Columbia / Snake River Cruise

From the high desert of the inland empire to the endless sweep of the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia and Snake rivers follow an epic course, flowing through a rich tapestry of ever-changing landscapes, lush wildlife habitat and fascinating human endeavors. Scenes of natural beauty and human ingenuity unfold one by one. It is an unforgettable journey along the legendary rivers that helped shape the West.

Visit the beautiful city of Portland. Situated between the sparkling waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland has flourished throughout history with the fortunes of the great rivers. In the golden age of riverboats, sternwheelers crossed Portland’s busy waterfront while steam whistles and calliopes rang out across the water. Today big city excitement, combined with small town charm, make Portland one of the favorite destinations in the West.

A nationally significant historic region at the western end of the Lewis & Clark Trail, Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies and today showcases more than 70 Victorian-era homes in its unique historic district. In the winter of 1805-06 the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery headquartered at Fort Clatsop. In 1955, a replica of the fort was built near the original site, following Clark’s own sketches, and was eventually named a National Monument. At Fort Canby and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, get a comprehensive overview of the Corp’s entire expedition.

Cruise through Volcano Alley on the Columbia River with views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens. From Rainier, travel to Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. At the nearby observatory and interpretive center, look right into the volcanic crater with its steaming dome, and witness first hand the destructive power and damage caused by this volcanic blast in 1980.

Eighty miles long and up to four thousand feet deep, the Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. A popular recreational destination, the gorge holds federally protected status as a National Scenic Area called the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area and is managed by the United States Forest Service. The cliffs of the awe-inspiring Gorge look down on quaint riverfront towns and exhilarating windsurfing waters. Through millenniums of geologic events, waterfalls have found their home in the Columbia River Gorge.

In the heart of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range, the ship will transit the Bonneville Lock and Dam to reach the port of Stevenson. At the Bonneville Dam Visitors Center, learn about the workings of the massive turbine generators behind this imposing hydroelectric power source. The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center showcases the area's unique cultural and historical diversity, from the Native American tribes that inhabited the Gorge, to Lewis and Clark and 19th-century loggers.

Journey to Pendleton and get a taste of the real west watching working cowboys at the world-famous Pendleton Roundup and learn of the coming of the pioneers from the perspective of the Native Americans at the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute.

The twin cities of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington, are known as the Northwest’s most inland seaports. Here, along the Snake River, you’ll find Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America. The canyon is known for its pristine wilderness and breathtaking scenery. View ancient Indian petroglyphs and magnificent wildlife.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100