7 Night Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey Cruise from Portland

Ship: National Geographic Sea Bird

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Sunday, Apr 16, 2023 from Portland, United States

Ended: Sunday, Apr 23, 2023

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Sunday, Apr 16, 2023 departure of the National Geographic Sea Bird. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Sunday - Apr 16, 2023

Portland, United States

Arrive in Portland, located on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in the shadow of snow-capped Mt. Hood. The city is known for its eco-friendliness, microbreweries, and coffeehouses. This afternoon, board our ship and discover why Portland is nicknamed "Bridgetown" as we sail under eight of the city's 12 eclectic bridges along the Willamette River, the first of five rivers you will encounter on this voyage. (D)

Day 2 - Monday - Apr 17, 2023

Astoria, United States

We begin our journey by navigating the Columbia to the mouth of the river at Astoria. At Cape Disappointment, where Meriwether Lewis saw the Pacific in November of 1805, explore the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, see Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and the north jetty of the Columbia River Bar. Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which chronicles the history of river navigation and all aspects of maritime commerce in the region. Hear harrowing stories of crossing "The Bar" at the mouth of the Columbia, one of the most dangerous passages in the world. In the afternoon, explore the Astoria area with several options to choose from. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Tuesday - Apr 18, 2023

Stevenson, United States

Day 4 - Wednesday - Apr 19, 2023

Hood River, United States

Spend your morning visiting the stunning Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center in Stevenson, Washington, featuring 15,000 years of cultural and natural history of the Columbia Gorge with displays both inside and outside. Or trek up the iconic Beacon Rock, the 848-foot basalt column that once formed the core of an ancient volcano. Lewis and Clark camped here on their way west, and it was at Beacon Rock that they first noticed the tides affecting the water levels in the Columbia River, more than 120 miles from its mouth. Continue through the gorge to Hood River, located in the shadows of majestic Mount Hood, where you will enjoy a farm-to-table orchard lunch overlooking the golden Hood River Valley. The valley is known for its fruit-growing orchards-including one of the world's largest pear-growing areas. After lunch, you'll have the option to visit the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum and explore one of the largest collections of still-functioning antique cars and planes in the country, or trek through the Mosier Twin Tunnels on the old historic Columbia River Highway. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Thursday - Apr 20, 2023

Cruising the Columbia River Gorge, United States

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. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Friday - Apr 21, 2023

Cruising the Palouse River, United States

Cruising the Snake River, United States

The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as we set off cruising on our Zodiac and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls, where cascading waters plunge 198 feet into the pool below. These falls and the canyon are an important feature of the channeled scablands created by the great Missoula Floods that swept periodically across the region. Afterward, sail up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Saturday - Apr 22, 2023

Clarkston, United States

At Clarkston, we find ourselves at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, more than 450 miles from the sea. The name Clarkston is in reference to William Clark and is located directly across the river from Lewiston, Idaho, which is named for Meriwether Lewis, though neither of them ever traveled to the Clarkston side of the river. Travel by comfortable jet boat into one of North America's most scenic spots: spectacular Hells Canyon. The 125-mile-long canyon was carved by the waters of the Snake River and at 7,993 feet is North America's deepest river gorge-most of it inaccessible by road. The earliest known settlers in the canyon were the Nez Perce tribe and, as you travel up the river, look to the hillsides and see remnants of their ancestral horse trails along with pictographs and petroglyphs on the rock formations. In the afternoon, join your fellow travelers in the lounge for songs and stories by a local Nez Perce storyteller. This evening, enjoy the company of a local winemaker onboard. Sip their wines while you hear about how the geology of the area surrounding the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA, the newest Viticultural Area in the United States, affects the flavors of their wines. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Sunday - Apr 23, 2023

Clarkston, United States

After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your connecting flights home. Choose to fly from nearby Lewiston, Idaho, or travel though the picturesque landscapes of the Palouse to Spokane, Washington, located two hours away. (B)