National Parks & Legendary Rivers – American Harmony

Welcome aboard the American Song! Enjoy lunch as we set sail for this once in a lifetime trip through the rivers and the parks.

Explore Kalama, a small town nestled in between the big cities of Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. While here you can peruse one of the many antique stores, take a walk along the Columbia River, or visit one of the nearby wineries. Perhaps the most impactful of all landmarks in the region is Mount St. Helens. From high on an overlook, bear witness to the awesome power of the volcano whose eruption in 1980 scorched 230 square miles of forest land and forever changed the landscape and the lives of those in surrounding towns.

The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting through the Cascade Mountain Range with amazing natural contrasts of rain forests and desert, sea-level passage and alpine meadows. As the largest federally protected National Scenic Area in the US, the Gorge boasts stunning waterfalls, basalt cliffs, lakes, streams, rivers, and fields of wildflowers. In the 1800’s, Lewis & Clark traveled down the scenic Gorge on their journey westward, with Oregon Trail pioneers following soon after. Today, the area offers a variety of history museums and art centers, fine dining, theaters, wineries, as well as impressive landscapes in the world!

Located between Mount Hood and Mount Adams, The Dalles is famous for being the last stop on the historic Oregon Trail. To the pioneers, the terrain was treacherous; to today’s visitors, it is simply stunning. Overlooking the Columbia River Gorge is the Maryhill Winery, the ideal place to spend an afternoon with expert sommeliers enjoying the bounty of the fertile Columbia Valley. At the base of Mount Hood lies the vibrant town of Hood River. The old trading post is most famous the terminus of the the Hood Railroad, where timber and produce would be transferred to downriver.

Pendleton is known for its beautiful countryside, indigenous Native American Tribes, and the network of underground tunnels created a century ago for illicit activities. The area is also famous for its lucrative wool trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the REACH Museum in Richland which illustrates the culture and history of the region through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and tours.

Relax on your private balcony as you take in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy some local wines and spirits while you comingle with your fellow travelers.

Experience an exhilarating jet boat ride through Hells Canyon. Explore the deepest canyon in North America and admire breathtaking scenery, including bighorn sheep, ancient rock formations, and Native American pictographs. Enjoy lunch at a ranch deep within Hells Canyon. After the jet boat ride, travel north for an overnight stay in Coeur d’Alene in Idaho, located on the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, in the heart of a vibrant, beautiful downtown. Check in and relax in your hotel, before dinner at a popular local establishment.

After a complimentary breakfast, we will depart for West Glacier. On your travels, stop at St. Regis Travel Center to stretch your legs and check out the small museum. Next stop at Famous Dave’s BBQ for a delicious lunch. Before arriving at the hotel, listen to a Ranger Talk at the Apgar Visitor Center, before stopping at Apgar Amphitheatre for a chance to go down to the lake and grab one of the famous colored rocks. In the evening enjoy dinner, featuring Montana inspired fare. Enjoy a 2-night stay in a hotel, conveniently located near the west entrance to Glacier National Park.

Upon arrival at Avalanche Creek Campground, one of the most popular sections of the park, explore the Trail of the Cedars. This easily accessible raised boardwalk passes through a forest of western hemlocks and ancient western red cedars, estimated to be 500 years old with some as tall as 100 feet. Take a narrated boat ride around Lake McDonald. Watch for wildlife and admire the sweeping mountain views and crystal clear waters, learn about the history of the area from a local expert. After lunch, your Adventure Guide will take you to the Avalanche Campground look out for some great photo opportunities. Later travel to Apgar Village to explore the Visitor Center, which offers park maps and books, as well as flora fauna displays. In the evening dine at the renowned Kobe Steakhouse and Sushi, before returning to your hotel to relax.

Delight in a stunning drive through Montana from West Glacier to West Yellowstone, where you will spend 2 nights at a hotel conveniently located near Yellowstone National Park. Stop for lunch in Great Falls at a restaurant with a menu to please your palate. Relax and admire the scenery as you continue your ride to Yellowstone. Enjoy dinner before arriving to your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at Yellowstone National Park, the World’s First National Park, known for its geyser basins, wildlife, waterfalls, and more. Visit the Mammoth Hot Springs with a local guide. Enjoy lunch in Canyon Village, where you can admire some of the parks incredible views, including the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Depart for the Upper Falls of Yellowstone, enjoying breathtaking vistas along the way. Visit Mud Volcano, one of the resurgent domes, where the land moves up or down with the fluctuation of the magma chamber below. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local establishment before returning to the hotel.

After breakfast, spend more time exploring the lower loop of Yellowstone. Depart for Jackson, WY and Grand Teton National Park, admiring the scenic views along the way. Enjoy a 2 night stay in Jackson, famous for having the atmosphere of the Old West and located in Jackson Hole Valley.

After breakfast, your Adventure Guide will lead you through the highlights of the Grand Teton National Park. Explore the Craig Thomas Discovery Center, featuring a variety of exhibits and artwork with the interwoven themes of place, people, preservation, and mountaineering. Attend a Ranger Talk during which you can learn more about the region and even get some stargazing tips. Enjoy lunch and exploration at the scenic Jenny Lake, the centerpiece of the park, tucked away at the base of the Teton Range. After, hike the Taggart Lake Trail, where you can admire outstanding views. In the evening, celebrate your amazing journey with fellow travelers during a farewell dinner.