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Columbia and Snake Rivers: Journey of Lewis and Clark by Small Ship

Program Number: 20445RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/20/2012 - 9/27/2012; 10/13/2013 - 10/20/2013; 10/25/2013 - 11/1/2013;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Oregon
Price starting at: $3,990.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Small Ship Cruising
Meals: 18; 7 Breakfasts, 1 Brunch, 4 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Low Salt; Low Fat    

Explore the history, landscapes and culinary delights of this region aboard an intimate, 62-guest expedition ship, National Geographic Sea Bird. A knowledgeable expedition leader, naturalist/geologist and historian illuminate our travels through the largest basalt flow, floods and mudslides in the history of the world. And local experts join us to expand on the themes of the expedition: the mountain crossing by the Corps of Discovery, the history of river navigation, the cataclysmic origins of the Columbia River Gorge. Plus, an onboard photo instructor helps you take your best photos yet and offers photography tips that last a lifetime.




Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day over uneven, potentially slippery terrain; various options of distances are often available. Climbing in and out of Zodiac boats is necessary to go ashore. Optional kayaking.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Spokane, Washington, 1 night; aboard National Geographic Sea Bird, 6 nights.



Days 1-2:
Arrival Spokane, Washington / embark National Geographic Sea Bird:

Lodging: Comfortable hotel.



Day 3:
Clarkston, Wash.:

Take a jet boat excursion up the Snake River over rapids and past abandoned homesteads and gold mines to Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America.



Day 4:
Palouse River:

Explore this small tributary by Zodiac or kayak and see Palouse Falls, where cascading waters plunge into pools below.



Day 5:
The Dalles, Ore.:

Hike or bike among the cliffs and cascades along Highway 30, one of the original east-west, coast-to-coast U.S. highways. Visit the Maryhill Museum of Art with its eclectic collection of native baskets, Rodin sculptures, and chess sets.



Day 6:
Columbia River Gorge and Hood River:

Take a field trip to the Rasmussen family farm to taste local fruit and enjoy stunning views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams.



Day 7:
Astoria, Ore.:

At Fort Clatsop, walk through the full-scale reconstructed fort where Lewis and Clark hunkered down for a harsh winter. Choose to explore Cape Disappointment (the headland where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean) or the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge by Zodiac or kayak.



Day 8:
Portland, Ore. / disembark / departure




National Geographic Sea Bird

Lindblad Expeditions nimble 152-foot boat carrying 62 passengers, the National Geographic Sea Bird is scaled to cater to small groups and to be in harmony with the environment. It can access areas that larger boats cannot and carries a fleet of versatile Zodiac landing craft and sea kayaks for up-close shoreline exploration.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Don Popejoy
Don Popejoy has always loved American history, especially that of the Pacific Northwest. He is currently involved with the Oregon/California Trail Association and his passions extend to the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. Don has represented the organizations as a trail guide, preservationist, board member and several other positions. Don teaches Pacific Northwest history, Lewis and Clark history, geology and global warming at Spokane Falls Community College and the Corbin Center. Don has lead, coordinated and instructed Road Scholar programs for more than 13 years. He graduated from Eastern Washington State College of Education (EWU) with a double major in U.S. history and Pacific Northwest history, and a dual minor in psychology and sociology.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Quality Inn & Suites
  Clarkston, WA 1 night
   M/V Sea Bird
  Clarkston, WA
Columbia and Snake Rivers		 6 nights
 Quality Inn & Suites
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: The Quality Inn & Suites™ Conference Center hotel is located at the gateway to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area on the scenic banks of the Snake River. This Clarkston, WA hotel is close to Lewis-Clark State College, Lower Granite Dam and the annual Lewiston Roundup festival, featuring a rodeo and parade each September. The Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport is five miles from the hotel. Several riverboats dock next to the hotel and jet boat excursions depart daily. Excellent steelhead fishing, whitewater rafting, big game hunting and year-round golfing make the area a sportsman's paradise. Golf enthusiasts will want to take advantage of the PGA-approved practice facility adjacent to the hotel. Allow some time for a fun-filled round of golf on the natural grass putting course. Bogeys restaurant and the Q Lounge are both located on the premises, and offer upscale dining with a varied selection of wines. Room service is also provided. Guests of this Clarkston, WA hotel will enjoy full-service amenities like free airport transportation, free local calls and free coffee in the lobby. The hotel also provides a free hot breakfast in the on-site restaurant. Be sure to take advantage of the exercise room, outdoor heated pool and hot tub during your visit. The conference center, with eight meeting rooms, provides the essentials for any event hosting up to 300 people. Business travelers to this Washington hotel will appreciate free wireless Internet access in all rooms and access to fax services. All spacious guest rooms include refrigerators, microwaves, hair dryers and coffee makers. In addition to standard amenities, suites feature two 25-inch televisions. Some rooms have whirlpool bathtubs. The Quality Inn & Suites is a 100% non-smoking facility. A complimentary newspaper, laundry facilities and valet cleaning services are available for your convenience.
  Ship Information: n/a
  Contact info: 700 Port Drive
Clarkston, WA 99403 USA
phone: 509-758-9500
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Price varies with availability Please contact PD

 M/V Sea Bird
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: Small groups in a generous amount of public space with several highly qualified team members who accompany the group throughout the cruise. Zodiac landing craft allow the group to disembark and explore almost anywhere. Menus emphasize local flair. Special expedition equipment on every ship.
  Ship Information: Length 152 feet, Beam 33 feet, Draft 8 feet, Tonnage 95 USCG cargo capacity, steel hull with aluminum superstructure, launched in 1982, cruising speed 11.5 to 12 knots.
  Contact info: Portland Docks
Portland, OR 97232 USA
phone: 800-397-3348
  Room amenities: All rooms face outside with windows, private facilities and climate controls. Keys are not issued for the cabins, but cabin doors may be locked from the inside. Category 1 (Lindblad Cat 3) Bridge Deck #105, 106 Upper Deck #214, 216, 217, 219 These cabins feature a seating unit with table and two large view windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out single bed for a third person; Bridge Deck cabins include two lower single beds only. Category 02 (Lindblad Cat 2) Bridge Deck #100-104 Upper Deck #200-212, 215 These well-located cabins include two lower single beds and a view window. Category 03 (Lindblad Cat 1) Main Deck #300-305 Conveniently positioned between the Dining room and Lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a view window. Note: Sole Occupancy cabins are available in Categories 2 and 3 only. Participants wishing to share should enroll in Cat 3.
  Facility amenities: The public areas include a library; lounge with full-service bar; facilities for films, slide shows and lectures; an observation deck; and partially covered sun deck with chairs and tables. Ship has an open bridge policy that allows you to meet the officers. There are no laundry facilities on the ship.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: Shower only


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program begins with a program orientation at the hotel in Clarkston, WA You will be staying at Quality Inn & Suites that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after breakfast on board the ship. You will be staying at M/V Sea Bird the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking is available at the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport in Lewiston, Idaho and at the Portland International Airport in Portland, Oregon.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Clarkston, WA
  From End of Program
  Location:  Columbia and Snake Rivers
Travel Details
 

Lewiston, ID

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Free
Prices are subject to change.
   

There will be one complimentary shuttle to the hotel from the airport. All participants are welcome to join this scheduled transfer. Participants who are unable to join this transfer due to flight times, are responsible for making their own way to the hotel. The shuttle will be scheduled approximately 6 weeks prior to departure.
 

Portland, OR

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle

   

There will be one transfer from the ship to the airport at 8am. All participants must be off the ship by 9am. There will be a hospitality suite for luggage storage at the RiverPlace Hotel in Portland for those with late flights.
 
Driving Directions
  Any Location Quality Inn & Suites 700 Port Drive Clarkston, WA 99403 Directions: US12 exit 5th Street. North to hotel 3 blocks.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrive Lewiston, ID / Transfer to Clarkston, WA
(Thursday, September 20)
   
 Afternoon: Arrive in Lewiston, ID. Transfer to hotel, which is located just across the state border.
 Evening: Program Orientation and Welcome Dinner
   
Accommodations: Quality Inn & Suites

Day 2: Lewiston and Clarkston
(Friday, September 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Morning lecture with your Study Leader at the hotel. After the presentation, check out of the hotel and board the coach for a brief city discovery of Lewiston and Clarkston.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own in Clarkston
 Afternoon: After lunch and some free time in Clarkston, enjoy an afternoon lecture at a local hotel. Embark the National Geographic Sea Bird.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Clarkston
(Saturday, September 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: At Clarkston, we find ourselves at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, more than 450 miles from the sea. Today, travel by comfortable jet boat up the Snake River into one of North America’s most scenic spots, spectacular Hells Canyon. Or you may opt to follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Clearwater River, visiting several of their actual campsites. Led by our local Historian, we learn about the relationship between the Nez Perce people and Lewis and Clark.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local lodge.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon, return to the ship and begin sailing down the Snake River.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship. Unassigned seating makes for easy mingling and informal dining. Menu will emphasize local flair and your Study Leader hosts one table.
   
Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Exploring the Palouse River
(Sunday, September 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: The still water of the Palouse River is the perfect mirror for the surrounding basalt cliffs as we set off on our Zodiac cruises and kayak adventures. Visit Palouse Falls where cascading waters plunge into pools below.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Join your study leader and ship experts for an afternoon lecture.
 Dinner: Enjoy a BBQ on deck.
   
Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: The Dalles / Maryhill Museum
(Monday, September 24)

Note: This day will include an optional morning hike or bike ride. Participants must be able to walk at least 1 mile.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet on board
 Morning: Visit the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center to learn about the natural history of the Gorge. Hike or take bicycles along the Columbia River Scenic Highway. In the afternoon we’ll visit the Maryhill Museum and view its extensive and eclectic collection of native baskets, Rodin sculptures and much more.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: In the afternoon visit the Merryhill Museum.
 Dinner: Enjoy a cocktail hour to recap the days experiences followed by dinner.
   
Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Columbia River Gorge / Hood River
(Tuesday, September 25)

Note: Today's afternoon hikes range from 1.7 miles to 2.7 miles with inclines of 200-400 feet.
   
 Breakfast: Light breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: Your morning will start with a visit to the Gorge White House and Farm, a 102 year old working farm with spectacular views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.
 Brunch: Enjoy a garden fresh brunch at the farm's dahlia garden.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon get a fresh perspective on landmarks such as Beacon's Rock, Multnomah Falls and Crown point. Hike among towering waterfallls.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird
Meals Included: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Day 7: Astoria
(Wednesday, September 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet on board
 Morning: We near the end of our Westward journey as Lewis and Clark did, by navigating the Columbia to the mouth of the river at Astoria At Fort Clatsop, where the explorers hunkered down for the wet winter of 1805-1806, we walk through the full-scale reconstructed fort. Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which chronicles the history of river navigation and this port town.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: In the afternoon you can choose to visit Cape Disappointment or Zodiac and kayak in the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge, conditions permitting.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Portland, OR / Disembark
(Thursday, September 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet on board
 Morning: After breakfast disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for flights home.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A River Lost


Author: Blaine Harden


Description: A River Lost compares the way the river looked for the Corps of Discovery to now, giving a fascinating look at the incredible changes the great river has undergone in 60 years. It covers the same geographic area that you will traverse, so it's directly relevant to the cruise.





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