RIVERS OF THE WEST

Columbia & Snake Rivers

The rolling plains, endless vistas, imposing mountain ranges, and wild rivers of the American West have long inspired travelers to “come and see.” From the days of Native American tribes moving over boundless landscapes, to fur trading and exploration, and on into our modern world touched by the broad hand of technology, the American West has maintained its allure for those who would “come and see.” Still the rivers flow, the mountains stand jagged with snowy peaks and dense forests, and wide-open landscapes are not diminished by development and changing times.

Discover the hidden trails. . .

This is where our Rivers of the West journey takes you: not only to the Columbia and Snake rivers, including the lesser traveled “Hanford Reach,” but also the Palouse, John Day, Deschutes, and Willamette rivers. No other Columbia/Snake River cruise will take you up all these stunningly beautiful waterways.

...of the American West

We’ll travel along these rivers by luxurious yacht, sea kayak, jet boat, river raft and inflatable skiff, seeing, feeling and living the stories and culture of the American West. Whether we’re sampling fine wines from Washington’s Walla Walla Valley, paddling our kayaks along the cliff-lined Palouse River, engaging a guest speaker on the latest historical aspects of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, or standing on shore watching the mighty Columbia collide with the ever-present Pacific Ocean, we will experience the rivers of the west uniquely, extensively and elegantly. Come and see our Rivers of the West!

Highlights:

No backtracking - one direction. An invigorating jet boat ride into Hells Canyon. Exploring the astrounding wilderness of the Palouse River Canyon. A private jet boat excursion into Hanford Reach. Private wine tours and tasting at Pepper Bridge and Basel Cellars. Visit and explore the Bonneville Dam. Tour the impressive US Coast Guard Motor Life Boat School. Kayaking in quiet, hidden channels in the Lower Columbia. Daily narrative and discussions with your Expedition Leader.

Day 1~ Board the Safari Spirit
Welcome! You will be met at the airport this afternoon, and transferred to the Safari Spirit. The crew greets you with champagne and smiles, and we’ll enjoy a short dinner cruise along the canyons of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. This evening a local historian joins us in the salon for an informative presentation on the area.

Day 2 ~ Hells Canyon by Jet Boat
After breakfast this morning we’ll transfer to a jet boat for an invigorating ride into Hells Canyon. Vertical cliffs carved by the river now hem in the rushing waters that we travel upon, and we’ll watch some of the most dramatic scenery unfold as we jet upriver. We’ll watch for big horn sheep and hawks throughout the day. After our excursion we’ll cruise the Snake River, passing through our first lock and dam called Lower Granite. After dinner our Expedition Leader will provide a brief orientation to the journey.

Day 3~ The Palouse Canyon
We’ll pass through the Little Goose lock and dam first thing this morning then anchor at the mouth of the Palouse River. The kayaks and skiff will be lowered for an up-close exploration of the pristine and lovely Palouse canyon. Watch for hundreds of cliff swallows that nest on the canyon walls, and for Northern harriers and osprey hovering above the still waters as they hunt.

Day 4~ Jet Boat to Hanford Reach National Monument
Relax this morning as we cruise to Richland, Washington, our first stop on the Columbia River. After lunch we’ll step aboard a jet boat that whisks us over the only free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River, locally known as the Hanford Reach. Gaze into the clear water and see salmon holding their own against the current of the Columbia, and watch for the rare sighting of river otter in quiet eddies. Following our jet boat adventure, we’ll reboard the Safari Spirit and continue our westward journey on the Columbia.

Day 5 ~ The Washington Wine Country
The fastest wine-growing region in the U.S. is in eastern Washington, and today we’ll see why. With Pepper Bridge Winery and Basel Cellars on our itinerary, our “taste of Washington” will be most enjoyable. We’ll return to the yacht after our tours and tastings, and have time to relax on board before dinner.

Day 6 ~ Cruising the Columbia River
The vast eastern plains give way to the flanks of the Cascade Mountain Range as we cruise west today. Watch as the banks of the river go from gentle and low-lying to cliffs rising hundreds of feet high beside us. The wind and weather shifts from arid to temperate as we come closer to the Pacific Ocean. We’ll stop in Hood River (the windsurfing capital of the world) this afternoon where we’ll have time to browse the boutique shops or tour the local brew pub. We’ll stay dockside here tonight, so take your time and enjoy the town.

Day 7 ~ Columbia Gorge and Bonneville Dam
This morning we’ll cruise through the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. The outside decks provide the best views of this beautiful passage. At Bradford Island we’ll step ashore for a guided tour of Bonneville Lock and Dam, the final lock on our journey. We’ll visit the power station and fish ladders, learning more about how this engineering marvel fits into the local environment and community. This evening we’ll anchor in a quiet channel for the night.

Day 8 ~ Lower Columbia Cruising
The inflatable launch and kayaks will be lowered this morning for a more intimate look at the hidden channels of the Lower Columbia. Paddle in silence or pick up some binoculars and take advantage of excellent birding opportunities. Then, this afternoon we’ll tour the fascinating US Coast Guard Motor Life Boat School and Lewis and Clark Discovery Center in Ilwaco before returning to the Safari Spirit for our festive Farewell Dinner.

Day 9 ~ A Fond Farewell
Your crew serves another excellent breakfast this morning before bidding you “adieu.” At 9:00 am you’ll be transferred to the Portland airport for connections home.

To check availability or request a brochure on American Safari Cruises, drop us a note, or call.... 800-777-7739