Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey (NG SeaBird & SeaLion)

Description

The most interesting way to experience the Columbia & Snake Rivers
On our Columbia and Snake River cruises, we travel through the region as early explorers, settlers, and natives did—by the waterways that stretch far inland from the Pacific Ocean.

Experience the region’s history, harvests & landscapes
The powerful Columbia and Snake Rivers flow through a beautiful land and offer access to fantastic wineries, places to kayak, bike or hike, and extraordinary scenery—you’ll experience it all. Hike to a towering waterfall. Taste local fruit at a family farm and enjoy views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Visit sites used by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark while they made their way to the Pacific Coast.

Every day is engaging and options abound
You’ll be offered guided tours of museums, historic sites, and a winery. You’ll walk, hike, bike, kayak, or Zodiac cruise—most days off-the-ship outings will be offered. Bike ride or walk along a historic route. Or, if you’d prefer to take an afternoon off, you’re welcome to grab a good book and relax on our ship’s sundeck.

Travel in excellent company
Explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, a historian, a geologist/naturalist, plus a National Geographic certified photo instructor and a wellness specialist. Their knowledge and passion for the Columbia & Snake Rivers is the key to your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Please note: Itineraries may vary slightly.

Trip Name

Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey (NG SeaBird & SeaLion)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Comfortable Expedition Length: 52 metres Passenger Capacity: 62 (in twin cabins) Built: 1982 / Refurbished 2015 Twin Expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird & Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each can comfortably accommodate 62 guests. The feeling, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure. Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Full interior renovations have been completed on these twin 62-guest ships, National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird. The extensive renovation to guest cabins, the lounge and bar, dining room, public areas and spa has transformed the ships to provide the ultimate in expedition hospitality and comfort. Nothing has been left untouched, from the sleekly framed wall photos, to the fresh paint, and new carpets throughout the ships. - The lounge and bar have been completely redesigned and reconfigured to provide an open, enhanced environment with additional seating and better flow. The modern design features new tables and chairs, upholstery of settees, overhead ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The lounge also hosts a new food & beverage area, library, and Global Market. - The dining room’s upgrade features all new tables, chairs, ceiling panels, and LED dimmable lighting. The wine bar has been replaced and features a display showcasing selections from the regions explored. - Every cabin has been completely redone and all furnishings have been replaced. Modern aged cherry bed boxes, faux leather headboards, Lindblad signature bed linens, new windows, lighting, and additional USB outlets provide a dramatic makeover for a relaxing guest experience. Bathrooms now feature new shower doors and all new hardware. - Exterior renovations include new deck furniture and outdoor awning.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1: Portland, Oregon/Embark Ship

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 - DAY 2-3: Columbia River Gorge/Hood River

Gain a fresh perspective on such highlights as Bonneville Lock and Dam, Multnomah Falls, and Beacon Rock (perhaps even hike it if you are inclined). Bonneville is first in the series of eight locks which will lift or lower the ship some 700 feet above sea level, nearly 10 times that of the Panama Canal. Continue through the Gorge to Hood River, located in the shadows of majestic Mount Hood where you will have the option to see the spring bloom in the Hood River Valley. The valley is known for its fruit growing orchards—including one of the world’s largest pear growing areas. Visit the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum and explore one of the largest collections of still functioning antique cars and planes or choose to do something more active in the area. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - DAY 4: Cruising

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 4 - DAY 5: Walla Walla

Drive through some of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, with bright, rolling green fields of sprouting wheat, asparagus, the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onions, and now the vineyards that bring Walla Walla world-wide recognition. Enjoy historic Walla Walla with a visit to the Whitman Mission, a National Historic Site, and the location of the 1847 attack on missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and 12 members of their household by a group of Cayuse seeking retribution for the spread of measles among their people and the inability of Whitman to heal the sick. Enjoy lunch and a tasting at a local winery. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - DAY 6: Exploring the Palouse River

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. Afterwards, sail up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - DAY 7: Clarkston, Washington

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 Percé 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. This evening, enjoy the company of a local winemaker onboard and sip of 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. (Winemaker onboard Eastbound itin only.) (B,L,D)

Day 7 - DAY 8: Clarkston/Disembark

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)

Day 8 - Please Note:

All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Sail in the wake of Lewis & Clark and their legendary Corps of Discovery expedition
Taste the bounty of the region through their harvests and fresh, local, and delectable cuisine
Experience the region on up-close, water level Zodiac and kayak forays
Transit a series of eight locks that lift the ship 700 feet, 10 times the elevation of the Panama Canal