If you’re looking to take a trip through history or just to view some beautiful sights, then consider taking a river cruise through the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
It makes a great family trip too. Children begin learning about the adventures of Lewis and Clark as early as elementary school. Their journey throughout the West with Sacagawea is an epic tale that both history buffs and fans of the movie Night at the Museum can appreciate.
While cruises for these rivers exist separately, most companies offer cruises that directly trace the route of Lewis and Clark through both of these rivers.
While each itinerary differs, many companies travel through the same iconic landscapes that make the Columbia and Snake Rivers so appealing. On the Snake River, you’ll see Hells Canyon, which is the deepest canyon in North America, even deeper than the Grand Canyon. It also flows through four different states – Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, and Idaho.
The Columbia River has 25 different waterfalls you could see throughout your trip, the tallest one with a 620-foot drop, as well as the Columbia River Gorge. You could also see Mount St. Helens and Volcano Alley. Some river cruise companies even give passengers the option of taking a kayak or a jet boat to view these breathtaking sights.
Aside from the amazing views, there is also the retracing of Lewis and Clark’s actual journey. Tour guides have a wide range of information to share, from their preferred food they ate to the exact footsteps they took. Along the way, you’ll visit museums, such as the Maritime Museum and the Maryhill Museum of Art; forts, such as Fort Clatsop, where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1805 to 1806; and battle sites.
There is also history to be found outside of Lewis and Clark’s story. Some cruises offer bike rides and hikes along Highway 30, one of the original coast-to-coast U.S. highways. There’s also Fort Walla Walla, which was built in 1858 to help traveling pioneers that were likely inspired by Lewis and Clark’s adventure. There are also many small towns and wineries to visit, often accompanied with wine tastings as well as local food. And of course, there are plenty of on-deck activities for you to enjoy as well.
If you’re interested in a trip down the Columbia and Snake Rivers, contact your travel agent to make all of the arrangements.
Travel Makers MD