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7 Night Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey Cruise from Portland

Ship: National Geographic Quest

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Monday, Oct 2, 2023 from Portland, United States

Ended: Monday, Oct 9, 2023

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Monday, Oct 2, 2023 departure of the National Geographic Quest. 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 - Monday - Oct 2, 2023

Portland, United States

Arrive in the early afternoon in Portland, located on the Columbia and Willamette rivers in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Hood. Embark in early evening 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 we will encounter on this voyage.

Day 2 - Tuesday - Oct 3, 2023

Cape Disappointment, United States

Astoria, United States

We begin our journey by navigating the Columbia to the mouth of the river at Astoria. At Cape Disappointment, take in the dramatic scenery where Meriwether Lewis saw the Pacific for the first time in 1805. In the afternoon, there are several options to explore the Astoria area, from learning its modern history at fascinating museums to sampling the local beer and oysters in this seaside town.

Day 3 - Wednesday - Oct 4, 2023

Hood River, United States

Immerse yourself in natural and man-made marvels as we explore the scenic Columbia and pass through Bonneville Lock and Dam. Take a steaming cup of coffee to the bow where our naturalists offer honest perspectives on the controversial history of dams along the river. In the afternoon, make a stop at neck-craning Multnomah Falls before an optional hike of iconic Beacon Rock, a basalt column towering 848 feet above the Columbia River. Later, enjoy a private cultural and culinary event at a museum.

Day 4 - Thursday - Oct 5, 2023

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 geologists provide fascinating insight on the glacial floods that sculpted the landscape 13,000 years ago, as our food and wine expert illustrates the expression of such unique terrain through its tastes and tannins. Relive the historic tales of the Corps of Discovery through the eyes of a historian as we sail by important landmarks. Or, unwind with a massage in preparation for an exciting day ahead.

Day 5 - Friday - Oct 6, 2023

Burbank, United States

Drive through some of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, with bright, rolling green-and-purple fields of sprouting wheat, asparagus, and famous Walla Walla sweet onions. Wine lovers can wander downtown on a wine walk, sampling the wines that bring this area world-wide recognition. Or, opt to visit the Whitman Mission, a standout museum and National Historic Site where friction between Native Americans and white missionaries erupted into a tragic event. As we sail through the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, enjoy a Food & Wine-curated wine selection flavored by the surrounding terrain.

Day 6 - Saturday - Oct 7, 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 on our Zodiac and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls, where waters plunge 200 feet into a churning pool. These falls and the surrounding canyon with its towering cliffs, cavernous holes in the earth, and winding water routes are part of geologically unique channeled scablands created by ancient floods. Afterwards, sail up the Snake River, enjoying a taste of local specialties.

Day 7 - Sunday - Oct 8, 2023

Clarkston, United States

Today we find ourselves at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, more than 450 miles from the sea. Travel by comfortable jet boat into spectacular, 125-mile Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge, mostly inaccessible by road. Observe traces of the Nez Perce tribe, including ancestral horse trails along the hillsides and petroglyphs on rock formations. In the evening, we are joined by a Nez Perce storyteller, and a local winemaker hosts our final tasting as we toast an unforgettable journey before a special final dinner.

Day 8 - Monday - Oct 9, 2023

Clarkston, United States

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