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The still water of the Palouse River

Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey: Harvests, History & Landscapes

Fall Season - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Sea Bird
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Explore the Columbia and Snake Rivers on this 8-day river cruise. Discover the history, geology, excellent food and wine, and the sheer beauty of the Pacific Northwest. We travel through the region as early explorers, settlers, and natives by the waterways that stretch far inland from the Pacific Ocean.
Scenic LandscapeDugout Canoe at Fort ClatsopFort ClatsopBonneville DamThe still water of the Palouse River
Highlights
  • Trek up the iconic Beacon Rock, Columbia River
  • 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
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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 can 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: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we will 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

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

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Sea Bird

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Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Special Offer
Book by December 1, 2023, to lock in current rates on all 2025 departures. Additionally, book two or more 2025 cruises within the year and save 10% on the lowest-priced departure. This promotion is subject to availability, is valid for new bookings, and cannot be combined with other offers. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applicable to all 2025 departure dates

Per person starting at
$5,880

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 1 and Category 1 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
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.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 1 and Category 1 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
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.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 2 and Category 2 Single Cabins.
Select a Date
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.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 2 and Category 2 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
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.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 3 Cabins.
Select a Date
Cat 3
Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 - These cabins include two lower single beds. Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins include two lower single beds that can convert to a double bed and a pullout single bed for a third person. All cabins include a small table, two chairs, and two windows. Cabin doors open to the outside.

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

Rubber boots are not included on your cruise; please supply your own. Rubber, waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher, with a strong, ridged non-skid sole (essential for wet landings) are highly recommended.  Click  here for information about rubber boots rental.
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
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
  • Services of the expert expedition team and guest speakers
  • Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
  • Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion)
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Additional Hotel Nights 
  • Private Transfers
  • Expedition Extensions 
  • Laundry 
  • Air transportation (except when indicated in the itinerary, as included)
  • Passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
  • Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
  • Items of personal nature
  • Phone and Internet Service
  • Gratuity for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships
  • Embarkation airport transfer in Portland.

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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