Autumn Sojourn in the Pacific Northwest
This five 5-day small ship cruise through the fall colors of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic area is destined to be a Northwest favorite. Optional activities include wine tasting, kayaking, hiking, and biking.
DAY 1 – Portland, Oregon / Embark
In the late afternoon embark National Geographic Sea Bird and navigate the lower reaches of the Willamette River through the center of downtown Portland before an overnight sailing down the Columbia River to Astoria. (D)
DAY 2 – Astoria / Fort Clatsop / Kayaking
Originally established as an outpost of the fur trade in the early 1800’s, the small town of Astoria lies near the mouth of the Columbia River. In the morning, visit the nearby full scale replica of Fort Clatsop, where Lewis & Clark spent the winter of 1805-1806. Walk through the wooded trails to experience what the explorers would have seen over 200 years ago. Moving a few miles upstream to the Lewis & Clark Wildlife Refuge, in the afternoon there is an opportunity to kayak, or Zodiac among the many islands in this broad part of the river. (B, L, D)
DAY 3 – Mount St. Helens / Hiking
Twenty-eight years ago Mount St. Helens’ spectacular eruption blew the top 1,300 feet off the peak, created an ash cloud that caused darkness in the middle of the day and leveled the forest for many miles. The visitor centers superbly illustrate the drama of the eruption and its aftermath. A walk along the hiking trails gives an intimate look at an ecosystem that is making an amazing recovery from this devastating event. (B, L, D Columbia River Gorge / Hike / Bike/ Wine Taste
DAY 4 – Columbia River Gorge / Hike / Bike/ Wine Taste
Venture through the Columbia River Gorge, perhaps the most awe-inspiring section of the entire river, passing the 620-foot-high Multnomah Falls along the way. Pass through the navigation locks at Bonneville Dam to continue on up the river. Today there are opportunities to hike or bicycle along this scenic stretch of the river. In the afternoon, drive to the eclectic Maryhill Museum on the very rim of the gorge for a tasting of Pacific Northwest wines accompanied by a small feast of local fruits and cheeses and an assortment of seafood from the nearby Pacific. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 – Portland / Disembark
Disembark in Portland and transfer to the airport for flights home, or on to other adventures in the Pacific Northwest. (B)
Ports of Call
Day 1: Portland, Oregon, United States
Day 2: Astoria, Oregon
Day 3: Mount St. Helens
Day 4: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Day 5: Portland, Oregon, United States
