At a glance
- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Start/End:
- Portland to Clarkston or reverse
- From:
- $5,827
- Time of Year:
- March - April, September - October
Embark on an 8-day Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History cruise aboard a 62-passenger expedition ship, where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant harvests of the Columbia and Snake rivers. Along the way, indulge in the culinary delights and world-class wines that define the Pacific Northwest.
Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Food & Wine magazine to offer a one-of-a-kind journey that perfectly balances exploration and indulgence.
Aboard Lindblad’s intimate, agile ships, you’ll follow the historic paths of early explorers, settlers, and Indigenous peoples, all while taking in breathtaking views and visiting museums and historical landmarks. Explore by foot, kayak, Zodiac, and jet boat, with expert naturalists, historians, and geologists sharing their insights on everything you encounter. A food and wine expert will guide you through the region’s exceptional flavors, ensuring a truly immersive and delectable experience in this lush, fertile corner of the country.
Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History Highlights
- Savor gourmet menus that highlight seasonal, sustainable ingredients sourced within 250 miles of your route, bringing the flavors of the region to your plate.
- Discover the region’s stunning geological marvels, from the Columbia River Gorge to Multnomah Falls and Beacon Rock, with opportunities to explore up close by hiking, kayaking, or Zodiac cruising.
- Delight in over 40 of the region’s finest wines, personally curated by Food & Wine magazine’s Executive Wine Editor, Ray Isle.
- Immerse yourself in history and local charm as you explore Walla Walla’s museums and vineyards, Cape Disappointment’s historic sights, and the quirky coastal town of Astoria.
- Enjoy breathtaking backdrops while indulging in canapés and cocktails as you transit towering locks by moonlight, savor local wines at a private museum gathering, and more.
- Sail alongside a team of experts, including historians, geologists, and a food and wine specialist, offering deep insights into the Pacific Northwest’s rich heritage and diverse terroirs.
Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Portland, Oregon / Embark Ship
Arrive in Portland in the early afternoon, nestled at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, with snow-capped Mount Hood towering in the background. In the early evening, embark on your journey and experience why Portland is known as “Bridgetown” as we sail beneath eight of the city’s 12 distinctive bridges along the Willamette River, the first of five rivers we will explore on this remarkable voyage.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Astoria
Our journey begins as we navigate the Columbia River toward its mouth at Astoria. At Cape Disappointment, immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery where Meriwether Lewis first glimpsed the Pacific in 1805. In the afternoon, choose from a variety of experiences to explore the charming Astoria area—delve into its rich history at intriguing museums or savor the local beer and oysters in this coastal gem.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Cruising / Hood River
Immerse yourself in both natural wonders and human engineering as we cruise along the scenic Columbia River, passing through the Bonneville Lock and Dam. Take a steaming cup of coffee on the bow, where our naturalists share insightful perspectives on the often-debated history of the river’s dams. In the afternoon, we’ll stop at the breathtaking Multnomah Falls, followed by an optional hike up the iconic Beacon Rock, a towering basalt column rising 848 feet above the river. To cap off the day, enjoy a private cultural and culinary experience at a local museum.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Cruising the Gorge
Today, we’ll cruise through some of the most picturesque and geologically captivating sections of the Columbia River and Columbia Plateau. Our geologists will share intriguing details about the glacial floods that shaped this landscape 13,000 years ago, while our food and wine expert highlights how these unique terrains influence the region’s flavors and tannins. As we pass significant landmarks, our historian will bring to life the historic journeys of the Corps of Discovery. Alternatively, you can relax with a soothing massage, preparing yourself for the exciting adventures to come.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Walla Walla, Washington
Drive through some of the most fertile agricultural regions in the country, where vibrant green and purple fields of sprouting wheat, asparagus, and the famous Walla Walla sweet onions stretch as far as the eye can see. Wine enthusiasts can indulge in a day of tastings in this renowned wine region, featuring a private vineyard tour and a downtown wine walk. Alternatively, explore the area’s rich history with visits to museums, including the Whitman Mission, a National Historic Site where tensions between Native Americans and white missionaries led to an event that still echoes in our culture today.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Palouse River
The calm waters of the Palouse River create a perfect reflection of the towering basalt cliffs as we embark on our Zodiac and kayak excursions. Visit the stunning Palouse Falls, where water plunges 200 feet into a swirling pool below. This natural wonder, along with the surrounding canyon, is part of the geologically fascinating channeled scablands formed by ancient floods, featuring rugged cliffs, deep cavities, and winding waterways. Afterward, continue sailing up the Snake River while sampling some of the region’s local specialties.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Clarkston
Today, we arrive at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, over 450 miles from the sea. Board a comfortable jet boat and venture into the breathtaking Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge, which remains largely inaccessible by road. Along the way, you’ll see traces of the Nez Perce tribe, including ancient horsetrails etched into the hillsides and petroglyphs on the rock formations. In the evening, a Nez Perce storyteller will share the tribe’s rich history, and a local winemaker will host our final wine tasting, as we raise a glass to an unforgettable journey before enjoying a special farewell dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Clarkston / Disembark Ship
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. You can choose to depart from Lewiston, Idaho, which is nearby, or enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful Palouse region to Spokane, Washington, just two hours away.
Meals Included: Breakfast
