Itinerary

Directions: Lewiston, Idaho to Portland, Oregon / Portland, Oregon to Lewiston, Idaho
   
Day 1
Lewiston, Idaho - Embarkation
Welcome! You will be met at the airport this afternoon and transferred to the yacht. The crew greets you with champagne and smiles, and we’ll enjoy a short dinner cruise along the canyons of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. This evening a local historian joins us in the salon for an informative presentation on the area.
   
Day 2
Hells Canyon by Jet Boat
After breakfast this morning we’ll transfer to a jet boat for an invigorating ride into Hells Canyon. Vertical cliffs carved by the river now hem in the rushing waters that we travel upon, and we’ll watch some of the most dramatic scenery unfold as we jet upriver. We’ll watch for big horn sheep and hawks throughout the day. After our excursion we’ll cruise the Snake River, passing through our first lock and dam called Lower Granite. After dinner our Expedition Leader will provide a brief orientation to the journey.
   
Day 3
Palouse River Canyon
We’ll pass through the Little Goose lock and dam first thing this morning then anchor at the mouth of the Palouse River. The kayaks and skiff will be lowered for an up-close exploration of the pristine and lovely Palouse canyon. Watch for hundreds of cliff swallows that nest on the canyon walls, and for Northern Harriers and osprey hovering above the still waters as they hunt.
   
Day 4
Birding, Rivers, and Historical Confluence
Today we'll transit through the McNary Dam locks. The McNary Dam encompasses an impressive wildlife region. Keep your eyes peeled and binoculars in hand to see some of the 212 species of migratory birds that rest here en route through the Pacific Fly-way: snow geese, tundra swans, canvasbacks, ring-necked ducks, redheads and many others. Later we pass by Sacajawea State Park and learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition's travails and triumphs through this river confluence area.
   
Day 5
Washington Wine Country
The fastest wine-growing region in the U.S. is in eastern Washington, and today we’ll see why. We'll visit exclusive local wineries for tours and tastings. We’ll return to the yacht after our tours and tastings, and have time to relax onboard before dinner.
   
Day 6
Cruising the Columbia River
The vast eastern plains give way to the flanks of the Cascade Mountain Range as we cruise west today. Watch as the banks of the river go from gentle and low-lying to cliffs rising hundreds of feet high beside us. The wind and weather shifts from arid to temperate as we come closer to the Pacific Ocean. We’ll stop in Hood River (the windsurfing capital of the world) this afternoon where we’ll have time to browse the boutique shops or tour the local brew pub. We’ll stay dockside here tonight, so take your time and enjoy the town.
   
Day 7

Columbia Gorge and Bonneville Dam
This morning we’ll cruise through the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. The outside decks provide the best views of this beautiful passage. At Bradford Island we’ll step ashore for a guided tour of Bonneville Lock and Dam, the final lock on our journey. We’ll visit the power station and fish ladders, learning more about how this engineering marvel fits into the local environment and community. Later, vist the spectacular Multnomah Falls. This evening we’ll enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner as we drop anchor in a quiet channel for the night.
   
Day 8
Portland, Oregon - Disembark
Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you “adieu.” At 9:00 am you’ll be transferred to the Portland airport for connections home.

More information from Inner Sea Discoveries:

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  www.un-cruise.com/columbia-river-cruises…
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