The Rivers of the West, Wasington & Oregon
Astoria to Lewiston, 7-night / 8-day
Aboard the 12 Guest Safari Spirit Yacht
Day 1 Arrive in Astoria, boarding
Welcome to Portland! Meet your shuttle driver in baggage claim for a transfer to Astoria. Board the Safari Spirit where your Captain and crew greet you with smiles and appetizers. After dinner you will be provided a brief orientation to your journey.
Day 2 Lower Columbia Cruising
This morning we'll visit the mouth of the Columbia River, known in the maritime industry as the "graveyard of the Pacific.” We'll visit the USCG Motor Life Boat School where we’ll learn of the Coast Guard’s mission to protect life and property in this challenging marine environment. Later, we'll visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center before returning to the yacht. We’ll cruise upriver and anchor in a quiet channel this evening.
Day 3 Columbia Gorge and Bonneville Dam
Join your Expedition Leader on deck this morning as we enter the striking Columbia River Gorge. This spectacular canyon cuts the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range and is a designated National Scenic Area. We’ll spend the day exploring the Bonneville Dam, Hood River and the full 80-mile stretch of the Gorge. After dinner a guest speaker will join us for an informative presentation on the local history, and we’ll stay dockside in Hood River for the night.
Day 4 Cruising the Columbia River
We’ll pass through two locks and dams as we cruise east today. The story of the dams along the Columbia and Snake rivers is of great significance to the entire west coast as power for millions of people is generated from them. We’ll have a first-hand look at how these dams have impacted both the natural world and cultural history of the west in the last 75 years.
Day 5 The Washington Wine Country
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before we set off by land for Walla Walla, Washington. We’ll travel to Pepper Bridge Winery for an exclusive tour and tasting right from the barrel before departing for a tour, picnic, and tasting at award-winning Basel Cellars. Meet the winemaker as you tour the winery, and relax with your fellow travelers before returning to the Safari Spirit. We’ll cruise to Richland, Washington this evening and welcome a guest speaker who will present the cultural history of the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. Tonight we’ll stay dockside in Richland, so enjoy an evening stroll along the riverfront before turning in.
Day 6 Jet Boat to Hanford Reach National Park
After breakfast, local guides take us by jet boat into the Hanford Reach—the only free-flowing portion of the Columbia River in the U.S. Giant White Pelicans (endangered in most portions of the west, but common on the Reach) gracefully glide by on ten-foot wingspans, mule deer browse along the shores, Great Blue herons, terns, otters and other species are often seen. Beyond the shore, ghostly, monumental hulks of long-silenced nuclear reactors, the only visible signs of the top-secret Manhattan Project, can be seen. After our jet boat trip, we’ll re-board the Safari Spirit and enter the Snake River where the vast western landscape rolls away toward the horizon.
Day 7 The Palouse Canyon
Enjoy breakfast onboard the Safari Spirit, as we cruise the cliff-lined Snake River. We’ll pass through three of the four Snake River dams: Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite. We’ll be on deck with our Expedition Leader as we “lock through,” watching the mechanics of these massive structures. We’ll also anchor in the Palouse River and set off by kayak and skiff for a look at a magnificent canyon formed by Ice-Age floods.
Day 8 Hells Canyon by Jet Boat
We’ll join our Jet Boat Captain this morning for an invigorating excursion into Hells Canyon. Protected as a National Recreation Area since 1975, Hell’s Canyon preserves a world of fascinating natural and cultural elements. Lunch will be included in our excursion, and this afternoon we’ll reboard the Safari Spirit where a festive Farewell Dinner awaits.
Day 9 A Fond Farewell
Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you "adieu." At 9:00 am you'll be transferred to the Lewiston, Idaho, airport for connections home.
