Relive a vital chapter in our nation's history during this journey that takes you through a landscape that looks much as it did when they saw it two centuries ago. At the Columbia River, stand on deck as the ship is elevated more than 700 feet through a series of eight navigation locks, a marvel of modern engineering. At Buffalo Eddy see petroglyphs etched by the Native Americans. Follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Clearwater River, visiting several of their actual campsites and learn about their relationship with the Nez Perce. As we travel the Palouse River, search for the mule deer, American coots, western grebes, great blue herons and graceful cormorants. Venture through the Columbia River Gorge and encounter the 620-foot high Multnomah Falls. At the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, learn about the cataclysmic geological origins of the gorge, the region's diverse ecology, and its 10,000-year-old rich human history. At Fort Clatsop, where explorers hunkered down for the wet winter of 1805-1806, walk through the full-scale reconstructed fort. The Columbia River Maritime Museum chronicles the history of river navigation and this port town, the epicenter of the fur trading empire in the early 1800s.

This 6-night cruise starts and ends in Portland and is perfect for those who want to experience remarkable diversity without having to travel too far from home. These rivers and waters are perfect for exploring by small ship, kayak and Zodiac. All along the way, expert naturalists and historians explain and animate the life of this region for us.