A spectacular “Rivers of Adventure” cruise—7 nights on the Columbia and Snake rivers
Jump into the adventure, taste your way through the river’s wine and culinary scene—each with a topping of history and geology. Follow the path of Lewis & Clark, from desert to rainforest. Here’s details:
Itinerary Overview: Portland, OR to Clarkston, WA and back.
Day 1 Portland, OR—Embarkation. Arriving in Portland, an UnCruise representative escorts you to our hospitality suite where you can relax or explore the city. Breweries, bookstores, coffee shops, and quirkiness abound, the City of Roses doesn’t disappoint! And board the SS Legacy with a glass of champagne.
Day 2 Astoria/Ft. Clatsop—Lewis & Clark National Historical Park. We dock in charming, Victorian downtown Astoria, then you’re off to Ft. Clatsop, the winter fort of the 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. Take a low-/no-elevation walk from the visitor center to view replica dugout canoes. For a longer but easy hike, a one-mile trail along the Lewis and Clark River, or take a 7-mile, one-way hike on the Fort to Sea Trail.
(Photos by UnCruise)
Day 3 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area /Hood River Valley. Gateway to the gorge. Private tour of the dam’s massive turbines and fish ladders. Take a walk on the wild side at Multnomah Falls. Enjoy a bike and wine outing, or half-day guided hike in Columbia Gorge. Or, pedal and taste your way through the Hood River Valley with local guides.
Day 4 Rowena Plateau/Columbia River Gorge. Lava flows, floods, and volcanic ash deposits shaped the Rowena—sheer cliffs, basalt landforms, wide-stretching plateaus. At Rowena Overlook, it’s boots-on-the-ground exploration. Or, opt for 2-mile round trip hike to the crest of Tom McCall Nature Preserve. Or, choose the 3.6-mile round-trip Tom McCall Point trail. And cycle or stroll along the Twin Tunnels Trail, stroll along Hood River on your own.
Day 5 Deschutes River. River play is on the agenda today—whichever option you pick, start with a shallow wet landing on beach. Choose whitewater with a rafting adventure. Class II and III+ rapids. Rafting guides provide the gear (including optional wetsuits) and expertise. We provide the picnic lunch. Or, visit Columbia Hills State Park on foot or by skiff. Or, take a dip in a lazy section of the river!
Day 6 Palouse Falls State Park/Snake River. Essentials of the day: kayaks, paddle-boards, swimsuits, hiking shoes. Bring binocs, too; there’s great birding and views. Hike above the canyon to view the waterfalls. Skiff out to the kayaks and grab a paddle, or swim in the Palouse River. In the afternoon, you can cruise scenic stretches of the Snake River.
Day 7 Hells Canyon. The history of this area is as rich as the canyon walls are dense. A Nez Perce tribal member comes aboard for a story, song, and music presentation. Bighorn sheep, golden eagles and 7,000-year-old petroglyphs are all on offer. Hemmed by vertical cliffs, this free-flowing stretch of the Snake cuts its way through North America’s deepest river gorge. Celebrate the week tonight with a farewell dinner, and slide-show recap.
Day 8 Clarkston/Spokane, WA. Disembark. After one last fresh scone or omelet, we disembark in Clarkston and transfer to the Spokane, Washington for your flight home.
Highlights
- Deschutes River rafting trip
- Hike, kayak, swim, and skiff at: Palouse Falls State Park, Columbia Hills State Park, and Ft. Clatsop, a Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
- Multnomah Falls walk and visit.
- Jet-boat ride into Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
- Bike (or shuttle) and wine outing in Hood River Valley
- Rowena Overlook hikes at Tom McCall Nature Preserve
- Transit eight locks and tour Bonneville Dam
- Narration by natural and cultural history guides
- Fares include: onboard meals, spirits, wine, beer, beverages; transfers between airport/vessel; entry fees to parks/preserves/winery; wellness amenities: hot tub, fitness equipment, yoga mats
Booking Info
UnCruise Adventures
- Phone: 888.862.8881
- Email: [email protected]
- SM: @UnCruise / YouTube
- Length/Departs: 8 days/Aug., Sept., Oct. 2020, with multiple departs (contact operator for details)
- Accommodations: Small cruise ship
- Price: from (approx.) $5,325–$6,595 (depending on ship occupancy, with more exclusive options available); prices subject to change.
To learn more about cruises and trips from UnCruise Adventures, click here.
