Rivers, Canyons & Wines of the Pacific Northwest

Day 1: Portland, Oregon
Day 2: Astoria / Ft. Clatsop Lewis & Clark National Historical Park 
Day 3: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area / Hood River Valley
Day 4: Walla Walla, Washington 
Day 5: Palouse River / Snake River
Day 6: Columbia Hills
Day 7: The Dalles
Day 8: Portland, Oregon

The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical, or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. The captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety, even with no advance notice. 

Day 1: Portland, Oregon
On arrival in Portland, you’ll be escorted to the hospitality suite where you can relax or explore the city. Fondly known as the “City of Roses” (a nod to its popular Rose Festival held every June), Portland has breweries, bookstores, coffee shops, and quirky places within walking distance ready for you to explore. After boarding the Wilderness Legacy boat, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and views of the city will welcome you - a perfect start to your adventure. (D)

Day 2: Astoria / Ft. Clatsop Lewis & Clark National Historical Park
You will dock in the charming Victorian port city of Astoria Dock, for a visit of Ft. Clatsop, the winter fort of the 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. There are many exhibits for you to browse and trails you can follow to the replica fort, or you can take a low-elevation walk from the visitor center to view replica dugout canoes. For a longer but easier hike, a one-mile trail along the Lewis and Clark River, leading to an outdoor viewing area highlighting the landscape and stories described in the journals of Lewis & Clark, is on offer. If you’re up for a challenge, then take a 7-mile, one-way hike on the Fort to Sea Trail through forest, fields, and dunes. Whichever you opt for, everyone will experience Ft. Clatsop and a walk on the beach. Back downtown, you can explore on your own; walk the waterfront trail, and/or visit the Astoria Column (a 600-ft tower built-in 1926). Afterward, you will set sail upriver and see what delectable treats your chef and crew have in store for the evening. (BLD)

Day 3: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area / Hood River Valley
You will make your way through the Bonneville Dam locks - the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge - where you head behind the scenes of the visitor’s center. A private tour will showcase the massive turbines and fish ladders of this engineering feat. The Multnomah Falls - the tallest waterfall in the state - is the next stop with a chance for you to explore the area on foot. Then it’s onto the Columbia River Gorge: a real Pacific Northwest gem. The dramatic walls of the Columbia River Gorge expose the tremendous geologic history of the region as they rise up to over 4,000 feet where they meet Larch Mountain. There are two guided hiking options to choose from: a low elevation option or a trek upwards to a waterfall amidst towering trees. Back on board, your onboard sommelier has a “Best of Hood River Valley” wine tasting dialed in. All you have to do is take a seat in the lounge and sip on wine! (BLD)

Day 4: Walla Walla, Washington
Start the day cruising through the famed Wallula Gap: a gaping void across the Horse Heaven Hills. The theme for today is all things Walla Walla, including nibbles from visits with an olive oil maker, a local chocolatier, and makers of hand-cured meats and sauces. For lunch, you will sample regional culinary delights at the historic Gesa Power House Theatre. With local bites come local sips and time to stretch your legs. The family-owned Dunham Cellars will welcome you to tour and taste their wines before you head downtown to historic Walla Walla. Here, you will visit the multi-media artist Squire Broel’s studio and stroll downtown with your guides where boutique shops and over 30 tasting rooms await. Your guides will then give interpretive presentations of a land rich in history. (BLD)

Day 5: Palouse River / Snake River
You will wake up at the mouth of the Palouse River, where a day of kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding await. Your binoculars will come in handy as well as you head out on an early morning skiff boat ride for some great birding of hawks, herons, grebes, and other birds. At the confluence of the Palouse and Snake rivers, your crew has everything set with a beach party at Lyons Ferry State Park. Back on board, you can order a cocktail and wind up the afternoon cruising one of the most scenic stretches of the Snake River. (BLD)

Day 6: Columbia Hills
The impressive sheer cliffs, basalt landforms, and wide-stretching plateaus of Rowena were formed by lava flows, floods, and volcanic ash deposits. At Rowena Overlook, you will have the chance to explore the area on foot. You can opt for a 2-mile roundtrip hike to the crest of Tom McCall Nature Preserve. Your reward will be expansive views in every direction, including the Columbia River far below. Or, you can choose the steeper, 3.6-mile roundtrip Tom McCall Point trail. On a cloudless day, your effort gaining 1,000 feet of elevation pays off with views of Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge. Afterward, sip on a well-deserved drink on board as you toast the end of your adventure. Cruise through the Columbia River Gorge as you enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. (BLD)

Day 7: The Dalles
It’s all about adventure on the river today. You will start with a shallow wet landing onto the beach before heading out on a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure on the Deschutes River. You will raft class II and III+ rapids which come with names like Elevator and Surf City. Your experienced rafting guides will provide all the gear (including optional wetsuits) and your ship’s chef, the picnic lunch. There are also winery tours, park walks, and museum tours on offer.. Then you can finish off the day with a dip in a lazy section of the river, and let the sunshine dry you off after a swim. Before boarding the boat, you can swap stories with your shipmates over sunset cocktails and appetizers along the river’s edge. (BLD)

Day 8: Portland, Oregon
Today your tour comes to an end. Savor your last breakfast aboard as well as the surrounding scenery as you cruise into Portland where you will disembark for your airport transfer or onward arrangements. (B)

Tempted by outdoor adventure? Take a look at our other Alaska and Pacific Northwest small ship cruises here. 

• Wilderness Legacy

  Comfort

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  View Boat

  Comfort Class Boat

  Fondly nicknamed the ‘Whale Whisperer’, this small boat is geared to adventure and expedition cruising. Taking on the appearance of an early 20th-century coastal steamer, Wilderness Legacy, not only exudes vintage charm but is a stalwart vessel in the fleet, capable of sailing remote waters. Equipped with a portable activity launch platform - aka Sea Dragon - taking part in kayaking, paddle boarding, and skiff rides is a breeze. Read More