Cruise West

Columbia River "Voyage of Discovery"

You cruise down the winding Snake River through scenic Hells Canyon, ancient Nez Perce horse trails still visible from the river. As your small ship approaches the mouth of the mighty Columbia, you disembark to visit the Fort Clatsop. Passing the heavy wooden gates, you can feel the presence of buckskin-clad Lewis & Clark who sheltered here from the elements during the rainy winter of 1805.

Here, some new wonder awaits around every bend. Dramatic waterfalls dropping into the Columbia River Gorge. Historic forts where blue-coated U.S. Cavalry strived to tame the new frontier. And a fascinating look at how the rivers themselves were tamed, as you transit almost 1,000 miles and navigate eight major sets of locks and dams-twice.

The Pacific Northwest's pioneer history is made more enriching by the casual, congenial atmosphere of our small-ship cruises. Our crew and Exploration Leaders have gathered a rich trove of lore and insider knowledge that they are eager to share, and a special series of excursions, guest speakers, and narration help you recapture the past in intimate ways. You'll meet those who can tell of the hardships of establishing the Whitman Mission in the midst of wilderness, and from a Nez Perce speaker, who will share their historical contributions in the shaping of this region and the vision for the future of their culture.

The historical tapestry flows right down to the present day, from the saga of dam construction in the 1930s, to the awesome new profile of Mt. St. Helens and the modern environmental issues of salmon survival and irrigation rights.

Recommended for:

Guests intrigued by the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Oregon Trail, and the early pioneers.
Travelers interested in a scenic passage that carries them through eight major sets of locks and dams-twice.

Cruise Highlights

Tour the reconstructed log fort where Lewis & Clark spent the rainy winter of 1805/06.
Appreciate the spring beauty of orchard blossoms, wildflowers and migrating birds.
Walk to the base of Multnomah Falls.
Roar by jet boat deep into Hells Canyon, with its 8,000-foot-high canyon walls.

The Ships

The Spirit of Alaska, Spirit of Discovery, and Spirit of '98 are all designed for up-close coastal cruising. They carry from 78 to 96 passengers in varying styles from our fast overnight vessels to a turn-of-the-century style steamer.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 SAIL FROM PORTLAND
On arrival in Portland, you will transfer to our Hospitality Suite downtown. Take a tour of one of Portland’s spectacular gardens before transferring to your ship. After boarding, slowly cruise the Willamette River to view the downtown skyline.

Day 2 CRUISING THE WORLD-RENOWNED COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE NATIONAL SCENIC AREA
Your ship slips through the locks of Bonneville Dam at the entrance to the Columbia River Gorge. Stop at the Dam’s Visitor Center, then tour by motorcoach to Multnomah Falls. Visit the Hood River Valley to appreciate the beauty of the spring orchard blossoms. Return to the ship to continue cruising upriver, passing through The Dalles and John Day Lock and Dam.

Day 3 CRUISING THE SNAKE RIVER
Over the course of the day, cruise from the Columbia River into the Snake, with several lock passages. Explore the rugged cliffs and buttes along the shores. McNary Dam was completed in 1953 and created Lake Wallula. Ice Harbor Dam near the confluence of the two rivers was completed in 1961, and includes a fish ladder. It creates Lake Sacajawea.

Day 4 HELLS CANYON
After your final upriver locking at Lower Granite Dam, the vessel will dock in historic Clarkston, Washington, where you'll hear the story of the Nez Perce from their perspective. Board jet boats for an exhilarating excursion deep into Hells Canyon. This free-flowing stretch of the Snake River boasts lovely scenery beneath steep cliffs rising thousands of feet on both sides of the gorge.

Day 5 WALLA WALLA
Today, relive history at the Fort Walla Walla Museum with a collection of over 35,000 catalogued artifacts. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Walla Walla's 26Brix restaurant, located in the 130-year-old Dacres Hotel, on the National Register of Historic Places. You will have time to explore the town, taste local wine, or take a walking tour and enjoy the sculptures you'll find throughout town. Return to the ship for some relaxing late afternoon cruising.

Day 6 THE DALLES AND MARYHILL MUSEUM
The Maryhill Museum is your morning treat, a historic mansion sitting in solitary splendor on a bluff over the Columbia River. You'll discover an eclectic collection of Native arts, European paintings, and the Queen of Romania's personal effects. Then explore the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles and see plants like Lewis & Clark saw on the nature trails, with spectacular dioramas and displays of the region's geography and history. Enjoy lunch in this impressive setting. Return to the ship by way of Rowena Crest, one of America's Scenic Byways. Continue cruising into the dramatically beautiful Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Day 7 ASTORIA AND FORT CLATSOP
Stand in Lewis & Clark's footsteps at Fort Clatsop National Historic Park. See the fascinating Columbia River Maritime Museum, the site of Lewis & Clark's fort. Step off the beaten path to Astoria and return to the ship for lunch. Later, you can see the best of downtown Astoria on your own, equipped with a city map and recommendations from the crew. You're free to discover the hidden treasures of this Victorian seaport.

Day 8 BACK TO PORTLAND
Return to Portland’s attractive riverfront where your week-long voyage into history ends. A transfer is included to the Portland Airport.

Cost of This Trip

7 Night trip

The least expensive cabin costs:
$293 per person per night in low season and
$714 pp pn in high season

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$350 pp pn low season and
$771 pp pn high season

Where in the World Travel
A Villages travel agency
424 Bishopville Loop
The Villages, FL 32162
352-751-0621

SBI!