including the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley, Norris Geyser Basin, Mammoth Hot Springs terraces, and Tower Fall. The day concludes with dinner at the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, overlooking the steaming terraces.

Continue exploring Yellowstone by visiting the lower section of the Grand Loop. See the Lower and Upper Yellowstone Falls, the tranquil West Thumb Geyser Basin, and Yellowstone Lake, one of North America’s largest high-elevation lakes.

Travel through parts of the Yellowstone Caldera, formed over 640,000 years ago, and the younger West Thumb Caldera, last active 174,000 years ago. Enjoy the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, with a relaxing lunch inside the park.

Visit iconic Yellowstone sites today, including Old Faithful with its reliable eruptions and the colorful hot springs of Biscuit Basin.

Afterward, travel toward Grand Teton National Park, enjoying breathtaking scenery and panoramic views of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem along the way. Stop at Jackson Lake Lodge to admire the Teton Range mirrored in the calm waters of Jackson Lake.

Start the day with a scenic cruise on Jackson Lake, followed by a guided tour of Grand Teton National Park. Spanning over 310,000 acres, the park features valleys, mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and rugged landscapes.

Visit the Craig Thomas Discovery Center for interactive learning about the park’s environment, and stop at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center to observe local wildlife and the tranquil lake framed by the Tetons. End the day at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, then enjoy dinner and free time to explore the town.

After breakfast, transfer to Jackson Hole Airport for the flight home. Enjoy a final view of the Teton Range as you depart, taking with you memories of rivers, mountains, and wide-open skies.