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

Program Number: 20445RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/13/2013 - 10/20/2013; 10/25/2013 - 11/1/2013; 9/27/2014 - 10/4/2014; 10/21/2014 - 10/28/2014;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Oregon
Price starting at: $4,390.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Small Ship Cruising
Meals: 19; 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

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

Various distance hikes offered to accommodate various fitness levels. Uneven and potentially slippery terrain. Climbing in and out of Zodiac boats.



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
   Red Lion Hotel
  Spokane, Washington 1 night
   M/V Sea Bird
  Columbia and Snake Rivers 6 nights
 Red Lion Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Located on the banks of the Spokane River, steps from Riverfront Park, the Centennial Trail, and Spokane Falls, the hotel is just over the footbridge from downtown Spokane's exciting attractions - Spokane Convention Center, Spokane Arena, and INB Performing Arts Center. The hotel is walking distance from the Davenport Arts District, Bing Crosby Theater and Gonzaga University. And it's only a few miles from Spokane International Airport.
  Ship Information: N/A
  Contact info: 303 West North River Drive
Spokane, WA 99201 USA
phone: 150-932-6800 x0
web: www.redlionlewiston.com/
  Facility amenities: You'll stay comfortable in Spokane with modern amenities that include free high-speed wireless Internet access, on-site parking, airport transportation, room service and our award-winning concierge team. Families enjoy splashing around in our sculpted outdoor swimming pool - the largest swimming area in Spokane - with a waterfall and water slide. Stay fit in our fitness center, indoor pool, and whirlpool where you can relax and recharge.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: TBD based on availability Additional nights based on availaibility

 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 Red River Inn in Spokane, Washington. You will be staying at Red Lion Hotel 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 Red Lion River Inn and at the Portland International Airport in Portland, Oregon.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Spokane, Washington
  From End of Program
  Location:  Columbia and Snake Rivers
Travel Details
 

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.
 

Spokane

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle

   

There will be two transfers from the Spokane Airport to the Red Lion River Inn. Specific timing will be confirmed 6 months before the program departs.
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 Spokane, Washington / Transfer to the program hotel.
(Friday, October 25)
   
 Afternoon: Arrive in Spokane, Washington and transfer to the Red Lion River Inn hotel. Meet with your study leader and other Road Scholar participants in the afternoon for your program orientation.
 Dinner: Enjoy a group Dinner at the Red Lion River Inn with the rest of your group and your group leader.
   
Accommodations: Red Lion Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Spokane/Clarkston, WA
(Saturday, October 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Enjoy a walking tour of downtown Spokane, The Riverside Park, and view the Spokane Falls. Through out the walking tour your study leader will discuss the geology and the early history of Spokane. We return to the hotel by 11:30am. Check out of the hotel.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own in Spokane
 Afternoon: Coach transfer from Spokane to Clarkston. On the bus ride enjoy a historical narrative from your study leader. Once you arrive in Clarkston you will Embark the MV Sea Bird in Clarkston.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Clarkston
(Sunday, October 27)
   
 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.
 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
(Monday, October 28)
   
 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
(Tuesday, October 29)

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
(Wednesday, October 30)

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 Rasmussen family farm to taste local fruit and enjoy stunning views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Astoria
(Thursday, October 31)
   
 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
(Friday, November 1)
   
 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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