It wasn't the usual cruise that I've gone on. The ships I usually go on carry 2000 passengers, a casino, and large play area for the kids. This was a very small ship, with none of those amenities, but with a boatload of others. We hiked, biked, kayaked, skiffed, jet boated, and whitewater rafted. This was for the young at heart. The age range of cruisers was 30 to 74. The level of activity was adjusted to the amount of activity you wanted. All the activities are included in the price of the cruise, but you don't have to go on all of them if you don't want to. We cruised the Columbia and Snake Rivers and had adventure after adventure. We followed the Lewis and Clark trail. At times, I felt like I was Lewis, finding my way on a new trail with new vistas in sight.
We started in Clarkston on a jet boat ride in Hell's Canyon. I couldn't believe the beautiful cliffs and wildlife. We ran into a group of long horn sheep, deer, turkey, petroglyphs, and eagles. This was a full day adventure. I didn't realize that Hell's Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon at 7993 feet. The earliest settlers in Hell's Canyon were the Nez Perce tribe. The petroglyphs are a record of the Indian settlements. We saw a few campers, boaters, kayakers, and fishermen. Later a Nez Perce Native American talked about the history of the tribe.
We started in Clarkston on a jet boat ride in Hell's Canyon. I couldn't believe the beautiful cliffs and wildlife. We ran into a group of long horn sheep, deer, turkey, petroglyphs, and eagles. This was a full day adventure. I didn't realize that Hell's Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon at 7993 feet. The earliest settlers in Hell's Canyon were the Nez Perce tribe. The petroglyphs are a record of the Indian settlements. We saw a few campers, boaters, kayakers, and fishermen. Later a Nez Perce Native American talked about the history of the tribe.
  |   |
The next day was spent at the Palouse Falls State Park. As we walk into the park, we see a beautiful waterfall, formed by the ice age-era Missoula Floods. We hiked above the canyon to view the falls.
Afterwards, we kayaked in the Palouse River.
Afterwards, we kayaked in the Palouse River.
 |  |
The next day we were in Richland. This is the home to Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard. We were treated to a tour and wine tasting. Afterwards you could run, hike or bike along the Columbia River Trail.
 |  |  |
On day 5 we were transported to the Deschutes River for White Water Rafting. We had 2.5 hours of rafting where we paddled through at least 7 rapids. Almost everyone was up for this exciting adventure. This was one of the most enjoyable events on the trip.
Everyday kept getting better. Today we went hiking on the Rowena Plateau in the Columbia River Gorge. I opted for the 3.5 mile hike to the Tom McCall Point Trail. It was a challenge to walk the steep slopes, but when I got to the top the views were magnificent. Some of the group opted for a 2 mile hike to the nature preserve where they saw deer and beautiful scenery.
 |  |
In the afternoon we visited a couple of more wineries in the Hood River area. However, they were smaller and had more variety. The White House George Winery was a treat as it had a selection of hard ciders. They also had a large flower garden, selection of pears and apples, and a food truck. Both the food and drink was fabulous. I highly recommend a visit to this winery. We also visited a small country market with delectable jams, fudge, pumpkins, squash, and local fruits. I had to try the home grown pears. They were outstanding. Our hardy cruisers biked between stops. I opted to take the shuttle only because it was raining.
  |   |
Before we went to Portland we went to the Fishery and Multnomah Falls.
 |  |
In the evening when cruising we went through 6 locks. It was fun watching the ship going through the lock. Other events going on in the ship were educational talks.
Our last day was spent in Portland. We got a bus tour of the city with a stop at Pittock Mansion and The Rose Gardens. Later that day we went to the downtown market, visited Mothers restaurant, Powell's Book Store, Deshuttes Brewery, and a quaint area with shops in Victorian houses.
Our last day was spent in Portland. We got a bus tour of the city with a stop at Pittock Mansion and The Rose Gardens. Later that day we went to the downtown market, visited Mothers restaurant, Powell's Book Store, Deshuttes Brewery, and a quaint area with shops in Victorian houses.
This trip had a full itinerary. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served sit down at scheduled times. There wasn't a lot of time to enjoy the hot tub on the top deck. But I made sure that I got a massage and went to morning yoga. The staff was exceptional making the trip very special. I was glad that I didn't pack any dress clothes. If you love adventure, this is the trip for you.
By Judy Peterson, Peterson Travel Pros
