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Oregon/Washington

Columbia River Explorer: An Easy-Paced Riverboat Adventure

Program No. 22612RJ
Voyage along the Columbia River to learn about its unique history and breathtaking nature. Trace the path of Lewis and Clark, explore the landmarks of Portland and sample local wines.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

Ship Balcony
Apr 13 - Apr 23, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Balcony 6,999
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Itinerary Note

This departure stays at the AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown on April 13th and April 14th.

Apr 27 - May 7, 2024
Ship Balcony 7,699
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

May 11 - May 21, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Balcony 7,699
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

May 25 - Jun 4, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Balcony 7,699
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Jun 8 - Jun 18, 2024
Ship Balcony 8,699
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Jul 6 - Jul 16, 2024
Ship Balcony 8,699
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Aug 3 - Aug 13, 2024
Ship Balcony 8,699
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Sep 14 - Sep 24, 2024
Ship Balcony 8,699
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Sep 28 - Oct 8, 2024
Ship Balcony 8,699
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Oct 12 - Oct 22, 2024
Ship Balcony 8,699
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

DATES & PRICES

Ship Balcony
Apr 13 - Apr 23, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Balcony 8,799
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Itinerary Note

This departure stays at the AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown on April 13th and April 14th.

Filling Fast!
Apr 27 - May 7, 2024
Ship Balcony 9,499
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

May 11 - May 21, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Balcony 9,499
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

May 25 - Jun 4, 2024
SOLD OUT
Ship Balcony 9,499
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Filling Fast!
Jun 8 - Jun 18, 2024
Ship Balcony 10,499
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Filling Fast!
Jul 6 - Jul 16, 2024
Ship Balcony 10,499
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Filling Fast!
Aug 3 - Aug 13, 2024
Ship Balcony 10,499
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Filling Fast!
Sep 14 - Sep 24, 2024
Ship Balcony 10,499
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Filling Fast!
Sep 28 - Oct 8, 2024
Ship Balcony 10,499
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

Filling Fast!
Oct 12 - Oct 22, 2024
Ship Balcony 10,499
Special Offer

Enroll by Jan. 31, 2024 and receive free round-trip airfare from many cities! Availability may vary by date. Ask about low-cost air from other cities.

At a Glance

Float up the Columbia River on a classic riverboat for a one-of-a-kind adventure with minimal exertion and maximal learning! Sail past lush forests and rugged mountains, and trace the route of Lewis and Clark on leisurely excursions. On comfortably paced field trips, experience bountiful vineyards and verdant landscapes, and explore the historic landmarks of Portland — the “City of Roses.” Join experts at renowned museums to learn about the geology, flora and fauna of the Columbia River, and discover the long history of human settlements in the area.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Short distances on mostly paved paths to visit points of interest and museums. Some of the ramps at sites in Portland are relatively steep. Must be able to get on and off motorcoach and on and off jet boat for excursion into Hells Canyon.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Explore the historic sites of the Lewis and Clark expedition, including Fort Clatsop, a replica of the fort built by the expedition where they spent the harsh winter of 1805-1806.
  • Learn about the natural and human history of the magnificent Columbia River in the state-of-the-art Columbia River Maritime Museum.
  • Experience Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall.

General Notes

This program is limited to 24 participants and the ship holds 221 passengers.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
David Sienkiewicz
David Sienkiewicz is an experienced travel industry professional. He has managed groups from planning and development stages to the successful leadership and implementation of programs. His experience spans 30 years and has included outdoor adventure and motorcoach explorations of the United States and Canada, cycling and walking groups in Italy, as well as hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing groups in Yosemite and other national parks throughout the western U.S. Dave has traveled to all 50 states, six Canadian provinces, and 22 countries abroad.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of David Sienkiewicz
David Sienkiewicz View biography
David Sienkiewicz is an experienced travel industry professional. He has managed groups from planning and development stages to the successful leadership and implementation of programs. His experience spans 30 years and has included outdoor adventure and motorcoach explorations of the United States and Canada, cycling and walking groups in Italy, as well as hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing groups in Yosemite and other national parks throughout the western U.S. Dave has traveled to all 50 states, six Canadian provinces, and 22 countries abroad.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Fire, Faults & Floods: A Road & Trail Guide Exploring the Origins of the Columbia River
by Marge & Ted Mueller
This handy guidebook offers an overview of the mighty, historic floods that carved the landscapes of Washington and Oregon. It also provides practical information to explore these regions, including maps and illustrations, photographs, and travel tips. This is an excellent resource for understanding the geological features of the Pacific Northwest.
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Sixth Edition
by Jon L. Dunn and Jonathan Alderfer
Reference book and field guide for birders of all levels. The book contains information on identification, migration information, habitats, and vocalizations.
Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West
by Stephen E. Ambrose
This book is based on journals and letters written by Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Thomas Jefferson and the members of the Corps of Discovery. The book discusses the expedition in detail, interactions with native people, weather, terrain, science, wildlife, and much more.
People of the River: Native Arts of the Oregon Territory
by Bill Mercer
Learn about the artistic traditions of the Native Americans who lived along the lower Columbia River from the mouth of the Snake River to the Pacific Ocean.
A River Lost: The Life and Death of the Columbia
by Blaine Harden
An insightful look into the many changes the Columbia River has undergone as a result of human exploitation. Harden weighs the pros and cons of river development and provides his unique perspectives, in addition to those of Native Americans, environmentalists, and individualist locals.
Native Peoples of the Northwest; Second Edition
by Jan Halliday and Gail Chehak
An introduction and guide to Northwest Native American reservations and ancestral lands in the Northwest. This book includes detailed information on performances, tours, cuisine, events, art galleries, and more.
Northwest Passage: The Great Columbia River; Revised Edition
by William Dietrich
In this revised edition, Dietrich provides updates on the Columbia River. It provides information on the salmon runs, the dams that are located on the river, and the growing importance of the river.





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.