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Adventure Life VOYAGES
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1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  Spirit of Alaska

Itinerary:  A River Voyage of Discovery

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Join us on the Columbia and Snake Rivers as the Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition gets fully underway. The explorers set out in 1804, seeking the Rocky Mountains and the far Pacific. Then in 1805, the Corps of Discovery canoed down the Snake and Columbia Rivers to reach their goal at the sea. We'll retrace their path, covering over 800 miles of scenic riverways punctuated by orchards and evergreens and draped by elegant waterfalls. Throughout your cruise, the Pacific Northwest's pioneer history is brought to life with a special series of excursions, guest speakers, and narration and presentations by your on-board Exploration Leader.

Day 1 : Sail from Portland

On arrival in Portland, you will transfer to our Hospitality Suite downtown. After boarding, slowly cruise the Willamette River to view the downtown skyline. This 240-mile tributary of the Columbia River is crossed by 19 bridges and three ferries. D

Day 2 : Cruising the World-Reknowned Columbia River Gorge

Your ship slips through the locks of Bonneville Dam at the entrance to the Columbia River Gorge. Stop at the DamÕs Visitor Center, then tour by motorcoach to breathtaking Multnomah Falls, the tallest falls in Oregon. Visit the Hood River Valley to take in some local flavor. Return to the ship to continue cruising upriver, passing through The Dalles and John Day Lock and Dam. This dam was completed in 1968 and includes a fish ladder. BLD

Day 3 : Cruising the Snake River

Over the course of the day, cruise from the Columbia River into the Snake, with several lock passages. Explore the rugged cliffs and buttes along the shores. McNary Dam was completed in 1953 and created Lake Wallula. Ice Harbor Dam near the confluence of the two rivers was completed in 1961, and includes a fish ladder. It creates Lake Sacajawea. BLD

Day 4 : Hells Canyon

After your final upriver locking at Lower Granite Dam, the vessel will dock in historic Clarkston, Washington, where you'll hear the story of the Nez Perce from their perspective. Board jet boats for an exhilarating excursion deep into Hells Canyon. This free-flowing stretch of the Snake River boasts lovely scenery beneath steep cliffs rising thousands of feet on both sides of the gorge. BLD

Day 5 : Walla Walla

Today, relive history at the Fort Walla Walla Museum with a collection of over 35,000 catalogued artifacts. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Walla Walla's 26Brix restaurant, located in the 130-year-old Dacres Hotel, on the National Register of Historic Places. You will have time to explore the town, taste local wine, or take a walking tour and enjoy the sculptures you'll find throughout town. Return to the ship for some relaxing late afternoon cruising. BLD

Day 6 : The Dalles and Maryhill Museum

The Maryhill Museum is your morning treat, a historic mansion sitting in solitary splendor on
a bluff over the Columbia River. You'll discover an eclectic collection of Native arts, European paintings, and the Queen of Romania's personal effects. Then explore the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles and see plants like Lewis & Clark saw on the nature trails, with spectacular dioramas and displays of the region's geography and history. Enjoy lunch in this impressive setting. Return to the ship by way of Rowena Crest, one of America's Scenic Byways. Continue cruising into the dramatically beautiful Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. BLD

Day 7 : Astoria and Fort Clatsop

Stand in Lewis & Clark's footsteps at Fort Clatsop National Historic Park. See the fascinating Columbia River Maritime Museum, the site of Lewis & Clark's fort. Step off the beaten path to Astoria and return to the ship for lunch. Later, you can see the best of downtown Astoria on your own, equipped with a city map and recommendations from the crew. You're free to discover the hidden treasures of this Victorian seaport. BLD

Day 8 : Back to Portland

Return to Portland's attractive riverfront where your week-long voyage into history ends. A transfer is included to the Portland Airport. B

Ship Description: Spirit of Alaska

click to enlarge
  Spirit of Alaska

Her shallow draft, spacious bow and comfortable cruising speed make for optimum wildlife viewing.

With three Bridge Deck Deluxe cabins, she offers one most unusual cruising feature - view windows both port and starboard, left and right. The Deluxe category is the top end of a wide range of categories available, including economical Lower Deck inside staterooms with private facilities, and Main and Upper Deck cabins which feature large view windows. Other features:
- Cruising speed of 12 knots
- Registered in United States
- American crew
- Equipped for bow landings
- All cabins feature private facilities