Elderhostel
A River Passage Through The Oregon Territory: Columbia and Snake Rivers (#6015)
From the wilderness of Hells Canyon to the broad estuary at the Pacific, the spectacular landscapes of the Oregon Territory reveal tremendous natural forces at work. Ice age floods scoured the earth in an almost unimaginable natural catastrophe, carving enormous ripples across eastern Washington and dumping loamy soils into Oregon's Willamette Valley. Mount St. Helen's eruptions continue to remake these beautiful lands today. Travel three Northwestern states through this cruise on their shared rivers, examine the natural forces that formed this region, and understand how harnessing some of that power has consequently altered life along the rivers.
Itinerary: Arrival Portland, Oregon - 2 nights; coach to vessel (Spirit of '98) - 7 nights (Willamette River, Bonneville Dam, Columbia River Gorge, Hood River, Lewiston/Snake River, Hells Canyon, Walla Walla, The Dalles, Astoria, Portland); disembark/depart Portland.
Portland
Sitting at the junction of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Portland is a lively city with the most park acreage per capita of any major US metropolis. Known as the "Rose City," it features an abundance of cultural activities and a waterfront park that has brought new life to the downtown area. Thanks to careful urban planning, it has been rated one of the US's most livable cities. Lectures address the city's past, leading us back to a time when the area was regarded as a frontier, guiding us through its settlement and growth. Field trips take us to Fort Vancouver, site of the Hudson's Bay settlement, and other historic sites. We also enjoy an overview of the immense natural forces that shaped the Pacific Northwest's stunning mountain ranges, high basalt plains, and the Gorge itself.
Aboard the Spirit of '98
We take an up-close look at the landscapes that stunned Lewis and Clark and later travelers, with discussion and lectures on the geology and history of the region. We examine the controversial issues along the river today, including hydroelectric power and endangered wild salmon, and study the route and exploits of Lewis and Clark and the Native American tribes they encountered. On field trips and excursions, we go to Bonneville Dam, Maryhill Museum of Fine Arts, Fort Walla Walla, Whitman Mission, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Astoria's Maritime Museum, Portland's Multnomah Channel, Hells Canyon, and Mt. Hood.
The Spirit of '98
A four-deck American small cruise ship. At 192' long and cruising at 13 knots she can carry 86 passengers on exclusive charters for hostelers. Public areas linked by stairs and elevator include a dining room, lounge, bar and sundeck. All cabins have windows, air conditioning, private bathrooms with showers, and twin or queen beds. Cabins differ in size, amenities, and cost. Limited singles are available.
March 26-April 4, 2008
April 23-May 2, 2008
September 24-October 3, 2008
October 15-24, 2008
Program Cost:
| Double Occupancy - Category 1 | $5,377 |
| Double Occupancy - Category 2 | $3,877 |
| Double Occupancy - Category 3 | $3,277 |
| Double Occupancy - Category 4 |
$2,877 |
| Single Occupancy - Category 4 | $4,228 |
Categories:
| Category 1 | Owner’s suite; double occupancy on Bridge and Sun Decks, king bed, large window; meeting area, whirlpool tub, desk. |
| Category 2 | Double occupancy on Upper and Main Decks, double or twin beds, large window; indoor access. |
| Category 3 | Double occupancy on Lounge and Main Decks, twin beds, large view window. |
| Category4 | Double and single occupancy on Upper and Lounge Decks, 1 double bed or 2 twin beds, large view window, TV/VCR. |
