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A vibrant sunset over the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, with golden light reflecting on the water and lush green hillsides.
Oregon/Washington

Columbia River Explorer: An Easy-Paced Riverboat Adventure

Program No. 25640RJ
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Itinerary
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All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
28 meals ( 10B, 8L, 10D )
6 expert-led lectures
14 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
10 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name tag.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. In addition to lectures and field trips exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events aboard ship that are separate from the Road Scholar program. Please note that routes, field trips, and excursions are subject to change as weather and river conditions could require altering the itinerary and/or the progress of the ship, making it run late and possibly miss ports if it cannot dock. The cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior notice. Throughout the program, we will be accompanied by an Instructor who will present educational content. During the land portion, transportation will be provided via motorcoach unless specified otherwise. Some lectures and field trips will be exclusive to Road Scholar while others will be open to all passengers. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We’ll gather with our Instructor who will share some background information on the unique region we’ll be exploring together over the next few days.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking and standing at field trip sites; paved walkways.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll begin our exploration of Portland via motorcoach, joined by one of the city’s outstanding bridge experts for a field trip to discover the bridges of Portland. We will have great views of the city as we learn how Portland became “Bridge Town” and how engineers have kept the spans functioning for a century. Because Portland is situated at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, river culture plays a big role in the community, from Rose Festival dragon boat races and Fourth of July festivities to biking and art along the Esplanade. We’ll end our motorcoach exploration at the Lan Su Chinese Garden where an expert will walk us through one of Portland’s greatest treasures: a powerfully inspiring experience that takes us through time, offering a window into the Chinese culture, history, and way of thinking.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will walk a short distance for a field trip to the Portland Art Museum where we will have an introduction to the museum followed by time for self-led exploration. The Portland Art Museum is the oldest in the Pacific Northwest. Its collection includes works of European painting and sculpture, American painting and sculpture, English silver, Asian art, Native American art, pre-Columbian art, Cameroon and other African art, contemporary art, sculpture, prints and drawings, and photography. We’ll then walk across the street to the Oregon Historical Society Museum. This museum offers an in-depth history of the State of Oregon, with both permanent and temporary installations. We will have time for self-directed exploration of the museum.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 55 miles, approximately 1.5 hour riding time. Walking up to 1 mile and standing during field trips; paved walkways, groomed paths.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll check out of the hotel and board a motorcoach to make our way to iconic Multnomah Falls. The second highest year-round waterfall in the nation, it plummets 620 feet from its origins on Larch Mountain. At the base of the falls is the Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge with a Forest Service Visitors Center we will explore. Trails from the lodge get you close-up views of the falls and tie into trails to other waterfalls in the area. Those who wish to walk on the trails are welcome to do so. Next, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive along what has been called the “King of Roads,” the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway. The Historic Columbia River Highway was built in 1913 and specially designed to complement the region’s stunning landscape without interrupting it. We’ll stop at Crown Point and visit the unique Vista House which offers a panoramic view of the Columbia River. After our exploration, we’ll ride to the Port of Skamania and embark the American Jazz.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
After completing embarkation procedures and settling into your cabin, take some time to become familiar with the ship before dinner. When announced, we will participate with everyone on board in the required safety drill. Later, we’ll gather in a meeting area for a lecture led by our Instructor to introduce us to the unique region we’ll be traveling through.
Dinner:
Aboard the ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy entertainment or other activities, spend time with fellow Road Scholars to discuss the day’s events, or just relax.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 1/2 mile; paths, flat trails. Elective climb at Astoria Column, 164 stairs.
Breakfast:
Aboard the ship.
Morning:
We will step off the ship, board a motorcoach and head to Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis & Clark expedition spent the harsh winter of 1805-1806 after realizing no ship was coming to pick them up and take them East. The fort was named in honor of the local Clatsop people. The 33-member party spent the winter of 1805-06 learning from the Clatsop, making moccasins and buckskin clothing, storing food, and reworking their maps and journals in preparation for their long journey back to St. Louis.
Lunch:
Aboard the ship.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll explore the Columbia River Maritime Museum at our own pace. Founded in 1962, the Columbia River Maritime Museum has become one of the top maritime museums in the country. Its mission is to preserve the maritime heritage of the Columbia River region and the Pacific Northwest. A highlight is the Lightship Columbia, a National Historic Landmark. It was the final lightship to be moored at the mouth of the Columbia River. We will have an opportunity to roam through the collection of more than 30,000 items, experience what it was like to pilot a tugboat in the tugboat simulator, and hear stories of Coast Guard rescues on the Columbia River Bar. Next, we’ll board our motorcoach and set out on a field trip to the Astoria Column. This pillar, located in the heart of Astoria, presents local history in mural form on the exterior walls of the column, with breathtaking views from the top. There will be an elective opportunity to climb the column and enjoy the view from the hill. Afterwards, we’ll return to the ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 110 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time total. Walking about 1/2 mile, standing at field trip sites.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We’ll walk a short way from the ship to explore Kalama’s Interpretive Center that celebrates its unique place in Pacific Northwest history as a transportation and commercial hub. The building is designed to replicate a traditional waterfront warehouse of the 1800s. Exhibits track Kalama’s first inhabitants, the Cowlitz Tribe, and the settlers that followed over the next hundred years, including renowned Oregon Trail writer Ezra Meeker. Displays illustrate how Kalama’s particular landscape gave birth to a booming transportation system, impacting the area both culturally and economically.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
May 18, 1980 is a day etched into the history of the United States, as the powerful eruption of Mount St. Helens drastically changed the landscape of what is now referred to as the National Volcanic Monument. We’ll board a motorcoach for a scenic journey to Mount St. Helens, learning from an expert about the eruption, how it affected the landscape and surrounding communities, and how the environment has responded naturally to the disturbance. Admire spectacular views of the pumice plain and blast site. Please note that this field trip is dependent on weather. In the event of fog, our guides will adapt accordingly.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1 mile and standing during field trips.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We’ll begin the day with another informative presentation by our Instructor.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Following an expert-narrated motorcoach drive, we’ll reach the Bradford Island Visitor Center at the Bonneville Lock and Dam, where we’ll explore independently and learn about the cultural history of the region, dam construction, the development of navigation along the Columbia River, and the life cycles of salmon and Pacific lamprey. The Dam generates enough hydroelectric power to provide nearly 500,000 homes with electricity. We’ll have a chance to view migrating fish through underwater windows that allow you to peer into the fish ladder. A rooftop observation deck provides a panoramic view of the Columbia River Gorge. Afterwards, we’ll make a short stop to visit the Oregon icon Herman, the sturgeon, the state’s most famous fish, measuring approximately 10 feet long, 500 pounds, and over 80 years old.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Full day aboard ship.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
During our full day aboard ship, we will see picturesque canyon walls, mountains, and fertile fields. We will learn about the area through discussions and interpretation by our Instructor and onboard staff.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
As we continue through this area of vertical canyons and scenic views, we’ll gather in a meeting area for a lecture by our Instructor.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 1 mile and standing during field trips; paved walkways, groomed trails.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
This morning, we'll explore the REACH Museum. As a gateway to the Hanford Reach National Monument, the museum showcases local agricultural history, advancements in technology, the Manhattan Project, Ice Age Floods, and other stories of the community through the lens of the Columbia River. Museum staff will give us an introduction, followed by time for self-directed exploration.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We will board the motorcoach and set out on a field trip to Sacajawea Historical State Park and Interpretive Center that features fascinating exhibits on the Lewis & Clark expedition. At this location, the Columbia and Snake rivers converge. After our exploration we'll return to the ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a jet boat; cruising for approximately 3 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will gather in a meeting area aboard the ship for a lecture by our Instructor.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We will set out on a study cruise by jet boat through Hells Canyon with commentary by onboard expedition staff. Hells Canyon is North America’s deepest river gorge at 7,993 feet. Protected as a National Recreation Area since 1975, it preserves a world of fascinating natural and cultural elements. Vertical cliffs carved by the river now hem in the rushing waters. Watch dramatic scenery unfold as we jet upriver. We’ll watch for big horn sheep and hawks throughout the journey. Along the route, we will view petroglyphs, reminders of the Nez Perce people who were the earliest inhabitants of the canyon.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 110 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Walking up to 1 mile.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We’ll disembark the American Jazz at the Port of Clarkston, where we’ll board a motorcoach for our transfer to Spokane, Washington, where we’ll be staying tonight. Upon arrival in Spokane, we’ll store our luggage at the hotel.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. If there is interest, our Instructor may lead us on a short walk through Spokane’s Riverfront Park. The 100-acre park features beautiful views of the Spokane River and a large urban waterfall.
Dinner:
In a private dining room at the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!